Construction of a Power Plant and Associated Electrical Works for the Herat Multi-Agency Compound (HMAC) in Herat, Afghanistan

New clarification added: Question No. 29Reference is made to  BOQ regarding the cable racks of ManholesCould you please clarify whether the cable racks shown in the manhole drawings are required to be included under BOQ Item 27 (Manholes)?The BOQ description does not specifically mention cable racks, although they are indicated in the drawings for cable support.Response No. 29The installation of cable racks inside the manholes is mandatory and as stated in the BoQ as per detailed drawings.Question No. 30Reference is made to BOQ Item 8 under Section :2 – Transformer and Cabling – Electrical Site Distribution Works, the scope includes Electrical3-Phase Meter as part of the MV connection works.Additionally, BOQ Item 20 specifies the supply, installation, and commissioning of a CT/PT Panel with Energy Metering.As per the SLD and DABS requirements, only one Medium Voltage CT/PT metering panel appears to be required for the system.Could you please clarify whether the meter specified in Item 8 is separate from the CT/PT Metering Panel specified in Item 20, or if both items refer to the same metering system?Response No. 30As per DABS instructions and recommendations, the 24 kV cutout disconnect switch is included in item #24 and needed; where item #8 will be reserved as a spare.The exact installation of the SF6 will be followed by the DABS instruction as mentioned in the item #8.Question No. 31Both companies intend to submit the bid as a JV. The designated Lead Partner participated in the mandatory site visit on behalf of the JV; therefore, the other JV partner did not participate separately. The site visit information and site conditions have been fully shared between both partners.Kindly confirm whether the Lead Partner’s participation satisfies the mandatory site visit requirement and whether the JV is eligible to submit its bid.Thank you for your clarification.Response No. 31If  the JV member had conducted the site, it is acceptable .Question No. 32We would like to request a site visit , if you could kindly confirm whether it would be possible to conduct a site visit/ inspection before the submission deadline.If an opportunity for a site visit can be arranged, we would be grateful for your support and assistance in facilitating the visit.Response No. 32As a final opportunity, interested potential bidders are hereby invited to attend the last site visit, scheduled for 10:00 AM on 20 August 2026. The site visit will provide bidders with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the site conditions and obtain any necessary information prior to submitting their offers.Bidders are required to notify the UNOPS team by email at mohammadjawadr@unops.org no later than 2:00 PM on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, confirming whether they intend to participate in the site visit and providing the details of their designated representatives.For security and access purposes, participating bidders must provide the following information for each representative in advance:Full nameNational ID or passport detailsContact number and email addressAny other information required for site accessPlease note that access to the site will not be granted to representatives whose required information has not been submitted within the specified deadline.Location of the site visit:           Herat Multi-Agency Compound (HMAC), Guzara District, Airport Road, Pashtun Pul (in front of the auto showrooms), Date and Time for the site visit: Thursday, August 20th, at 10:00 AM. We kindly request you to be within the compound at the mentioned time.

