For Establishing Long Term Agreement for the Supply and Delivery of Portable Solar Home Kits

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Please find below UNOPS responses to Bidders clarifications. Clarifications 1. Battery VoltagePlease confirm whether a 51.2V battery system is acceptable instead of the specified 24V system, with the dame capacity required UNOPS Response: As stated in the tender documents, the specified 24V is the minimum accepted voltage for the capacity for Lot 2. A 51.2V battery system is acceptableCalrification 2. 12V DC Lighting Port. Kindly clarify if the 12V DC lighting port is mandatory, or if it can be considered optional as long as the required number of DC output ports is met.UNOPS Responnse: As stated in the tender documents, it's optional but the number of of DC output ports needs to be met by the specified types. Calrification 3. Extension Request. We would like to request an extension for both the clarification period and the bid submission deadline, we need to do more evaluation of price and technical comparison.UNOPS Response: Sorry, not possibleClarification 4. Import of Record (IOR). Please confirm the import procedure. Will the goods be imported under your name as importer of record ?UNOPS Response: UNOPS name shall be on the invoice, and the consignee name will be provided after contract signature.Clarification 5. Minimum Order Quantity. Kindly specify the minimum order quantity for Each PO, as pricing from the suppliers will be based on the MOQ.UNOPS Response: It is undetermined at this point, please refer to our previous responses in this regard.Clarification: For Models 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 in LOT 2, all have AC output, but the current rating isn't specified,  Could you please specify this.  or else, can we suggest a suitable current rating according to the recommendation of the factory supplier?UNOPS Response: The current rating will vary for each system based on its rated power (1KW, 2KW, 3KW) the system will be accepted if the output power (and the related current) meet the required capacity for each.Clarification: Certification requirements for energy storage generally use IEC62368, not EC62109.  Can we use these alternatives.UNOPS Response: Yes, IEC62368 is an approved internationally recognized certificate.Clarification: Several suppliers have confirmed they will be able to provide the required certificates once we are awarded the project. So, can we provide a written commitment for providing certificates if and once awarded?UNOPS Response: Bidders are to provide the certificates with their bids, in order for the evaluation team to determine if the proposed product is compliant of not. Clarification 1: Please confirm whether the battery, inverter, and controller must be fully integrated as a single portable power station, or if you would also accept them as separate components that the end user can connect via cables.UNOPS Response: They can be separate if the following is acheived:           1. All system parts are fully compatible.            2. All system parts, connections, accessories, are included and ready for connection and usage.           3. All specs and certifications are met.Clarification 2: For Lot Two (2): Mid-Range Portable PV Kits, please clarify the AC output requirement. Should the AC output power be considered equivalent to the PV power, as implied in the specification?UNOPS Response: Yes, the specified power rating is the Output Power rating. Clarification 3: Is there any requirement regarding the casing material for the different components? For example, can the battery be supplied with a plastic enclosure?UNOPS Response: No specific requirements as long as the specifications, certificates, and safety measures are met. Clarification 4: Are there any IP rating requirements for the various components?UNOPS Response: All outdoor components (panels, cables, etc) naturally have to be weatherproof. Batteries, charging devices and the like can be installed indoors. Clarificatio 5: Are wall-mounted versions of any components acceptable? For example, wall-mounted inverters, controllers, or batteries.UNOPS Response: The system and all of its components should be portable, and should not require fixation to the floor, sidewalls, etc. However, if wall-mounting is an additional optional feature, then that can be accepted.    Clarification 6: Should all output ports be fully integrated within the system components, or can they be externally assembled/connected? Would it be acceptable for the inverter to have an external cable connected to all output ports (AC output, USB, etc.)?UNOPS Response: This can be accepted if the follow is acheived:           1. All system parts are fully compatible.            2. All system parts, connections, accessories, are included and ready for connection and usage.           