Design, supply, installation, and commissioning of mv/lv electrical substation equipment for TRANSNET (compressor house, bay 2, bay 28, bay 55)

Project: Repairs to substations inside Compressor House, Bay 2, Bay 28, and Bay 55 for Transnet SOC Ltd in Durban.

Scope: Design, supply, installation, replacement, and repairs of MV/LV electrical substation equipment, including testing and commissioning.

Key Components: Cable repairs, removal of existing equipment, supply/installation of new MV/LV panels, transformers, busbars, earthing systems, and miscellaneous items (tool racks, battery chargers, epoxy flooring, painting, LED lighting).

Documentation: Refer to specifications TE-001-MVSPEC, TE-002-DBSPEC, TE-005-EARTHINGSPEC, and relevant annexures/drawings. Contractors must obtain these.

Pricing: Separate BOQs for each substation, with consolidated VAT-exclusive totals and 15% VAT.

Implicit eligibility and evaluation criteria include: 1) Compliance with SANS 10142-2 and Transnet specifications (TE-001-MVSPEC, TE-002-DBSPEC, TE-005-EARTHINGSPEC). 2) Access to registered ECSA Professional Engineers for MV commissioning, protection studies, and Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issuance. 3) Capability to execute method statements for MV/LV switching and isolation, approved by Transnet. 4) Resources for removal, transport (within 2km radius), and disposal of oil-filled equipment. 5) Financial and technical capacity to price and execute four separate substation projects (Compressor House, Bay 2, Bay 28, Bay 55). 6) Compliance with all contractual conditions, including Preliminary and General (P&G) items.

Scope: Design, supply, installation, replacement, and repairs of MV/LV electrical substation equipment for Compressor House, Bay 2, Bay 28, and Bay 55, including testing and commissioning.

Key Deliverables:

• Cable repairs/replacements: 11kV XLPE cables, bushings, and terminations.
• Removal of existing equipment: 11kV panels, switchgear, LV panels, busways, and transformers (including de-energizing, dismantling, transport within 2km, offloading, and oil disposal).
• Supply/install new MV equipment: 1250A, 31.5kA, 11kV panels (Incomer, Transformer, Bus-section, Voltage transformer, Bus-riser), arc ducting, and cable terminations per TE-001-MVSPEC and annexures.
• Supply/install new LV equipment: 400V switchgear panels, earth conductors, busbars, transformer extension boxes, and cable management systems per TE-002-DBSPEC and drawings.
• Miscellaneous: Tool racks, VCB trolleys, chequer plates, 110Vdc battery chargers, epoxy flooring, painting, LED lighting, and substation doors (per Eskom/Transnet specs).
• Testing/commissioning: FAT attendance, pre-commissioning tests, on-site commissioning, CoC issuance (SANS 10142-1/2), and earthing testing (TE-005-EARTHINGSPEC).

Standards: All work must comply with SANS 10142-2, TE-001-MVSPEC, TE-002-DBSPEC, and TE-005-EARTHINGSPEC. Contractors must obtain these specifications.

Methodology: MV cable jointing must occur outside substation walls. For Bay 28, notify Project Manager 4 weeks prior to removal work. Method statements required for switching/isolation of busbar sections.

Removal of existing equipment (11kV panels, switchgear, LV panels, busways, transformers) must follow a proposed method statement for switching/isolation of busbar sections. Activities include de-energizing, dismantling, removal, loading, transport (within 2km), offloading, and oil disposal. For Bay 28, notify the Project Manager at least 4 weeks prior to starting removal work. All MV cable jointing must be done outside substation walls.

Standards: All supply/installation must comply with SANS 10142-2 and Transnet MV Specification TE-001-MVSPEC. Contractors must obtain TE-001-MVSPEC.

Testing/Commissioning:

• Factory Acceptance Test (FAT): Client representative and contractor’s Professional Engineer must attend.
• Pre-commissioning: 11kV panels tested by registered ECSA Professional Engineer (MV/protection relays specialist), including protection study and relay settings upload.
• On-site commissioning: 11kV panels tested by contractor’s Professional Engineer, including CoC per SANS 10142-2.
• LV commissioning: 400V switchboard tested by registered Installation Electrician (Department of Labour), including CoC per SANS 10142-1.
• Earthing: Test per TE-005-EARTHINGSPEC; provisional allowance for remedial work if readings are substandard.