New amendment added #4: Dear Bidders,Please consider the following changes in the tender:1-We have extended the bid submission deadline to 24 August, 2026.2-Allowed last site visit, whihch is scheduled for 10:00 AM on 20 August 2026All other requirements, terms and conditions of the Tender remain unchanged.Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Question No. 23Regarding the 630A/250A SPF Fuse, 24 kV Cutout Disconnect Switch, as 630A is the rated current of SF6 LBS please clarify what the 250A rating refers to?Response No. 23The 250 A indicates the cut out fuse which is mainly used for protection of the transformer and cables.Question No. 24 As Compact Transformer Substation (CTS) is operationally best solution rather than pad mounted transformer at these conditions, we purpose as an alternative if client agrees. If this case would e agreed by client, kindly specify the required specifications and quantity of the MV switches to be incorporated in the compact substation. Please instruct us.Response No. 24The contractor is required to adhere strictly to the design for the pad-mounted transformer, and no modifications or variations will be permitted at this stage.Question No. 25FAT Test: Upon review of the tender documents and BOQ, we could not identify any specific BOQ item covering the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). Accordingly, please clarify whether, upon completion of manufacturing/production of the materials and equipment, a FAT is required to be witnessed by the Client and/or Consultant representatives at the manufacturer's premises.In case the presence of Client/Consultant representatives is required, kindly clarify the responsibility for the associated costs, including but not limited to:travel expenses;Visa costs, where applicable, particularly in the case of overseas manufacturing;Accommodation and subsistence expenses; andLocal transportation and other related expenses.As there is no specific BOQ item or allowance identified for these costs, please confirm whether such expenses shall be borne by the Client or included within the Contractor's scope and price.If these costs are to be borne by the Contractor, kindly confirm the applicable requirements and duration/number of representatives so that the associated costs can be properly assessed and included in our quotation.Response No. 25A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report from the manufacturer is required for major components, such as the transformer. While there is no requirement to witness the FAT at the manufacturer's facility, the contractor is responsible for submitting the FAT report along with the submittals for the transformer and other major items. However, the contractor is responsible for the site acceptance test as mentioned in under section 2-  Transformer and Cabling - Electrical Site Distribution Works item #1.Question No. 26Material Description: Upon reviewing the tender documents, we could not identify any specific document or schedule indicating the required type, make, brand, or manufacturer for the major equipment and materials.Kindly clarify whether the Contractor is required to propose and include the brand/make and type/model of the major equipment and materials in the tender submission?If the inclusion of brand/make and type/model is required, please confirm which document should be used for submitting this information?Response No. 26All materials must be sourced from reputable brands in electrical equipment manufacturing and adhere fully to the specifications, drawings, and BoQ. Furthermore, all material submittals will undergo a comprehensive review for final approval prior to installation. However, as per UNOPS procurement policy we are unable to specify the specific brand.Question No. 27Synchronization System: Please clarify the synchronization system, as Item No. 40 shows a panel with 9 Nos. of motorized circuit breakers, whereas this panel is proposed to be used for 6 Nos. of generators.Furthermore, Items No. 37, 38, and 39 also indicate 6 Nos. of motorized circuit breakers.Kindly clarify the above discrepancy and confirm the correct quantity and arrangement of motorized circuit breakers for the proposed synchronization system.Response No. 27The six motorized circuit breakers specified in lines 37, 38, and 39 are designated for installation on the existing six generators. For line 40, the nine motorized circuit breakers are allocated for the totalization panel board, which features a 1500A main breaker and includes two spare circuit breakers (1 x 800 A and 1 x 400 A) reserved for future connections.

New clarification added: Question No. 28Can bidders consider Iraninan Material & Equipment Such as cement, cable and etc for thisResponse No. 28For the eligibility criteria requirement, Please refer to the eSourcing (Particulars) and consider Bidder Eligibility Criteria.

