power grid company of bangladesh limited - PGCB

MKTL Clarification-1 Page 1 of 19

POWER GRID COMPANY OF BANGLADESH LIMITED

SUPPLY, ERECTION, TESTING & COMMISSIONING OF MONGLA–KHULNA (SOUTH) 230KV DOUBLE CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION LINE USING FOUR CIRCUIT TOWERS ON TURNKEY BASIS

(CONTRACT NO.: PGCB/230kV/TL/M-K)

CLARIFICATION NO. 1

(Date: January 13, 2015)

A pre bid meeting was held on December 30, 2014 as per provision of ITB 7.4, Volume 1 of 3 of the Bidding Document. Attendance Sheet of the meeting is enclosed (Attachment-1). A list of the firms, who have purchased the bidding document, is also enclosed (Attachment-2). Clarifications to the queries received from the prospective bidders regarding the bidding documents prior to and during the Pre-bid meeting and after the Pre-bid meeting has been prepared and given below:

Volume 1 of 3

Query 1: As per Appendix-2 (Price Adjustment/Escalation), “Subscript '1' refers to indices and exchange rate as on the date of LC opening”. Accordingly, price adjustment date shall be the date of LC opening.

As per the terms of payment (Appendix-1), we understand that LC will be opened against each shipment on pro-rata basis. Kindly, confirm, whether our above understanding is in line with tender conditions or not. Also, confirm the procedures and time period of shipment wise LC opening to better understand the Price Adjustment realization.

Answer 1: Your understanding is not correct. Letter of Credit will be opened for the whole project at a time, not against each shipment.

Query 2:

As per Price Adjustment rules (Appendix – 2), price adjustment will be effective from the date of LC opening.

LC will be opened only for Foreign Currency Portion which covers the plants and equipments supplied from outside Bangladesh.

If, plants / equipments quoted in Local Currency (for supply from within Bangladesh), how price adjustment will be effective? Considering, LC will not be opened for Local Currency


payments.

We request you to kindly arrange to review the Price Adjustment Clauses (Appendix – 2) considering Local Currency quote for Plants and Equipments and issue necessary amendments / clarifications in this regards.

Answer 2: If plants / equipments are quoted in Local Currency (for supply from within Bangladesh) then also the indices related to LC opening date shall be followed for Price Adjustment purpose.

Query 3: As per Clause 14.1 (a), Section – 8, SCC : “Income Tax, surcharge and all taxes of similar nature and VAT levied on the Contractor which is deductible on payment of bill as Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) in Bangladesh in connection with the execution of this Contract, shall be paid by the Employer.”

1) From the above Clause, we understood that there will be no tax deduction by PGCB from the payment of Contractor’s bill (irrespective of currency) as TDS (Tax Deduction at Source) as per Government Tax Rules of Bangladesh in connection with the execution of this Contract and PGCB (Employer) will pay such amount from their own fund and issue us the certificate of such payment to Government.

We request you to kindly arrange to confirm whether our above understanding is in line with tender requirements or not This will enable us to assess the exact tax implication and to avoid unnecessary loading in our quoted prices towards tax.

2) We request you to kindly arrange to provide / confirm the total rates and types of taxes applicable in connection with execution of this contract in Bangladesh as per Govt. Tax rules. Further, out of above total taxes, how much taxes is payable by PGCB directly to Govt. Authorities as Tax Deductable at Source (TDS). Kindly, confirm.

This will enable us to assess the balance tax implication to be paid by the Contractor in addition to above TDS (Paid by PGCB).

Answer 3: (1) Confirmed.

(2) Bidders are requested to communicate with National Board of Revenue (NBR) in this regard and follow the existing Acts and Rules regarding VAT and Tax.

Query 4: As per Clause 14.1 (C), Section – 8, SCC : “VAT on EXW is not included in the contract price. VAT on EXW shall be paid by the


Contractor which shall be reimbursed by the Employer to the Contractor at actual basis but not more than 4.5% of EXW upon submission of relevant documents in original.”

1) From the above Clause, we understand that VAT maximum upto 4.5% of EXW will be reimbursed by PGCB (for foreign as well as local currency portion).

We request you to kindly arrange to confirm the total VAT applicable on various EXW items to enable us to assess the addition VAT implications (beyond 4.5% of EXW), which is not reimbursable from PGCB.

2) We understand that Contractor paid VAT amount will be reimbursed to the Contractor

by PGCB within 45 days from the submission of relevant documents in Original to

PGCB, inline with payment realization period.

Kindly, confirm whether our above understanding is in line with bidding documents or not.

Answer 4: (1) Your understanding is correct for EXW quoted price. Bidders are requested to communicate with National Board of Revenue (NBR) in this regard and follow the existing Acts and Rules regarding VAT and Tax.

