CEL issue Tender for EOI for empanelment of EPC contractors for awarding the work related to Solar PV Systems – EQ

Summary:

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**1. About the Issuing Organization (CEL):**
Central Electronics Limited (CEL) is a Mini Ratna Government of India Enterprise under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology. It is a pioneer in solar energy in India with over 48 years of experience, involved in national solar electrification programs and exports.

**2. Purpose of the EOI:**
CEL is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from financially and technically capable parties to be empanelled as EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors. The purpose of this empanelment is to create a pool of pre-qualified contractors who can be awarded future projects for Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) systems, including:
– Solar PV Power Plants
– Solar Home Lighting Systems (HLS)
– Solar Street Lighting Systems (SLS)
– Solar Water Pumping Systems (WPS)

**3. Empanelment Categories (Tiered System):**
Applicants will be categorized into three tiers (A, B, or C) based on their average annual turnover and solar EPC experience over the last three financial years (FY 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25).

| Category | Average Turnover (Last 3 Years) | Minimum Solar EPC Experience (Last 3 Years) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **A** | ≥ Rs. 100 Cr | > 10 MWp in SPV Power Plants OR > 5 MWp in Power Plants + > 5 MWp in other SPV systems (SLS/HLS/WPS) |
| **B** | ≥ Rs. 50 Cr & < Rs. 100 Cr | > 5 MWp in SPV Power Plants OR > 2.5 MWp in Power Plants + > 2.5 MWp in other SPV systems |
| **C** | ≥ Rs. 5 Cr & < Rs. 50 Cr | > 1 MWp in SPV Power Plants OR > 500 kWp in Power Plants + > 500 kWp in other SPV systems |

– **Categorization Rule:** The final category assigned will be the *lower* of the two criteria (turnover or experience). For example, if a firm meets the turnover for Category A but only the experience for Category B, they will be empanelled in Category B.

**4. Key Eligibility Criteria:**
– **Experience:** Must have experience in the Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning (SITC) of solar PV systems as per the table above. Proof requires both Work/Purchase Orders and their corresponding Completion Certificates, preferably from government/PSU clients.
– **Financials:** Must submit audited Balance Sheets, Profit & Loss accounts, and ITRs for the last three financial years.
– **Certifications:** Must possess a valid ISO 9001:2015 certification.
– **Manpower:** Must have sufficient technically experienced manpower for timely project execution across various locations.
– **Consortiums:** Allowed, provided they collectively meet the criteria. A lead partner must be identified, and a consortium agreement (as per Annexure C) is mandatory. All members are jointly and severally liable.

**5. Application Process & Fees:**
– **Mode:** Applications must be submitted **ONLINE** only on the portal [www.etenders.gov.in](http://www.etenders.gov.in).
– **Document Availability:** The detailed EOI document can be downloaded free of cost from [www.etenders.gov.in](http://www.etenders.gov.in) or [www.celindia.co.in](http://www.celindia.co.in).
– **Processing Fee:** A non-refundable fee of **Rs. 59,000/-** (Rs. 50,000 + 18% GST) is required, payable via NEFT/RTGS to CEL’s Canara Bank account.
– **Deadline:** The EOI is “perpetually open” until **31/03/2026, up to 15:00 Hours**. EOIs received will be opened and evaluated on the 15th and the last working day of every month.

**6. Scope of Work for Empanelled Contractors:**
The scope includes end-to-end EPC activities:
– Site Survey and preparation of engineering drawings (including Staad-Pro analysis certified by a Chartered Engineer).
– Preparation and submission of Bill of Materials (BoM) for CEL’s approval.
– Supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the systems.
– Coordination with customers for payments.
– Providing training to users.
– Ensuring performance during the warranty period (including submitting Quarterly Monitoring Reports) and handling repairs/replacements at their own cost.
– Arranging insurance for materials at the site.

**7. Post-Empanelment Process:**
– **Work Allocation:** When CEL receives a project, they will float **limited tenders** only to the relevant empanelled contractors (Categories A, B, or C). The lowest-quoting bidder will generally be awarded the work.
– **Bidding Down:** A contractor empanelled in a higher category (e.g., ‘A’) can bid for tenders in their own category or any lower category (‘B’ or ‘C’).
– **Order Value Limit:** The value of a single purchase order will not exceed three times the bidder’s average turnover of the last three years. However, there is no cap on the cumulative value of orders in a year.
– **Performance Requirements:** Empanelled contractors **must participate in limited tenders**. Failure to participate in two consecutive tenders may lead to cancellation of empanelment. Poor performance or delays can also lead to cancellation.

**8. Validity and Renewal:**
– Empanelment is initially valid for **one year**.
– Renewal is possible based on performance and meeting eligibility criteria at the time of renewal.

**9. Important Rights Reserved by CEL:**
– CEL reserves the right to accept or reject any application without assigning a reason.
– CEL can cancel empanelment, modify the process, or float an open tender instead of a limited one if required.
– This EOI does not constitute a commitment by CEL to award any work.

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