New clarification added: Question No. 19Clarification Regarding BOQ Item – Transformer and Cabling – Electrical Site Distribution Works, Items 9 to 17For example:Supply and installation of 4(1C × 185 mm² CU-PVC) + (95 mm² CU-CPC), complete in all respects as per specifications and drawings.Quantity: 2,000 metersPlease confirm whether the stated quantity of 2,000 meters refers to 2,000 route meters, in which case the required cable quantities would be:4 × 2,000 m = 8,000 meters of 1C × 185 mm² copper cable, and2,000 meters of 95 mm² copper CPC/grounding conductor?Response No. 19As per design drawing we have 1(4C x 185mm2) + (95 mm² CU-CPC) and the total cable quantity for 1(4C x 185mm2) + (95 mm² CU-CPC)  cable is 2000 meters not 8000 meters. Therefore, the BoQ description is revised as per our design drawings.Question No. 20Kindly confirm whether this interpretation is correct?Clarification Regarding BOQ Items – Generator Room Civil Works, Items 58 to 61The BOQ states:Supply and installation of 50 mm² CU bare grounding conductor as required, complete in all respects as per specifications and drawings.Unit: SetPlease clarify the meaning of the unit “Set” for this item.In particular, kindly confirm:What components, materials, accessories, and/or scope of work are included in one Set?Alternatively, should this item be measured and quoted based on the actual installed length (in meters) of the 50 mm² bare copper grounding conductor?Response No. 20The unit is meter for items (58-59-60-61).Question No. 21  Clarification Regarding Upstream Transformer Cables and EquipmentWe could not identify any BOQ items covering the upstream equipment and cables feeding the transformer (i.e., before the transformer).Could you please confirm whether the upstream equipment and associated cables are already available at the project site and are therefore excluded from the Contractor's scope of supply and installation?Alternatively, if these works are within the Contractor's scope, kindly provide the relevant BOQ items, quantities, specifications, and drawings/details for pricing purposes.Please refer to the BoQ item #8 under section of       2-  Transformer and Cabling - Electrical Site Distribution Works, as its already included as a lump sum as below: MV Connection from the city power grid to the incoming of the transformer with all required and necessary equipment and approvals from DABS. including but not limited to all connection cablings, joints, supports, Electrical 3 phase meter, earthing system, MV switches, SF6 switch, complete job ready for connection.Response No. 21Please refer to the BoQ item #8 under section of       2-  Transformer and Cabling - Electrical Site Distribution Works, as its already included as a lump sum as below: MV Connection from the city power grid to the incoming of the transformer with all required and necessary equipment and approvals from DABS. including but not limited to all connection cablings, joints, supports, Electrical 3 phase meter, earthing system, MV switches, SF6 switch, complete job ready for connectionQuestion No. 22In construction of power plant in HMAC-technical specification file, section 26 05 11 requirements for electrical installation are mentioned in several pages but the mentioned section is not included in the file. Please clarify the item.Response No. 22The specifications from Section 26 05 11 are incorporated into Sections 26 05 00 and 26 05 019 of the technical specification. 

New amendment added #3: Dear Bidders, Please consider the following changes in the tender:eSourcing document: The revision 3 of the BoQ has been uploaded.

New amendment added #2: Dear Bidders, Please consider the following changes in the tender:eSourcing document: The revision 2 of the BoQ has been uploaded. The cable unit of measurements has been changed/revised from "Set" to "Meter" for item number 58,59,60,61. All other requirements, terms and conditions of the Tender remain unchanged.Thank you,UNOPS 

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Kindly find below the clarification requests received and the corresponding responses provided by UNOPS.Question 11:In document “Project Design Brief”, section 2.2, the objective No.2 is not clear what shall be delivered. Please clarify this item.Response 11:Project Design brief document is prepared by UNOPS which has the information of the background, regulations, codes and standards, Boundaries and Scope, Site Information, Design details, quality management, Phases of the Project and Testing, Commissioning, Handover and Defect Notification. This has been shared to the contractor to have the detailed information of the project. No actions are required from the contractor on this part.Question 12:In document “Project Design Brief”, section 2.2, the objective No.5 is not clear what shall be delivered, because when the client provides the design package, it means the geotechnical investigation & assessment has already been done. Please clarify this item.Response 12:The geotechnical investigation and assessment have already been finalized prior to the design activities, meaning no action is needed from the contractor. This data is provided solely to help the contractor understand the project's background and specific location. Question 13:As project estimation and document preparation require additional time, we kindly request an extension of the bid submission deadline by an additional 10 days.Response 13:Due to the multiple requests received from bidders, the tender will be extended until 15 August 2026.Question 14:The specified pad-mounted transformer is a special type, and according to the project specifications, its accessories and spare parts may not be readily available in the local market. This could create challenges for the project owner regarding future maintenance, repairs, and the procurement of replacement parts. Therefore, please clarify whether bidders are permitted to propose and supply transformer that complies with IEC Standards and DABS Standards while meeting the project requirements.Response 14:The designed transformer is a Pad-mounted and is according to the DABS standard, therefore the bidders are not permitted to propose and supply other types of transformers. It should be as per the design.Question 15:What is the cable units of items 58-59-60-61 in Electrical Works for Generator rooms, it specified set, should it be in meter?Response 15:Yes, the unit should be in meter for items (58-59-60-61), it could be corrected from set to meter.Thanks,UNOPS

