ITB Construction Contract for Small Works - Construction Works in Tuvalu of Package 1: PMH Diagnostics & Day Surgery Centre and Transit Store Building in Funafuti; and Package 2: Niulakita Clinic building in Niulakita

New amendment added #6: This amendment is  to update file Small_Works_ITB_Section II, III, IV, V - Construction Works Tuvalu (last page) to put the link of additional Annex 30 (1 folder) - Various (Arch Specs,Schedules and Plan)

New clarification added: QUESTION:The drawings reference details for the slab canopy, aluminium battens, sunshade fins and feature blade walls. However, the corresponding detail drawings and specifications have not been provided in the tender documents. Please confirm if these will be issued.ANSWER:Aluminium Battens and Sunshade Fins:   Fixed Framed Multi Piece 50mm Louvre Blades (Square End), refer to B11.1_Schedule of External Finishes_3Slab Canopy: Please refer to the Section Detail sheets A.06.001 through A.06.006. For reinforcement requirements, please refer to structural drawings.Feature Blade Wall: Please refer to the following documents for comprehensive details:Architectural Drawing: A.02.22Structural Drawings:-Blade wall (W1 and SW3): Refer to drawing S.2.02.-W1 Detail: Refer to Detail 2 on drawing S.5.31.-SW3 Schedule: Refer to drawing S.0.16.An updated annex will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please refer to new Annex 30 

New clarification added: QUESTION #1:The BOQ (Bill 02, Items C.4 and C.5) specifies cement-sand plaster to internal walls. However, Drawings A02.31(B), A02.33(B), A02.34(B) and A02.35(B) specify 13 mm fire-rated Gyprock plasterboard wall linings to all dry areas, while the Internal Finish Schedule specifies 13 mm standard Gyprock plasterboard wall linings. Please confirm the required internal wall finish and whether fire-rated plasterboard is required.ANSWER:It is non-fire rated plasterboard. An updated annex will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please refer to new Annex 30QUESTION #2:The tender documents do not identify the wall insulation requirements. The Internal Finish Schedule references R2.0, R2.5, R2.7 and R4.0 insulation. Please confirm which wall types require each insulation rating.ANSWER:The Internal Finish Schedule is updated to specify a single wall insulation type R3 for internal walls (acoustic + thermal). In addendum 2 document, please refer to pages 7 of the internal schedule (WT-IS) for these details.  Please refer to Architectural Specification Section 0471: Insulation and Sarking Membranes for guidance. An updated annex will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please refer to new Annex 30QUESTION #3:The BOQ (Bill 02, Item C.4) specifies cement-sand plaster to internal ceilings. However, the drawings and Internal Finish Schedule indicate plasterboard ceiling linings. Please confirm the required internal ceiling finish.ANSWER:It is non fire rated Plasterboard. An updated annex will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please refer to new Annex 30QUESTION #4:The drawings identify five ceiling types, while the Internal Finish Schedule includes only three ceiling finishes. Please confirm the required ceiling finish for each ceiling type.ANSWER:For more details, an updated Internal Finish Schedule have been  issued. The revised documentation have  specified  four distinct finishes for internal ceiling types and one finish for external ceilings. An updated annex will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please refer to new Annex 30QUESTION #5:The door hardware schedule has not been provided in the tender documents. Please confirm if this will be issued.ANSWER:Additional information with revised  Door Hardware Schedule is  provided. An updated annex will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please refer to new Annex 30, Revised Door Hardware Schedule 

New clarification added: ICT/Comms (New Clarifications)1. The scope/plans mention a 40mm duct in slab but we're struggling to find this in any plan detail. This doesn’t seem related to the PA system. Please clarify.ANSWER: Please refer to Drawing C.07 for the designated routing of the 40 mm system. Note that the 40 mm specification applies exclusively to the upper floor, whereas distinct requirements apply to the ground floor.2. What audio interface does the fire system require to the PA system? Is this just a mute function so when in a fire alarm state, the PA system is muted? Please clarify.ANSWER: In the event of an emergency, the Public Address (PA) system must feature an automatic mute override. The Fire Alarm signal shall override all other audio signals and active broadcasts during an emergency. 3. There is a mismatch between plans and BOQ on the access-controlled doors and componentry. C09-C10 show 20 doors, C100 indicates 18 doors, BOQ suggests 19 doors - which is it please? Please also clarify what the component listed as H4.4.4 Electric Strike Lock in the BOQ is for, the plans don’t indicate what 3 doors these relate to, and there seem to be mag locks allowed for all doors anyway.ANSWER: Bidder should quote the price as per the BoQ.4. The BOQ mentions 2 x Starlinks (H.4.2.7) and then a third (optional) in I.1 - please clarify if this means three or is an admin error?ANSWER: Bidder should price as per the BoQ. In case of necessary for changes, we will address in an amendment during implementation.5. The plans suggest that the majority of the walls are lined with 13mm fire rated plasterboard. Are there any plans which denote the fire cells/zones, or do we assume all walls are fire rated walls? This will affect the type of flush boxes to be used, as  fire rated walls will require metal flush boxes with intumescent pads.ANSWER: It is no fire rated plasterboard. An updated annex will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please refer to new Annex 30, Revised Door Hardware Schedule6. Sheet E08 in the electrical plans refers to a floor box with power/data services, but the FB legend doesn’t appear on the plan. This loosely connects into other questions previously asked about the absence of video conferencing wiring in the meeting/board rooms. Please clarify. ANSWER: Floor box is not required.

