The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Chief Engineer Project Chetak has invited online bids through a national competitive tender for the design, engineering, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 100-kW ground-mounted solar PV generation system without battery backup. The proposed system will cover all aspects, including the cost of components like modules, structures, cables, and transformers, as well as civil and general works, and operational expenses. The system is to be installed at the HQ CE (P) Chetak, located in Bichhwal, Bikaner, Rajasthan.

The entire tendering process will be conducted through the Defence E-Procurement Portal, and manual submission of bids is strictly not permitted. The tender is estimated at a value of ₹63 lakh, though this figure is indicative and not binding on the contracting authority.

The critical dates for the tender process are clearly defined. The tender was published on April 11, 2025. Interested parties were able to start downloading documents from April 12, 2025. Clarifications regarding the tender could be sought starting April 13, 2025, from 1100 hours, with the deadline for queries set at April 16, 2025, by 1100 hours. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2025. Bid submissions will open on May 2, 2025, from 1000 hours and must be completed by May 23, 2025, before 1200 hours. The bids will be opened on May 29, 2025, at 1200 hours, while the opening date for the qualification bids will be announced later.

The contract stipulates that the entire project must be completed within 150 days from the date of commencement, which will be fixed by a work order. Typically, the site is expected to be handed over within a month of the letter of acceptance.

For this tender, the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) has been fixed at ₹1,20,000 (Rupees One Lakh Twenty Thousand only). This deposit is mandatory for all bidders unless they are enlisted with BRO or are MSME-registered firms involved in solar power plant work. For MSME bidders, a signed bid securing declaration as per the rules is required instead of the EMD.

The Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) for the successful bidder is set at 5% of the contract sum, and this must be submitted within 28 days from the date of the Letter of Acceptance. The guarantee can be furnished either as a bank guarantee or as a Fixed Deposit Receipt.

The tender also highlights the standard contractual restrictions, including the prohibition of related parties (like family members or business associates) from bidding against one another. Non-compliance with this condition would lead to the rejection of both bids. Contractors are also encouraged to visit the site for a clearer understanding of the work before bidding.

The notice advises prospective bidders to keep checking the BRO and Defence E-Procurement websites for any amendments, corrigenda, or other notifications that might affect their submissions. Bidders are reminded that the lowest bid is not necessarily the winning one, as the Accepting Officer reserves the right to reject any tender without explanation.

This tender offers a clear opportunity for firms with expertise in solar PV systems, specifically for defence and government infrastructure, with well-defined terms for earnest money, performance guarantees, timelines, and compliance expectations.