(2) Employer will try best to reimburse VAT on EXW as per provision of the Contract.

Query 5: As per Clause 14.2 (C) and 14.2(e), Section – 8, SCC : “The Employer will be responsible for the payments of all such Customs, Import Duties VAT and AIT levied on the imported Plant”

1) From the above Clause, we understand that employer (PGCB) will pay all kind of Customs, Import Duties, VAT and Advance Income Tax (AIT) including following duties levied for Imported Plant / equipments (consumable in the project),

• Regulatory Duty • Pre-shipment and Inspection duty • Supplementary duty under VAT

Kindly, confirm whether our above understanding is in line with bidding documents or not.

2) We understand that Import license and permits for the Plant will be obtained by the

Employer (PGCB) in his name. Kindly, confirm.

Answer 5: (1) VAT, Regulatory Duty and Supplementary Duty on VAT on imported plant applicable in Bangladesh, shall be paid by the Employer. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) duty & charge (if applicable) shall be paid by the contractor. VAT on EXW for the plan/materials supplied from within Bangladesh shall be reimbursed by the Employer upto maximum 4.5% or actual basis whichever is lower.


(1) Confirmed.

Query 6: As per clause 14.1 & 14.2 of Section – 8, SCC:

We understand that Employer (PGCB) will not be liable to pay any kind of taxes for Sub-contractors. Contractor has to deduct the necessary deductible taxes (TDS) from the subcontractor’s bills and has to deposit it to the Government Account. Kindly, confirm whether our above understanding is in line with bidding documents or not.

Answer 6: Your understanding is correct.

Query 7: Kindly confirm, how many partners are allowed in single Joint Venture Bid.

Answer 7: There is no limitation regarding the nos. of partner in a Joint Venture Bid.

Query 8:

Joint Venture

As per Form of Joint Venture Agreement, Section – 6:

• “4. Responsibilities of the Partner in Charge” In addition to its scope as defined in clause 2.1 hereof

- overall responsibility. - co-ordination and supervision of the time schedule, as well as of all technical questions and queries of interest to the partners. - bidding, commercial negotiation, signing and execution of contract. - incur liabilities, receive payments, take in instruction for and on behalf of any or all partners during entire execution of the Contract.

• “10. Invoicing and Payment” which states that

The Partner in Charge shall invoice for the Joint Venture's scope of supplies and services to PGCB and receive payments directly.

1) Whether PGCB will award this contract in the name of Partner In-charge on behalf of JV. Please, clarify.

2) Whether Joint Venture needs to be registered / incorporate as a separate legal entity in Bangladesh. Please, clarify.

3) We understand that Partner In-charge shall raise the invoice on behalf of all partner’s respective scope of work to PGCB and receive payments directly in his Bank Account


on behalf of JV.

Kindly, confirm whether our above understanding is correct or not.

4) Can individual JV partner raise the invoice to PGCB for their respective scope of works and receive payments directly in their Bank Account (At Bangladesh or JV partner’s country)? Please, clarify.

5) In case of Partner In-charge is not Bangladesh Origin (M/s. ABC – India) and other

partner is local Bangladesh company, For imported plant / equipments, we understand that Invoice can be directly raised from ABC – India (Partner In-charge) to PGCB (i.e. buyer and importer will be PGCB in all the documents) and payment will also be directly released to ABC-India in his bank account in India through LC (for foreign currency). Kindly, confirm whether our above understanding is correct or not.

6) Since, PGCB will pay all kind of taxes and duties (as per Clause 14.1 and 14.2 of

Section – 8, SCC) on behalf of Joint Venture, we understand that Individual JV partners are also exempted from VAT, Income tax, surcharge and all other similar tax on the profit earned/accrued in Bangladesh from the execution of this project. Necessary exemption certificate /assistance will be provided by PGCB to the Joint Venture partners. Joint Venture and Joint venture partners are also exempt from the remittance tax (as per Income tax as well as Central Bank of Bangladesh) on fund / profit transfer from Bangladesh to JV partner country pertaining to execution of this project. Necessary exemption certificate /assistance will be provided by PGCB to the Joint Venture and Joint Venture partners. In case of PGCB directly transfer the funds to Joint venture / Joint Venture partner’s bank account abroad for execution of this project than same will also be exempted from remittance tax. Kindly, confirm whether our above understanding is correct or not.

Answer 8: 1)In case of Joint Venture, PGCB will award the contract in the name of Joint Venture. 2) Bidders are requested to communicate with Board of Investment or Joint Stock Company of Bangladesh in this regard. 3) Bidder or Partner In-charge shall raise the invoice on behalf of all partner’s respective

scope of work to PGCB and receive payments in the Bank Account on behalf of Joint Venture.


