Clean-up of Contaminated Sites at the Former OHIS Factory in Skopje – remediation of the “small dump” (delta-HCH dump)

New clarification added: Questions:1.      Question regarding waste quantities and technical requirements in the Appendix “Requirements for the Method Statement”When reviewing the tender documentation, we identified several apparent inconsistencies between the Scope of Works and the Appendix “Requirements for the Method Statement”, which may affect the preparation of the Technical Offer and Method Statement.According to the Scope of Works, the scope of the present procurement consists of:·         Excavation, separation, packing, temporary storage and shipment of 916 tons of HCH waste from the δ-HCH waste dump;·         Excavation, separation, packing, temporary storage and shipment of 2,613 tons of HCH-contaminated soil;·         Excavation, separation, packing, temporary storage and shipment of 70 tons of mercury-contaminated soil (from the top, inside, aside and outside of the δ-HCH dump);Furthermore, the title of Table 3 refers to:“Remediation of the HCH contaminated soil from the top, inside and aside of the δ-HCH dump by soil remediation of 300 tons.”In order to ensure the correct completion of the Appendix “Requirements for the Method Statement” and the Technical Offer, could UNOPS kindly clarify:1.      Which quantities are applicable and should be used for each waste stream when completing the Appendix and the associated tables?2.      Which quantities should be considered final and binding for the current procurement:o    636 tons or 916 tons of HCH waste?o    2,191 tons, 2,613 tons or 300 tons of HCH-contaminated soil?o    70 tons of mercury-contaminated soil?3.      In the event of discrepancies between the Scope of Works and the Appendix “Requirements for the Method Statement”, which document should prevail for the purpose of preparing the Technical Offer?This clarification would assist bidders in correctly interpreting the technical requirements and preparing a fully compliant Technical Offer. Question 2:  In the Appendix “Requirements for the Method Statement” in table 3: Remediation of the HCH contaminated soil from the top, inside and aside of the δ-HCH dump by soil remediation of the 300 tons, point 1 a) is written “Description of the treatment technology and process, including information regarding relevant chemical reactions, overall process flow, and the output products from the process of HCH treatment, the name and category (safety data sheets) of the waste such as waste including solvents, residues and by-products, post-treatment to ensure safe disposal or release of such wastes (quantity, quality, reprocessing, disposal, etc.), revitalization/restoration of the plant site, etc.” .If the proposed technology is thermal treatment (incineration) does this make all the of the information required afterwords in the table as not applicable.Question 3: In the Appendix “Requirements for the Method Statement” in table 3, point 2 a) it is written: “A minimum processing capacity of the system of 2 tons/hour for HCH-contaminated soil and the contaminated concrete with the concentrations up to 5,000 mg/kg.Requirement Fulfillment of criteria in Table 6 from the SoW”.3.1 Shall we consider contaminated concrete and related requirements as in the scope of work as it is not included in the other part of the documentation?3.2 If the above answer is “No” does it means that the minimum processing capacity of the proposed technology can be lower than 2 tons/hour if it meets the execution program, and the proposed execution deadline?Answer:The document ‘Appendix 1 Requirements for the Technical Offer.docx’ was revised and published in the ‘Documents’ section. The quantities are aligned with the Scope of WorksThe bidders should provide a detailed explanation on the disposal process, supported by the relevant technical documentation3.1 The concrete is not part of this Scope of Works3.2 The Minimum processing capacity is set to ensure that the selected disposal facility has sufficient capacity for the disposal of waste. This is important, as the low or occupied capacities can incur additional costs if the waste is delayed for transportation and extended storage costs. To comply with this requirement, the bidders need to provide proof that the project quantities can be disposed of within the existing time frame. 

