Exciting Opportunity for Biomass Pellet Manufacturers in Maharashtra

The biomass sector is experiencing significant growth, and a new initiative by the Maharashtra government presents a major business opportunity for biomass pellet manufacturers and suppliers. This opportunity comes in the form of a request for qualifications (RFQ) for empanelment, which is a pre-qualification process for suppliers.

Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT) Tender

MAHAPREIT, a public sector company of the Maharashtra state government, has opened an RFQ for the empanelment of biomass pellet suppliers and manufacturers. This is not a traditional tender where the lowest price wins. Instead, it’s a pre-qualification process to create a list of qualified suppliers from whom various power plants will purchase biomass pellets for co-firing.

This is a fantastic opportunity because:

It provides a direct avenue for suppliers to sell to government-owned and other large power plants.
The prices will be determined later, but being on the empanelled list guarantees access to a high-demand market.
The empanelment will be valid for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

The demand is massive. According to data from the SAMARTH Mission, if the 7% biomass co-firing mandate is implemented, the demand for biomass pellets in the western region alone is approximately 64,000 metric tons per day. This highlights the immense growth potential of the industry.

Applicant Information:

The bidder must be a Proprietary Firm/Partnership Firm/LLP/Company registered and incorporated in India, with a valid legal entity status and existence for at least two years on the date of submission.
Provide details such as the name of the bidder, address, telephone, email, address of the registered office, nature of the firm, PAN, TIN, and GST registration number.
The application form and all accompanying information and certificates must be signed by the bidder. For partnerships, all partners must digitally sign or a partner with a valid power of attorney, accompanied by a certified copy of the partnership deed. For LLPs, a duly authorized person with a power of attorney must sign.

Scope of Empanelment:

The RFQ is for the empanelment of suppliers/manufacturers for Bio-Mass Pellets to NTPC/TPPs/Other entities in Maharashtra and other states.
Bidders can apply for empanelment in three categories based on the supply capacity of Bio-mass pellets in Tonnes Per Day (TPD):
Category A: Equal to 10 TPD.
Category B: More than 10 TPD to 20 TPD.
Category C: More than 20 TPD to 30 TPD and above.

Financial Qualifying Conditions:

Average Annual Financial Turnover: Bidders must have an average annual financial turnover for any two years during the preceding three financial years (FY 2021-22, FY 2022-23, and FY 2023-24) as follows:
Category A: Rs. 80 Lakhs.
Category B: Rs. 160 Lakhs.
Category C: Rs. 240 Lakhs.
A CA Certificate bearing a UDIN number is required.
Positive Net Worth: The bidder must have a positive net worth during the last FY 2023-24, with a CA Certificate bearing a UDIN number attached.
Exemption for Start-Up/MSE Vendors: Turnover requirements are not applicable for Start-Up Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) entrepreneurs, provided they meet
Quality and Technical specifications. They need to submit relevant certificates like Udyog Aadhaar, NSIC, or DPIIT recognition.

Technical Qualifying Conditions:

Eligibility Experience: Bidders should have experience supplying Bio-mass Pellets/Briquets of the applied category’s quantity in at least one of the preceding three years before the bid submission date to any Central/State Govt. Organisation/PSU/Public Listed Company/any Power Station/Private company in India.
Category A: 1095 MT.
Category B: 2190 MT.
Category C: 3285 MT.
Copies of relevant contracts (Purchase Order with Invoice, Execution Certificate by client, or Third Party Inspection release note) must be submitted as proof.
Technical Capabilities: Bidders must confirm adherence to specific technical specifications for bio-mass pellets, testing standards, and sampling methodologies.
Testing Standards/Methods: For dimensions, fines, Gross Calorific Value (GCV), moisture, and Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI), ISO or IS equivalent methods will be referenced or prevailing standards by MNRE/BIS. Pellets testing certificates from NABL Labs are required.
Sampling Methodology: Confirm the methodology for collecting and preparing samples from consignments for GCV and other technical parameters, including the conning and quartering process to reduce sample quantity to 4-5 kg for laboratory analysis.
Sampling and Analysis at Receiving End: Confirm the process of joint sample collection by Owner and supplier representatives at thermal power plants, division into three parts (Owner lab, supplier, Referee sample), and dispute resolution process involving NABL accredited labs.