New clarification added: Electrical (New Clarifications)1. The BESS sizing detail is not sufficient. Please clarify requred the KW storage, KWHr capacity and discharge C rate.ANSWER: The bidders should submit a proposal based on the provided manufacturer specifications and ensuring submission reflects the recommended kW power rating, total kWh capacity, and required discharge C-rate. Recommended Baseline Specifications:Total Battery Capacity: 11,900 AhEnergy Capacity: 572 kWhContinuous Discharge Power: 143 kW Discharge C-Rate: 0.25C (C/4)Proposed Configuration: 3 × 200 kWh BESS units2. Please clarify if the BESS / PV is AC- or DC-Coupled, as the schedule and SLD are conflicting.ANSWER: It should be a DC system - convert using inverter.3. 9x 15kW inverters are noted under the BESS schedule – a single BESS PCS would be installed and will tie into a renewable switchboard with the PV inverter. The format of the BESS"inverter" may bot have 9x15kW "inverter chargers" as commercially BESS technology is very differrent and has advanced dramatically. Please confirm that our offer will be technically acceptable if a single BESS PCS is offered which matches the design intent and capacity.ANSWER: A bidder's offer will be considered technically acceptable if it follows the BoQ.  4. The switchboards have a specified rating of 50kA which is massively oversized and is not technically available for such a low rated switchboards (max 400A). Please confirm that our offer will be technically acceptable for a realistic fault level where we are proposing 10kA for this installation, noting that the final fault value will need to be calculated and provided by the engineer.ANSWER: Please price your bid as per the BOQ specified rating.5. The switchboards standard mentioned in the specification is an outdated standard (AS/NZS 3439), AS/NZS 3000 Clause 2.10.3.2 requires switchboards rated 125 A per phase or greater, or subject to 10 kA prospective fault current or greater, to comply with AS/NZS 3439 or AS/NZS 61439; AS/NZS 3439 is superseded, so AS/NZS 61439 is the correct current pathway.This is a deviation to the specification. Please clarify if this deviation is acceptable, or if it will result in a non-conforming offer.ANSWER: As mentioned in the previous responses too, bidder should stick with the specifications indicated in the tender document in preparing ther offer. If it is necessary to amendment, we will consider during implementation stage.6. There is mention of a separate 400A ATS. This is shown as located in the MSB SLD, but in the pricing schedule this is shown as located with the 250kVA DEG and 300kVA transformer, the arc drawings also show a ‘ATS’ located in the outside building but the electrical drawing pack has removed this. Please clarify whether to work to BOQ or Drawings.ANSWER: Yes, the bidders should quote prices as per the BoQ.7. The 100A ATS is separated out for the 50kVA generator however this is incorporated with the same Main SWBD. Please clarify whether to work to BOQ or Drawings.ANSWER: Yes, the bidders should quote prices as per the BoQ.8. The specification states 800W solar panels and the drawings specify 700W panels. 800W panels are not available and 700W size is difficult to source (625W can be sourced).A quick design check of the roof area in design software shows that potentially this installation could yield max 80kW-DCpk with 700W panels (not 95.2kW) and using extra space on the concrete roof. Please clarify if we are to price to what has been provided in the specification even if it is not technically realistic or readily commercially availableANSWER: The design specification is based on a standard 800W rating. The bidder should price as per Quantities (BoQ) which in line with Specification. 