BOQ Structure: Separate schedules for Compressor House, Bay 2, Bay 28, and Bay 55. Each lists items with unit, quantity, and columns for material, installation, and total costs.

Key Line Items: Cable repairs, removal of existing equipment, new MV/LV panels, transformers, cables, busbars, miscellaneous items, testing, and earthing.

Provisional Allowances: R50,000 for earthing remedial work; R130,000 for LV cable and joints (where applicable).

P&G Items: Price separately (per-day or lump-sum) for office/storage, ablution, tools, supervision, vehicles, site establishment, safety, medicals, and contractual requirements.

Summary: Subtotal A (electrical work) + Subtotal B (P&G) for each substation. Consolidate VAT-exclusive subtotals, add 15% VAT, and present total tender price.

Pricing Format: Use the provided Bill of Quantities (BOQ) with separate sections for Compressor House, Bay 2, Bay 28, and Bay 55. Each line item requires material, installation, and total costs.

Cost Components:

• Provisional allowances: R50,000 for earthing remedial work; R130,000 for LV cable and joints (per substation where applicable).
• Preliminary and General (P&G) items: Price separately (per-day or lump-sum) for office/storage, ablution, tools, supervision, vehicles (LDVs, 7-ton trucks, cranes), site establishment, safety compliance, medicals, and contractual requirements.

Summary: Provide Subtotal A (electrical work) and Subtotal B (P&G) for each substation. Consolidate VAT-exclusive subtotals, add 15% VAT, and present the total tender price.

Contractual Compliance: Insert all required Preliminary and General (P&G) items to fulfill contract conditions. BOQ items form part of the contractual scope.

Safety/Compliance: Include allowances for safety compliance, medicals, and contractual requirements in P&G pricing. Method statements for MV/LV switching/isolation are mandatory.

Technical Compliance: Adhere to SANS 10142-1/2, Transnet specifications (TE-001-MVSPEC, TE-002-DBSPEC, TE-005-EARTHINGSPEC), and Eskom standards for substation doors. Certificates of Compliance (CoC) required for MV/LV work.

P&G items must include allowances for safety compliance, medicals, and contractual requirements. Method statements for MV/LV switching and isolation of busbar sections are mandatory. All MV cable jointing must occur outside substation walls.

Contractor must include all required Preliminary and General (P&G) items to fulfill contract conditions. BOQ items are binding and form part of the contractual scope.

• Issue Date: 27 May 2026.
• Compulsory Clarification Meeting (mandatory briefing): 03 June 2026, 11:00 AM (± 1 hour), 311 Solomon Mahlangu Drive, Main Boardroom, Transnet Engineering.
• Site Walk (immediately after briefing) – same PPE and safety requirements apply.
• Second notice of compulsory briefing (date of communication): 04 June 2026.
• Closing Date & Time: 24 June 2026, 11:00 AM (electronic submission deadline). Late tenders will not be accepted.
• Tender Validity Period: 12 weeks from the closing date (may be extended at Transnet’s request).

Compulsory Briefing (Clarification Meeting):

• Date: 03 June 2026, 11:00 AM (± 1 hour).
• Venue: 311 Solomon Mahlangu Drive, Main Boardroom, Transnet Engineering.
• Mandatory attendance – non‑attendance results in disqualification.
• Bring signed Certificate of Attendance (Schedule T2.2‑01) and all RFP documents.
• Required PPE: safety shoes, goggles, long‑sleeve shirt, high‑visibility vest, hard hat.
• All attendees must present ID and undergo breath‑alyzer testing.
• Firearms prohibited on site.
• Site walk will follow briefing; only participants with compliant PPE may enter.

Procurement Manager (Employer’s Agent):

Name: Linda Shabalala

Address: 311 Solomon Mahlangu Drive, KwaZulu‑Natal

Phone: 031 361 4380

Email: [email protected]

All tender documents must be marked for the attention of the Employer’s Agent.

