CANCELLED Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of a Solar Power System at Makanjira CeMONC - Mangochi, Malawi

Tender cancelled on 2026-05-26 13:06 UTC. The requirements require material revision. A new tender shall be issued and all bidders who participated in this tender will be invited to participate. For any inquiries, please contact Loicey KAMAMUNA. Email: LoiceyK@unops.org, Phone: Malawi 888285520

New clarification added: Response to clarifications (Continued)Clarification 12We would like to seek clarification regarding the specified battery bank capacity in the subject tender. As per the requirement, the system includes:Solar PV Modules: 160 pcs × 720 Wp (Total ≈ 115.2 kWp)Three Phase Hybrid Inverters: 5 pcs × 20 kW (Total = 100 kW)Battery Bank: Not less than 520,900 Wh From our technical evaluation, the specified battery capacity appears significantly higher in comparison to the PV generation capacity and inverter rating. Typically, such a battery size would correspond to a much larger solar array or extended autonomy requirements. We kindly request your clarification on the following: 1. Is the battery bank designed for extended backup hours or specific critical load requirements? 2. Should the system support off-grid operation for a defined duration? If yes, please specify the required autonomy hours. 3. Kindly confirm if the stated battery capacity is correct or if there has been any revision to the specification.Response 12Calculation for the battery sizing is included. Battery sizing has been calculated based on the daily expected essential load consumption (362 kWh), with a depth of discharge (DoD) of 0.8, a round-trip efficiency (RTE) of 0.9, and one day of autonomy. (Storage Capacity (Wh) = Load (Wh/Day ) x Days of Autonomy / DoD (0.8)X RTE (0.9) Based on these parameters, the required total storage capacity is approximately 502 kWh. This can be achieved using four standard battery banks rated at 130 kWh each, and hence 4x130 = 520 kWhThe design is based on a hybrid system concept, whereby the building utilizes grid power (ESCOM) to support battery charging.Size as provided in the design is confirmed - refer to response on point “a.”Clarification 13Could we propose using PV modules with a different nominal power rating than the 720 Wp specified in the RFQ? The 720 Wp value is quite high compared to current market standards. We would like to suggest considering modules with nominal powers of 550 Wp, 600 Wp, or 650 Wp instead. Please confirm if this would be acceptable, as long as the total nominal power of the PV array meets or exceeds 115,200 Wp.Response 13Using PV modules with a different nominal power rating that the 720 Wp specified in the design package is not allowed. Kindly follow the specified capacity, this case 720 wp.Clarification 14Can you please confirm if you have a genset on site, and an Automatic Transfer Switch besides the connection to the utility grid? If so, will you need to connect the inverters to both generators? If you don't have ATS, should we supply the ATS as well?Response 14Please note that the supply and/or installation of the generator set, including the diesel tank, cables, ATS panel, connections, and accessories, is not included in the project scope.ALL THE OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED

New clarification added: Dear BidderPlease find below clarifications received and the responses for the clarifications.Clarification 1Regarding bidder eligibility, is the registration documentation from a foreign company's country of origin acceptable for qualification, provided that a local partner is established for after-sales service (not a Joint Venture)?Response 1The mandatory local requirements must be met ie CIRA (the Malawi Construction Industry Regulatory Authority) and MERA (Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority) registrations either individually or jointly as clearly stated in the bid document Amendment 1 - RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V. The requirements for this tender is that the foreign bidder shall comply with all applicable local regulatory requirements and as proof of compliance to this requirement, the bidder shall submit a letter of confirmation of compliance that they shall fulfill the applicable local regulatory requirements in the event of contract award. The confirmation letter shall be provided as part of the bid submission.Clarification 2If the foreign bidder meets the mandatory technical and financial qualification criteria, is the local after-sales service provider (not a Joint Venture) also required to independently meet the same qualification criteria, or is their evaluation limited to their specific service-delivery capacity?Response 2The after sales provider shall not be a subject of evaluation. Evaluation criteria pertains to the main bidder or JV partners in the case of a JV submission. However as stated in the bid document Amendment 1 - RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V under qualification criteria, the bidder shall be required to submit as part of their bid documentation confirmation of the presence of, or establish, a locally based technical representative or authorised service agent capable of providing routine servicing, inspection, and corrective maintenance for the installed PV system throughout its operational life, Additionally they are required to - Provide on your letterhead the contact details and location of the local service agent or technical representative responsible for post-installation supportA brief outline of the recommended preventive maintenance schedule for the PV systemAn indicative schedule of day rates or service rates for routine servicing and maintenance activities.Clarification 3Please confirm that drawings reflect as-built condition of facilities. This will drastically affect the amount of work required in load segregation.Response 3The drawings used to develop the design are based on the available design documents provided by the client. These drawings do not reflect the as-built conditions, and it is the responsibility of the appointed contractor to verify. However, executed work generally matches the drawings, with no significant deviationsClarification 4Please confirm scope of works in each building only entails load segregation (example: Antenatal & Neonatal Ward Lighting Layout – the lighting circuit is simply moved over and connected to EDB/OPT. No other changes to lights or switches).Response 4Confirmed. Works inside buildings do not include adding new points or replacing or modifying existing points for lighting/power circuits.Clarification 5Please confirm that DB/TH1 & DB/TH2 are unchanged internally and only being connected to new ESMDB.Response 5This is to confirm that DB/TH1 & DB/TH2 are unchanged internally and only being connected to new ESMDB.Clarification 6No details given on drawing about how “Power – General” circuits are exactly split between the DB and EDB’s in each buildingResponse 6The bidder must propose the methodology of installation and diverting circuits between DB’s including required materials & repairs . Refer to RFQ_2026_62051_Electrical Works BoQ item 26.24.16.3 for more details.Clarification 7Please confirm all AC manholes and ducting shown on drawing 015a are existing and no civil changes are required, only cable pulling is required. Has anyone verified that existing ducts can accommodate cable pulling of all these new XLPE cables?Response 7AC manholes shown in drawing RFQ_2026_62051_ Electrical Drawings 015a are indicative - refer to the General Note on RFQ_2026_62051_ Electrical Drawings sheet 002 . However, there are existing uPVC ducts from outside building to inside to each DB (2x100mm Dia) which are sufficient for pulling the power cables.Clarification 8Can we enter the electrical room with DC cables at the side closest to the PV panels to avoid digging out the entire floor?Response 8The electrical room also referred to as battery room on RFQ_2026_62051_ Structural Drawings S004 and Bill Item 3.0 on RFQ_2026_62051_Civil Works BOQ is newly proposed and form part of the works in this tender Underground sleeves shall be installed prior to slab casting and connected to a new manhole. No cutting or excavation of the floor slab shall be required.Clarification 9Red sockets required for all sockets on inverter supply. Does this mean fully replacing existing sockets in each building when they have been segregated to an EDB?Response 9No replacement of socket plates is required.Clarification 10Please confirm if breakers in DBs can be moved over to EDBs with the circuit or if all new devices are required.Response 10No, new devices are required and breakers inside the existing DBs shall not be moved.Clarification 11Cable schedule 26.05.19 shows (6) cables required from the feeder pillar to EDBs. We believe this is a typo assuming that both the feeder pillar and DBs are existing. Also that all new EDBs are fed from the ESMDB. Pls confirmResponse 11Items 20.05.19.9 to 20.05.19.14 refer to the normal (non-essential) distribution boards fed from the feeder pillar.ALL THE OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED 

