EPC and O&M of 600 MW Solar Project

Tender publication / document availability

Tender dated 21.07.2026; documents available from 21.07.2026 to 20.08.2026 (1400 Hrs IST).

• Available on gailtenders.in, eprocure.gov.in and etenders.gov.in/eprocure/app.
• No corrigenda in the tender pack; these are the finally applicable dates.

Site visit

Optional/advised site visit on 27.07.2026 from 10:00 Hrs (IST) at TUSCO Solar Park, Jhansi, UP (Pin 284203).

• Contacts: Sh. Ravi Kumar Agnihotri, SM (Renewables), GAIL (8194001885); Sh. Biblesh Meena, Sr. Manager, SECI (7827683435).

Pre-bid meeting / clarification deadline

Pre-bid meeting on 31.07.2026 at 14:30 Hrs (hybrid); clarifications to be sought no later than 2 days prior to the pre-bid meeting.

• Physical venue: 17th floor, Jubilee Tower, GAIL Noida; Teams link provided in IFB.
• ITB: notify GAIL by email no later than 02 (two) days prior to pre-bid meeting.
• Pre-bid queries format: Form F-12 / FORM-F12.xls.

Bid submission deadline

Due date & time of bid submission: 20.08.2026 up to 14:00 Hrs (IST).

• Online only on https://etenders.gov.in/eprocure/app.
• If the stated day is a GAIL holiday, next working day applies.

Unpriced bid opening

Unpriced bid opening on 21.08.2026 at 1430 Hrs through video conferencing.

• Financial bid opening to be intimated after techno-commercial shortlisting.

Bid validity

Bid validity is 90 days from the final Bid Due Date.

• Shorter validity may be treated as non-responsive.
• EMD BG/FDR must remain valid at least two (02) months beyond bid validity.

Contract completion / O&M timelines

EPC commissioning in 15 months from FOA; OTGT for 3 continuous months starting within 1 month of full commissioning; O&M for 5 years from successful OTGT.

• Commissioning date is treated as completion date for PRS purposes.
• Milestone table in SCC Part-B runs from FOA (D) through D+15 months commissioning.

Tender / estimated value

No explicit estimated project cost or tender value is stated in the bidding documents; bid is lumpsum EPC + 5-year O&M.

• BOQ/SOR is lumpsum (SOR-1 EPC, SOR-2 O&M years 1–5, SOR-3 EBV = SOR-1 + NPV of SOR-2).
• EBV uses 9% discount rate for O&M NPV; evaluation GST assumed 8.9% on EPC and 18% on O&M.
• Financial BEC uses Average Annual Turnover INR 1097.27 Cr and Working Capital INR 219.45 Cr (indicative of large value, but not a published estimate).

EMD / Bid Security

EMD is INR 26.00 Crores; MSE exemption not available (works contract). MSEs must also submit EMD.

• Acceptable forms (ITB 16): Demand Draft / Online banking transaction (IMPS/NEFT/RTGS/SWIFT) / Banker's Cheque / Insurance Surety Bond / Bank Guarantee (including e-BG) / Fixed Deposit Receipt.
• DD/Banker's Cheque/Insurance Surety Bond/FDR: in favour of GAIL (India) Limited, payable at New Delhi.
• BG validity: at least 2 months beyond bid validity; FDR validity: at least 2 months beyond bid expiry date; FDR in name of GAIL (India) Limited A/c (Bidder) with third-party confirmation letter.
• Bank: Indian scheduled bank (excluding co-operative/RRB) or RBI-registered scheduled foreign bank branch in India; non-nationalised commercial banks need net worth > Rs.100 Cr declaration.
• CPSEs (where exemption allowed) and Government Departments/PSUs and Start-ups may use Declaration for Bid Security (F-2A) / EMD exemption as per ITB 16.9/16A; MSEs are NOT exempt.
• Original EMD (if not online remittance) and Line of Credit (if applicable) to be submitted in physical form (see requiredDocuments / contradictions on the 7-day clock).

Tender document fee

No tender document purchase fee is prescribed; documents are downloadable free from the notified websites; bidder bears bid preparation costs.

