Military Engineer Services (MES) has issued an invitation for bids for 1.33 MW solar power projects across various locations within the Jaipur Military Station. With a bid submission deadline set for March 7, 2024, and bid openings scheduled for March 9, interested parties are urged to act promptly.

The project's planned schedule, falling under the tender scope, is meticulously formulated using the Critical Path Method (CPM). Bidders are required to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of this technique and ensure the availability of technically proficient staff capable of its implementation.

With an estimated project cost of ₹92 million ($1.1 million), contractors must complete the work within a 365-day timeframe. Additionally, bidders are required to submit ₹3,000 ($36.12) as the cost of the tender document.

Contractors registered with MES or those fulfilling the standing security bond requirement are exempt from providing an earnest money deposit. However, others must furnish a deposit of ₹785,000 (~$9,452.58).

Upon selection, the chosen bidder must submit a performance bank guarantee equivalent to 5% of the contract amount within 28 days of receiving the letter of acceptance.

Payment distribution across various project stages is outlined as follows: 1% upon completion of initial stages, 50% after supply and installation, 75% following testing and commissioning, and the remaining 100% upon the expiration of the defects liability period.

MES-enlisted contractors must meet enlistment criteria as per MES Enlistment rules, with a clean record in workload returns and similar reports issued by relevant engineering authorities.

For non-enlisted contractors, meeting enlistment criteria involves demonstrating satisfactory completion of works with central/state government/PSUs, maintaining an adequate annual turnover, bank solvency, working capital, and other specified requirements.

Both enlisted and non-enlisted contractors must have a Memorandum of Understanding with solar power firms rated as 1A/1B/1C/2A/2B/2C by accredited rating agencies.

In a related development, MES recently floated a tender to finalize the balance work of 1 MW rooftop solar systems at the Air Force Station in Nagpur. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of installing rooftop solar systems in 10 million households across India under the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana initiative.