New clarification added: We kindly request the following to enable accurate and compliant pricing for all bidders:ICT/Comms (Further Clarification Required)HDMI Ports: Original Request: Please provide details on where the HDMI ports are required to run to, as these are not detailed in the drawings. Original Response: Referring to electrical drawing sheet No. E07 & E08 for nominated locations of HDMI portAdditional Request: We see the HDMI ports noted in the plans, it’s not clear where the other end of said HDMI connection terminates. Please clarify.ANSWER: Additional information will be provided to the selected contractor during implementation stage.Telephone Ports: ​​Original Request: Please provide details on the demarcation point for incoming voice lines and PBXOriginal Response: Refer to electrical drawing sheet No. C03 & C04 for nominated locations of Telephone ports.Additional Request: Our question was asking where the telephone lines enter the building. The internal wiring for telephones is clear in the documentation, but there does not appear to be anything on the plans as to how they connect to the outside world. Please clarify.ANSWER: The selected bidder shall coordinate with the Hospital management, local telephone and internet service providers to determine and establish the optimal utility connection point.Fibre ISP: ​​​Original Request: Please clarify if a demarcation point, for the distributed fibre ISP service to be installed into the main server cabinet, has been allowed for .Original Response: The Contractor shall allow for a 4-core Single Mode Optical Fibre (4C SMOF) link from the nearest Tuvalu Telecommunications service connection to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF), complete with all conduits, terminations and associated accessories. Additional Request: Please advise the nearest telecommunications service connection location.ANSWER: Bidders are advised for the local survey as well if it is critical for bidding. The selected bidder shall coordinate directly with the hospital management, local telephone and internet service providers to determine and establish the optimal utility connection point.Starlink: ​​Original Request: Is a full network deployment required? Please provide details on network switching/routing requirements if so.Original Response:The contractor shall allow for the Starlink system as a price option, in their formal Tender submission. Additional Request:This question was about the internal network that the Starlink connects to. The tender docs do not appear to detail any network switching/routing/firewalling. A single comment about a failover router is mentioned, but this is a very vague. Are we to provide pricing on a full network topology including network switches (to support Wi-Fi access points, computers, CCTV cameras, and other IP connected devices)? And are we to provide a network router/firewall? If we are, we would like to understand the technical and cyber security requirements of this.ANSWER: Please prepare your proposal based on the scope. The internal network infrastructure in not in the scope. UNOPS also would like to highlight that Starlink is added as an optional item. 

New clarification added: QUESTION:After considerable review of the tender documentation, we kindly request the following to enable accurate and compliant pricing for all bidders in regard to the Solar/PV package:What result is expected from solar and battery storage. With the Grid supply in Tuvalu being very unreliable, do we want partial or a near total off grid system. The specs call for 95 kW solar and 1000Amp hour battery. This will only give minimal back up power, with a large part of solar production either returned to the grid or not used at all.Solar system of panels with optimisers coupled with charge controllers are probably not suitable in this instance. String wired panel arrays connected to suitable inverters in a BESS with batteries would be a more efficient and reliable system to this situation. Containerised BESS would give security of batteries from weather conditions and lockable access.Panels rated at 800 watts installed on a tilt frames between 18 to 36 degrees will not work on this roof. Adequate spacing between rows to avoid shading will reduce the amount of panel that can be installed. Tilt frames on these angles are probably not desirable in high wind locations.A 250 KVA generator seems to be an overkill. 50 KVA generator for OT only back up is also questionable.Would there be enough space for a 20 ft BESS container to be installed at this site.Are we able to bet a maximum demand calculation for this site.ANSWER:1) The design rely 100% on the Solar PV system.2) Please be advised that site spatial constraints do not allow for a containerized system. All BESS equipment, supporting solar PV systems, and associated electrical infrastructure must be housed within the dedicated rooftop electrical room. Please refer to Sheet E.500 and Sheet E.10.3) Bidders are advised to verify the exact roof slope against the Architectural drawings. Solar PV panels must be mounted at a tilt angle matching the pitch specified by the Architect.4)  Bidders shall price their proposals as per BoQ for a 250 kVA generator set for the main hospital facilities and a dedicated 50 kVA generator set for the Operating Theater (OT).5) Due to site space restrictions, standard 20 ft BESS containers are not feasible. Bidders shall allow for a compact BESS solution designed to fit within the designated footprint.6) The bidder should quote the price based on the avaialable information. Please refer to Electrical Load Report (R1). UNOPS will not issue additional information at this tender stage. 

New amendment added #5: This amendment is to extend the tender deadline to 30 July 2026

New clarification added: QUESTION:We kindly request an extension of 2 weeks to the closing date.ANSWER:The timeline for bid closing is extended up to 30 July 2026. This will reflect in the system soon. 