• Submit the complete tender package electronically via the Transnet e‑Tender Submission Portal (https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net); paper copies are not accepted.
• Upload all documents at least one day before the closing time (11:00 AM on 24 June 2026) to avoid technical issues – late submissions will be rejected.
• Required returnable documents (Part T2) include:

– Certificate of Attendance (Schedule T2.2‑01) signed at the compulsory briefing.

– Valid SARS Tax Clearance Certificate and TCS PIN.

– Valid B‑BBEE certificate (SANAS‑accredited) or affidavit.

– Valid CIDB contractor grading certificate (minimum 7EP or higher).

– Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD).

– Letter of Good Standing from the Workmen’s Compensation Fund (and from each JV member, if applicable).

– OEM or OEM Authorization Letter for the substation equipment.

– Certified Joint‑Venture agreement (if applicable).

• All returnable schedules must be fully completed, signed and uploaded; missing or incomplete schedules will lead to disqualification.
• Attendance at the compulsory clarification meeting on 03 June 2026 (311 Solomon Mahlangu Drive, Main Boardroom, Transnet Engineering) is mandatory – failure to attend results in automatic disqualification.
• Bring the signed Certificate of Attendance to the meeting for the Employer’s Representative to sign.
• No telephone, fax or email submissions are accepted.
• Tender validity is 12 weeks from the closing date; Transnet may request an extension on the same terms if internal approvals are delayed.
• Bidders convicted of a serious breach of law (including the Competition Act) in the past 5 years must declare this in Returnable Schedule T2.2‑16 and will be excluded.
• All bidders must be registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide their supplier number and registration reference.
• Report any fraud or corruption to TIP‑OFFS (0800 003 056) or Transnet@tip‑offs.com.

Required returnable documents (Part T2):

1. List of Returnable Documents (T2.1).
2. Returnable Schedules (T2.2) – include:

– Certificate of Attendance (T2.2‑01).

– Tax Clearance Certificate.

– B‑BBEE Certificate or affidavit.

– CIDB Contractor Grading Certificate.

– CSD registration proof.

– Letter of Good Standing (Workmen’s Compensation Fund).

– OEM or OEM Authorization Letter for the substation equipment.

– Joint Venture agreement (if applicable).

All schedules must be fully completed, signed and uploaded; incomplete schedules will lead to disqualification.

• Mandatory requirements (must be met for a responsive tender):

– Attendance at the compulsory clarification meeting (03 June 2026).

– CIDB registration (7EP or higher) or ability to obtain it before evaluation.

– OEM authorization for the substation equipment (OEM letter or OEM Authorization Letter).

– Valid Tax Clearance Certificate and TCS PIN.

– Valid B‑BBEE certificate or affidavit.

– Registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD).

– Letter of Good Standing from the Workmen’s Compensation Fund.

• Joint‑venture requirements:

– All JV members must be CIDB‑registered.

– Lead partner must have a CIDB grading at least one level below the required class (7EP).

– Combined JV grading must meet or exceed 7EP.

– Certified JV agreement must be submitted.

• Disqualification triggers:

– Failure to attend the compulsory briefing.

– Non‑compliance with PPE/site‑visit requirements.

– Incomplete or missing returnable documents (e.g., T2.2‑01, T2.2‑04).

– Late submission after the closing deadline.

– Conviction for a serious breach of law in the past 5 years.

– Unduly high/low tender rates that present an unacceptable commercial risk.

• Scoring methodology:

– Functionality (80 points) – scored across Organisation & Staffing (T2.2‑04), Project Schedule (T2.2‑05), Methodology Approach (T2.2‑06) and Company Previous Experience (T2.2‑07). Minimum passing score: 80 points.

– Price (80 points) – Total Cost of Ownership evaluated according to Pricing Instructions (C2.1) and the Bill of Quantities (C2.2).

– Preference (20 points) – awarded based on B‑BBEE status and other preferential criteria per the Preferential Procurement Regulations.

