The Delhi government has proposed a Rs.104-crore pilot project to reduce air pollution at 40 locations across the capital, with the work divided into separate contracts so private companies and eligible startups can bid for individual assignments. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will select the lowest eligible bidder for each contract under the reported procurement plan.
The project is intended to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 levels by 20 per cent at the selected sites. Each of the 40 schedules carries an estimated value of Rs.2.6 crore, although the procurement document states that this estimate is meant to guide eligibility conditions and earnest money requirements and will not determine the final quoted price.
The work has been categorised as “Air Quality Monitoring Service, Outdoor Area”. The relevant technical specifications cover sampling locations, sampling frequency, the number of samples, parameters to be monitored and reporting requirements. The contract period is one year, while the precise sites and implementation arrangements are to be governed by the accompanying technical specifications.
The locations are spread across five categories: marketplaces, commercial districts, transport hubs, tourist destinations, hospitals and educational institutions. By separating the project into 40 schedules, the government will allow different agencies to undertake individual assignments instead of requiring one company to deliver the entire programme across Delhi.
The eligibility framework requires bidders to have a minimum average annual turnover of Rs.1 crore over the previous three years and to demonstrate experience in similar services. Companies can qualify by showing three completed projects worth at least 40 per cent of the estimated cost, two projects worth at least 50 per cent, or one project worth at least 80 per cent.
Eligible startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade can seek relaxation from the turnover and experience requirements, subject to the conditions specified in the procurement document. This provision could allow newer firms with relevant monitoring or technology capabilities to participate in the bidding process.
Financial safeguards have also been specified. Bidders must deposit Rs.5 lakh as earnest money for every schedule they select. The successful agency will have to furnish a performance bank guarantee equivalent to 3 per cent, valid for 14 months. Payments are to be made within 45 days after the service delivery acceptance certificate is issued and bills are submitted online.
The buyer may increase or decrease the contract quantity or duration by up to 50 per cent, subject to the conditions set out in the document. The procurement document was issued on September 17. The next stages will depend on the bidding process, technical specifications and the DPCC’s selection of eligible lowest bidders for each of the 40 schedules.