4) No. 5) Your understanding is correct. 6) Your understanding is not correct. Employer (PGCB) will pay Tax & VAT which is deductable as payment of bill as TDS in Bangladesh in connection with the execution of this contract.

Query 9:

Sub-Contractor From the price schedule, we understand that bidders are permitted to quote the price of individual plants / equipments either in the price schedule from within the Employer’s country(i.e. EXW quote) or from outside the Employer’s country (i.e. CIF quote). With reference to the Cl. No. 1.2.9, of Section-3, Vol. 1 of bidding document, we seek following clarification from PGCB for better understanding and clarity and further consideration at our end.

Consider a case, where bidder has quoted their price for supply of individual plant in the price schedule from within Employer’s Country (i.e. EXW quote) by considering their supplier from Bangladesh i.e. M/s ABC, Dhaka. Also, proposed two suppliers (i.e. M/s. ABC, Dhaka – Within Bangladesh Supplier & M/s XYZ, India – Foreign Supplier) in the proposed supplier list against the same particular plant.

Both these suppliers (i.e. M/s ABC & M/s XYZ) are technically responsive & qualified by PGCB at evaluation & order stage. Accordingly, at execution stage, bidder has commenced the supply of plant from M/s ABC, Dhaka (Within Bangladesh Supplier), since quoted price in the price schedule is for plant supplied from within Employer’s Country.

Now, at some point during the execution stage, for some reasons, M/s ABC, Dhaka is not performing / supplying the material to complete the contract within time period and bidder doesn’t have any alternative option for supply from Bangladesh, but they can manage supply from foreign supplier (i.e. M/s XYZ, India). In such case, we would like to clarify that,

1. Whether PGCB will permit the supply from M/s XYZ, India (foreign supplier) who is also qualified / technically responsive????

2. If permitted, then in such case will PGCB convert EXW quote of the price schedule in to CIF price as per directives given in the bidding document and subsequent all the clarification / Addendum???

3. Also, request to confirm that will PGCB pay all Custom Duty / Import Duty, VAT, AIT and other levies for this imported plant in the similar manner as done for other imported plants????

Kindly, request to please clarify all the above points.

Answer 9:

1. This matter will be finalized during execution stage as per provision of Contract. 2. In case a Bangladeshi manufacturer fails to supply as indicated above then the process of converting the EXW price to CIF price as mentioned in Clause 1.2.7(e), Section 3, Volume 1 of 3 of the bidding document shall be applied to pay the Contractor for alternative supplier. 3. In this case, Custom Duties & Value Added Tax (CD & VAT) and associated other taxes for such plant/equipment shall be paid by the Contractor without change in Contract Price.


Query 10:

Domestic Margin of Preference

As per Cl. No. 1.2.7, 1.2.8 & 1.2.9 of Section-3, Vol.-1 of bidding document, we kindly request you to please confirm whether domestic preference of margin will be applied to CIF price component derived from EXW quote of bidder as per Cl. No. 1.2.9 of Section-3.

Answer 10:

Domestic preference will be applied in the case as asked, however, the bidder is requested to follow Clause No. 1.2.9 of Section-3, Vol.-1 of bidding document for details in this regard.

Query 11: Interest on Delayed Payment In the event that the Employer fails to make any payment on its respective due date, the Employer shall pay to the Contractor interest on the amount of such delayed payment at the rate of 10-11% per annum for period of delay until payment has been made in full.

Kindly, consider our above request and issue necessary amendments in this regards.

Also, confirm the Payment Terms and Procedure for Price Adjustment Bills to be followed.

Answer 11: Your modification proposal could not be accepted.

Query 12: In case of Joint Venture Bid, we understand that it is not compulsory to purchase Bid Documents from PGCB in the name of Joint Venture. Joint Venture Bid will be accepted by PGCB, even if Bid documents purchased in the name of Lead Partner.

Answer 12: Your understanding is correct.

Query 13:

Bid Security

If a bid is submitted by a joint venture, can the bidder submit two bid securities separately from each JV Partner with total value remain unchanged? Kindly, clarify. If permitted, then can the foreign partner submit the Bid security in foreign currency and local partner in equivalent Bangladesh Taka with total value remain unchanged?? Kindly, confirm.

Answer 13:

Two or more nos. of separate bid securities is not acceptable for this bid. The requirement of this Bid is a single bid security.

Query 14:

Bidding form- Letter of Technical & Price bid In the Point No. b) of Letter of Technical & Price bid in Section-4, Page 4-2 & 4-4 respectively, it is mentioned that “We offer to design, manufacture, test…..”. We would like to inform you that, since the design is not in bidder’s scope, the work “design” should be remove from this point and request you to please amend this form suitably.