New clarification added: Questions:1)Regarding the additional online pre-bid meeting announced by UNOPS, during which vendors will have the opportunity to raise further questions :- Kindly confirm where on the eSourcing platform the announcement and/or access details for this meeting will be published, and whether a specific date and time have already been scheduled for its conduct.- We also understand that, through the eSourcing platform, all questions may be submitted at any time until 15 June 2026. Please confirm whether this deadline also applies to questions raised during or following the additional pre-bid meeting, or if a separate timeline will apply.2)In relation to the document “0.10 Dispute Details" of the ITB documentation:Could you please confirm whether the required disclosure is limited to material contractual disputes and related legal proceedings, or whether it is intended to cover all legal proceedings involving the bidder, regardless of their nature or materiality?3)With reference to the document "0.13 Bid/No Bid Confirmation", which states “Email: [insert UNOPS contact person’s email and do not enter secure bid email address]”:We kindly request clarification and confirmation of the corresponding UNOPS contact person’s email address that should be used for this purpose, since no contact person is indicated in the "Tender Particulars" section of the platform.Answers:1) The instructions for the Pre-bid meeting are included in the 'Particulars' section. Meeting minutes from the Pre-bid meeting will be published through the UNOPS eSourcing platform and all questions and answers will be available for all interested companies.The deadline for sending requests for clarifications is extended until 14.00 CEST on 01 July 2026 and the companies can ask for a clarification through the eSourcing platform until the deadline. All answered clarifications are published via eSourcing and are available to all interested bidders.2) Bidders shall submit a statement below providing details of any current contract dispute and/or arbitral or legal proceeding involving the bidder.3) The confirmation that the company will submit or will not submit the offer is done in the eSourcing platform under section 'Vendor confirmation'  

New clarification added: Question:Please clarify, it is written in the Scope of Work Photos and Annexes the following: "The Contractor may explore other possibilities in order to be able to use the needed installations (e.g. to communicate with the national electric distribution company- EVN for bringing the electricity from outside of the OHIS plant to the remediation site, then to establish enclosure, e.g. tent that can serve as a temporary storage or for the soil treatment plant, etc.)." Do you mean that the soil treatment plant may be installed and operated on-site? If so, could you please clarify how the bidder will be assured that the necessary environmental permits and approvals for the operation of such a facility can be obtained within the project timeframe?Answer:With reference to Annex 8 of the Scope of Works, it is stated that electricity may be brought from outside the OHIS plant to the remediation site and subsequently used to establish the enclosure. It should be noted that this service is already in place, as the environmental tent has been installed and the necessary electricity connection has been provided and is operational. Furthermore, the current works primarily involve off-site treatment activities, which are described under the Point 3, Scope of the Proposed Services of the SoW. The reference in Annex 8 should not be interpreted as a requirement for the installation and operation of an on-site soil treatment plant. However,should a Contractor propose an on-site treatment solution as part of its methodology, the installation and operation of such a facility shall be subject to the applicable national legislation and the requirements of the competent authorities i.e Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia. The Contractor will be responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals, permits and authorizations. The Contracting Authority cannot guarantee the issuance of permits of the timeframe required for their approval and bidders are expected to consider these requirements and associated risks when preparing their proposals and implementation schedule.

New clarification added: Questions:1. Request for a 30-day extension of the bid submission deadlineConsidering the complexity of the waste streams and the need to obtain formal acceptance from licensed hazardous waste treatment / incineration facilities, would UNOPS consider granting a 30-day extension of the bid submission deadline?This additional time would allow bidders to review the analytical data, submit the information to final disposal facilities, confirm waste acceptance conditions, and prepare a compliant technical and financial offer.2. Analytical data, photographs and details of external HCH wasteCould UNOPS please provide the full available analytical data, photographs and layout details for the external HCH waste dump, described as approximately 280 tons stored outside the δ-HCH dump, up to 100 m away.3. PFASHave PFAS ever been investigated, analysed or screened for at the OHIS site  waste materials?Answers:1. The current project timeline allowed us to extend the deadline for submission of offers until 07 July 20262. The additional site photos referring to the soil outside of the tent are publsihed in the 'Documents' section. At present, no analytical data are available for the external HCH waste dump located outside the environmental enclosure. Therefore, the Contractor shall be responsible for carrying out the necessary sampling and analyses to determine the nature and level of contamination of the materials present in this area. During the 2025 sampling and characterization activity of the δ-HCH dump, the experts involved in the sampling activity pointed out that the external dump contains approximately 1,400 tonnes of material, comprising approximately 1,120 tonnes of contaminated soil and 280 tonnes of HCH waste. These quantities are indicative only and should not be considered as analytically verified values for the external dump area. The HCH waste currently stored outside the enclosure will be required to be transferred back inside the environmental enclosure (tent), where it shall be repackaged and prepared for subsequent handling and disposal in accordance with the Contract requirements.3. PFAS have not been included in any known site investigation, characterization, or monitoring programme conducted at the OHIS site to date. The characterization and monitoring activities undertaken to date have primarily focused on contaminants associated with the historical production and storage activities at the site, including HCH isomers, related POPs, mercury, and other identified contaminants of concern.  

