The consulting services, which are to be financed by the World Bank, include the tender design and preparation of bidding documents (Phase A: preconstruction services), Construction supervision (Phase B) and Post-construction services (Phase C). The principal activities will include (i) Review and update of feasibility study report; (ii) Preparation of tender design and tender document of the project; (iii) Assistance in tender evaluation, negotiation and contract award, and (iv) Construction supervision and post construction services for the project. These include but are not limited to dam, waterways and powerhouse (including hydro-mechanical and electro-mechanical works).
The project, with an estimated total cost of US$ 1.377 billion, will include the construction of a concrete gravity dam with arc axis on the Arun river, one of the major tributaries of the Sapt Koshi river basin, with a crest elevation of 1653 m, a maximum height of 100 m, and a total crest length of 183 m, to create a peaking reservoir with full supply level of 1640 m, a minimum operating level of 1625 m and peaking pondage of 2.41 million m3. The reservoir with a total capacity of 5.07 million m3 will be used for peaking power production during the dry season and for sediment trapping to avoid construction of an underground desander. An ungated free overflow spillway will ensure management of floods and Glacial lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) while four low-level and two medium-level outlets within the dam will enable flood and sediment management. The project will also feature an underground powerhouse on the left bank of the Arun river, about 1.4 km upstream of its confluence with the Leksuwa river, to be equipped with six sets of six-nozzle vertical-axis Pelton turbine-generating units each with a rated capacity of 173.33 MW. The units will operate under a minimum rated head of 508 m and rated flow of 39.24 m3/s. Water will be supplied to the powerhouse via a 1.4 km-long low pressure headrace tunnel with a diameter of 8.4 m.
Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. Detailed Terms of Reference for the assignment, evaluation and shortlisting criteria referring to experience and organizational strength of interested consultants as well as a brief description of UAHEP, including this request for EOIs, can be downloaded from the NEA’s website at www.nea.org.np or collected from the address mentioned below. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. A consultant will be selected in line with the QCBS method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 10:00 to 17:00 hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in writing in person or by e-mail by 14.00 hours local time on 22 May to Fanendra Raj Joshi, Managing Director, Upper Arun Hydroelectric Limited, Shanti Priya Marg, Maharajgunj, 44600, Kathmandu, Nepal; Tel:+977-1- 4720543, +977-1- 4720980; E-mail: uahepnea@gmail.com; upperarun@nea.org.np