Query 15:

Evaluation Procedure

From clause no 1.2.8 & 1.2.9, Section-3, Volume-1, we understand that if sub-contractor within employer’s country not qualified /technically not responsive, in that case alternative responsive foreign supplier will be chosen for supply of materials and new CIF price will be derived after deducting 4.5% VAT. In this case, bidder has initially quoted prices in local currency in price schedule as a supply within Employer’s country, whether new derived CIF price will be allowed to be converted & paid in equivalent foreign currency (USD)? Kindly, Clarify.

Answer 15:

Yes. Exchange rate shall be on the date of Technical Bid opening.

Query 16: ISO Certificate

As per Cl. No. 2.7 of Section-3 of Vol. 1 (Page: 3-12) for Evaluation and Qualification Criteria, the subcontractor other than given subcontractors are required to have valid ISO 9001:2008 certificate as one of the minimum criteria to met. Since, all the subcontractor may not have exact ISO 9001:2008 certificate, we kindly request you to please amend this suitably as ISO equivalent or above standard certificate. Kindly confirm.

Answer 16:

Your modification proposal could not be accepted.

Query 17:

Credentials for Sub-Vendor

As per Cl. No. 2.7, Evaluation and Qualification Criteria, Section-3, Page 3-11, for each of the

major items, PGCB has provided acceptable manufacturer. As mentioned, in this clause, we

understand that bidders who will supply the plant from these manufacturers need to submit

only Manufacturer Authorization, GTP & Drawing along with bid.

The other documents like Tech. Catalogue, Quality Assurance Programme & Typical Quality

Plant and ISO certificate, Type Test Report etc. are not required to submit for the given

vendors in the section-3 of Vol.-1. Please Confirm.

Answer 17:

Confirmed.

Query 18:

Referring to Bid security Requirement of ITB 21.3 (page 2-4), Section 2, Vol.-1 of bidding document, please clarify that, if a local branch of a foreign bank included in "the scheduled bank located in employer's country" mentioned.

Answer 18:

Above query is not clear to understand. However, Bid security from local (Bangladeshi) branch of a foreign bank, which is a scheduled bank in Bangladesh is acceptable subject to compliance with requirements of clause 21, Section-1(Instructions to Bidders) and sub-


clause ITB 21.1 & ITB 21.3, Section-2 (Bid Data Sheet) of volume 1 of 3 of bidding document.

Query 19:

Referring to Appendix 3 (Insurance Requirements) to Contract Agreement form (page 9-11) of Section-9, Vol. 1 of 3 of bidding document, please clarify that if all the insurances in the Employer’s country must be made 100% from the Sadharan Bima Corporation, Bangladesh. How about other insurance corporations. Please provide the contact information about the Sadharan Bima Corporation.

Answer 19:

All the insurances in the Employer’s country shall be made 100% from the Sadharan Bima Corporation, Bangladesh.

The prospective bidder may collect the contact information of Sadharan Bima Corporation, Bangladesh from their website mentioned below: www.sbc.gov.bd

Query 20:

Referring to Clause 2.4.2 (Specific Experience) of Section-3 (Evaluation and Qualification Criteria), Vol. 1of 3 of bidding document, we (a bidder) have rich experience and advanced technology in transmission line, we have completed 500KV,800KV,1000KV transmission line projects. The special UHV design and innovation has been matured by us. But in China, the Power State Grid does not allow transmission line EPC by only one company, so mostly we take the engineering work but we have good relationship with manufacturers and constructers. And also we have accumulated great experience in project management. so we think we are capable and qualified to participate in this project. So can you withdraw this clause and make us to be an potential cooperator in this bidding?


Query 21: Referring to tender notice which states as “The Works under this turnkey contract shall be completed within 18 (Eighteen) months from the effective date.”

in consideration of the climate conditions in Bangladesh， please clarify if the“18 (Eighteen) months” is effective working days?

Answer 21: “18 (Eighteen) months” - Completion Time of the Works under this turnkey contract is eighteen calendar months. The Completion Time shall be counted from the Effective Date.

Volume 2 of 3

Query 1: Line Termination at Sub-station

As per Appendix – 1.A2 (Terminal Point), Section-1, Volume 2 :

OPGW and Earthwire shall be terminated at the Sub-station gantry for the Transmission Line.

We understand that supply of Optical Fiber Patch Panel for connection of OPGW at Sub station is not in the scope of this Contract.

Kindly, Confirm.


Answer 1:

Supply of Optical Fiber Patch Panel for connection of OPGW at Substation is not in the scope of this Contract.

Query 2: Kindly refer to the Volume-2 Chapter 8 Clause 8.2.24 where it is mentioned that Pre Designed Pre Tested Towers are to be used under this project and tower designs shall be provided by the Employer while the Contractor need to do the foundation designs based on the foundation forces provided in the bidding document. However, there are no weights of the towers have been provided in the bidding document. It is hereby requested to kindly provide the same as without that the prices for the towers cannot be quoted with the current scope of works. Please Clarify.