Required Documents to be Uploaded:

Mandatory Documents:
Tender fee and EMD receipt (MSMEs exempted from EMD if valid certificate provided).
Company registration certificate & PAN, TAN, GST Tax Registration.
Audited Balance Sheet of last three years (CA certified).
Preceding three years’ turnover certificate and positive net worth certificates from a chartered accountant.
Start-up and MSME certificates issued by appropriate authority, if applicable.
Scanned copy of the authority letter for the person signing the tender, and submission of physical copy with the offer.

Annexures:

Annexure-1: Covering letter.
Annexure-2: Format of Power of Attorney for signing bid authorization letter.
Annexure-3: Checklist for technical bid.
Annexure-4: Information about the bidding firm.
Annexure-5: Annual Turnover and Net Worth declaration.
Annexure-6: Assignment of similar nature of works (along with WO/PO/etc documentary proof).
Annexure-7: Contact Person for the RFQ.
Annexure-8: Declaration by the bidders.
Annexure-9: Framework for DRAFT MODEL EMPANELMENT AGREEMENT.
All documents must be submitted with an authorized signature and company stamp. PDF copies of original documents should be uploaded and produced for verification on demand.

Submission Process:

Online Electronic Bids: Bids are invited online and must be submitted electronically.
Websites: RFQ document available on https://mahatenders.gov.in and https://mahapreit.in/. RFQ shall be accepted on https://mahatenders.gov.in/ only.
Registration: Mandatory for bidders to register on https://www.mahatenders.gov.in/.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Bidders need to register their valid DSC of appropriate class. It may take 3 to 5 working days to issue a DSC, so it’s advised to fulfil this well in advance.
Language: All information must be filled in the English language only. Any document in another language must be accompanied by an English translation.
Completeness: Online forms should be filled completely, and all questions answered. Incomplete information or changes in prescribed forms will lead to rejection.
Deadline: The last date for submission of bids is 03/09/2025 at 15:00 Hrs. The bid must be submitted through e-tender mode not later than the specified date and time.

Important Dates and Contact Information:

RFQ Issue Date: July 29, 2025.
Start Date for Downloading RFQ: 29/07/2025.
Last Date of Submission of Bids: 03/09/2025 at 15:00 Hrs.
Contact Numbers for Queries: 02269214625 (IT assistance), 02269214426 (general queries).
Email IDs for Clarification: cgm.it@mahapreit.in, cgm.etap@mahapreit.in.

Fees and Deposits:

RFQ Document Cost: Rs. 5000/- plus GST. This must be paid on or before the time of online submission. Bids without the RFQ document cost will be rejected.
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): Rs. 50,000/- (Online Mode Only through payment gateway). MSMEs are exempted if they submit a valid registration certificate. The EMD of successful bidders will be refunded after 6 months from the issuance of the Letter of Empanelment (LoE), and for others, within 28 days by the Maha tender portal.
Empanelment Fees: Rs. 25,000/- + GST (non-refundable, to be paid by successful bidders prior to issue of Letter of Empanelment (LoE) by MAHAPREIT).
Service and gateway charges shall be borne by the bidders.

Bid Validity and Empanelment Period:

Bid Validity Period: 180 days from the date of opening of the RFQ / technical bid. If a bidder withdraws or modifies the bid within this period, the EMD will be forfeited.
Empanelment Period: The empanelment shall be valid for a period of 24 months from the date of empanelment (LoE issuing date), which may be extended by another one year at MAHAPREIT’s discretion.

Disqualifications:

MAHAPREIT may disqualify any respondent for reasons including:
Submitting documents after the deadline.
Making misleading or false representations.
Submitting a bid that is not accompanied by required documentation or is non-responsive.
Failing to provide clarifications when sought.
Submitting more than one bid.
Being declared ineligible or blacklisted by any Government entity for corrupt/fraudulent practices.
Any effort by the bidder to influence the bid evaluation or award decisions.

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