This comprehensive analysis examines the invitation for electronic bids published by Krishi Samagri Company Limited (KSCL) for various construction projects in Nepal. The document provides critical details regarding the bidding process, requirements, and specific infrastructure projects open for competitive bidding.
Publication Information and General Overview
The invitation for electronic bids was officially published on Falgun 16, 2081 (February 28, 2025) by Krishi Samagri Company Limited (KSCL), which operates under the Government of Nepal. The company's head office is located in Kuleshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. This announcement follows Nepal's National Competitive Bidding procedures and invites eligible Nepalese bidders to participate in the tendering process for several physical infrastructure construction projects.
The document clearly identifies KSCL as the procuring entity with contact information provided:
- Telephone: (+977) 01-5379717
- Email: yojana@kscl.gov.np
The invitation provides a structured timeline and process for interested parties to participate in the competitive bidding process, emphasizing transparency and fairness in public procurement.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The document establishes several critical dates that potential bidders must adhere to:
- Publication Date: Falgun 16, 2081 (February 28, 2025)
- Pre-bid Meeting: Chaitra 07, 2081 (March 20, 2025) at 14:00 PM
- Bid Submission Deadline: Chaitra 17, 2081 (March 30, 2025) at 13:00 PM
- Bid Opening: Chaitra 17, 2081 (March 30, 2025) at 14:00 PM
The notice further clarifies that bids received after the submission deadline will be automatically rejected. Additionally, it addresses potential scheduling conflicts by stating that if any of these dates fall on a government holiday, the next working day shall be considered as the relevant date, though the validity periods remain unchanged.
Bidding Document Acquisition and Submission Process
Potential bidders can access the required documentation through multiple channels:
- In-Person Examination: Bidding documents can be examined at KSCL's Head Office in Kuleshwor, Kathmandu.
- Online Access: Complete bidding documents can be downloaded from the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) website at www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp.
- Electronic Submission: All bids must be submitted through PPMO's e-GP system at www.bolpatra.gov.np/egp.
For participation, bidders must pay a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents. The payment information is specified as follows:
- Recipient: Krishi Samagri Company Limited (KSCL), Head Office, Kuleshwor, Kathmandu
- Bank: Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd.
- Branch: Kulimati
- Account Number: 01701030001922
- Account Type: Current Account
Bid Security and Validity Requirements
The invitation clearly outlines important security and validity requirements that all bidders must fulfill:
- Bid Validity: All submitted bids must remain valid for a period of 90 days after bid opening.
- Bid Security: Each bid must be accompanied by a scanned copy of bid security in PDF format.
- Security Validity: The bid security must remain valid for 30 days beyond the bid validity period, meaning it should be valid until Shrawan 13, 2082 (July 28, 2025).
- Security Amounts: The minimum bid security amounts vary by project, ranging from NRs. 33,000.00 to NRs. 113,000.00.
These requirements ensure that only serious and financially capable bidders participate in the process, protecting the interests of the procuring entity.
Project Details and Financial Requirements
The invitation encompasses four distinct construction projects, each with specific identification, scope, and financial parameters:
Project 1: Construction of Compound Wall at Karkado, Nepalgunj
- Contract ID: KSCL/NCB-W-2/2081/082
- Estimated Amount (with VAT): NRs. 44,95,952.06
- Bidding Document Cost: NRs. 3,000.00
- Minimum Bid Security Amount: NRs. 113,000.00
Project 2: Roofing Works at 500Mt Godown and Chaukidar Quarter at Ghorahi, Dang
- Contract ID: KSCL/NCB-W-3/2081/082
- Estimated Amount (with VAT): NRs. 14,93,260.59
- Bidding Document Cost: NRs. 3,000.00
- Minimum Bid Security Amount: NRs. 38,000.00
Project 3: Construction of Chaukidar Quarter and Toilet at Bhutandevi, Birguni
- Contract ID: KSCL/NCB-W-4/2081/082
- Estimated Amount (with VAT): NRs. 21,35,492.71
- Bidding Document Cost: NRs. 3,000.00
- Minimum Bid Security Amount: NRs. 54,000.00
Project 4: Construction of Chaukidar Quarter and Electrical Wiring Works at Office Building and Godown at Gulariya, Bardiya
- Contract ID: KSCL/NCB-W-5/2081/082
- Estimated Amount (with VAT): NRs. 13,11,952.09
- Bidding Document Cost: NRs. 3,000.00
- Minimum Bid Security Amount: NRs. 33,000.00
The total estimated value of all four projects amounts to approximately NRs. 94,36,657.45, representing a significant investment in Nepal's physical infrastructure development.