Answer 2: Outline & Clearance diagram of River crossing suspension & Anchor tower (2DR & 2DAX) and 230kV 4-circuit suspension tower - for overland portion (2QL) are enclosed herewith (Attachment-3). The bidders may assess the weights of these 3 types of towers from the enclosed drawings. Drawings of the remaining types of towers will be provided to the bidders soon.

Query 3: Tower Drawings & Bill of Material As per the scope of this tender, tower design will be provided by PGCB.

Tower Wise unit weights not given in Section-8, Vol.-2 of Tender document.

We kindly request you to please provide the tower wise unit weights for all type of towers,

which will be required for foundation design.

As bidders are required to quote on per tower basis based on tower design of PGCB, we

kindly request you to please provide us the tower wise unit weights (MS & HT Separately),

Bolt & nut weight, stub weight along with drawings for each tower type and their extension.

Answer 3: Please refer to Answer 2 of this CLARIFICATION.

Query 4:

Tower Testing

As per Appendix 8.A10 for Tower Test Requirements of Vol.-2, Page 8-39, we understand that only Proto Assembly Test require for all type of towers. Loading / Destruction test is not required for any of the given tower type.

Kindly, Confirm

Answer 4:

Loading /Destruction test of tower is not required for any tower type under this Contract. However, Proto assembly tests and Sample tests/ Factory Acceptance tests shall be Conducted as specified in the Technical Specifications.


All costs related to such tests shall deem to be included in the Contract Price.

Query 5: Tower Accessories

We request you to kindly confirm the Ladder and fall arrest system requirements for River Crossing, Anchor and other heighted towers.

Answer 5: Tower shall be manufactured as per design/ structural drawings provided by the Employer. Please also refer to the addendum regarding Section 8(Towers) of volume 2 of 3 of the bidding document.

Query 6: Route Clearances / Access

As per standard practice followed by various Power Transmission Utilities in International Tender, Employer / Utility shall be responsible for acquiring and providing legal and physical possession of the Site and access thereto and for providing possession of and access to all other areas reasonably required for the proper execution of the Contract, including all requisite rights of way. The Employer shall give full possession and accord all rights of access thereto before commencement of work without any cost implication to Contractor.

We request you to kindly arrange to clarify and confirm the above point and issue necessary amendments in this regards.

If, route clearances / Access are under the Contractors Scope, kindly arrange to provide the guidelines shall be followed for compensation of Land, Trees, Crops, House etc. and all kind of damage compensation.

Answer 6:

Route clearances / Access are under the Contractor’s Scope as per GCC Clause 10 and SCC Clause 10. Bidders are suggested to contact with relevant agriculture, forest and public works department for rate of compensation. Bidders are also requested to conduct site visit along the route to get them acquainted regarding the extent of compensation.

Query 7: Reinforcement Steel

Please, refer the clause no. 7.2.15, 7.3.5, 7.4.3 of Volume 2 of 3 (Technical Specification) from above clauses, we could not define the requirements of Epoxy Coated Reinforcement bars.

Kindly, confirm whether all required Reinforcement Steel Bars is Epoxy Coated. If yes, kindly arrange to provide the detail Epoxy coating specifications to be followed with clearly mention ing the types of coating materials / methodology / Dry Film Thickness / standards…..etc. to enable us to assess the exact tender requirements

Answer 7: Reinforcement Steel Bars are not required to be Epoxy Coated. The specification of epoxy coating has been given general purpose only.

Query 8: Tower Steelwork Please, refer the clause no. 7.4.4 of Volume 2 of 3 (Technical Specification)


We understand that all galvanized tower steel upto 3 meter or upto maximum anticipated flood level from ground level (whichever is maximum) shall be protected by Coal Tar Epoxy Coating. Kindly, confirm whether our above understanding is in line with tender requirements or not. Also, define / confirm the maximum anticipated flood level in proposed route, wherever required to be considered to further assess the Epoxy Coating requirements beyond 3meter from ground level. Further, also confirm whether Epoxy Coating on Tower Steel needs to be applied at manufacturer’s place or at Site Location. This will enable us to assess the exact requirements for suitable consideration in our tender working.

Answer 8: Please refer to clause no. 7.4.4, page 7/21, Volume 2 of 3 of the bidding document. “All tower steelwork below the maximum anticipated flood level shall be protected by Coal Tar Epoxy coatings. All steelwork to a minimum height of 3m above ground level shall be protected by factory application with the remainder applied on site, including the stub above concrete level.” Please communicate with Bangladesh Water Development Board or relevant authority regarding highest flood level. Epoxy Coating on Tower Steel may be applied at site.

