ITI, a public sector undertaking under the Department of Telecommunications, has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to establish a 10 MW ground-mounted, grid-connected solar project at Naini, Uttar Pradesh. The deadline for bid submissions is February 7, 2025, with bids scheduled to be opened on February 8. Bidders are required to furnish an earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 1 million and a security deposit of Rs 10 million. The EMD will be refunded to successful bidders upon submission of the security deposit. Additionally, selected bidders must secure a purchaser for the electricity generated by the project for a tenure of 25 years. Responsibilities for successful bidders include levelling the project land, providing civil works, fencing, lighting, security arrangements, and building infrastructure. They are also tasked with obtaining all necessary permits and approvals, including those from state and local authorities, as well as compliance with the Forest Act if the project involves forest land. The estimated project cost is Rs 10,000. Eligibility criteria stipulate that bidders must have a minimum of three years of experience in the solar industry. They should have completed 8 MW of grid-connected or off-grid solar systems, including at least one project of 4 MW capacity, within the last five financial years. Financially, bidders must demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of Rs 300 million over the past five years and a positive net worth as of the previous financial year. In addition to this initiative, ITI recently issued an expression of interest to install 2 MW of off-grid rooftop solar systems across Odisha. Selected bidders for that project will be responsible for designing, engineering, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning rooftop solar systems, along with providing comprehensive operations and maintenance services for five years. (Mercom)