• ITB Cl. 5 Cost of Bidding: bidder bears all costs of preparation/submission.

Contract Performance Security (CPS/CPBG)

EPC CPS 10% of total EPC contract value (or ISD 5% + 10% RA bill recoveries to reach 10%), validity 27 months from FOA; O&M CPS 5% of total EPC value within 30 days of O&M SAP contract, valid for 5 years O&M.

• EPC option A: CPBG/CPS @10% of total EPC contract value, validity up to 27 months (Completion period + DLP) from FOA.
• EPC option B: Initial Security Deposit @5% of Total EPC Contract Value (same validity) plus deduction @10% from each RA bill until total SD reaches 10%.
• O&M: CPBG/CPS @5% of total EPC contract value within 30 days of detailed SAP-generated O&M contract; validity up to completion of 5 years O&M.
• CPS to be issued in the name of Owner (GAIL).
• Forms: F-4 (BG) / F-4A (Insurance Surety Bond); also DD/Banker's Cheque/FDR/online as per ITB 38.
• Successful bidder must furnish CPS within timelines of award (GCC/ITB: typically 15 days of notification of award for GCC works CPS).

Key payment terms

EPC paid progressively against approved BBU/RA bills (supply ~68.5%, erection+commissioning ~12%, civil ~8%, engineering/insurance ~1.5%, OTGT completion 10%); O&M paid quarterly; invoices certified and paid within 30 days; firm prices, no escalation/forex variation.

• Payments after acceptance of Security cum PBG and signing of Agreement; mobilization advance (optional) adjusted per SCC Part-A Cl.10.
• Optional interest-bearing mobilization advance up to 10% of awarded Contract Value (max two instalments of 5%), interest = SBI 1-year MCLR + 2% p.a. on reducing balance; BG security ≥110% of advance; recovery @10% of each gross RA bill.
• EPC progressive split (SCC Part-B 13.1): Engg drawings 0.5% + Insurance 1%; Supply 68.5% (incl. SPV modules 41%, BESS 19% within supply); Erection & Commissioning 12%; Civil 8%; After entire project + OTGT 10%.
• O&M: quarterly at year-wise quoted O&M/4 for 5 years after OTGT.
• Separate LOAs for EPC and O&M; O&M LOA before OTGT completion, effective from actual OTGT completion date.
• Currency INR only; GAIL ITC applicable (BDS).

Technical experience (BEC A.1)

Must have completed qualifying grid-connected ground-mounted solar EPC/LSTK jobs in last 7 years as on bid due date: (a) one ≥200 MW OR two ≥100 MW each (including PV modules), AND (b) cumulative ≥600 MW.

• A.1(a): Design, Supply including PV modules, installation, Testing & Commissioning of at least one Grid-connected Ground-mounted Solar Project on EPC/LSTK basis of individual installed capacity ≥200 MW in last seven years; OR two such projects ≥100 MW each.
• A.1(b): completed execution of grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects with cumulative installed capacity ≥600 MW in last seven years.
• Own plant/projects not counted; subsidiary/fellow/holding company jobs need statutory-auditor certified tax-paid invoices.
• Subcontractor experience accepted with end-user approval evidence + main contractor certificates.
• Prior consortium-member experience accepted with consortium agreement, scope matrix and end-user completion certificate showing member scope.
• Supporting-company route allowed if supporting company holds >50% paid-up capital of bidder (or vice versa) per Annexure-A to BEC (corporate guarantee, agreement, supporting-company CPS BG etc.).
• Technical BEC documents must be verified/certified by listed TPIA (SGS, BV, DNV, TUV, etc.) with TPIA undertaking.
• No new WO/PO/LOA after bid submission in TQ/CQ; only shortfall docs on already-referenced jobs.

Financial criteria (BEC B)

Average Annual Turnover ≥ INR 1097.27 Cr (preceding 3 years); Net Worth positive (immediate preceding year); Working Capital ≥ INR 219.45 Cr (or full WC covered by single-bank/syndicate Line of Credit from bank with NW ≥ Rs.100 Cr).