Query 9:

Tower Foundation If any additional works required to be carried out for foundation protection such as cutting/ filling / retaining wall etc., will it be paid separately? Kindly, clarify. We request you to ask for the unit rates of various individual items pertinent to foundations activity (i.e. Benching / Excavation / Concreting / Steel etc…) for better understanding and clarity during contract executions.

Answer9: Additional unit rate of boring and sand filling has been added in the price schedule through addendum. Price of any further additional item required for foundation work shall deem to be included in the bid price.

Query 10: Foundation a) Ref. Volume 2 of 3, Section 7, Clause7.2.7.2; para (b) Multiple Pile Foundation using

Vertical Piles. Specification says ” This type of foundation shall be used when ground settlement is likely to impose unacceptable bending stresses on raked piles, or where the type of pile cannot be installed raked. In this case lateral stability shall be provided by the passive resistance of the ground acting on the piles, pile cap and their interconnecting ground beams where present.”


We understand that the lateral force on pile top shall be adjusted by considering the lateral resistance of the ground on pile cap that means net lateral force on pile top shall be obtained by deducting lateral earth resistance by pile cap from the ultimate lateral force resulted from tower analysis. Please confirm.

b) Ref. Volume 2 of 3, Section 7, Clause 7.2.7.4- Raised Chimney. Last para stated ”Depending on the highest flood level, raised chimney may vary from 1m to 6m in one meter increment.” In the schedule B4 (Installation and other services), provision for raised chimney is limited to 2 meter only. Please correct either schedule or specification.

c) Ref. Volume 2 of 3, Section 7, Appendix 7.A4 (continued); according to the appendix Ultimate skin friction for sandy soil is = ½Ksσvtanδ As. Since σv is denoted as effective overburden pressure, we think the equation should be = Ks vtanδ As and σv can be replaced by v. In that case confusion can be avoided in case we encounter multiple layers of different soil strata. Please consider the matter and confirm the equation to be used.

d) Ref. Volume 2 of 3, Section 8, Appendix 8.E1: Foundation Reaction Forces; For 230 kV four circuit towers (overland portion)-Foundation reaction Forces are for which load cases that are not mentioned. Please mention the load cases that produce most critical foundation reaction forces.

Answer10:

a) Your understanding is correct. b) Raised chimney may vary upto 2 meter in this project. The mentioned specification is for general purpose. Hence, the bidder is requested to follow the Price Schedule.

c) The equation of Ultimate skin friction for sandy soil = ½Ksσvtanδ As or Ks vtanδ As

is same considering ½σv replaced by v.

d) Please refer to the addendum in this regard.

Query 11: Kindly refer to the Volume 2, Chapter 18, Clause 18.1.11 “Witness of Tests by Employer” it is

stated that a. Two Engineers of the Employer shall visit at manufacturer’s works/ testing station for witnessing proto-assembly test for each type of towers. b. Two Engineers of the Employer shall visit at manufacturer’s works/ testing station for witnessing Acceptance/Sample Tests (Visual Check, Galvanizing Test, Mechanical Test of Tower Members/Nuts and Bolts/Plates/Hardware Fittings and/or other acceptance/sample tests as specified in the Specification) of Tower materials, Insulators, Conductor, insulator and conductor fittings with accessories, OPGW and OPGW fittings with accessories before each shipment of materials.


The cost of the air fare, hotel charges, laundry expenses, travelling expenses, food, health Facilities and all other related cost shall be borne by the Contractor. Each visit must be minimum of 7 days or more than 7 days (if required) excluding travel time. A per diem allowance of US$ 100 or equivalent shall be additionally given to the Employer’s Engineers per head including travel time by the Contractor. All costs for the above visits are deemed to be included in the Contract. It is to mention that the intent of the formulation of the Clause keep in mind the international travel of the engineers and hence all the parameters are stipulated accordingly. However, for locally supplied items the applicability of the same Clause is impractical and hence need to be relooked. We propose that for the locally supplied items per diem allowance as per PGCB local travel norms for 2 days per visit must be in the Contractor’s scope. We hereby request you to kindly relook into it and frame a separate Clause for test witnessing/inspection for the materials to be supplied from within Bangladesh. Please Clarify.

Answer 11: Please refer to the addendum in this regard.

Query 12: OPGW Requirements

a) Whether supply of Fibre Optic Cable (Approach Cable) is in the scope of Contractor? If yes, what will be the length required on either side of the line? Kindly, Confirm.

b) Tension set for OPGW are same for splicing and non splicing locations? Unit “each” in the price schedule for OPGW tension set is for one side of tower or for both side of the Tower? Kindly Clarify.