New clarification added: Question 1:We kindly request an extension of the tender submission deadline, preferably until 10 June 2026, to ensure the comprehensive preparation and submission of a complete and fully compliant proposal.Answer 1:The tender is extended until 14.00 CEST on 07 July 2026

New clarification added: Question 1:pls clarify- if the bidder is a Consortiumр created only for the purposes of the particular tender, which still isn't formally registered (there is a consortium contract, the consortium will be registered with VAT number after/if it is awarded) in Schedule 0.2 Bidder's information which company details to fill: The data of the Consortium or the data of the Leading partner? Answer 1:In case companies would like to submit the offer as a Joint venture (JV), the information should be provided for all JV members.All members of the JV have to comply with the eligibility criteria.The company that is to send the offer would also be the lead in case of a contract award, for the contract signing. The contract is awarded based on the evaluation of the tender criteria for the joint venture and therefore, new legal entities should not be part of the contract in case of the award.

New amendment added #2: - Extension of the deadline for submission of the offer until 14.00 CEST on 07 July 2026- Extension of the deadline for clarifications until 14.00 CEST on 01 July 2026- Publishing additional site photos in the Documents section- Publishing the revised version of the document 'Appendix 1 Requirements for the Technical Offer_Rev1.docx'- Added information on the Pre-bid meeting in the Particulars section

New clarification added: Question 1:The Bidder should submit "Permits and certificates issued by the responsible authority for the packaging operator (JV member, subcontractor)".Could you please confirm whether, at the tender submission stage, the bidder is required to provide a repackaging permit issued by the competent authority in the Republic of North Macedonia for all waste types listed in the Scope of Work, namely waste codes 02 01 08*, 07 04 13*, 16 03 05*, 20 01 19*, 17 05 03*, and 15 02 02*?Answer 1:At the tender submission stage, the Bidder (or the relevant JV member/subcontractor acting as the packaging operator) is not required to submit the specific repackaging permit for all listed waste codes, but has to identify the company for the packing intervention, if it is not done by its own capacities. The information on the company that will do packing and excavation needs to be provided, and any existing licenses should be submitted with the offer.Before the commencement of services, the selected contractor must submit the “Waste management permit for treatment of wastes,” issued by the MOEPP, listing the waste codes (02 01 08*, 07 04 13*, 16 03 05*, 20 01 19*, 17 05 03*, and 15 02 02*). . (re-packaging is one example of treatment of the waste) 

New clarification added: Q1:We would like to kindly request an extension of the submission deadline for the tender submission.Considering the complexity of the technical documentation, and the extensive requirements that must be carefully reviewed and addressed, additional time is required to prepare a comprehensive and high-quality proposal that fully complies with the tender requirements.An extension of the deadline would allow bidders to conduct a thorough assessment of the technical, financial, environmental, health and safety, and regulatory aspects of the project, thereby contributing to the submission of more robust and competitive proposals.We would therefore greatly appreciate your consideration of a reasonable extension to the submission deadline.A1:UNOPS plans to extend the deadline for the submission of offers. All bidders who expresed the interest in this tender will be informed of the tender revision once it is approved.

New clarification added: Q1:We hereby kindly request a site inspection to be conducted on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the project location. The purpose of the inspection is to review the current site conditions and address matters relevant to the ongoing works.We would appreciate your confirmation of attendance and any additional requirements or documentation needed prior to the visit.Please let us know the proposed time after 11.00 for the inspection at your earliest convenience.A1:The UNOPS organized a site visit on 02 June 2026. The information on the scheduled site visit was available in the Section 'Particulars'. The Site visit report was published through the UNOPS eSourcing platform for all potential suppliers to have the same information.UNOPS will additionally organize an online Pre-bid meeting on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 11.00 CEST. The information on this meeting will be included in the particulars sections as well as the information on how to register for the meeting. All interested bidders will receive the information on the change of the tender, once approved, and in this change the relevant information on the Pre-bid meeting will be available in Particulars section.

