Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is seeking proposals to appoint an operator for the procurement, supply, operation, and maintenance of 3,600 electric buses (e-bus) and the establishment of associated electric and civil infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri (PM)-eBus Sewa initiative, using gross cost contracting.

The deadline for bid submissions is December 14, 2023, with bids set to be unveiled on the same day. Prospective bidders are required to submit a non-refundable tender fee of Rs 25,000 ($299.9).

The allocation of buses per state, corresponding earnest money deposit (EMD), and minimum average annual turnover (MAAT) prerequisites for the tender are specified. Successful bidders must furnish a performance security within twenty-eight days of receiving the letter of award, amounting to 3-10% of the contract price.

Bidders must meet annual turnover criteria, calculated as the average over the past three years, and maintain a non-negative net worth, with no erosion exceeding 30% in the last three years.

Bidders are obligated to visit and evaluate the intended installation site and its environs, independently gathering all necessary information for bid preparation and subsequent contract execution. CESL will aid in obtaining necessary permissions from authorities for the execution of the work.

Micro and Small Enterprises registered under Udyam Registration are exempt from tender fee submissions.

Quotes for the complete facilities should be submitted on a "single responsibility" basis, encompassing all specified contractor obligations. Bidders are required to provide pricing for commercial, contractual, and technical obligations outlined in the tender.

Bidders must demonstrate a track record of regularly manufacturing and supplying electric buses from April 1, 2023. They should have supplied a minimum of 25 electric buses in at least one of the last five financial years or the current financial year, with an annual capacity to manufacture and supply at least 500 electric buses before the bid deadline. The manufacturing facility must be situated in India.

Earlier in January, CESL initiated a bidding process to lease 3,500 electric cars to various departments and autonomous bodies across 18 states for duration of 3-5 years. CESL's assessment through this bidding process indicated that electric buses as a service represent the most cost-effective approach to urban public transport, whether subsidised or not.

Source: Mercom India