Answer 12: (a) The fiber optic cable supply is not in the scope of the Contractor.

(b) Tension set for OPGW for splicing and non-splicing locations should be same.

Unit “each” in the price schedule against OPGW tension set is applicable for one side of one crossarm of tower.

Query 13:

OPGW Connector We request you to kindly arrange to clarify whether any special kind of connectors required to connect Overland portion OPGW (7x4.00 mm S Earthwire equivalent) with River Crossing portion OPGW (19x3.67 20 SA). Please Confirm.

Answer 13: Bidders are requested to assess themselves whether special type of connector is required or not.


Query 14:

Tower Foundation If any additional works required to be carried out for foundation protection such as cutting / filling / retaining wall etc., will it be paid separately? Kindly clarify. We request you to ask for the unit rates of various individual items pertinent to foundations activity (i.e. Benching / Excavation / Concreting / Steel etc…) for better understanding and clarity during contract executions.

Answer 14: Additional unit rate of boring and sand filling has been added in the price schedule through addendum. Price of any further additional item required for foundation work shall deem to be included in the bid price.

Query 15:

In Tender documents it is mentioned that “The scope does not include design of towers and drawing of towers will be provided by the Employer to the Contractor during execution”, meanwhile we have to estimate the price of towers based on the weight of each tower, but it is not possible to estimate the weight of towers without related drawings. Please submit the weight of each type of towers, related body extensions, leg extensions and stubs so that we can estimate the price for each tower.


Query 16:

Please clarify the required short circuit current for hardware & fittings.

Answer 16: Please follow the technical specifications of the bidding document in this regard.

Query 17:

In Tender documents, Vol2-310, section19, it is mentioned that outline & clearance diagram for tower 2DR and 2DAX is attached, while there is no drawing in the attachment.

Answer 17:

The prospective bidder is requested to collect above two drawings from Design & QC department of PGCB.

Query 18: Please submit outline & clearance diagram for all types of 4 circuit towers and river crossing towers. (It is very important to estimate the price of towers).

Answer 18:

Please refer to Answer 2 of this CLARIFICATION.

Query 19:

Please submit the number of houses inside the right of way of the transmission which shall be relocated.

Answer 19: Route clearances / Access are under the Contractor’s Scope as per GCC Clause 10 and SCC Clause 10. All necessary Right of Way clearance for Transmission Line shall be in the scope

of the Contractor. Bidders, at their own cost, may conduct site visit along the preliminary route provided with the bidding document to assess the belongings along the line- route.

Query 20: Please clarify whether manufacturing of the towers can adopt Chinese standards?


Answer 20: Towers shall be manufactured by using only BSEN grade materials. All steel of towers shall comply with BS EN 10025 or BS EN 10210 as appropriate as specified in sub-clause 8.3.1, Section 8-Towers, volume 2 of 3 of bidding document. Bolts, Nuts, Clevis Pins, Washers shall comply with the requirements of sub-clause 8.3.2 of the above Section 8-Towers. For galvanizing, requirements of BS EN ISO 1461 and BS EN 1179 shall be complied with as mentioned in the Technical Specifications.

Query 21: Please clarify the standard about the foundations calculation. Can we use Chinese standards? If the employer have detailed rules about the foundation calculation, please provide them.

Answer 21: Please follow sub-clause 7.2.2 & 7.2.3 of Section 7(Foundations), volume 2 of 3 of the bidding document.

Query 22: Because the bidding documents don't contain the route distance and the weight of the towers, please provide the drawings of the towers.

Answer 22: Preliminary route alignment drawing of the proposed transmission line (Route length=23.506km) is provided along with the bidding document including coordinates of the angle points. The bidder may again collect the same including the soft-copy from Design & QC department of PGCB.

Regarding drawings/weights of towers, please refer to Answer 2 of this CLARIFICATION.

Query 23: Please clarify the check and accept schedule about the equipment and materials arriving at site, what kind regulations and standards should be adopted?

Answer 23: Following steps are generally followed:

The Contractor shall submit specifications/technical documents of equipment/plants including manufacturer’s quality plan (MQP) to the Employer for approval. The Contractor shall arrange tests at manufacturer’s works which shall be witnessed by the Employer. Dispatch clearance will be issued by the Employer upon successful tests. On the basis of dispatch clearance, equipment/plants will be dispatched to site. Upon delivery to site, Post Landing Inspection (PLI) shall be conducted.

Please refer to bidding document for details of above steps for acceptance of equipment/plants and materials.

Query 24: Please clarify if the equipments and materials need to be checked again after them arriving at site except for the factory certification and check & acceptance reports. What are the detailed inspection regulation or standard?


Query 25: Please provide the Geotechnical Investigation Report containing basic engineering geology and hydrogeology of basic conditions along the transmission line.

