The Ministry of Water and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has invited international bids for the development of Solar PV Mini-Grid Systems under the Africa Mini Grids Program. The initiative is being implemented as the National Child Mini Grid Project of Ethiopia and aims to improve electricity access in selected rural areas through renewable energy solutions.
According to the bidding document, the contract covers the complete design, supply, installation, construction, testing, commissioning, training, and 12 months of operation and maintenance of the solar PV mini-grid systems. The procurement will be carried out through International Competitive Bidding (ICB) using an open bidding process.
The project has been divided into three separate lots. Lot 1 covers Fudus in the Tigray Region, Lot 2 covers Harey in the Somali Region, and Lot 3 covers Serba in the Oromia Region. Interested companies are allowed to submit bids for one, two, or all three lots. However, each lot will be evaluated independently, allowing bidders to compete separately for each project. The procurement reference number for the tender is MoWE-Gov-work-AMP-001/2018.
The bidding document outlines several qualification requirements for participating firms. Bidders must have at least five years of general experience as contractors or engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies in renewable energy, electrical, power distribution, or infrastructure projects. They must also prove successful completion of similar projects during the past five years. This experience can include one project worth at least USD 450,000, two projects worth at least USD 225,000 each, or three projects valued at USD 150,000 each. In addition, bidders must demonstrate available financial resources or working capital of at least USD 50,000 or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.
Technical proposals will be evaluated using a 100-point scoring system. The methodology, technical approach, and work plan account for 40 points, while previous project experience carries 30 points. The qualifications and competence of key professional staff contribute 15 points, financial capacity is allocated 10 points, and participation of Ethiopian nationals among key staff accounts for the remaining 5 points. A minimum score of 70 points is required for bidders to qualify for the financial evaluation stage.
The tender also provides a 7.5% margin of preference for eligible domestic contractors during price evaluation, provided they meet specific requirements related to local incorporation, ownership, and staffing.
The bid security has been fixed at ETB 500,000 per lot for domestic bidders or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency for foreign bidders. It may be submitted as a CPO, an unconditional bank guarantee, or a bid security declaration and must remain valid for 148 days from the bid submission deadline.
Bids must be submitted by July 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Ministry’s office in Addis Ababa. The bids will be opened publicly on the same day at 10:30 AM. The selected contractor will be required to complete the project within 300 calendar days from the official commencement date and submit a performance security within 15 days of receiving the notification of award.
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