Supply & Installation of 1.5kW & 20kW (multiple) stand alone PV systems in Schools & Hospitals across Sierra Leone including testing and commissioning

New clarification added: Dear Potential BiddersPlease take note of the following clarifications:Clarification 24- We kindly request two weeks extension to the submission deadline to enable us to finalize our proposal and ensure a comprehensive and competitive submission.Answer 24- No further extension is being considered at the moment.Clarification 25- ITB Section IAs per Article 19, customs duties are exempted for this project. Could you please confirm whether the successful bidder will be provided with a Note Verbale or any advance authorization letter addressed to the Commissioner General of the NRA to facilitate customs waiver and clearance of materials at the port?Answer 25- No letter will be issued by UNOPS in advance, the clearance will be handled with the succesful bidder at the moment the goods arrive in Sierra Leone.Clarification 26- ITB Statement of Works - Section VMay a bidder propose multiple OEMs for solar materials (PV panels, inverters, batteries, cables, MMS, etc.) at the time of bid submission and subsequently select one of them upon award?Answer 26- No, as specified in the Particulars section, Alternative offer are Not acceptedClarification 27- ITB Schedule 3May the bidder submit the same CVs for personnel under both lots, considering that only one lot will ultimately be awarded?Answer 27- Yes, as only one lot is to be awarded per bidder, same CVs may be submittedClarification 28- ITB Statement of Works - Section VAs per Section 11, only the C-ESMP plan is required to be submitted to UNOPS. Could UNOPS please confirm whether the ESMP license has already been obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL)?Answer 28- Yes, the blanket licence has already been obtained for this project.Clarification 29- Lots - CoordinatesPlease note that some of the provided coordinates do not appear to correspond with the listed districts when checked on Google Maps. For example, a few coordinates in Bonthe are showing as barren land. Kindly provide the respective chiefdom details as well as the contact information of the Principal/Head of School to facilitate accurate identification and site access.Answer 29- Further informationon on site access will be provided to the successful bidder.Clarification 30- ITB Schedule 3Are we required to procure all the equipment listed in Section 3.10? Specifically, is it mandatory to purchase the delivery van, or can it be arranged through a rental agreement if required? Do we need to handover all these equipments mentioned in 3.10 to UNOPS post project construction?Answer 30- No, no equipment will be handed over to UNOPS. Bidders would have to show proof of possession of these tools buy/rent.Clarification 31- ITB Statement of Works - Section VCould you please confirm whether the successful bidder may proceed with ordering long-lead materials (PV panels, inverters, batteries, MMS, etc.) immediately upon contract signing, prior to completion of the bio-physical assessment reports and site visits?Answer 31- Yes, It is approprite to run the biophysical assessments and the procurement of long lead items in parallel.Clarification 32- Kindly confirm whether the bidder is required to arrange its own warehouse facilities, or if UNOPS will provide storage space for the materials.Answer 32- Yes, the bidders are required to arrange their own storage facilities.Kind regards

New clarification added: Dear Potential BiddersPlease take note of the following clarifications:Clarification 18- Is the power distribution for three rooms or five? What is the number of rooms corresponding to 20kW and the length of the lighting and socket cables?Answer 18- A maximum of five (5) rooms shall be connected per facility. This represents the minimum internal wiring configuration required to ensure that the installed power supply is functional and effectively utilized within each facility.For the 20 kW facilities, the connection scope will be limited to no more than five (5) rooms. Given that these facilities are not newly electrified, there is provision to integrate the new connections into the existing internal electrical wiring system, where technically feasible and compliant with safety standards.Clarification 19- Are there any mandatory requirements for the color of the wires? For three-phase: yellow, green, red, blue, yellow-green; for single-phase: red, blue, yellow-green, is this acceptable?Answer 19- Please note that all electrical installations for this project must comply with IEC harmonised standards (IEC 60445) or the latest BS 7671 edition.The colour scheme proposed in your submission (yellow, green, red, blue, yellow-green for three-phase; red, blue, yellow-green for single-phase) does not meet these standards and is therefore not acceptable.Clarification 20- Is the LV manual Changeover Switch integrated within the distribution box?Answer 20- No, please note that the LV Manual Changeover Switch should not be integrated within the distribution box. It must be installed as a separate, standalone unit to ensure safe and accessible operation.Clarification 21- Suggestions for Changes in Battery and Inverter Configurations4.Suggestions for Changes in Battery and Inverter ConfigurationsBecause(1) the power of the 1.5kVA inverter in the table is too small and the corresponding 24V system voltage is too low;(2) the charging and discharging current of a single 20kVA inverter corresponding to 48V is too large, is it acceptable to change the following inverter and battery configuration?We propose following configuration..Inverter:3kW, 1pcs / Battery: 48V 100Ah，2PCS 9.6kWhInverter:10kW 2pcs/ Battery: 48V 100Ah，16PCS 76.8kWhAnswer 21- Clarification on Hybrid Inverter SpecificationsSection 6.1, Item 4.1: The technical specification indicates a minimum 1.5 kVA hybrid inverter; however, the inverter must be 24 V.Section 6.2, Item 6.1 (20 kW system): The specification calls for a minimum 20 kVA hybrid inverter configuration, with no more than three (3) units; however, the inverter must be 48 V.The smaller systems in the project are based on 24 V configurations to allow seamless use of spares and maintenance practices, consistent with other deployed systems.Bidders are advised to review other clarification questions for additional context and guidance.Clarification 22- Are we allowed to propose alternatives for major equipment?Answer 22- The equipment requested is a minimum to be provided, no substitutes will be accepted.Clarification 23- I would like to confirm what is required regarding the “Drive Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire – to be completed online in this system (eSourcing).” Could you please clarify what this entails and how we can access it?Answer 23- The Drive Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire is included in the "Forms" tab in eSourcing.Kind regards