Answer 25: Geotechnical Investigations are in the Contractor’s scope. Clause nos. 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7


etc. of Section 6 (Survey, Profile and Geotechnical Investigations), Volume 2 of 3 of the bidding document may be seen in this regard.

Query 26: Please provide the tectonic geology and earthquake geology report about the project.

Answer 26: Geotechnical investigation shall be undertaken by the Contractor in accordance with the technical requirements detailed in Section 6(Survey, Profile and Geotechnical Investigations), Volume 2 of 3 of the bidding document. The bidder may get general guidelines in the above Section 6. The Contractor may undertake any further investigation not mentioned in the Technical Specification and furnish the reports/information to the Employer without any additional cost.

Query 27: Please clarify whether the land occupation of the line corridors and tower foundation had been agreed by local government and Landholder or not.

Answer 27: Route clearances / Access are under the Contractor’s Scope as per GCC Clause 10 and SCC Clause 10.

Query 28: Please clarify if the necessary permission for the removal of obstructions for the patrolling and maintenance way can be obtained by the Employer.

Answer 28:

The necessary permission for the removal of obstructions for the patrolling and maintenance way will be in the responsibility of the Contractor. The Employer shall assist the Contractor in getting that permission. Please refer to Section 5 (Access), volume 2 of 3 of bidding document in this regard.

Query 29: Is there any standard specifications in crossing different kinds of trees?

Answer 29:

Routing of transmission line through protected/reserved forest area should be avoided. In case it is not possible to avoid the forests or areas having large trees completely, then keeping in view of the overall economy, the route should be aligned in such a way that cutting of trees is minimum. For detailed specifications in this regard please refer to Section 5 & 6 of volume 2 of 3 of the bidding document.

Query 30: In selection of tower foundation, please clarify if there are any special facilities need to keep

away, and the distance requirements？

Answer 30:

Please check the Technical Specification

Query 31: Please clarify who provide the site of working area that refer to any construction? Especially in case of tower foundation.

Answer 31:

Please refer to Answer 6 of this CLARIFICATION. Sub-clause 7.3.2 of Section 7(Foundations), volume 2 of 3 of bidding document also may be seen in this regard.

Query 32: Please clarify if the owner can provide laws and local customs in case of explosives.


Answer 32:

Please refer to sub-clause 7.3.4 of Section 7(Foundations) of volume 2 of 3 of bidding document in this regard. The Laws and rules in force of the Employer’s country shall be applicable.

Query 33: Please clarify if there is a professional testing unit to recheck the backfill.

Answer 33:

As mentioned in the bidding document.

Query 34: Site compensation costs of the transmission line project is responsible by the EPC general contracting unit, if the line project construction needs to cut or remove the following items, whether the employer can provide the following standard compensation content for calculating the price. 1) Housing Demolition: how much is it per square meter 2) Crop: how much per square metre (or per acre). For example: rice, wheat, tea, jute, sugarcane. 3) Tower covers: how much money each (or every leg)? 4) Trees cut down: how much is it per square metre (or per acre) , or how much money per tree 5) Across the highway: whether to calculate the cross damages, the calculation of standard is how much money 6) Across the river: whether to calculate the cross damages, the calculation of standard is how much money? 7) Across the other power line: whether to calculate the outage loss compensation, the calculation of standard is how much money?


Query 35:

As per this clause 8.2- design of section 8 (towers) outline drawings & Structural drawings of previously approved and load tested 230kV four circuit and double circuit towers will be provided by Employer to the contractor during exaction. In order to arrive at tender estimate we require tower weights for each type of towers. So kindly furnish the weight of each tower type or furnish the outline & structural drawing to calculate the tower weights.


Query 36:

We (bidder) need the following information from PGCB: 1) Tower Weights & Foundation volumes 2) Minutes of Pre-bid meeting

Answer 36: 1)Regarding tower weights please refer to Answer 2 of this CLARIFICATION.

Foundation design is in the scope of the Contractor. The Contractor has to design the foundations as per reactions given in the bidding document. Hence, foundation volumes will be attained by the Contractor after designing the foundation. 2)As this Clarification No.1 and Addendum No.1.


Volume 3 of 3

Query 1:

It is requested to kindly provide the soft copy of the price schedule in the Microsoft Excel format.

Answer1:

Interested Bidders are requested to bring USB pen drive to collect the soft copy of the price schedule in the Microsoft Excel format. Bidders are requested to compare the soft copy with the hard copy since the hardcopy shall prevail in case of any discrepancy between the soft copy and hard copy. Bidders are also requested to update the soft copy as per addendum (if any).

Enclosure: As stated. The above mentioned clarification will form part of the bidding documents.

power grid company of bangladesh limited - PGCB

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