The National Electric Transmission Company (ENATREL) of Nicaragua has announced International Public Tender LPI-003-2025-PASTEN-ENATREL, corresponding to the supply and installation of a Fire Protection System under the Program for the Expansion of Nicaragua’s Electric Transmission System (PASTEN), financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).
The project aims to design, supply, install, test, and commission a modern fire detection and extinguishing system to replace the current equipment at the National Load Dispatch Center (CNDC), located in Managua.
Contractor activities
The selected contractor will be responsible for the comprehensive design of the new system, which must comply with fire classes A, B, and C, and include automatic detection, manual activation, and remote web monitoring. The contractor must also ensure integration with the CNDC’s critical platforms, such as access control, video surveillance, and precision air conditioning.
The scope of work includes, among other components:
- Main Control Panel and Fire Control Zone Panels (PCIC and PCIZ).
- Extinguishing agent cylinders.
- Ionization and thermal detectors.
- Alarms, indicators, manual switches, and specialized wiring;
- Galvanized metal pipes and EMT conduit.
- Civil works for dismantling the existing system and installing the new one.
- Technical training for personnel in system operation, testing, maintenance, and supervisión.
- Dismantling, packing, and transferring replaced equipment to ENATREL’s warehouses in Ciudad Sandino.
The system design must be developed using specialized software by engineers certified by CEPI or equivalent NFPA standards, and must receive prior approval from the CNDC. In addition, the system must be certified by internationally recognized organizations such as UL, ULC, FM, or LPCB.
Bidder requirements
Both national and international companies may participate individually or as part of a joint venture (APCA), provided they are not listed as prohibited or ineligible counterparties by CABEI. Bidders must:
- Demonstrate successful completion of at least three similar contracts for the supply and installation of fire protection systems during the past five years (2019–2023), with contract values equivalent to at least 60% of the bid amount;
- Present manufacturer authorization, if they are not the direct producers of the goods;
- Demonstrate compliance with international quality standards, such as current ISO 9001 certification from manufacturers;
- Include a delivery plan and schedule consistent with the established execution period (11 to 15 months for full installation).
Deadlines and conditions
The contract will have a duration of 15 months from the date of signing. Bidders will have 45 calendar days, starting October 20, 2025, to prepare their proposals.
The deadline for submitting bids is Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
