Notice for Solar Mini Grids (Rural Electrification Program)

Description

Belize, through the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics (MPUEL), is utilizing financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the "Rural Electrification Program" (BL-L1049). This Request for Information (RFI) invites potential suppliers and engineering firms to participate in market research for the upcoming turnkey procurement of solar PV mini-grid systems with battery storage.

Scope of market research and planned works
Main objective: Gather technical, financial, logistical, and commercial feedback to refine the procurement strategy for solar mini-grid installations in remote rural communities in the Toledo District.

Scope of upcoming procurement: Design, supply, and installation of four (4) solar photovoltaic (PV) mini-grid systems integrated with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), representing a total cumulative capacity of 1.2 MW.

Packaging and execution: The initiative will be structured into four (4) distinct Lots (one mini-grid per Lot). All four systems are expected to be implemented concurrently over an estimated 12-month period. Contracts will include O&M training and the supply of spare parts.

Estimated overall budget: US$ 5.6 Million.

Requested information from interested firms
Technical experience: Company profile highlighting previous solar PV and BESS projects implemented in remote, island, or logistically challenging environments.

Financial capacity: Overview of annual turnover and working capital, along with industry feedback on realistic financial qualification benchmarks for the tender.

Key personnel & concurrency: Views on essential technical roles (project management, electrical engineering, solar PV/BESS, ESHS) and resource availability for managing multiple Lots simultaneously.

Local integration: Identification of scope elements suitable for subcontracting to Belizean firms, local labor, or community-based services.

ESHS and supply chain: Demonstrated experience in multilateral ESHS compliance (especially in Indigenous and remote settings) and recommended measures for supply-chain traceability and integrity.

Process management and submission modalities
Nature of the notice: This process is strictly for market information gathering; it does not constitute a commitment to contract, nor does it prequalify or grant advantages to respondents for the future bidding process.

Upcoming bidding framework: Works will be procured through International Competitive Bidding (ICB) under IDB Procurement Policies.

Contact and access links: Information responses must be submitted by email to info@energy.gov.bz. Official procurement updates are available on the government portal at procurement.gov.bz/opportunities. Interested parties can access the project virtual briefing session via Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 241 211 727 396 218 / Passcode: GF7kA3mn).

Note: Bidding documents and annexes are available in the official language of the country.