New clarification added: Dear BidderPlease see responces of clarifications that were also shared as part of the minutes uploaded to eSourcing.Clarification 1Can the bid submission deadline be extended, as the short period between the clarification date (April 3rd) and the deadline (April 9th) includes the Easter holiday?Extend both the submission and clarification deadlines by two weeks.To ensure we prepare and provide a comprehensive and high-quality proposal, and considering the upcoming Easter holiday season, we kindly request an extension of the submission deadline.We propose extending the deadline from the initial date of 9th April 2026 to 16th April 2026. This additional time will allow us to thoroughly review and comprehend all the documentation to submit a well-articulated bidResponse 1The deadline for clarifications and bid submission has been extended. The deadline for clarifications is now 1200 hours on 09 April 2026 The deadline for bid submissions is now 1200 hours on 17 April 2026 No further extensions shall be granted.Clarification 2Is a site visit permitted to assess the existing conditions on the ground?Provide the precise geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the project site to support accurate system design and planning.Response 2The bidder is permitted to  visit the site at their own convenience and cost; however, the bidder is required to notify UNOPS in advance of the proposed date and time of the visit so that UNOPS can coordinate with the team on the ground accordinglyThe geographical coordinates of the project site are as follows: Latitude: -13.7150; Longitude: 35.046. These are also provided in Schedule 2.2 (Site Plan) of RFQ_2026_62051 (Sections II, III, IV, and V).Please note that the solar system has already been designed, and the complete design package is included as part of the tender documentation.Clarification 3What is the total capacity of the PV plant/system and the battery storage capacity?.Response 3The total solar power system capacity and battery capacity  is specified in the Scope of Work and technical drawings included in the RFQ package. Bidders should refer in particular to the electrical/solar design sections for detailed capacity requirements and system specificationsClarification 4A discrepancy was noted regarding the construction time after contract signature: page 9 of document RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V. states 30 days, while page 26 of the same document states 45 days. We strongly recommend a minimum procurement period of 2.5 months. This is because a 500 kWh system is typically supplied on demand by distributors or manufacturers, usually requiring 1 month for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) production and 1.5 months for shipment (e.g., from China). Following procurement, an additional 2 months would be needed for construction, based on our experience.These timeframes are optimistic, considering the current global geopolitical challenges.Response 4We acknowledge the discrepancy in the RFQ regarding the construction period (30 days vs 45 days). The implementation period is 45 days. Page 9 and 26 of document RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V. now both read 45 days. The amended text is highlighted in yellow and reflected in document RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V.We acknowledge the current geopolitical situation and the challenges it presents to global supply chains, including manufacturing and shipment timelines.Your recommendation has been duly noted and will be taken into consideration. Should the prevailing conditions persist, UNOPS would be open to reconsidering the implementation timeline and allowing additional time, subject to sufficient justification being provided by the contractor. Any such considerations will be assessed in accordance with the contract provisions.Clarification 5Would the client consider an alternative inverter configuration, such as two 50 kVA or one 100 kVA unit, instead of the current specification of five parallel hybrid 20 kVA inverters? If an alternative is accepted, should the provided Bill of Quantities (BoQ) spreadsheet be updated accordingly?Response 5Bidders are required to adhere to the inverter configuration specified in the design package. Alternative configurations (e.g. two 50 kVA or one 100 kVA unit) will not be considered by UNOPS. Accordingly, the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) should not be modified, and all works must be priced strictly in line with the provided design and documentation.Clarification 6Is a containerized solution acceptable, where inverters, batteries, and DC/AC protection boxes are pre-assembled within a single container, thereby negating the need to construct a dedicated technical room?Response 6Bidders shall propose solutions that strictly comply with the design package provided in the tender documentation. Accordingly, a containerised system, including pre-assembled inverters, batteries, and protection equipment, will not be accepted.Clarification 7Regarding the requirement on page 24 of the document RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V. which mandates a locally based representative or authorised service agent in Malawi for every material manufacturer:Could our local contractor, who has experience with microgrid installations, satisfy the requirement to act as the locally based technical representative or authorised service agent for post-installation support and maintenance?If this is permissible, please clarify if any additional qualifications or authorisations are necessary.Response 7Yes, a local contractor may serve as the locally based technical representative or authorised service agent for post-installation support and maintenance, provided they have relevant experience in similar works and hold valid CIRA and MERA registrations covering the required services.No additional qualifications or authorisations are required beyond these registrations.Clarification 8Can a subcontractor participate in more than one RFQ, or are they restricted to a single submission?Is a JV required to be registered as a legal entity, or can it operate as a consortium?If structured as a JV, are both the lead partner and the other partner permitted to submit proposals for other opportunities concurrently?Response 8A Joint Venture (JV) does not need to be registered as a separate legal entity; operation as a consortium is permitted.Both the lead partner and the other partners in a JV are allowed to submit proposals for other procurement opportunities at the same time.A subcontractor is not limited to a single submission. Various bidders are allowed to propose the same subcontractor.All the other terms and conditions remain unchanged

New amendment added #1: AMENDMENT 1This amendment is To extend the deadlines for clarifications and bid submissions for RFQ_2026_62051To upload minutes of the Pre-bid Meeting and the responses to all clarification questions. Align implementation period in document RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V.ThereforeThe eSourcing General Tab has been updated accordingly and now reads:Deadline for bid submission - 2026-04-17 10:00 UTCDeadline for clarifications - 2026-04- 09 10:00 UTCThe following documents are now uploaded to the Documents section of the RFQPre-Bid Clarification Meeting Minutes - RFQ_2026_62051 - Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of a Solar Power System at Makanjira CeMONC - Mangochi, MalawiAmendment 1 - RFQ_2026_62051_ Sections II, III, IV, V. (The amended text is highlighted in yellow on Page 9 and 26)All the other terms and conditions of this RFQ remain unchanged

New clarification added: Request for ClarificationWe are requesting an extension for the bid submission deadline for RFQ/2026/62051, concerning the Supply, Delivery, Installation, and Commissioning of a Solar Power System at Makanjira CeMONC in Mangochi, Malawi. Given the proximity of the upcoming Easter holiday, an extension would be greatly appreciated as it would allow us sufficient time to prepare and submit a comprehensive bid.Response to BiddersDear Bidders, please note that an extension of up to 10 days is currently under consideration and pending approval. The final, exact dates and detailed information regarding this extension will be officially communicated through an amendment, which will be issued alongside the minutes of the pre-bid meeting.