New clarification added: QUESTION:After careful review of the tender documents we have identified a number of discrepancies, errors or omissions in the BOQ. How should bidders treat these, noting qualifications to the bid are not permitted? Is the BOQ a contract document?ANSWER:UNOPS confirms that the Bill of Quantities forms part of the tender documents and, upon award, will form part of the Contract, subject to the order of precedence stated in the Conditions of Contract.Bidders shall price all BOQ items and quantities as officially issued by UNOPS, including any subsequent addenda, and shall read the BOQ together with the drawings, specifications, schedules and all other tender documents. Bidders shall not amend the BOQ, introduce additional items, change quantities or descriptions, or qualify their bids unless expressly instructed by UNOPS.Any identified discrepancy, error or omission should be submitted to UNOPS before the clarification deadline, identifying the relevant BOQ item, drawing and specification references. UNOPS will review the matter and, where a correction or change is required, issue a formal clarification, addendum or revised BOQ to all bidders. Only formal clarifications and addenda issued by UNOPS shall modify the tender documents.If no amendment is issued, bidders shall submit the bid based on the tender documents as issued. Any discrepancy subsequently identified will be administered in accordance with the applicable Contract provisions, including the order of precedence, measurement and valuation, and Variation provisions. During the tender process, if bidders identify discrepancies between the BOQ and drawings, please use the BOQ. 

New clarification added: QUESTION #1The tender documents do not include details or specifications for the cool room wall panels. Please provide the relevant details and specifications.ANSWER:Cool room wall panels are not required for this project, as all necessary cooling is provided by standalone medical-grade refrigerators.QUESTION #2:The drawings and BOQ specify 0.55 BMT steel studs, while the specifications require 0.75 BMT steel studs. Please confirm the required steel stud thickness.ANSWER:The specified thickness is 0.55 mm BMT as mentioned in the BoQ and Drawing. All bidders should quote prices as per the BoQ and drawing in this case and it is acceptable.QUESTION #3:Drawing A02.11,12,13 and 14(Floor Plans) do not identify any joinery numbers, and the BOQ does not include any joinery items. However, joinery items are shown on the room detail drawings. Please confirm whether these items form part of the contract scope.ANSWER:There is joinery items on the ground floor (reception, nurses' station, and staff rooms) and the first floor (reception, staff room, kitchen, and dining area). Additional details if needed will be provided to the selected bidder.QUESTION #4:Loose furniture is shown on the room detail drawings; however, no corresponding schedule or BOQ items have been provided. Please confirm whether the loose furniture forms part of the contract scope.ANSWER:Loose furnitures are shown for layout purposes. Loose furnitures are not in the scope of this contract.QUESTION $5:Please confirm whether Wall Finish WF-1(Render) also applies to the internal face of Wall Type WT-01.ANSWER:Confirmed. Wall Finish WF-1 applies to the internal face of Wall Type WT-01. Final color selection is subject to approval by the UNOPS and Hospital during implementation.QUESTION #6:Structural Drawing S0.01 (General Notes) specifies joists, rafters, purlins, beams and posts as DF #1 or SG10. Please confirm whether the project rafters and purlins are required to be SG10(NZ) and advise the required treatment class.ANSWER:All project rafter and purlines to meet DF#1 or SG10 (NZ). The all interior timbers (fully enclosed and protected from water) shall be minimum H1.2 Class treated . The exterior timbers exposed to weathe shall be minimum H3.2 class treated based on NZS3640 standardsBest Regards 

New clarification added: QUESTIONWe note that bidders are not permitted to submit departures, qualifications or amendments to the Conditions of Contract or mandatory contractual requirements. The items below are therefore not submitted as departures or qualifications. They are raised as compliance clarifications where the drawings/specifications appear inconsistent with the applicable codes, standards or mandatory project requirements. We request the Employer confirm the compliant requirement and, where necessary, issue an addendum so all bidders price on the same basis:The switchboards standard mentioned in the specification is an outdated standard (AS/NZS 3439), AS/NZS 3000 Clause 2.10.3.2 requires switchboards rated 125 A per phase or greater, or subject to 10 kA prospective fault current or greater, to comply with AS/NZS 3439 or AS/NZS 61439; AS/NZS 3439 is superseded, so AS/NZS 61439 is the correct current pathway. This is a deviation to the specification, so please confirm if this deviation is acceptable.The ICT/Comss specification calls for call for the structured cabling to be ISO11801 standard, however the 11801 standard generally does not support the specifed double comms outlet (RJ122 6-pin). Please advise if it is acceptable to change all non-compliant data outlets to ISO11801-compliant RJ45 (8-pin) outlets.The plans suggest a 200mm wide cable tray for combined electrical/data cable routing. However, a 200mm tray does not give the required physical separation of data and power in accordance with ISO11801. Please advise if an appropriate change can be reflected in the BOQ.ANSWERUNOPS noted your comments on this. However, we are not able to make any BoQ items at this point in time. UNOPS suggests that bidders price the offers based on the current specifications indicated in the BOQ. We might amend and update it later during implementation with the selected contractor through a contract variation. 