3. All specs and certifications are met.Clarification: Regarding the battery requirements for Lot 2 (e.g., Total Capacity of Batteries: 12,000 Wh (minimum)), we propose providing a 6,000Wh battery for the 1000W PV system. For other systems requiring 12,000Wh and 18,000Wh, we will supply two 6,000Wh batteries to achieve 12,000Wh and three 6,000Wh batteries to reach 18,000Wh. This is the standard way of meeting these requirements. Please confirm that you do not expect a single battery of 12,000Wh or 18,000Wh, but that several 6,000Wh batteries to meet the requirement will be acceptable to you, as this is the market standard.UNOPS Response: The specifiations states: "Total capacity of batterries", accordingly, more than one battery can be used to meeting the specified capacity. Kind regards,

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Please find below UNOPS responses to Bidders clarifications.Clarification: We have read your response regarding the non-standard minimum warranty required in this tender. Your response stated: “UNOPS Response: The warranty period shall commence upon delivery of the goods to the final destination. Bidders should note that the requirements stipulated in the tender documents represent the minimum requirements. Therefore, bidders are free to propose solutions that exceed these minimum requirements, including offering a longer warranty period.” We realize that you did not address our question. Our request is to change the minimum warranty requirement from one year to a minimum of two years for the small kits in Lot 1 and a minimum of three years for Lot 2. The only manufacturers who would dare propose a minimum of one year often supply products that are not sustainable due to their poor quality, typically designed for the African market. Fortunately, the majority of reputable manufacturers do not fall into this category and are serious about their offerings. We understand that the UN seeks the best value for money. However, we know that this minimum one-year warranty requirement inherently excludes the majority of manufacturers, thus favoring those who provide low-quality products. The slight cost difference in production between low-quality items with a one-year guarantee and standard quality products effectively eliminates the majority of manufacturers from participating in this market.UNOPS Response: Bidders are required to comply with the technical specification specified in the tender documents.Clarification: We have reviewed your response regarding the minimum output power requirements for the 220VAC inverters in Lot 2. Your response stated: “UNOPS Response: The output power is not specified. It will vary for each item, according to the specified system capacity.” If we respond based on your statement, it implies that we are fully compliant and eligible by proposing, for example, a maximum output power of only 300W for the three kits in Lot 2 (1000W/2000W/3000W PV). This makes no sense, as the kits would be nearly unusable for the beneficiaries while still being compliant and at the lowest cost. It is unprecedented for a solar system tender not to specify the required output power, as this ambiguity leaves us uncertain about what to propose. Could you please submit this question to your technical department? We believe they will immediately understand this critical point.UNOPS Response: The classification of each kit, for example 1000W system, refers to the output power. So the output power is specified for each kit as a whole. For the kits in Lot 2, the 220V AC output is the main output, so naturally it should reflect that specified power. The example  proposed in the Bidder's question (with a 300W output) would not satisfy this criteria. Clarification: I have submitted several questions that remain unanswered during the clarification period, which ends in an hour. Without responses, we have been unable to seek further clarification on your answers. Therefore, we kindly request an extension of the clarification period by 2 days to receive your responses and to have the opportunity to address them if necessary.UNOPS Response: Due to time constaints, it is not possible to extend the clarification period.Kind regards,

New clarification added: Dear Bidder,Please find below UNOPS response to Bidder's clarification.Clarification: Are we allowed to quote only one LOT or we have to quote the whole tender.UNOPS Response: Bidders may submit a quotation for either one or both Lots, provided that all items within each Lot are priced.Kind regards

