The Military Engineer Services has invited bids for the long-term operation and maintenance of a five megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant at Mhow under contract number CEJZ/MHOW/51 (T) of 2025-26. The tender carries an estimated project cost of Rs 86.685 million (mn) and falls under the jurisdiction of GE MCTE Mhow. The move reflects efforts to ensure efficient functioning of existing solar infrastructure.

The scope of work covers complete maintenance, manning and operation of the plant for a period of 10 years, making it a long-term service contract rather than a construction project. The tender is open to contractors enlisted with MES under Class 'S' and category b(ii), while non-enlisted contractors may participate if they meet prescribed eligibility criteria. Those criteria include adequate annual turnover, demonstrable bank solvency and proven experience in handling similar projects for government departments or public sector undertakings.

The bidding process is conducted through the official e-procurement portal and requires submission in two parts, with the first cover carrying the technical bid and the second the financial bid. Only firms that qualify technically will have their financial offers considered in the evaluation. Prospective bidders must arrange an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 758,500 and pay a non-refundable tender fee of Rs 3,000, both by demand draft or banker's cheque. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee within 28 days, with an option to adjust the EMD towards this performance security.

The tender received formal approval on 5 May 2026 and bidders should consult the e-procurement portal for key submission dates while ensuring that original physical documents are delivered within five days after the bid submission deadline. Contractors are advised to visit the project site at Mhow prior to bid submission to assess requirements and conditions. The Chief Engineer of Jabalpur Zone will act as the accepting authority and strict adherence to the tender conditions is required, as deviations or conditional offers and failure to sign the Integrity Pact may result in rejection.