New clarification added: QUESTION #1 - General Fill Requirement. Notes and labels on the structural drawings indicate acceptance of backfill material under the Foundation piers and the Slab as approved by the engineer and required by Geotech. However, the structural specifications do not note where or what gravel fill type will be accepted. We also note that there is a high potential of existing medical waste being excavated from the foundation rendering this fill usable for HSE reasons. Can you please indicate: 1. Whether the suspected highly saline dredge material in Tuvalu is suitable? is there concern of early corrosion in the Foundation piers? how should the contractor treat this risk. ANSWER:Saline dredged material shall not be used as structural fill beneath foundations, unless it is tested and approved by geotechnical  engineer QUESTION #2:2. Should the contractor allow for the re use of excavated material found building footprint and the client take the risk of potential contamination?ANSWER:Excavated material shall not be  reused for structural backfill unless shown that is free of contamination, medical waste, organic material by tests and approved by the engineer. QUESTION #3:3. Should the contractor allow for imported material? - if so please provide a specification.ANSWER:The Contractor may use imported structural fill approved by engineer if the suitable on-site material is unavailable. The imported material shall be clean, well-graded, free of organic and harm full material; the test to be provided to confirm that is it as non-aggressive to buried concrete and reinforcement. The structural fill shall be compacted at least  95% Modified Proctor Density (ASTM D1557) unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. Place structure backfill in uniform layers not exceeding 200 mm thick before compacting. Bring backfill up uniformly on all sides. Do not use compaction equipment or methods that may cause excessive displacement or damage structures. 

New clarification added: QUESTION #1Please clarify the following items relevant to the services pacakges, to enable accurate and compliant pricing. This information is requested to clarify the existing site infrastructure, confirm integration requirements, and ensure all bidders price the services packages on a consistent basis:ElectricalPlease confirm the location of the  400A ATS. It is shown in the MSB SLD, but in the pricing schedule it is located with the 250kVA DEG and 300kVA transformer. The Architectural drawings also show an ‘ATS’ located in the Genset Shed but the electrical drawing pack has removed this.Please confirm the applicable seismic G rating for Tuvalu, to allow the required seismic protection measures for electrical infrastructure to be appropriately assessed and included.ANSWER:The bidder shall refer to the electrical services drawings for details and location regarding the MSB & ATS panels.The ATS is documented as a built-in and forms part of the MSB panel, and located within the electrical switch-room on the ground floor of the New PMH building.Due to the low seismicity of Tuvalu, there are no specific seismic design requirements under this project.NBCT (2024) section B2.1.2QUESTION #2 MechanicalPlease provide the contact details for the existing Building Management System (BMS) contractor/vendor responsible for the installed BMS at the hospital. This information is required to obtain pricing for integration of the new hospital control systems into the existing BMS, and to confirm compatibility with the existing installation and control architecture.ANSWER:There are no existing BMS on site. The bidder shall nominate and include pricing for both the mechanical HVAC system/supplier, including the appropriate BMS system, compatible with the  new mechanical HVAC system.QUESTION #3 ICT/CommsPlease provide the following information to allow the ICT/Comms package to be appropriately pricedThe current network topology diagram;The current internet service provider details;Details of the existing fibre backbone between buildings;The make and model of the current core switches and firewall;Confirmation of any spare fibre cores available for connection to the new building;Details of the current nurse call, CCTV and access control systems, including makes and models where relevant;Confirmation whether the new building is to be integrated into the existing network or operate independently; andConfirmation of who will own and maintain the integrated network following handover.ANSWER:The new PMH building will require a new electrical, fire, security & ICT infrastructure. The bidder shall nominate and include pricing from reputable and reliable service providers for the electrical, fire, security & ICT infrastructures.The bidder shall directly engage the services of the Tuvalu Energy Corporation for the supply and procurement of the 3-Phase transformer, and the services of the Tuvalu Telecom for the supply and procurement of the backbone fibre link, to the new PMH building.In addition, all PA system, including the nurses call system, must be coordinated and compatible with the fire alarm & detection system panel. 

New amendment added #4: This amendment is to update file Small_Works_ITB_Section II, III, IV, V - Construction Works Tuvalu (last page) to put the link of additional Annex 29 (1 folder) - Wall and Floor Tile (Lot 1 and 2)

