The Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPCL) announced that bids were being sought for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the 5 MW Berradol Solar Power Project in Bilaspur district for a duration of five years.

It was stated that bidders were required to submit an earnest money deposit of ?550,000 ($6,616) along with a tender document fee of Rs 10,000.

It was further mentioned that the deadline for bid submission was April 18, 2024, with bids scheduled to be opened on the same day.

Bidders were informed that they needed to possess a valid registration with the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner and demonstrate an average annual turnover of Rs 10 million over the last three financial years.

Additionally, it was required that bidders show evidence of having completed a contract involving the operation and maintenance of a grid-connected solar power project for a minimum of one year. This included completing three works for a project capacity equal to or greater than 1 to 2 MW, two completed works for plant capacities ranging from 2 to 4 MW, or one completed work for a plant capacity equal to or greater than 4 MW.

Furthermore, it was specified that firms that had been blacklisted by central or state governments or had a history of litigation were ineligible to participate in the tender. Joint ventures were also excluded from submitting bids.

Previously, in December, a tender had been issued by HPPCL for the design, supply, construction, erection, testing, and commissioning of 50 MW solar projects across the state.

In May 2023, bids had been invited by HPPCL for the design, supply, construction, installation, and commissioning of a 3 MW solar power project in Sainj, located in Himachal?s Kullu district. This tender was in addition to another tender floated in March of the same year for a 32 MW solar project in the Una region of the state, which included end-to-end operation and maintenance services on a turnkey basis.