Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaica’s Generation Procurement Entity (GPE) has extended to March 25- April 1, the bidding window for the process to supply 100 megawatt (MW) of renewable energy for the national grid.

The modification is part of changes in the amended request for proposals (RFPs) for the 20-year renewable energy supply contracts. The GPE released the draft generation license template, after publishing the power purchase agreement (PPA) last November.

On completion of the evaluation process, the GPE will invite the successful bidders to negotiate and finalise the project agreements (PAs). The GPE will notify the successful bidders of the date, time and location of any meetings for this purpose. 

Bid details

The GPE may request that the successful bidders extend their bids validity in accordance with the RFP, if necessary. The lower ranked bidders may also be requested, if necessary, to extend their bids validity as they are on standby.

Upon execution and ratification of the PAs and the furnishing by the successful bidders of their performance security deposit in accordance with the provisions of the RFP, the GPE will promptly inform the remaining bidders that their bids were unsuccessful and discharge or return their bid bonds.

There will be performance security deposit requirements, which should be done within 10-days after the later of the dates on which the licence and PA are signed, the GPE is to be furnished with a performance security deposit for an amount equivalent to US$75,000 per MW. 

The performance security deposit shall be in the form of a certified cheque, or an unconditional letter of credit, issued by a reputable financial institution. All costs of obtaining and maintaining the performance security deposit shall be borne by the company. 

Failure to produce the performance security deposit as required may result in disqualification of the bid and forfeiture of the bid bond. The deposit, according to the GPE, shall be valid until the company posts a construction security deposit in accordance with the PPA. 

If the GPE determines that the successful bidder has made any false representation, has failed to comply with the requirements of the RFP or has breached the provisions of any project agreement before the construction security deposit is posted, the GPE shall be entitled to recommend the termination of the licence and to draw upon the performance security deposit.