New clarification added: QUESTION:In regards to the Comms package, can the following please be clarified:- Gallagher Access Control Panel: The Access Control Panel is labelled as a 'Gallagher' unit. Is this a brand to be adhered to, or are alternative options viable?- HDMI Ports: Please provide details on where the HDMI ports are required to run to, as these are not detailed in the drawings - Telephone Ports: Please provide details on the demarcation point for incoming voice lines and PBX- Telephone and Data Ports: RJ11 ports are specified in drawings and RJ12 are specified in schedules for phones. Structured cabling is to be ISO11801 compliant, which does not support RJ11/12 outlets. Please confirm if all RJ11/12 ports can be substituted for RJ45 ports- Fibre ISP: Please clarify if a demarcation point, for the distributed fibre ISP service to be installed into the main server cabinet, has been allowed for - Starlink: Is a full network deployment required? Please provide details on network switching/routing requirements if so. ANSWER:- Gallagher Access Control Panel: Brand to be Gallagher or equal alternative- HDMI Ports: Refer to electrical drawing sheet No. E07 & E08 for nominated locations of HDMI ports.- Telephone Ports: Refer to electrical drawing sheet No. C03 & C04 for nominated locations of Telephone ports.- Telephone and Data Ports: Yes, RJ11/12 ports can be substituted for RJ45 ports.- Fibre ISP: The Contractor shall allow for a 4-core Single Mode Optical Fibre (4C SMOF) link from the nearest Tuvalu Telecommunications service connection to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF), complete with all conduits, terminations and associated accessories.- Starlink: The contractor shall allow for the Starlink system as a price option, in their formal Tender submission. 

New clarification added: QUESTION:The wall and floor tile schedule appears incomplete. Please clarify the wall and floor tile schedule.ANSWER:The architectural team has updated the Finishes Schedule to provide full clarification on the wall and floor tile requirements. An updated schedule will be issued to all bidders as an addendum. Please find the additional Annex 29 (1 folder) - Wall and Floor Tile (Lot 1 & 2) in this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17l-_WIieBvj4sUogZhPHPdLxPkrv8aQF  

New clarification added: QUESTION:The operating philosophy of the PV Solar and BESS is not entirely clear. Could this be clarified please, and confirm if the BESS, PV, and Diesel Generators are expected to operate as an 'island mode' micro-grid?ANSWER:The Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are provided as a supplementary backup power source for the Essential Section of the New PMH Main Switchboard, as shown on the Single Line Diagram. The standby diesel generator(s) provide the primary emergency power supply following loss of the utility supply.Bidders shall base their submissions on the power system arrangement shown on the tender drawings. No additional operating philosophy beyond that shown on the tender documents is required for tender purposes. 

New clarification added: QUESTION:Body and cardiac-protected patient areas are not defined on the electrical drawings. Could details be provided on these medical electrically classified areas please. ANSWER:The Operation Theatre and Procedure Room are Elecrically classified as Cardiac protected area and other medical areas are classifed as Body Protected medical area. Remaining area such as Plant, training room, staff room, Corridors and public waiting spaces are not medically classied. 

New clarification added: QUESTION:Regarding the electrical package - The power autonomy requirements of the UPS are not listed anywhere. Could you please provide these details so that a suitable unit size can be determined. ANSWER:The UPS shall be sized to support the connected UPS loads for a minimum autonomy period of 30 minutes upon loss of normal power supply.For tender pricing, the Contractor shall allow for a 20 kVA, three-phase, 415 V, 50 Hz UPS system, complete with batteries, bypass arrangement, protection, cabling, ventilation/clearance requirements, testing and commissioning. 

New clarification added: QUESTION:Regarding the electrical package - The main SLD does not appear to have an operating philosophy outlining normal and emergency states. Could this please be clarified in order for the switchboards to be correctly specified and to comply with relevant standards.ANSWER:Under normal operating conditions, the New Princess Margaret Hospital Diagnostics and Day Surgery Centre shall be supplied from the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation (TEC) network via a 300 kVA transformer connected to the Main Switchboard (MSB).Upon failure of the normal utility supply, the standby diesel generator(s) shall supply the essential electrical distribution system through the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). Non-essential loads shall remain disconnected unless otherwise shown on the Single Line Diagram (SLD).The emergency, standby and supplementary power supply arrangements, including the standby generators, ATS, solar PV system, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and essential/non-essential distribution, are shown on Electrical Drawing E100 – Main Single Line Diagram (SLD). 