• If incorporation <3 years, average turnover over completed FYs after incorporation.
• LOC (Format F-9) must cover entire WC requirement, not only shortfall; single bank or banking syndicate only.
• Financials via Format F-10 CA/CPA certificate + audited annual statements (notary-attested copies).
• Startup relaxation of prior turnover/experience: NOT APPLICABLE.

Consortium / JV and bidding structure

Sole-bidder only; consortium/JV bids are not acceptable.

• BEC A.2(vii): Consortium bids are not acceptable.
• BDS ITB Cl. 3: Bids from Consortium/Joint Venture — NOT APPLICABLE.
• IFB: offers on single point “Sole Bidder” responsibility basis.

Domestic competitive bidding / land-border / NCLT / banning

Open Domestic Competitive Bidding; land-border bidders need competent-authority registration; NCLT/IBC-process bidders excluded; bidders on GAIL/MoPNG banning list ineligible.

• Procurement from bidder sharing land border with India: certificate Form-I-A/I-B; subcontracting restriction Form-II; registration must be valid at bid submission and acceptance.
• NCLT/IBC: bidders undergoing insolvency resolution/liquidation/bankruptcy not considered; must declare via Annexure-D; duty to inform GAIL within 15 days of order; false/non-disclosure can lead to rejection/termination/forfeiture.
• Eligible bidders must not be on banning list of GAIL or MoPNG (ITB eligible bidders).
• MSE purchase preference not applicable; Startup experience/turnover relaxation not applicable; MII purchase preference applicable per GoI guidelines.

Make in India / local content / ALMM

PPP-MII applies (Class-I ≥50% local content; Class-II >20%–<50%; margin of preference 20%); ALMM compliance disclosure required; origin of supply items per MNRE RE-sector MII order.

• Undertaking/certification as per Annexure-V to Section-III (Form-1 and Form-2 CA/cost accountant certification) required from all bidders irrespective of seeking preference.
• F-19 Disclosure for ALMM compliance mandatory in techno-commercial bid.
• Technical particulars require origin of supply items as per MNRE PPP-MII order for RE sector dated 09.02.2021 and amendments.

What is being procured

EPC + OTGT of 600 MW (AC) grid-connected Solar PV with 275 MW / 550 MWh BESS at TUSCO Jhansi Solar Park, UP, plus comprehensive O&M for 5 years from successful OTGT.

• EPC includes Design, Engineering, Procurement & Supply (including PV modules), Construction & Erection, Testing, Commissioning and OTGT.
• Two separate contracts: (i) EPC works from GAIL-Noida; (ii) 5-year O&M from GAIL-Noida.
• Lumpsum EPC mode: items not listed but required for complete operable plant are deemed included at no extra cost.

Capacities, split and key performance

AC 600 MW split 240 MW (PSS1) + 360 MW (PSS2); min DC 660 MWp (+5%); BESS 110 MW/220 MWh at PSS1 and 165 MW/330 MWh at PSS2; OTGT and multi-year generation/BESS guarantees apply.

• Minimum DC: 264 MWp (PSS1) + 396 MWp (PSS2); if OTGT target missed, additional DC at contractor cost.
• Cumulative PT capacity at park 625 MVA is NOT in contractor scope.
• BESS dispatchable energy degrades year-wise (e.g. Year 1: 220+330 MWh; Year 5: 193.5+290.5 MWh) at 33 kV BESS termination points.
• Operational acceptance: OTF ≥ 1 (else LD per GA-H); BESS RTE ≥ 85% at 33 kV BESS metering point.
• O&M NEEGG/MGG Year-1 combined ≥ 1056 MUs; BESS availability ≥ 98% during O&M.

Location and grid interface

Site is TUSCO Solar Park, Jhansi, UP; POI/metering at 33 kV feeders of 33/220 kV PSS1 & PSS2 inside the park; 33 kV evacuation to PSS in contractor scope with specified RoW split.

• Point of Connection: 33 kV feeder panels at 33 kV/220 kV PSS1 and PSS2 within TUSCO Solar Park, Jhansi (KMZ coordinates).
• Solar and BESS feeders metered separately (33 kV Solar Termination Points and 33 kV BESS Termination Points).
• 33 kV OHL/UG cable from inverter stations to PSS including RoW: private-land RoW by SPPD with EPC assistance; government-land RoW/permits by EPC contractor.
• Construction power & water by contractor at no extra cost; module-cleaning water source points by SPPD every 50 MW, usage charges by EPC.