– Overall maximum score: 200 points (Functionality + Price + Preference). Only bidders achieving the minimum functionality threshold proceed to price and preference evaluation.

Scope of Work:

• Design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of medium‑voltage (MV) and low‑voltage (LV) electrical substation equipment for Compressor House bays 2, 28 and 55 at Durban Main Centre.

Deliverables:

1. Detailed design drawings (MV & LV) approved by Transnet Engineering.
2. Supply of all substation equipment (switchgear, protection relays, earthing, cabling, transformers, etc.) with OEM or authorised OEM documentation.
3. De‑commissioning of existing equipment and integration of new equipment.
4. Completion of a Safety File and Health & Safety documentation.
5. Procurement schedule covering material lead times, factory acceptance testing (FAT) and delivery milestones.
6. Commissioning plan covering pre‑commissioning, SAT, functional testing, protection coordination, earthing verification and final hand‑over.

Standards & Certifications:

• Personnel must hold relevant ECSA, EWSETA/SAIEE or equivalent certificates (Health & Safety Officer, high/medium voltage personnel, protection systems specialist, etc.).
• Compliance with SANS 10199, SANS 10313 and the CIDB Standard for Uniformity in Engineering and Construction Works Contracts.

Service Levels:

• Key staff must have a minimum of 3 years relevant experience.
• Project milestones must follow the schedule outlined in Returnable Schedule T2.2‑05 (design approval, safety file approval, material delivery, de‑commissioning, installation, commissioning).

Project Plan (T2.2‑05):

• Detailed schedule with activities, durations, milestones, start/finish dates and sequencing.
• Phases: Design & approval, safety file approval, material procurement, de‑commissioning, installation & termination, commissioning & testing.

Methodology Approach (T2.2‑06):

1. MV Switchgear Dismantling & Installation.
2. LV Switchgear Disconnection & Installation.
3. Protection Relay Grading & Settings.
4. Earthing & Lightning Protection.
5. Testing & Commissioning (FAT, SAT, functional testing, hand‑over).

Provide a clear step‑by‑step method statement for each topic, including risk assessments, permits and quality checks.

Key Personnel Requirements:

1. Health & Safety Officer – ORHVS certificate, minimum 3 years experience.
2. High/Medium Voltage Authorized Personnel – valid certification, minimum 3 years experience.
3. Professional Engineer/Technologist – ECSA‑registered Pr Eng Electrical Engineer or Electrical Technologist with substation experience.
4. Medium Voltage Cable Jointer – SAQA‑accredited (units 58204, 113862, 243668), minimum 3 years experience.
5. Protection Systems Specialist – ECSA‑registered, experience in protection grading.

Company Experience:

• Submit five reference letters (or a reference list) covering design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of MV/LV substation projects.
• Each reference must include client name, scope, contract reference, dates, project value and be signed by the client or authorised representative.

• Quality standards must comply with the CIDB Standard for Uniformity in Engineering and Construction Works Contracts and the relevant SANS specifications.
• Submit a Quality Management Plan covering inspection, testing, non‑conformance handling and documentation.
• Provide certificates for all key personnel (ECSA, EWSETA/SAIEE) and evidence of previous quality performance.
• All equipment must be supplied with manufacturer’s certificates of conformity and factory acceptance test (FAT) reports.

• Follow Pricing Instructions (C2.1) and complete the Bill of Quantities (C2.2).
• Price and Total Cost of Ownership will be scored (80 points).
• Include any required bid bond or performance guarantee as specified in Returnable Schedule T2.2‑24.
• Submit pricing in the format required by the e‑Tender portal; separate line items for equipment, labour, transport, FAT/SAT and contingency.

• Pricing must be submitted using the Bill of Quantities (C2.2) and in accordance with the Pricing Instructions (C2.1).
• Total Cost of Ownership (including lifecycle costs) will be scored (80 points).
• Include any required bid bond or performance guarantee as specified in Returnable Schedule T2.2‑24.
• Payment terms will be milestone‑based as per the contract data (Part C1) – payments upon approval of design, material delivery, installation completion and final commissioning.
• Tender validity: 12 weeks from the closing date; Transnet may request an extension on the same terms.
• Financial capacity evidence (audited statements, bank guarantees) may be requested during due‑diligence (see disclaimer clause 4.5).