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Please find below UNOPS responses to Bidders clarifications.  We kindly request your clarification on three points related to RFQ/2025/60375:1. Acceptability of Integrated Solar Lighting Devices (Lot 1)Please confirm whether the following type of device is acceptable under Lot 1 – Low Range Portable PV Kits:A portable solar unit with:Integrated LED lighting,A non-foldable glass monocrystalline solar panel,Fully portable and requiring no installation or mounting structure.Illustrative photos of the device type are attached for your reference.Kindly confirm if such a product is acceptable as long as it meets all technical specifications, including LiFePO4 battery, required battery capacity, USB/12V outputs, AC/car/PV charging inputs, IP65 rating, and required certifications.2. Delivery Timeline During Chinese New Year ShutdownAs most manufacturers of PV kits are located in China and several items require customized production, we would like to note that the period from late January to late February coincides with the Chinese New Year holiday, during which factories fully stop production.Since the expected award date is at the end of December, we kindly ask:Whether the specified 80-day delivery timeline remains applicable,Or whether some flexibility can be considered due to the unavoidable production shutdown.Your guidance will help us prepare a realistic and compliant delivery plan.3. Supplying Panels and Devices from Different ManufacturersKindly confirm whether UNOPS will accept a solution where:The solar panels are supplied from one manufacturer,While the portable power devices (kits) are supplied from a different manufacturer,provided that:All components fully meet the required technical specifications,Full compatibility between panel and device is guaranteed,All items are delivered together as a complete kit,Warranty coverage is clearly defined for the combined system.Please confirm if this sourcing approach is acceptable.UNOPS Responses for the above clarifications were provided earlier and published on 2025-11-29 15:18 UTCKind regards

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Please find below UNOPS responses to Bidders clarifications.Clarification: 1. Acceptability of Integrated Solar Lighting Devices (Lot 1)Please confirm whether the following type of device is acceptable under Lot 1 – Low Range Portable PV Kits:A portable solar unit with:Integrated LED lighting,A non-foldable glass monocrystalline solar panel,Fully portable and requiring no installation or mounting structure.Illustrative photos of the device type are attached for your reference.Kindly confirm if such a product is acceptable as long as it meets all technical specifications, including LiFePO4 battery, required battery capacity, USB/12V outputs, AC/car/PV charging inputs, IP65 rating, and required certifications.UNOPS Respons: Bidders are required to comply with the technical specifications provided in the tender documents and are therefore urged to offer goods that fully meet these specifications. The technical evaluation will be conducted after the submission deadline to assess each bidder’s offered goods against the specifications outlined in the tender documents and to determine compliance.Clarification 2. Delivery Timeline During Chinese New Year ShutdownAs most manufacturers of PV kits are located in China and several items require customized production, we would like to note that the period from late January to late February coincides with the Chinese New Year holiday, during which factories fully stop production.Since the expected award date is at the end of December, we kindly ask:Whether the specified 80-day delivery timeline remains applicable,Or whether some flexibility can be considered due to the unavoidable production shutdown.Your guidance will help us prepare a realistic and compliant delivery plan.UNOPS Response: The purpose of the LTA is to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza. Once needs arise, COGAT approval is obtained, and Purchase Orders are issued, the 90-day manufacturing and delivery timeline will apply. To ensure greater flexibility in meeting these requirements, bidders may choose to work with more than one factory.Clarification 3. Supplying Panels and Devices from Different ManufacturersKindly confirm whether UNOPS will accept a solution where:The solar panels are supplied from one manufacturer,While the portable power devices (kits) are supplied from a different manufacturer,provided that:All components fully meet the required technical specifications,Full compatibility between panel and device is guaranteed,All items are delivered together as a complete kit,Warranty coverage is clearly defined for the combined system.Please confirm if this sourcing approach is acceptable.UNOPS Response: Most importantly, the offered products must comply with the technical specifications and requirements outlined in the tender documents. The Bidder shall remain solely responsible for the manufacturing, delivery, and fulfillment of all other obligations