Deliverables, phases and standards

Full plant design-to-commissioning deliverables, civil works, statutory approvals, SCADA/communication, security during O&M, and documentation/handing-over; OTGT after commissioning; O&M 60 months.

• Timeline: FOA (D) → kick-off D+7d → site development D+2m → detailed engg D+4m → procurement plan D+5m → major supply D+9m → major installation D+13m → commissioning D+15m → OTGT 3 months → O&M 60 months.
• Technical specs in Section VI Sub-sections B (Electrical), C (Civil), annexures GA-A to GA-I, SA-A to SA-F, and O&M Agreement (Sub-section F).
• Mandatory spares per GA-B included in lumpsum; start-up/commissioning spares in contractor scope.
• Applicable grid/CEA/CERC metering, communication (OPGW/FOTE), PMU and other statutory interface requirements included.

Notable exclusions / owner interfaces

Park power transformers / 220 kV PSS package largely outside contractor supply; internal park evacuation infrastructure of TUSCO must not be damaged; damage recoverable from EPC.

• Cumulative Power Transformer Capacity at TUSCO Solar Park 625 MVA marked 'Not in scope of Contractor'.
• EPC shall not interfere with/damage TUSCO Internal Power Evacuation Infrastructure; recoveries within 30 days of claim notice.

Submission mode and portal

E-tender only on CPPP GePNIC portal https://etenders.gov.in/eprocure/app; manual bids rejected; Single Stage Two Envelope followed by e-Reverse Auction.

• Part-I Techno-commercial/Unpriced Bid and Part-II Price Bid uploaded on portal.
• All bid pages digitally signed by authorized signatory holding POA.
• Price strictly in SOR/BOQ; no separate rebate line.

Physical originals

After e-upload, original EMD/Bid Security and Line of Credit (if applicable) must be submitted physically to GM (C&P-Projects), GAIL Jubilee Tower 17th Floor, Noida; deadline wording conflicts between IFB and ITB (see contradictions).

• IFB Cl.4.0: physical originals within 7 days from bid due date (scanned copies must already be in e-bid).
• ITB 11.2.1: original EMD/LOC and other specified docs within 7 days from un-priced bid opening / due date of bid opening.
• GAIL may demand original/notarized true copy of any digitally uploaded document anytime; failure → EMD/CPS forfeiture.
• Envelope superscribe tender number & title.

Signing / attestation rules

Authorized signatory with POA/Board Resolution must digitally sign e-bid; Technical BEC docs need designated TPIA verification; financial statements notary-attested; F-10 CA-certified.

• Zero-deviation tender; deviations may cause rejection.
• Tender document/corrigenda to be digitally signed.
• PF Registration Certificate and ESIC Registration (if ESI area) required for technical bid qualification under SCC labour annexure — non-submission leads to rejection.

No corrigendum / addendum in the document set

The workspace tender pack contains no corrigendum or addendum files; original IFB/ITB/SCC/technical dates and conditions apply as published.

• Documents present: Tendernotice_1.pdf, Tenderfinal.pdf, SectionVIA.pdf, SectionVIB.pdf, BOQ_332586.xls, FORM-F12.xls only.
• Bidders should still monitor etenders.gov.in / gailtenders.in for any later corrigendum before bid due date 20.08.2026.

Finally applicable snapshot (no amendments)

Finally applicable: bid due 20.08.2026 14:00 IST; unpriced opening 21.08.2026 14:30; pre-bid 31.07.2026 14:30; EMD INR 26 Cr; bid validity 90 days; commissioning 15 months from FOA; O&M 5 years from OTGT.

• Publication/availability from 21.07.2026; site visit 27.07.2026.

Physical EMD / original documents deadline: bid due date vs unpriced bid opening

IFB requires physical originals within 7 days from bid due date, while ITB 11.2.1 ties the 7-day clock to unpriced bid opening / bid opening date.