• Register on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide supplier number and registration reference.
• Provide a valid SARS Tax Clearance Certificate and TCS PIN.
• Provide a valid B‑BBEE certificate (SANAS‑accredited) or an affidavit confirming annual turnover and Black ownership level.
• Provide a valid CIDB contractor grading certificate (minimum 7EP or higher).
• Provide proof of CSD registration.
• Provide a Letter of Good Standing from the Workmen’s Compensation Fund (and from each JV member, if applicable).
• All key personnel must hold required professional registrations (ECSA, EWSETA/SAIEE) and relevant safety certifications.
• Bidders convicted of a serious breach of law (including the Competition Act) in the past 5 years are excluded and must declare this in Returnable Schedule T2.2‑16.
• Mandatory PPE for site walk and all works: safety shoes, goggles, long‑sleeve shirt, high‑visibility vest and hard hat.
• All personnel must undergo breath‑alyzer testing on entry to Transnet premises; firearms are prohibited.
• Health & Safety Officer must hold an ORHVS certificate with ≥3 years experience.
• Submit a Safety File for approval (risk assessments, method statements, H&S plans) as part of the project schedule.

• Provide a valid B‑BBEE certificate (SANAS‑accredited) or an affidavit confirming annual turnover and Black ownership level.
• B‑BBEE status will be scored under the Preference points (up to 20 points) according to the Preferential Procurement Regulations.

• Form of Offer and Acceptance (C1.1) – use the standard Transnet contract form and sign it.
• Contract Data (C1.2) – parts 1 & 2 detail the scope, duration, deliverables and legal terms.
• Confidentiality – all tender information is confidential; bidders must sign the Non‑Disclosure Agreement.
• Disclaimers:

– Transnet may award to the highest‑scoring bidder, not necessarily the lowest price.

– Transnet may reject all bids or go to the open market if quoted rates are unreasonable.

– No changes to tender rates are permitted after the closing date.

– Transnet may request audited financial statements for due‑diligence.

– Transnet reserves the right to terminate the contract for false information or a serious breach of law.

• Validity Period – 12 weeks from the closing date; an extension may be requested.
• No reimbursement for preparatory costs.
• Submissions by telephone, fax or email are not accepted.

• Bidders convicted of a serious breach of law (including the Competition Act) in the past 5 years must be declared in Returnable Schedule T2.2‑16 and will be excluded.
• Mandatory registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD); provide supplier number and registration reference.
• Provide all required returnable documents (tax clearance, B‑BBEE, CIDB grading, CSD proof, Workmen’s Compensation Good Standing letters).
• Report any fraud or corruption to TIP‑OFFS (0800 003 056) or Transnet@tip‑offs.com.

Eligibility Criteria:

Stage 1 – Attendance: Authorized representative must attend the compulsory briefing.

Stage 2 – CIDB Registration: Must hold a CIDB grading of 7EP or higher (or be capable of attaining it before evaluation).

Stage 2 – OEM Authorization: Provide a valid OEM letter or OEM Authorization Letter for the substation equipment.

Stage 2 – Joint Venture: All JV members must be CIDB‑registered; lead partner must meet grading requirements; provide certified JV agreement.

Stage 3 – Functionality: Achieve a minimum of 80 points in functionality scoring.

Failure to meet any stage results in a non‑responsive tender.

Functionality (80 points) – scored across:

• Organisation & Staffing (T2.2‑04)
• Project Plan / Schedule (T2.2‑05)
• Methodology Approach (T2.2‑06)
• Company Previous Experience (T2.2‑07)

Minimum functionality score: 80 points.

Price (80 points) – Total Cost of Ownership as per Pricing Instructions (C2.1) and Bill of Quantities (C2.2).

Preference (20 points) – awarded based on B‑BBEE status and other preferential criteria per Preferential Procurement Regulations.

Overall score = Functionality + Price + Preference (maximum 200 points).