related to the goods.Clarification 1) Please this is very important for manufacturers, us and you too ... if total quantities per items not estimated by your side yet it is very important to confirm real possible minimum quantities per patch order for each item at least ... and how many patch orders will be done within LTA period of 3 years.UNOPS Response: Bidders need to note that UNOPS shall have no obligation to purchase any minimum quantities of Goods from the Contractor during the period of the LTA. Actual quantities will be determined as needs arise, and the quantities indicated in the tender documents are for estimation purposes only. Bidders are strongly encouraged to carefully review the attached LTA. Clarification 2) for output/outlets 24VDC and 48VDC ... those out ports not existed anymore in new production patches during 2025 because no rela use for it anymore as 12VDC and 220VAC output ports more than enough .... So please remove it from required specs of all items in two lotsUNOPS Response: 48 VDC is not specified in the tender. 24 VDC (minimum) is specified for the battery voltage of Lot2 systems, not the system outputs, although those are also available. Bidders need to comply with the technical specifications in the tender documents.Kind regards,

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Please find below UNOPS responses to Bidders clarifications.Clarification: Please clarify who is responsible for security coordination with the Israeli side regarding the entry of goods into GazaUNOPS Response: COGAT is responsible for security coordination with the Israeli side regarding the entry of goods into Gaza. However, UNOPS will facilitate the coordination, but it remains the responsibility of the supplier to coordinate the entry and security inspections with the relevant Israeli authorities. Clarification 1. Would it be acceptable for some of the Power Station kits to come with Li-Ion (NMC) Battery?UNOPS Response: For safety reasons, LiFePO4 batteries are specified.Clarification 2. How soon after LTA award do you intend to place the first order?UNOPS Response: There is no set date for the first order.Clarification 3. Following Award and LTA contract signature will you provide further input what kits would be included in the first PO´s?UNOPS Response: The quantities of the kits will be identified in each PO.Clarification 4. It is mentioned that each PO must have a performance guarantee. Normally a perfomance gurantee is based on the LTA as a while and liquidated damages is then applied to each PO if such case arises. Is it correct that each PO for this LTA will have both performance gurantee and liquidated damages articles?UNOPS Response: Since the timing of the first Purchase Order (PO), the intervals between POs, and their respective quantities and values are unknown, a performance guarantee will be required for each PO. Likewise, liquidated damages will be applied on a per PO basis.Clarification 5. We kindly request a bid deadline extension of 1 week until December 15th to properly prepare all aspects of you bidUNOPS Response: Due to time constraints, bidders need to comply with the tender deadline which is 08 December 2025.Clarification: Regarding Lot 2 Requirements - min output power of the 220VAC inverters.I have a question regarding Lot 2. The requirements for the solar systems—1000W PV kit, 2000W PV kit, and 3000W PV kit—do not specify the minimum output power for the inverters (220VAC). Could you please clarify this? Should we assume that the minimum output power for the inverters is 1000W for the first kit, 2000W for the second kit, and 3000W for the third kit?UNOPS Response: The output power is not specified. It will vary for each item, according to the specified system capacity. Clarification on Warranty Requirements for Solar Kits (Lot 1)I would like to express my concern regarding the one-year warranty requirement for the small solar kits in Lot 1 of the current tender for Palestine. Most products in the market offer standard warranties ranging from 24 to 36 months. The current one-year warranty may not adequately protect against risks associated with deployment delays, which can last weeks or months. While there are a few low-quality products in the market that offer shorter warranties, allowing this could negatively impact the reputation of the UN. Additionally, beneficiaries may face challenges with lithium kits that fail prematurely, raising recycling concerns. Extending the warranty to align with industry standards would ensure product reliability and enhance beneficiary satisfaction. I kindly recommend you to reconsider the one-year warranty requirement for the small solar kits.UNOPS Response: The warranty period shall commence upon delivery of the goods to the final destination. Bidders should note that the requirements stipulated