New clarification added: Q1. Question regarding Bid Security and Performance Security for a ConsortiumIn the event that the Bidder is a consortium (joint venture) consisting of two or more legal entities, could UNOPS kindly clarify whether it is relevant which consortium member provides and obtains the Bid Security and the Performance Security?More specifically, would it be acceptable for the Bid Security and/or the Performance Security to be issued at the request of, and on behalf of, any of the consortium members, provided that the relevant guarantee is issued in full compliance with the tender requirements and covers the obligations of the consortium under the procurement procedure and the contract?A1. The requested financial securities can be issued by the members of the Joint Venture; however, next to the Form for Joint Venture, the Joint Venture agreement should be additionally provided, signed by all members of the JV, where it is clearly stated which member will provide the financial securities, and both documents must be duly signed by all JV members. In case of the selection of the JV for the contract award with this scenario, UNOPS will provide detailed instructions on the adjustment to the text of the performance security. UNOPS will, as part of the evaluation process, contact the issuing banks of all bid securities to confirm the authenticity.

New clarification added: Q1: Regarding translation requirements for supporting documentsThe tender documentation states that the bid documentation shall be submitted in English language.Could UNOPS kindly clarify whether official documents originally issued in another language (e.g. permits, certificates, company registration documents, reference letters, contracts, financial documents, etc.) are required to be accompanied by certified/legalized translations into English?Furthermore, please clarify whether it is sufficient to submit:the original document in the language in which it was issued together with an English translation; ora certified/legalized English translation is mandatory for all official supporting documents.This clarification would assist bidders in ensuring full compliance with the submission requirements.A1: The official language of the tender is English and therefore, all documents prepared for the tender need to be in English. The original documents can be submitted in the original language, but the UNOPS evaluation team reserves the right to ask for clarification or translation in case the evaluation team cannot understand these documents. No certified/legalized translation is needed.

New clarification added: Q1. Document 4.1.B – Daywork ScheduleWe were unable to identify a dedicated submission field for Document 4.1.B – Daywork Schedule within the platform's Document Checklist.However, in the document “Small Works - 6 Solicitation - ITB 04 Sections II, III, IV, V” (page 1), it is stated that this document will not be used for the financial evaluation of the tender but may be considered when assessing the reasonableness of the proposed costs.Could you please confirm whether this document is required to be submitted as part of the tender? If so, kindly indicate the appropriate submission field within the platform.A1: As stated in the tender documentation, the Daywork schedule can be used for assessing the reasonableness of the proposed cost. Therefore, this schedule should be filled in and uploaded to section 4.1A together with the Bill of quantities, as the system allows multiple documents to be uploaded to the same placeholder.Q2. Document 0.9 – DRiVE Supplier Sustainability QuestionnaireWe noted that the link provided in the relevant document is not accessible.Could you please share the correct link or advise on the appropriate method for accessing the questionnaire, so that we may review the requirements and supporting documentation to be submitted?A2: The DRiVE Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire is available through UNOPS eSourcing platform in the Section Vendor Submission - Supplier FormsQ3. Document 4.8 – Sources of Naturally Occurring MaterialsSimilarly, we were unable to identify a corresponding submission field in the platform's Document Checklist for Document 4.8 – Sources of Naturally Occurring Materials.Please advise whether submission of this document is required and, if so, under which field it should be uploaded.A3. Document 4.8 is not mandatory to fill in. In case the bidders would like to provide this document, it can be uploaded within the field ‘Technical offer documentation as per Appendix 1’.Q4. Work PlanThe platform's Document Checklist includes a requirement for the submission of a Work Plan. However, we have not been able to locate any further references or instructions within the tender documentation regarding its required content.Could you please provide guidance on the expected scope and content of the Work Plan, or alternatively, indicate the document in which the relevant requirements are described?Thank you in advance for your assistance. We look forward to your clarification.A4: The tender criteria refer to the preparation of the General Work Plan in the given timespan of 30 months as defined in the Scope of Works. In addition to the General Work Plan, the bidders should prepare the detailed Programme and Method Statement, with the definition of the whole process for intervention, standards, Health and safety instructions, subcontractors, division of roles in the process, and any relevant Standard Operating Procedures. The detailed programme and method statement should cover all the relevant aspects of the intervention and respond to all requirements set out in the tender documentation. All of the mentioned documents should be prepared in a free form, but in the systematyzed manner, so the evaluation committee can evaluate relevant plans and programmes against the tender requirements. There are several placeholders for the Programme, Method statements and plan, and if necessary, the documentation can be divided or prepared as a single document and uploaded into one of these placeholders.