New clarification added: Question No. 18-Is it permissible for an Iranian company to participate in this project through a Joint Venture (JV) or consortium with our Afghan company?-Regarding the experience requirements, will similar project experience successfully completed outside Afghanistan be considered acceptable, or is prior experience in executing similar projects within Afghanistan mandatory?Response No. 18-For the eligibility criteria requirement, Please refer to the eSourcing (Particulars) and consider Bidder Eligibility Criteria -Please refer to the eSourcing (Criteria) Tab and then Stage 3. Qualification criteria and then 3.3 Previous Experience

New clarification added: Question 17:Kindly clarify the total number of generators, including their ampere ratings and capacities. There appears to be a discrepancy between the BOQ and the Single Line Diagram (SLD).According to the SLD, there are three (3) generators, each rated at 400 kVA. However, the BOQ includes the following motorized circuit breakers in synchronization panel:One   (1) × 1500 A Motorized Circuit BreakerThree (3) × 800 A Motorized Circuit BreakersThree (3) × 400 A Motorized Circuit BreakersTwo    (2) × 250 A Motorized Circuit BreakersThis makes a total of nine (9) motorized circuit breakers in totalizing/synchpanel.Please clarify the following points:-Which of these circuit breakers are incoming from generators?-Are there any outgoing feeders from the above-mentioned circuit breakers? If yes, please provide details.-For the connection between the Totalizing Panel and the ATS Panel, will it be through a busbar arrangement or via a circuit breaker?Response 17:We have 7 existing gensets in the HMAC which will be synchronized, with the following capacities:1 x 500 KVA1 x 450 KVA3 x 275 KVA1 x 125 KVA1 x 110 KVAThe gensets which are in the drawing are not part of our construction since they are not included in the BoQ.The motorized circuit breaker arrangement in the totalization panel will be as follow:1500 A, as main breaker 2 x 800 A will serve for 500 KVA and 450 KVA1 x 800 A will serve as a spare3 x 400 A will serve for the 3 x 275 KVA2 x 250 A will serve for the 125 KVA and 110 KVAThe connection between the totalizing panel and ATS should be through cable. 

New clarification added: Question 16:Reference to BOQ Line Item 36, Section 2 (Transformer and Cabling)The drawings shows three (3) generators, whereas BOQ Line Item 36 specifies six (6) units. Please clarify this discrepancy.Response 16:The quantity specified under Item 36 of the BoQ is correct and covers items for six (6) generators. The proposed arrangement is for three (3) generators in Room 1 and three (3) generators in Room 2. The three generators shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only to indicate the required power capacity and should not be interpreted as the total number of generators. All six (6) generators will be provided by UNOPS.