in the tender documents represent the minimum requirements. Therefore, bidders are free to propose solutions that exceed these minimum requirements, including offering a longer warranty period.Clarification: Request for Warranty Clarification for Batteries (Lot 2)I’d like to discuss the warranty requirement for Lot 2 regarding the LiFePO4 batteries. Currently, the requirement is set at only one year, but we recommend a minimum of 3 years and a standard of 5 years. Batteries with B-grade lithium cells, offered under the one-year warranty, are lower in quality, costing about 5% less. However, they have a significantly reduced lifespan (generally reduced by 200% to 500%) and may fail within months, particularly in hot climates like Africa. This not only risks the satisfaction of beneficiaries but also raises concerns regarding recycling.This situation could adversely affect the reputation of the UN. In contrast, standard batteries with a 3 to 5-year warranty typically last 7 to 10 years, providing better reliability and satisfying customer needs. We kindly recommend to reconsider the one-year warranty requirement to align with industry standards and ensure the quality of the products offered.UNOPS Response: The warranty period shall commence upon delivery of the goods to the final destination. Bidders should note that the requirements stipulated in the tender documents represent the minimum requirements. Therefore, bidders are free to propose solutions that exceed these minimum requirements, including offering a longer warranty period.Clarification on Required Compliance CertificatesRegarding the international certificates of technical compliance that we need to provide, you mentioned that the certificates should cover the kits as a whole (for example, a technical certificate for the 3000 Wp kit, 220VAC, including 18,000 Wh batteries). However, such a certificate does not exist. What is typically required in tenders are certificates for each component of the kit (certificates for the solar panels, battery, and inverter). Therefore, could you please confirm that you are indeed requesting the certificates for the individual components of the kit rather than a certificate for the kit as a whole, which is not feasible?UNOPS Response: Some kits do have certificates for the kit as a whole. However, it is sufficient to have individual certificates for the included parts.Kind regards,

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Please find below UNOPS responses to Bidders clarifications.Clarification: We are currently preparing our quotation for your tender RFQ/2025/60375 – Supply and Delivery of Low and Mid Range Portable Solar Home Kits to Gaza, oPt.We kindly request your clarification regarding the certification requirements mentioned in the Schedule of Requirements for both Lot 1 and Lot 2.Specifically, we would like to confirm the following:Are the certifications listed (IEC 62109-1, IEC TS 62257-9-8, VeraSol, or equivalent) mandatory at the time of bid submission for both lots?Or is it acceptable to provide these certifications after award, prior to delivery, as part of the compliance and inspection process?UNOPS Response: At least one well-recognized international certificate is to be submitted with the offer, this will be part of the technical evaluation of the received offers. In case equivalent international certificates are acceptable, could you please confirm whetherCB Scheme Certificates, UN38.3 (for LiFePO4 batteries), EMC/CE compliance reports, or other recognized safety standards would be considered acceptable alternatives?UNOPS Response: Yes, these certificates are acceptable alternatives. However the certificates should cover the kits as a whole, not just the batteries or specific parts. Do the certificates need to be submitted for every model/item within the lot, or would a single certificate covering the product family be accepted?UNOPS Response: One certificate can cover multiple items, but that has to be clear from the certificate. Clarification: Is the quantity of each kit calculated in this way? For example, for a 50W kit, the total quantity is 7500 kits, right? The quantity  of solar panel is also 7500pcs. The total power is 7500x50W=375KWUNOPS Response: A 50W kit, for example, includes a full kit along with its 50Wp panels, 300Wh Battery, all all other parts as specified.  The total quantity of 7500 is only indicative. The actual quantites requested for delivery will be specified on each purchase order. Clarification 1. Solar Panel Bracket – Adjustable or Fixed Angle?The RFQ specifies that the solar kits must be portable and stand-alone, without any fixed installation. Could you please confirm whether:Adjustable-angle brackets are mandatory,orFixed-angle brackets are acceptable, as long as the panel remains portable, self-supported, and meets all required performance levels?UNOPS Response: Adjustable-angle brackets are not mandatory and are not in the specifications. Calrification 2. AC Charging Input Requirement for Lot 1. Under Lot 1, the technical specifications state:“Input ports: 220V AC charging input (30W minimum).”Could you kindly confirm whether this means that:The kit must include a built-in AC charging input,and whetherIt is acceptable to include an external AC adapter/charger (AC wall charger) as part of the kit to meet this requirement.UNOPS Response: Both options are acceptable, as long as all needed parts and accessories are included to be plugged in an existing 220V AC outlet.Kind regards,