New clarification added: Dear Potential BiddersPlease take note of the following clarifications:Clarification 17- Bidders should have successfully supplied similar goods as specified in the requirements” to at least two (2) registered entities within the last Five (5) years, with at least one (1) of the contracts for a value equal or above USD 1,500,000. Similar goods mean manufacturing or supply of Solar PV systems and related materials or solar equipment and internal wiring and accessories in Sierra Leone or in Africa region. Bidders should submit Schedule 0.4 [Capacity and Experience] and Schedule 0.7 [Performance Statement].Is the above Criteria referring to specific Experience with regards to Supply of Solar for one Contract or can we refer to several contracts or supplies within the last five years?Answer 17- At least one (1) of the provided contracts must be of a value equal or above USD 1,500,000.Kind regards 

New clarification added: Dear Potential BiddersPlease take note of the following clarifications:Clarification 9- Drawingsa. Drawings of the desired mounting structure is not included in the RFP documents. Requesting to kindly provide for our reference for preparation of the tender.b. Typical drawings of the internal wiring may kindly be provided for the School and HospitalsAnswer 9- The drawings have been uploaded to the documents section and are provided are for illustration and conceptual reference purposes only. All dimensions, quantities, and technical specifications shall be as defined in the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and accompanying contract documents. In the event of any discrepancy, the BoQ shall prevail.a. Typical Mounting Structure Drawings.pdfb. Internal wiring illustration.pdfClarification 12- Could you kindly confirm whether submission as a Joint Venture (JV), Consortium, or Association is permitted?Additionally, we seek guidance on how the eligibility criteria are to be evaluated in such cases. Specifically:Should all qualification and eligibility requirements be met individually by each partner,orMay the criteria be satisfied collectively (on a cumulative basis) by the JV/Consortium/Association as a whole?Answer 12- Joint ventures are allowed, all members must meet the requirements for "Eligibility criteria", for qualification and technical, it could be met jointly.Clarification 13- We would like to propose a small refinement regarding the 1.5 kVA system specifications.To encourage optimized technical and commercial solutions, it may be beneficial to keep the system voltage architecture open to bidders, provided the core performance objectives are fully met — namely:Solar PV capacity: 1.5 kWpBattery storage capacity: 9.6 kWhInverter rating: 1.5 kVAAllowing bidders to select either a 24 V or 48 V system configuration (or another technically suitable architecture) can enable design optimization in terms of:Overall system costInstallation practicalityElectrical efficiencyComponent availabilitySystem simplicity and maintainabilityIn many cases, higher DC bus voltages (e.g., 48 V) can offer advantages such as lower current levels, reduced cable losses, and improved inverter/battery compatibility, depending on the technology used. Therefore, maintaining flexibility at this level may result in more technically and economically optimized proposals.Could you kindly clarify if there is a specific technical, operational, or standardization reason for restricting the design to a 24 V system in the RFP? Understanding the rationale would help ensure that proposed solutions remain fully aligned with the project’s intent.Our suggestion is purely aimed at supporting a cost-effective, robust, and easy-to-implement system while still meeting all required performance criteria.Answer 13- The 24 V system configuration has been specified to ensure standardization across all project sites, promoting uniformity in design, installation, operation, and maintenance, while also maintaining compatibility with existing deployed systems and the established spare parts strategy based on a 24 V architecture.Clarification 14- Please note that from 15th to 23rd February 2026, it is the Spring Festival holiday in China, during which time our engineers and manufacturing personnel will be on leave.We hope you will understand and extend the bidding validity period by about three weeks.Answer 14- No further extension is being considered at the moment.Clarification 15- In the Document Checklist, where bidders submit their documents, there is no dedicated slot to submit the technical specifications and technical datasheets of the proposed components. Kindly please advise on this.Answer 15- These have been added to the checklistClarification 16- Most of our system equipment will be sourced from China. Due to the current Chinese New Year, we have either none or only extremly limited communication with our Suppliers/Manufacturers.We would therefore appreciate an extension of deadline with 2 weeks until the 9th of March.Answer 16- The deadline will be extended to March 9,Kind regards

New amendment added #1: Dear Potential BiddersPlease note the following amendments:1.Find attached the Pre-bid meeting documents. 2. reference drawings have been uploaded3. A slot for technical specifications and technical datasheets has been added to the checklist. 4. The deadline has been extended Kind regardsKind regards