New clarification added: QUESTION:Please provide clarifications for the following, pertinent to Lot 1 (PMH New Diagnostic and Day Surgery Centre):Q #1:The total scope of medical fitout beyond the medical gas reticulation system. Is the medical fitout to be considered a "Group 3" fit-out?ANSWER:No. The medical fit-out shall not be considered a standard commercial "Group 3" fit-out. The facility is a Healthcare/Clinical Facility (Class 9a) and shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the applicable healthcare standards and statutory requirements.The Contractor shall provide all works in accordance with the Contract Documents, including compliance with the relevant healthcare standards for medical electrical installations, medical gas systems and associated clinical services, including but not limited to:AS/NZS 3003 – Electrical Installations – Patient Areas;AS 2896 – Medical Gas Systems – Installation and Testing; andOther applicable Australian/New Zealand Standards referenced in the Contract.The Contractor shall coordinate all electrical, medical gas and associated building services required for the clinical areas shown on the tender drawings.Q #2:Details on medical electrically classified areas, particularly areas defined for body and cardiac-protected patient areas. ANSWER:The Operation Theatre and Procedure Room are Elecrically classified as Cardiac protected area and other medical areas are classifed as Body Protected medical area. Remaining area such as  Plant, training room, staff room, Corridors and public waiting spaces are not medically classied.Q #3:Specifications on the 100W solar powered street lights and Mini-Bollards (Sheet E03). None listed in drawings or in Annex 7 BOQANSWER:Details of the requested light fittings/specs are as follows;• 100W Solar Street Light, 5000-6500K (day-light switch), IP65 Pole Mounted.• 9W Mini Bollard Light,240V, 450-900lm, 4000K, IP65 with emergency battery backup.Prior to procurement and installation works, the contractor is required to submit data sheets and specifications of the lighting equipment for the UNOPS Engineer’s approval.Q#4:The electrical spec for both Generators. The 250 kVA generator is specified as 60Hz/400V (Annex 7 - BOQ), elsewhere it appears to require an operating voltage range of 208-600V (Sheet E400). The 50 kVA generator is specified as 50Hz/400V. ANSWER:The proposed generator sets shall be diesel-operated, rated 415 V, three-phase, 50 Hz. The reference to 60 Hz in the Bill of Quantities ( Annex 7) for the 250 kVA generator is a typographical error and shall be read as 50 Hz. All bidders shall base their submissions on generators rated 415 V, three-phase, 50 Hz, in accordance with the project electrical distribution system. 

New amendment added #3: This amendment is to upload Pre-bid Meeting slides and minutes

New amendment added #2: This amendment is to:1. Extend the submission deadline to 23 July 2026 and clarification deadline to 15 July 2026. 2. Update file Small_Works_ITB_Section II, III, IV, V - Construction Works Tuvalu page 4 (only delete the word "below") to avoid misunderstanding of the criteria.

New clarification added: QUESTION #1 Financial Capacity RequirementIn the tender presentation, the requirement reads:“Financial Capacity – The bidder has below minimum annual turnover in any of the last 5 years” with the following thresholds:Lot 1: USD 2,000,000Lot 2: USD 200,000Lot 3: USD 2,200,000Could you please confirm whether the wording is correct? As currently written, it appears that a bidder would pass this criterion if its annual turnover is below the specified amounts, whereas we assume the intention is that bidders must have achieved at least the stated minimum annual turnover.ANSWER:What we meant by "below" is the minimum anual turnover as per "below detail". So the information in the criteria is for bidder to have minimum amounts specified in the TOR.We will delete the word "below" and upload the updated document to avoid further misunderstanding.QUESTION #2 Joint Venture RequirementsDo Joint Venture (JV) parties need to be fully incorporated at the time of bid submission, or is a JV agreement/commitment between the parties sufficient?ANSWER:For UNOPS requirement, it's as long as the bidder submit the detailed parties in the Schedule 0.3 [Joint Venture Partner Information], it's sufficient for our requirement 

New clarification added: QUESTION:We kindly request a 3 week extension to the submission deadline. This additional time will allow us to prepare a substantial, comprehensive, and fully compliant Proposal, including continued consultation with suppliers and stakeholders, and confirmation of resourcing, mobilisation arrangements, and pricing for this project.ANSWER:After internal discussion, we agreed to extend the tender deadline by 2 weeks. We will update the tender deadline to 23 July 2026. This is the last extension and no request for another extension will be entertained. 

New amendment added #1: This amendment is to extend the tender deadline by 2 weeks to 9 July 2026