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Please find below UNOPS responses to Bidders clarifications.Clarification: As stated in the tender document, "Bidder shall deliver the goods within eighty (80) days after Purchase Order (PO) signature and after obtaining Israeli COGAT approval." Could you please suggest who will handle the application of the Israeli COGAT approval, UNOPS or the supplier? UNOPS Response: This requirement will be amended to read as follow: "Bidder shall manufacture and  deliver the goods within ninety (90) days after Purchase Order (PO) signature and after obtaining Israeli COGAT approval." UNOPS will handle the application of the Israeli COGAT approval after the successful Bidder furnish all required documents requested by COGAT. Noting that the supplier will assume all liability and risk related to the approval of the goods/products by COGAT.Calrification: I kindly have a clarification regarding the delivery location for this tender. Is it permitted to deliver the equipment to the Ramallah or Jerusalem office?UNOPS Response: The delivery of good will be in Gaza as stipulated in the tender documents.Clarification: Regarding the quotation on  establishing a LTA  for supply and delivery of portable solar home kits, in reference to delivery requirement, can UNOPS confirm that COGAT approval will be issued by UNOPS upon supplier furnishing all necessary certifications and documentation?UNOPS Response: Yes, as stated in UNOPS response above.Clarification: What does each kit include? Could you provide photo for reference?UNOPS Response: Bidders need to refer to PV Kits components mentioned in Section II: Schedule of RequirementsClarification: Is the quantity of each kit calculated in this way? For example, for a 50W kit, the total quantity is 7500 kits, right? The quantity  of solar panel is also 7500pcs. The total power is 7500x50W=375KWUNOPS Response: The kits quantities in the tender documents are indicative, actual quantities will be requested based on arising needs.Clarification: We kindly ask you to extend the deadline for the tender till end of december.UNOPS Response: Due to time constaints, unfortunately, it is not possible to extend the deadline.Clarifications: We would appreciate your clarification regarding the following:•     Could you kindly provide more details on the Initial & Estimated Ongoing Quantities?•     What is the expected volume for the first delivery?•     What are the projected monthly or quarterly quantities under the LTA?UNOPS Response: The answer for the 3 clarifications above is that there is no estimate on the initial & estimated ongoing quantities, the quantities mentioned in the tender documents are indicative.Clarification: Please accept extending the deadline for one week to be the 15th of december 2025 instead of 08 december 2025.UNOPS Response: Due to time constaints, unfortunately, it is not possible to extend the deadline. Clarification: We kindly request your clarification regarding the COGAT approval and clearance requirements for deliveries into Gaza.Based on information gathered from industry sources, it appears that only a limited number of Gaza-based licensed traders are currently permitted to import goods directly, and suppliers may need to rely on these approved traders for delivery. Could you please advise whether the UNOPS are able to support suppliers in obtaining the necessary COGAT approval, or if this process must be handled independently by the supplier? As the COGAT approval directly affects our delivery planning and lead time, your guidance would be greatly appreciated.UNOPS Response: UNOPS will facilitate to obtain COGAT approval for the goods, as for COGAT's approval for traders/supplier this must be handled by the Bidder independently.Clarification: Reference to the subject tender documents, ANNEX D – Point 9 (c) Packing and Transportation: “Shipping should use 20-feet sea containers, with a lifespan of at least 2 years.” Kindly advise whether the requirement is for COC (Carrier-Owned Container) or SOC (Shipper-Owned Container). UNOPS Response: There is not such information in the tender document.Kind regards,