NTPC Limited, under the Ministry of Power, has invited bids for a comprehensive biennial operation and maintenance (O&M) service contract for its 25 MWp Floating Solar PV Plant at NTPC Simhadri. The tender was published on August 3, 2026, through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal under Bid Number GEM/2026/B/7871157. The contract will cover a period of two years, or 24 months, and focuses on providing complete facility management services for the floating solar power plant.

According to the tender document, the selected contractor will be responsible for carrying out comprehensive operation and maintenance activities for the plant. The scope of work also includes supplying all consumables, materials, and other resources required for the execution of the contract. These costs must be included in the overall contract value, ensuring that the service provider manages the project without additional material-related charges to NTPC.

The bidding process follows a two-packet system, where technical and financial bids will be evaluated separately before determining the successful bidder on the basis of the total contract value. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by August 24, 2026, before 4:00 PM. The technical bids are scheduled to be opened on the same day at 4:30 PM. NTPC has also specified that all submitted bids must remain valid for 120 days from the final date of bid submission.

To participate in the tender, bidders are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹5 lakh. The EMD may be backed through the State Bank of India. However, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered as service providers with a valid Udyam Registration Certificate are exempted from paying the EMD. This exemption does not apply to traders.

The tender further requires the successful bidder to furnish an electronic Performance Bank Guarantee (ePBG) equivalent to 5% of the total contract value. The guarantee must remain valid for 27 months, covering the contract period along with the specified validity requirement. State Bank of India has been designated as the advisory bank for the ePBG process.

The procurement has been structured in line with the Government of India’s “Make in India” policy. Local suppliers meeting a minimum local content requirement of 50% will receive purchase preference during evaluation. Eligible MSEs will also benefit from a price preference of up to 15% in accordance with applicable procurement guidelines.

NTPC has stated that payments to the selected contractor will be released within 30 days of the submission of online invoices, supported by the Service Delivery Acceptance Certificate (SDAC). The tender also includes an option clause allowing the buyer to increase or decrease the contract quantity, duration, or scope of work by up to 25% during or after the award of the contract, depending on operational requirements. This provision offers NTPC additional flexibility in managing the long-term operation and maintenance needs of its floating solar power facility at Simhadri.