• IFB Cl. 4.0 (p.8): original EMD and LOC (if applicable) within 7 days from the bid due date, provided scans uploaded with e-bid.
• ITB 11.2.1 (p.71): submit original EMD, Letter of credit (if applicable) and any other specified documents within 7 days from the date of un-priced bid opening; also states original EMD must be received within 7 days from the Due Date of Bid Opening failing which bid is rejected.
• Practical impact: with bid due 20.08.2026 and opening 21.08.2026 the calendars nearly align, but the controlling clock is ambiguous if either date shifts or a holiday rule applies — seek written clarification and aim to deliver originals immediately after bid submission / by the earlier interpretation.
• Prefer the stricter/earlier compliance path until GAIL clarifies.

EMD BG validity wording: ITB vs GCC Works

ITB requires EMD BG validity of at least two months beyond bid validity; GCC Works text refers to six months from tender opening.

• ITB 16.1: BG validity at least two [02] months beyond bid validity (bid validity is 90 days per BDS → BG roughly ≥5 months from bid due date).
• GCC Works EMD clause (general): BG kept valid for SIX MONTHS from date of opening of tender (two months beyond bid validity parenthetical also appears).
• SCC Part-B states that on discrepancy, SCC prevails over GCC; for bidding-phase EMD, ITB/BDS are the tender-specific instruments — still worth confirming BG expiry date in pre-bid to avoid rejection for short validity.

Contact phone number variants (4262400 vs 4862400)

Cover page contact line shows 4262400 extension board number in one place while IFB/BDS use 4862400 alongside 2446400.

• Cover (p.1): Phone 00 91 0120-2446400 / 4262400 Extn. 11735 / 11727.
• IFB contact (p.7) and header phone: 2446400/4862400.
• Use emails [email protected] / [email protected] as primary; confirm board number if calling.

Confirm physical original EMD deadline clock

Ask GAIL to confirm whether the 7-day physical EMD/LOC deadline runs from bid due date (IFB 4.0) or unpriced bid opening (ITB 11.2.1), and the exact receiving desk/timings.

• Request a single controlling date/time and whether holiday rule extends physical receipt.

BESS + solar performance LDs quantum and caps during OTGT and O&M

Request a consolidated statement of all LD/penalty formulae and aggregate caps for OTGT generation shortfall, BESS RTE/rating shortfall, annual generation guarantee, BESS availability/usable energy, and DSM, and whether they stack with PRS.

• SCC Part-B Cl.24 points to Section VI GA-H and O&M Agreement Annexures 2–3 rather than stating rupee formulae in SCC.
• Material to pricing contingencies and risk reserve.

Land, RoW and PSS interface risk allocation

Seek written matrix of responsibilities for private vs government RoW, timelines for SPPD RoW, access to PSS1/PSS2 bays, metering cubicles, and any liquidated relief if owner/SPPD interfaces delay commissioning.

• Private-land 33 kV RoW is SPPD scope with EPC assistance; government-land RoW is EPC scope.
• 15-month PRS clock runs from FOA regardless of interface readiness unless EOT under GCC applies.

GST evaluation rates 8.9% (EPC) and 18% (O&M)

Confirm whether bidders must quote using the stated 8.9% EPC GST for evaluation, how SAC/HSN split for works contract is to be shown, and treatment if actual GST differs at award/invoicing.

• Evaluation methodology states EBV inclusive of GST at 8.9% EPC and 18% O&M.

Working capital LOC and EMD bank formats acceptance

Confirm acceptability of proposed banks for INR 26 Cr EMD BG/FDR and for full INR 219.45 Cr LOC, and whether e-BG via SFMS is mandatory preferred channel.

• LOC must be for entire WC amount from single bank/syndicate; bank NW ≥ Rs.100 Cr.

Mandatory spares pricing and BBU finalization

Clarify whether mandatory spares lumpsum is separately disclosed only or also embedded, and how post-award BBU negotiation can change cash-flow without changing lumpsum contract price.

• Section-VII requires lumpsum cost of mandatory spares as separate annexure; payments follow approved BBU.