New clarification added: Q1:Regarding the tender ITB/2026/61694 - Clean-up of Contaminated Sites at the Former OHIS Factory in Skopje – remediation of the “small dump” (delta-HCH dump),We kindly request the delivery of the following study:"TAUW (2025) North-Macedonia - Provision of services of the additional Site Investigation related to the Clean-up Activities of Delta HCH waste dump, R002-1299623VBE-V01"A1: The Site investigation report from 2025 was added to the Documents section

New clarification added: Q1:Regarding the tender ITB/2026/61694 - Clean-up of Contaminated Sites at the Former OHIS Factory in Skopje – remediation of the “small dump” (delta-HCH dump),we kindly request the delivery of "Section I: Instructions to Bidders".Could you please provide us with this specific section or guide us on how to access it directly, as we are preparing our submission.A1:The "Section I: Instructions to Bidders" added to the Documents section

New amendment added #1: - Added Site visit report held on 02 June 2026 in the Documents section- Added Section I Instruction for tenderers in the Documents section- Added Additional Site Investigation Report in the Documents section

New clarification added: Dear Vendors,Thank you for your interest in our tender.Please be aware that for entering the environmental enclosure, proper Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used. In case vendors do not have the PPE, the representatives can only attend the intro session in front of the site.Best regards,UNOPS Team

New clarification added: Question:With relevance to the conduction of the site visit on Tuesday, 2nd of June, we hereby would like to declare our company's participation. Answer:UNOPS thanks you for your interest in our tender and the site visit. Please take into consideration that for the site visit, all participants have to be properly dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPE should be provided by the bidders that express the interest for the site visit. 

New clarification added: Question 4 – Dismantling / demobilization4.1 Please clarify whether the future Contractor will be required to dismantle, remove or demobilize the existing environmental enclosure / tent structure and/or NPUs at the end of the Works under the current Scope of works.4.2   In case the future Contractor will be required to dismantle, remove or demobilize the existing environmental enclosure / tent structure and/or NPUs:a) please clarify the legal basis for such dismantling, if the equipment is owned by a third party;b) please confirm that the future Contractor will have the owner’s consent (a prior written agreement with the lawful owner), and the future Contractor will not be required to dismantle or interfere with equipment owned by a third party without the owner’s consent;c) please indicate under which BoQ item the relevant cost should be priced.Answers:4.1   No. The dismantling, removal or demobilisation of the existing environmental enclosure, NPUs or any other third-party equipment currently on site is not included in the Scope of Works and does not form part of this contract. The future contractor is required to demobilise only the equipment and materials it has itself deployed for the execution of the remediation works, as specified in the SoW and BoQ.4.2  a)  Not applicable. The future contractor will not be required to dismantle, remove, or demobilise the existing environmental enclosure, NPUs or any other third-party equipment. No such obligation exists under this contract. As previously responded in previous questions, the dismantling, removal, and demobilization of the existing enclosure is subject to another UNOPS contract.       b)   Same as the answer above.       c)   As previously stated, this is not applicable, as such, there is no BoQ item in the current tender.  Question 5 – Contractor’s own equipmentIf the existing environmental enclosure / tent structure and NPUs are not Employer-supplied equipment/facilities and are not available to bidders, please confirm that each bidder shall:(a) provide its own enclosure / containment solution (if required by its methodology);(b) provide its own negative pressure system, air treatment system and water treatment system;(c) be fully responsible for installation, operation, maintenance, insurance and demobilization of such equipment at its own cost.Answers: a)  The SoW does not require the future contractor to provide an environmental enclosure or containment solution as a deliverable under this contract. Bidders must prepare their methodologies and offers in accordance with the SoW and BoQ as published. The provision of the environmental enclosure and NPU will be subject to another UNOPS contract.b)  See Reply 5(a)c)  See reply 5(a)Question 6 – Equal treatment of biddersFor the purpose of ensuring equal treatment of bidders and comparability of offers, please clarify whether all bidders shall prepare their offers on the basis that no existing third-party-owned equipment located at the OHIS site is available for use, unless expressly listed in the tender documents as Employer-supplied equipment/facilities or they have secured the owner’s prior written consent.Answers In the interest of equal treatment for all participants, please note that costs for the enclosure and the NPU should not be included in your financial submission. In accordance with the tender documents (SoW and BoQ), please provide pricing exclusively for the remediation activities.