New clarification added: We have reviewed the tender documentation and the UNOPS Construction Contract for Small Works and seek clarification regarding the extent to which commercial and contractual terms are negotiable as part of the tender process?Given the remote location, logistics complexity, and associated delivery risks, we request consideration of the following key provisions which materially impact pricing and risk allocation:QUESTION #1 Payment TermsThe contract indicates a payment period of up to 42 days from submission of Contractor’s Statements.We request confirmation whether:Shorter payment terms (e.g. 21 days) can be considered; orAlternative mechanisms (e.g. milestone payments, advance payment increase, or reduced certification period) may be negotiated.ANSWER:The payment period stated in the Contract Conditions shall remain unchanged. UNOPS is not able to amend the contractual payment period to 21 days or introduce bidder-specific payment terms during the tender process. Bidders shall price their bids on the basis of the payment provisions included in the solicitation documents and Contract Conditions.During contract implementation, UNOPS will make reasonable efforts to process complete and properly certified payment applications as efficiently as possible. However, this does not amend the contractual payment period or create a separate payment obligation. Payment will be subject to submission of complete documentation, certification by the Employer’s Representative, and compliance with the contract. The solicitation documents allow for progress payments through monthly Contractor’s Statements, certified by the Employer’s Representative. The Contract Details also allow payment for eligible Plant and/or Materials delivered to site or shipped to the country, subject to the conditions stated in the contract schedules. An advance payment may be considered only up to the amount stated in the Contract Details, subject to UNOPS internal approval, required due diligence, and any applicable security/guarantee requirements. Any alternative payment structure that changes the commercial basis of the tender will not be negotiated with individual bidders.QUESTION #2 Latent Conditions / Site Risk AllocationThe contract places primary reliance on the Contractor to satisfy itself regarding site conditions, with limited relief for unforeseeable conditions only.We request consideration of:A more balanced latent conditions clause,Including entitlement to cost and time where actual conditions materially differ from those indicated or reasonably anticipated, not limited to strictly “unforeseeable” circumstances.ANSWER:Clause 4.12 (Site Conditions) shall apply as stated in Contract Conditions. Bidders are required to satisfy themselves as to Site conditions prior to submission of their Tender and are expected to have taken such conditions into account in their pricing. No amendment to the latent conditions risk allocation provisions is proposed.Bidders are expected to review the tender documents, available site information, drawings, specifications, logistics constraints, local conditions, and any clarification/addendum issued by UNOPS, and to reflect their assessment in their methodology, programme, pricing, and risk allowances. During implementation, any condition or event that gives rise to an entitlement under the Contract will be assessed strictly in accordance with the Contract Conditions, including the requirements for notice, supporting evidence, contemporaneous records, causation, and demonstrated impact on time and/or cost. Where UNOPS considers that additional site information is necessary for tendering, such information will be issued equally to all bidders through the formal clarification/addendum process.QUESTION #3 Inclement Weather as a Qualifying Cause of DelayWe note that weather is generally excluded unless considered exceptional under Force Majeure.Given the Pacific island environment, we request confirmation whether:Adverse or abnormal weather conditions (including extended rainfall, storms, and marine logistics disruption) can be included as a qualifying cause of delay (EOT), consistent with typical international contracting practices.ANSWER:Bidders shall allow in their programme, logistics plan, and pricing for normal and reasonably foreseeable weather, marine transport, shipping, and remote-island delivery constraints associated with working in Tuvalu and the Pacific island context. UNOPS is not able to amend the Contract Conditions to treat all adverse weather or marine logistics disruption as an automatic qualifying cause of delay. Exceptional or abnormal events, including severe weather events that meet the relevant contractual threshold, may be considered during contract implementation in accordance with the Contract Conditions, subject to timely notice, evidence, records, mitigation measures, and demonstrated impact on the critical path. Bidders are required to submit a realistic programme that includes logistics planning, shipping schedules, weather allowances, procurement lead times, and contingency arrangements appropriate for Funafuti and Niulakita.QEUSTION #4 Extension of Time (EOT) FrameworkWe note that the Employer retains significant discretion regarding EOT approval.We request clarification whether:The EOT provisions can be aligned to a more objective entitlement-based assessment,Particularly for Employer-caused delays, variations, and third-party interfaces.ANSWER:UNOPS does not accept this request. Sub-Clause 6.4 [Extension of Time] and Sub-Clause 16.1 [Notice of Claim] shall apply as stated in the Contract Conditions. UNOPS will administer EOT requests objectively and in accordance with the Contract, based on the accepted baseline programme, critical path analysis, actual progress records, notices, causation, mitigation, and supporting evidence. Employer-caused delays, approved variations, access constraints, interface issues, or other events giving rise to entitlement under the Contract will be assessed under the applicable contractual procedures. The Employer’s Representative’s assessment will be based on the Contract and project records, not on discretion alone. Bidders shall ensure that their bid programme is realistic and that their proposed methodology includes adequate project controls, reporting, and mitigation measures.QUESTION #5 General Commercial FlexibilityPlease confirm whether:Tenderers may propose departures or qualifications to the General and/or Particular Conditions; andIf so, the format and process for submitting these qualifications for evaluation.ANSWER:Acceptance of the UNOPS Contract Conditions is mandatory. Bidders shall not submit departures, qualifications, or amendments to the General Conditions of Contract, Particular Conditions of Contract, or other mandatory contractual requirements. Any qualification that changes the contractual risk allocation, payment terms, liabilities, delay provisions, insurance, securities, or other material contract requirements may render the bid non-compliant and may result in rejection/disqualification in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Bidders may request clarifications before the clarification deadline. Where UNOPS determines that a change to the solicitation documents is required, it will be issued formally to all bidders through an addendum.Best Regards, 

New clarification added: QUESTION:Can we plese request a tender extension as usually for a project of this size and scope we would have a 4-6 week tender period, given the returbale schedules being requested as well as the pricing.ANSWER:After internal discussion, we agreed to extend the tender deadline by 2 weeks. We will update the tender deadline to 9 July 2026