Aggressive 15-month commissioning with PRS up to 5%

Commissioning must be achieved in 15 months from FOA; delay PRS is ½% of total Contract Price per week (or part) capped at 5%, and PRS is in addition to performance LDs.

• Bonus for early completion is NOT applicable (BDS).
• OTGT (3 months) and O&M start only after commissioning success — schedule slip delays revenue and extends financing.

Stacked performance LDs (OTGT, generation, BESS RTE/availability)

Multiple independent LD regimes apply for generation/OTF, BESS RTE, annual NEEGG (≥1056 MU Y1), BESS availability ≥98% and usable energy degradation curve — beyond delay PRS.

• Failure to meet OTGT can require additional DC capacity at contractor cost.
• Detailed quantum sits in GA-H and O&M Agreement — high pricing risk if not modelled.

Large bid security and dual CPS cash lock

INR 26 Cr EMD plus EPC CPS 10% and later O&M CPS 5% of EPC value create very large locked capital; MSE EMD exemption unavailable.

• Optional mobilization advance is interest-bearing (SBI MCLR+2%) and needs 110% BG.
• Firm price, no forex variation — import content risk on bidder.

Owner/SPPD interface and site condition risks

RoW on private land and park PSS/PT packages are outside full EPC control, yet PRS is on commissioning; contractor also bears construction power/water and damage risk to TUSCO assets.

• Bidder advised to visit site before quote; post-bid quantity/site claims discouraged (SCC Part-B Cl.12).
• Geotech/topo provided as annexures but design optimization and max output remain contractor risk.

Zero-deviation, holiday listing and termination exposure

Zero-deviation bidding; poor performance can lead to holiday listing/banning; contract terminable on IBC commencement; limitation of liability and negligence clauses still leave broad repair/risk-and-cost exposure.

• GAIL may reduce scope and get work done at contractor risk & cost if progress is below expectation (SCC Part-B 25.1).
• Defect Liability 12 months from successful commissioning, overlapping early O&M.

Evaluation / e-RA commercial risk

Award on lowest EBV after e-RA; e-RA reduction is applied only to EPC price while O&M quotes stay unchanged — aggressive e-RA cuts squeeze EPC margins.

• H1 eliminated when ≥4 bids (with minimum 3 kept in e-RA).
• O&M yearly prices must be equal or ascending — constrains back-loading.

Inviting authority / Employer

GAIL (India) Limited (Maharatna), bidding from GAIL Jubilee Tower, B-35 & 36, Sector-1, Noida-201301, Uttar Pradesh; registered office 16, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi 110066.

• Bidding Document No.: GAIL/NOIDA/CnP/PROJ/SOL/26-13; Tender ID 2026_GAIL_284820_1.
• Dealing GAIL office: 17th Floor, Jubilee Tower, Plot B-35/36, Sector-1, Noida-201301, Dist. Gautam Budh Nagar, UP.

Tender dealing officers (clarifications / pre-bid)

Ajay Kumar Meena, Sr. Manager (C&P-Projects) and S. Dasgupta, GM (C&P-Projects); emails [email protected] and [email protected]; phone 0120-2446400 / 4862400 Extn. 11735/11727; Fax 011-26185941.

• Cover also prints 4262400 in one phone string — see contradictions.
• BDS lists same officers for clarification address.

Physical submission address

Physical EMD/LOC originals to GM (C&P-Projects), GAIL (India) Limited, B-35 & 36, Jubilee Tower, 17th Floor, Sector-1, Noida-201301, Uttar Pradesh, India.

• Phone at this address: 00 91 0120 2446400, 4862400.

Site visit contacts

Site visit coordination: Sh. Ravi Kumar Agnihotri, SM (Renewables), GAIL — Mobile 8194001885; Sh. Biblesh Meena, Sr. Manager, SECI — Mobile 7827683435; site TUSCO Solar Park, Jhansi, UP 284203.

Bid Process Manager (SECI) office

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), C&P/PMC Division, East Kidwai Nagar, Delhi-110023; Contact 011-24666270/307.

• Listed as Bid Process Manager’s office address in IFB.

Integrity Pact / nodal officer

BDS nodal officer for ITB 39.3: Shri S K Gupta, ED(C&P), email [email protected].