NTPC Issues Tender for 25 MW Floating Solar O&M at Simhadri Plant

Official Invitation and Project Overview

NTPC Limited has formally released an invitation for bids regarding the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of its 25 MWp Floating Solar PV asset. This tender represents a significant “Green-on-Brown” energy transition initiative, integrating renewable capacity within the existing infrastructure of the Simhadri Super Thermal Power Project. The procurement process is spearheaded by the Unified Shared Service Centre (USSC), Central Procurement Group-1 (CPG-1), based in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The designated beneficiary for this package is the DGM C&M-1, USSC, WR II HQ Nava Raipur, under UIN Number NCTGC2415P. Interested parties must adhere to the strict bid closing time of August 24, 2026, at 16:00:00, with technical bid opening scheduled for 16:30:00 on the same day.

Core Tender Specifications

Detailed Scope of Work

The scope of work is tailored to mitigating the degradation of high-voltage components in the high-humidity lacustrine environment typical of floating solar installations. The comprehensive nature of the contract is defined by the following:

1. Specialized Technical Oversight: Beyond routine electrical maintenance, the “Comprehensive” scope includes monitoring mooring line integrity and performing periodic tension measurements to ensure structural stability against environmental stresses.
2. Biological and Environmental Management: Service providers are tasked with managing marine growth and bio-fouling on floaters, which are critical to maintaining buoyancy and preventing material fatigue.
3. Consumables and Logistics: The contract is biennial and inclusive of all consumables and materials required for upkeep. The service provider must supply these items, with costs fully integrated into the contract price.
4. Operational Flexibility: The buyer retains an “Option Clause,” providing the right to increase or decrease the contract quantity or duration by up to 25% during the execution phase.

Financial and Bidding Requirements

Prospective bidders must satisfy specific financial benchmarks and administrative requirements:

• Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): A deposit of ₹5,00,000 (Five Lakh INR) is required, with a mandatory validity of 225 days. The designated Advisory Bank for this tender is the State Bank of India.
• Performance Security (ePBG): The successful contractor must furnish an electronic Performance Bank Guarantee equivalent to 5.00% of the contract value, valid for 27 months.
• Technical Clarification Window: During evaluation, bidders are allowed a strict window of only 3 days to respond to technical clarifications.
• Payment Terms: In a specific supersession of the standard 10-day GeM GTC clause, payments will be processed within 30 days of the issuance of the Service Delivery Acceptance Certificate (SDAC).
• MSE Benefits: Purchase preference and EMD exemptions are applicable for valid UDYAM certificate holders. However, these benefits are strictly reserved for service providers; traders are explicitly excluded.
• Bidding Format: The tender utilizes a “Two Packet Bid” system for techno-commercial and financial evaluation.

Compliance and Submission Guidelines

Adherence to the following regulatory frameworks is mandatory for bid qualification:

• Local Content: Bidders must qualify as a “Class-I Local Supplier,” documenting a minimum of 50% local content in their service delivery.
• Electronic Integrity: NTPC enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding common IP addresses. Any bids originating from an IP address shared between a bidder and the buyer will face outright rejection.
• Border Controls: Bidders from countries sharing a land border with India must be registered with the Competent Authority.
• Submission Portal: All technical and financial proposals must be uploaded exclusively through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.

The official tender documents specify that bidding for the Comprehensive Biennial O&M Service Contract for the 25MWp Floating Solar PV Plant at NTPC Simhadri is conducted through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.

To access the tender and participate in the bidding process, you can use the following information:

• Bidding Portal: https://gem.gov.in/
• Bid Number: GEM/2026/B/7871157
• NTPC Tender Portal (for details and NIT download): https://ntpctender.ntpc.co.in/

Important Note for Bidders: According to the bid document, all prices must be mentioned only at the designated place on the GeM portal for evaluation; price content uploaded with any other documents will not be considered. Additionally, bidders are required to submit certain documents, such as the Original Bank Guarantee for EMD, physically at the tender opening location if not submitted via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).