Terms of Reference

 I. General Information 

Parameter: Description 

Name of the Project:   Design, Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of a 1 MW Agriphotovoltaics (Agri-PV) Plant under PM-KUSUM Component A 

Project Capacity: 1 MW 

Ownership Model: FPO Led Model 

Project Location: Kulabir, Near Padua, Nandapur Block, Koraput 

State:   Odisha 

Funder of the Project: Heifer International 

This document is being issued in order to solicit applications from potential [contractors] to install the [1 MW Agri photovoltaic (Empowering Small holder Farmers in Odisha through Agri Photovoltaics)]. the contractor is expected to commission the project and support in Operations & Maintenance for 5 years, funded by Heifer International,. 

The terms of reference contains background information, the desired methodology, including objectives, the timeframe for conducting the final evaluation, and a list of deliverables. This document also contains information about the kind of expertise that WOSCA seeks for this activity and guidance on how to submit a proposal to conduct the activity.
WOSCA anticipates awarding a Fixed award for the Empowering Small holder Farmers in Odisha through Agri Photovoltaics (1 MW APV) and make payments based on submission and WOSCA’s approval of deliverables. The award agreement will include a payment schedule with specific deliverables; all payments require 45 business days (with variable payment system to be clearly mentioned in the RFP) processing after approval of deliverables. 

II. Background
Women’s Organisation for Socio-Cultural Awareness (WOSCA) is a voluntary non-profit organisation founded on 20th December 1993 and registered under the Society Registration Act and FCRA, dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities, particularly women, children and the elderly. It works primarily in areas such as governance and livelihood, health and education, women and child empowerment, environmental conservation, and social development through community mobilisation and participatory actions. WOSCA emphasizes participatory development, environmental conservation, and social inclusion. Its long-term, community-driven approach has contributed to improved livelihoods, greater awareness of rights, and enhanced resilience among vulnerable populations. Over more than three decades of service, WOSCA has implemented numerous sustainable development programs, strengthened local institutions like women’s self-help groups, facilitated access to government schemes, and reached tens of thousands of families to foster resilience, equity and lasting change at the grassroots level. More Info on WOSCA: www.wosca.org 

III. Purpose and Objective          
The main purpose of this RFP is to Establish and commission a 1 MW FPO led Agri – PV, provide them with handholding support & maintenance for 5 years to enable the community to maintain the unit on their own. 

Specific Objectives
WOSCA invites proposals from qualified Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a 1 MW Agrivoltaic (Agri-PV) power plant in Kulabir Village, Nandapur Block, Koraput District, Odisha. 

The project aims to demonstrate a farmer-centric, dual-use solar model that integrates clean energy generation with continued agricultural production under solar panels. The initiative aligns with the objectives of PM-KUSUM Component A, promoting decentralized renewable energy generation and enhancing rural livelihoods through FPO-led ownership and revenue management. 

Scope of work

The selected bidder will be responsible for delivering a complete, high-quality APV solution, covering end-to-end design, engineering, construction, and operational support. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and Engineering: Development of comprehensive engineering designs for a 1 MW overhead stilted APV system, including detailed layouts, structural engineering, and electrical drawings. It is to be ensured that a minimum ground clearance of 3-4 metres is maintained and the provision for agricultural activities under the panels is incorporated. All designs must comply with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines, relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and PM-KUSUM Component A specifications.
• Procurement and Installation: Supply all system components, including PV modules, inverters, elevated mounting structures, Balance of System (BOS) items and protection systems. Execute complete civil, structural, mechanical and electrical works necessary for installation and commissioning. Ensure quality assurance and testing of all components as per national and international standards. Detailed technical specification benchmarks, component-wise requirements, applicable standards, testing protocols, and minimum warranty obligations are provided in the Annexure 1 of this RFP. The EPC Contractor shall ensure full compliance with all parameters outlined therein, and any deviations must be clearly stated in the bid submission.
• Grid Interconnection and Power Evacuation: Designing and construction the evacuation infrastructure up to the designated interconnection point, following local DISCOM norms. Coordination with DISCOM for inspections, approvals, synchronization and commissioning of the plant.
• Agriculture Integration Irrigation Systems: Support the development of the panel farming plan, including layout for crops such as turmeric, ginger, and other shade-tolerant species. Install efficient water management systems, including drip irrigation pipelines, pumps, filtration units, and automation (if any). Ensure structural layout allows optimal light transmission and accessibility for farming operations.
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M): Provide comprehensive O&M services for a period of 5 years, including routine inspections, inverter and equipment maintenance, and fault rectification. Maintain system performance monitoring through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) or equivalent real-time monitoring systems and ensure minimum guaranteed plant uptime and CUF.
• Training and Capacity Building: Conduct structured training programs for local FPO members, farmers on system operation, safety protocols, routine maintenance, and agricultural best practices under APV systems. Prepare user manuals, O&M checklists, and training materials
• Deliverables:

 
For detailed information, please check the complete version of the RFP attached below.

Job Email ID: woscaprocurement(at)gmail.com

Download Attachment: RFP.docx