New clarification added: Dear Potential BiddersPlease take note of the following clarifications:Clarification 1- We and our associates have not supplied similar goods in Sierra Leone or in the Africa region; but have done so in India. Please clarify, whether experience of similar work done elsewhere like in India would be allowed to Qualify and submit the bid.Answer 1- The experience of supplying similar goods and successfully delivering same or similar installation work has to be in Sierra Leone or in Africa region.Clarification 2- In view of preparing our most comprehensive Techno-commercial Bid as per the Tender requirements, we sincerely request you to please Extend the Bid Submission Date till 18th of February, 2026 so that a very comprehensive and detailed bid can be submitted for which act we shall be highly thankful to you.Answer 2- Please note that the deadline is February 23, 2026 and has not been changed at the moment.Clarification 3- Please note that in the “Statement of Works (SoW)” for Inverters, it is mentioned as Hybrid Inverter for the Stand alone PV System. Since these all are Off Grid Standalone system, the Inverters should not be a Hybrid Inverter. Please clarify this point of the Inverters.Answer 3- The reference to Hybrid Inverters in the Statement of Works (SoW) is intentional and remains applicable to the standalone off-grid PV systems. In this context, a hybrid inverter is defined as an inverter capable of managing multiple energy sources (PV, battery storage, and auxiliary generation such as a diesel generator), while supplying loads independently of the utility grid.Although the systems are off-grid and not connected to a public utility network, hybrid inverters have been successfully deployed in similar standalone PV installations due to their integrated energy management functionality, flexibility, and compatibility with battery storage and backup generation. The use of hybrid inverters therefore does not imply grid interconnection but rather enhances system reliability, operational efficiency, and future scalability.Accordingly, the specification for hybrid inverters is appropriate for the intended standalone off-grid application and is maintained as specified in the SoW.Clarification 4- Please clarify the type of Roof of the Schools and Hospitals whether the roofs are of Slanted (Inclined) type or Flat Top type. Also please clarify the construction of roofs of the School and Hospital Buildings (whether of corrugated steel sheets or RCC construction). This would enable is to work out the details of the Supporting structures of the Solar PV Panels.Answer 4- As per the Statement of Works, all PV systems for Schools and Hospitals are to be installed on fixed ground-mounted structures embedded in concrete, not on building roofs. Therefore, roof type and roof construction materials are not applicable to the PV design. Bidders shall design the mounting structures strictly in accordance with the SoW requirements for high raised ground-mounted systems, including foundation depth, structural strength, wind load resistance, and durability.Clarification 5- Bid SecurityIs bid security required to be submitted? What is the amount of security required per lot?Answer 5- A Bid Security is not requiredClarification 6- Submission for both lotsCan a bidder make submission for both Lots? However, we understand that only 1 Lot would be awarded to a bidder.Answer 6- Yes, bidders can make submissions for both lots.Clarification 7- Mounting Structuresa. Are all systems envisaged to be ground mounted?b. What is the distance of the PV array to the facility? for Schools and HospitalsAnswer 7- a. All the systems are envisaged to be ground mounted.b. The distances of the PV array to the facility structures are variable. The BoQ provides a guidiance on measurement per site, any other variation that significantly differs from the estimated BoQ average per site, will be dealt with on a case by case basis with the employer's engineeer.Clarification 8- Inverter/Battery Rooma. Is the contractor responsible for construction of inverter/battery room?b. Or shall an existing room be designated for the installation?Answer 8- a. Construction of a battery/control room is not a requirement. A dedicated space will be provided by the facility management for the installation of the equipment. In the event there is no suitable/safe space in the facility for installation, this will be addressed accordingly.b. See (a) above.Clarification 10- System specsa. For the 1.5kVA system, is it mandatory to have a 24V system? Can a bidder alternately propose 48V system instead, with only 1pc of 9.6kWh 48V Lithium battery?b. Could separate hybrid inverter and charge controller be proposed. It has an advantage in maintenance, in case a fault happens, only 1 of the items would need repair or replacement. Reducing the costs of maintenance significantly. Also, ease of maintenanceAnswer 10- a. The requirements arebased on a 24V system.b. THe design is optimised for cost, ease of installation and simplicity. A single hybrid inverter is desired.Clarification 11- Operation & Maintenance, Remote Monitoringa. Will there be an O&M phase in the project?b. Is remote monitoring of the systems required? Should costs towards the GSM connections be included in the proposal?Answer 11- a. The project only caters for a Defect Liability Period (DLP) of 12 months as per this ITB. No further O&M obligations re considered.b. Remote monitoring of the systems are not required at this stage, no need to worry about the cost of the GSM connections. An hybrid inverter with expandable capability for remote monitoring will be desired.Kind regards

New clarification added: Dear BiddersWe have admitted all bidderds that have joined, the link is https://meet.google.com/hwh-hbvb-sbjKind regards

New clarification added: Dear BiddersA kind reminder of the pre-bid meeting to start in 20 minutes. Kind regards

New clarification added: Dear BiddersWe clarify, the pre-bid meeting date is 2026-02-06 15:00 UTC.Kind regards