Bid Opening and Evaluation Process
The document specifies that bid opening will occur at the KSCL Head Office in Kuleshwor, Kathmandu, on Chaitra 17, 2081 (March 30, 2025) at 14:00 PM, immediately following the submission deadline. This process will be conducted in the presence of bidders' representatives who choose to attend, ensuring transparency and fairness.
While the invitation does not detail the specific evaluation criteria, it implies that bids will be assessed based on compliance with the requirements outlined in the bidding documents, financial proposals, and adherence to the minimum bid security requirements.
Significance of the Projects
The four construction projects covered in this invitation demonstrate KSCL's commitment to improving infrastructure in various regions of Nepal:
- The compound wall project in Nepalgunj suggests security enhancement for KSCL facilities.
- The roofing works and chaukidar quarters in Ghorahi, Dang, indicate improvement of storage facilities and staff accommodation.
- The chaukidar quarter and toilet facilities in Bhutandevi, Birguni, point to improved working conditions for security personnel.
- The combined construction of quarters and electrical wiring in Gulariya, Bardiya, represents a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade.
These projects are distributed across different geographical regions in Nepal, showing a decentralized approach to infrastructure development.
Procedural Safeguards
The invitation includes several procedural safeguards to protect both the procuring entity and potential bidders:
- Pre-bid Meeting: A pre-bid meeting is scheduled to address potential questions and clarifications, helping bidders understand requirements before submission.
- Electronic Submission: The requirement for electronic submission through the PPMO system ensures security, standardization, and minimizes the risk of tampering.
- Public Opening: The public opening of bids in the presence of bidders' representatives ensures transparency.
- Contingency Provisions: The document addresses potential disruptions due to government holidays, providing clear alternate timelines.
Institutional Framework
The invitation reveals the institutional framework governing public procurement in Nepal:
- Procuring Entity: Krishi Samagri Company Limited (KSCL), operating as an undertaking of the Government of Nepal
- Procurement Oversight: Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO), which operates the e-GP system
- Financial System: The use of established banking channels (Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd.) for transaction processing
This framework demonstrates Nepal's efforts to modernize its procurement processes through electronic systems while maintaining necessary controls.
Conclusion
The invitation for electronic bids for the construction of physical infrastructures issued by Krishi Samagri Company Limited represents a significant opportunity for eligible Nepalese contractors. With four distinct projects across different regions of Nepal and a total estimated value of approximately NRs. 94.37 million, this procurement process will contribute to improving KSCL's operational infrastructure.
The document demonstrates adherence to established procurement procedures, emphasizing transparency, competition, and fairness. The use of electronic bidding through the PPMO's e-GP system reflects Nepal's adoption of modern procurement practices aligned with international standards.
Potential bidders must carefully review the requirements, adhere to the specified timelines, and ensure compliance with financial and documentation requirements to successfully participate in this competitive bidding process. The pre-bid meeting scheduled for March 20, 2025, offers an important opportunity for clarifications before the submission deadline of March 30, 2025.
This invitation serves not only as a mechanism for procuring construction services but also as an indicator of Nepal's ongoing investment in physical infrastructure development through transparent and competitive processes.