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1. Reason for Issuing Revised RFQ

IRADe initially floated an RFP on 02 January 2026 for implementation of the pilot project based on the preliminary project scope, estimated load requirements, and proposed locations available at that time. Four vendors submitted bids against the said RFP.

Subsequently, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) revised the proposed project locations and load requirements through its communication dated 29 April 2026. Thereafter, the District Administration, Puri formally allocated two Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters (MCSs) located at Bramhagiri (Narsinghpatana MCS) and Astarang (Keutajanga MCS) for implementation of the pilot project.

Following allocation of the shelters, IRADe conducted detailed site visits, stakeholder consultations, and technical load assessment surveys at both locations. The site assessment revealed that the actual critical load requirements and site conditions were significantly different from the assumptions considered under the earlier RFP.

The detailed load assessment identified the following critical loads to be supported during disaster and emergency situations:

a) LED lighting (basement, corridors, rooms and washrooms)

b) Flood lights

c) Ceiling fans

d) 5 HP submersible water pump

e) Mobile charging points

f) Provision for future emergency loads

The total assessed critical load at each shelter was found to be approximately 3 kW, which differed substantially from the load assumptions considered under the earlier RFP.

In addition, the site survey identified several location-specific technical considerations, including:

a) Requirement of minimum 24-hour battery backup autonomy for critical loads.

b) Existing 0.5 kWp off-grid solar system with 7.2 kWh battery storage at both shelters.

c) Grid connectivity available at Astarang shelter but disconnected at Bramhagiri shelter.

d) Requirement for net-metering compatible on-grid systems.

e) Availability of rooftop areas of approximately 2,500 sq.ft and 4,000 sq.ft respectively.

f) Requirement for inverter sizing capable of handling starting current of a 1.5 HP submersible pump.

g) Feasibility of future V2H/V2G integration.

h) Coastal installation conditions, with both sites located within approximately 1 km of the seashore, necessitating corrosion-resistant and cyclone-resilient mounting structures and balance-of-system components.

Based on the above findings, the technical specifications, system sizing, project configuration, battery storage requirements, structural design requirements, and overall scope of work required substantial revision to align with actual field conditions and operational requirements.

Consequently, the quotations received against the earlier RFP became technically non-comparable and no longer reflected the revised project requirements. In addition, the validity period of the earlier quotations had expired.

Therefore, to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and procurement based on actual field requirements, a revised RFQ incorporating the findings of the site survey, revised load assessment, updated technical specifications, site-specific engineering requirements, and new project locations is required to be issued to the shortlisted vendors for submission of revised techno-commercial quotations.

2. Vendor Participation

A total of eight vendors participated across both procurement rounds. Following issuance of the revised RFQ, five vendors submitted fresh techno-commercial bids for the revised scope of work.

Basis for Shortlisting Top Three Vendors

After receipt of the revised bids, IRADe conducted detailed technical discussions with participating vendors to evaluate:

a) Understanding of project requirements and disaster-resilient energy systems;

b) Experience in rooftop Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installations;

c) Capability to execute projects in remote, coastal, and disaster-prone locations;

d) Proposed technical configuration and compliance with RFQ specifications;

e) Experience in handling net-metering and grid-connected installations;

f) Operation and maintenance support;

g) Project implementation schedule and responsiveness during technical discussions.

Based on the technical evaluation, vendors meeting the required technical criteria were considered for financial assessment. The financial bids of technically responsive vendors were then compared on a least-cost basis.

Accordingly, three vendors emerged as the most suitable bidders considering both technical responsiveness and financial competitiveness. These vendors demonstrated adequate technical capability, relevant project experience, compliance with the revised technical requirements, and submitted the lowest financial quotations among the technically suitable bidders.

Therefore, they were shortlisted for further techno-commercial negotiations and submission of revised quotations based on the updated system requirements identified during the site survey.

The shortlisting process has been undertaken in a fair, transparent, and competitive manner to ensure selection of technically qualified and cost-effective vendors for successful implementation of the pilot project.