New amendment added #1: Dear Bidders,Please take note of the following amendments made to this tender:The pre-bid meeting minutes for the session held on 28 July 2026 have been uploaded to the Documents tab in eSourcing for your reference.The previous experience requirement has been amended to allow a limited number of cumulative contracts to be considered towards meeting the required threshold. These changes are reflected in the Criteria tab in eSourcing and in the revised document "Rev1_Small_Works_ITB_Section_II_III_IV_V", which has been uploaded to the Documents tab in eSourcing.The bid submission deadline has been extended from 08 August 2026 to 15 August 2026. The deadline for submitting clarification requests has also been extended from 02 August 2026 to 09 August 2026.Bidders are reminded to ensure that these amendments are reflected in their submissions.Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Kindly find below the clarification requests received and the corresponding responses provided by UNOPS.Question 05:The qualification criteria state that the bidder must have an annual turnover of at least USD 1,000,000 in any of the last five (5) years (2021–2025).Could you please confirm whether it is acceptable to include the annual turnover generated from contracts performed from the beginning of 2026 up to the date of bid submission, or should the turnover be limited strictly to the period 2021–2025?Response 05:The documents to be reviewed for this criterion are the audited financial statements. As financial audits are conducted only for completed financial years, and not for ongoing financial years, UNOPS requires audited financial statements covering the financial years 2021–2025.Question 06:The qualification criteria require the bidder to have successfully completed at least two (2) electrical infrastructure contracts within Afghanistan during the last ten (10) years (2015–2025). It further states that the contract shall have a value of not less than USD 500,000.Could you please clarify whether the required value of USD 500,000 refers to a single contract, or whether it is acceptable to combine the values of multiple similar contracts to meet this threshold?Response 06:UNOPS is reviewing this request and if deemed appropriate, may revise the criterion through an amendment to this tender. Kindly monitor the tender for any forthcoming amendments.Question 07:Could you kindly share the contact number of a focal person for the site visit location, so that we can coordinate with them and ensure we reach the site without any difficulty at the scheduled time. As the location is not appearing clearly on Google Maps, having a contact person will help us avoid any confusion regarding the site location.Response 07:The contact details of the UNOPS focal point for the site visit/inspection are provided below:Name: Mohammad Jawad RAISKHILContact Number: +93 729000418Email: mohammadjawadr@unops.orgLocation: Herat Multi-Agency Compound (HMAC), Guzara District, Airport Road, Pashtun Pul (in front of the auto showrooms),  For details on the dates and times, please refer to the "particular" tab in eSourcing.Question 08:We kindly request that you provide the necessary information and arrangements to facilitate a site visit.Our technical team would like to visit the project site to better understand the project conditions and requirements before preparing our proposal.We would appreciate it if you could advise us of the site visit schedule, meeting point, contact person, and any procedures or requirements that must be completed in advance.Response 08:Refer to response No.7 aboveQuestion 09:Our Technical team has one more meeting with the UNOPS team for another project we have please if you change the site visit date to 30 July 2026.Response 09:As the site visit is being conducted for all participating bidders, its schedule cannot be amended. Kindly consider assigning parallel resources to attend both meetings, or request that your other meeting with UNOPS be rescheduled.Question 10:Our annual turnover for the years 2024 and 2025 exceeds the specified requirement. However, the audit process is currently underway by a registered auditing firm, and the completion of the audited financial statements is expected to take longer time. In this regard, would it be acceptable if we submit a letter issued by the registered auditing firm confirming that the audit is in progress?Response 10:No. To qualify under this criterion, the bidder must provide completed audited financial statements demonstrating that it meets the required financial threshold.Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Kindly find below the clarification requests received and the corresponding responses provided by UNOPS.Question 04:Thank you for confirming that attendance at the site visit is mandatory.We would be grateful if you could kindly provide the scheduled date, time, and location of the site visit at your earliest convenience. This will allow us to make the necessary arrangements to attend to the subject project site inspection.Response 04: The visit/inspection details are available in the Particulars tab of this tender. Kindly refer to the Particulars tab and submit the details of the bidder's representatives as required in the visit/inspection Instructions.Thank you,UNOPS 

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Kindly find below the clarification requests received and the corresponding responses provided by UNOPS.Question 01:In Section II – Evaluation Method and Criteria (Page 5), it states: The bidder has a business license from the body that governs and regulates the Construction Industry in Afghanistan. Could you please confirm whether an Electrification Services Company is eligible to participate in this bidding process?Response 01:Yes, the requirements will be amended to require bidders only to have a valid business license to operate in Afghanistan. However, bidders are reminded that the experience requirements stipulated in this tender remain unchanged.Question 02:In Instructions to Bidders – eSourcing Chapter (Page 8 of 16), Article 17 – Bid Security, it states: The bidder shall furnish a bid security as part of its bid, if required in the Particular. However, we could not find any information regarding bid security in the Evaluation Method and Criteria section or elsewhere in the bidding documents. Kindly confirm whether bid security is required for this tender.Response 02:This tender does not require bid security.Question 03:Could you please confirm whether bidders who are unable to attend the site visit are still permitted to submit their bids?Response 03:No, attendance at the site visit is mandatory. Bidders who do not participate in the site inspection will not be eligible to submit a bid.Thank you,UNOPS