New clarification added: Question 1 – Existing environmental enclosure and NPUs - Availability to biddersThe tender documents refer to the environmental enclosures/temporary enclosures, negative pressure arrangements and air treatment / monitoring requirements.1.     Please clarify whether bidders are entitled to assume, in their technical and financial offers, that the existing environmental enclosure / tent structure, NPUs, air treatment systems, negative pressure systems or any associated equipment currently located at the OHIS site will be available for use during the execution of the Works.2.     If the existing environmental enclosure/tent structure and Negative Pressure Units (NPUs) currently installed at the OHIS site can be used by the future contractor, kindly clarify whether they are included in the assets, equipment or facilities made available by the Employer to the future Contractor.3.     Please confirm whether such equipment is owned by the Employer / UNOPS / Government of North Macedonia or by another third party;Answers:1.     In line with the SoW and accompanying Bill of Quantities, the technical and financial offer should be prepared for the remediation works. The current site setup is provided for the information purpose on the current state of affairs.2.     The existing environmental enclosure and Negative Pressure Unit are subject to another UNOPS contract, and as such the asset treatment of the existing equipment is not subject to this tender and future contractor for this tender.3.     For the preparation of the offers for this tender, the bidders should include only costs related to the SoW and BoQ. The provision of the environmental enclosure and NPU is subject to another UNOPS contract.Question 2 – Cost / fee for use1.     If the use of the existing environmental enclosure / tent structure and/or NPUs and/or other equipment is intended or permitted, please clarify whether the future Contractor will be required to pay any rental fee, usage fee, maintenance fee, access fee, insurance cost, reinstatement cost or any other compensation for such use.2.     If yes, kindly define such costs3.      Please also clarify under which BoQ item such costs should be included.Answers1.      The existing on-site equipment is not the subject of this tender and does not form part of this contract. The question of fees or costs for its use does not arise. No such costs are included in the BoQ and bidders must not factor any assumption regarding this equipment into their financial offers.2.      Not applicable. As confirmed in Reply 2.1, no such costs exist under this contract.3.      Not applicable. As confirmed in Replies 2.1 and 2.2, no such costs are defined in or should be added to the BoQ.Question 3 – Operation, maintenance and liability3.1        If the existing environmental enclosure / tent structure and/or NPUs and/or other equipment are to be used during the works execution, please clarify who will be responsible for:(a) operation; (b) maintenance; (c) periodic inspections and certifications; (d) structural integrity; (e) negative pressure performance; (f) air treatment performance; (g) damage, malfunction or breakdown; (h) insurance coverage;  (i) health, safety and environmental (HSSE) risks and liabilities; (j) environmental compliance and emissions.3.2        Please also clarify how liability will be allocated in case of incidents or non-compliance. Answers3.1     As confirmed in previous replies, the existing environmental enclosure, NPUs and associated equipment are not the subject of this tender and do not form part of this contract. The future contractor is solely responsible for all equipment, personnel and operations it deploys in the execution of the remediation works, in full compliance with the SoW, applicable law, and HSSE requirements.3.2     The allocation of liability under this contract (Construction Contract for Small Works) is governed by the General Conditions of Contract and the applicable provisions of the SoW.