Supply and installation of 44kv xlpe cable systems for acacia substation windermere 1 & 2 feeders

• Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 10:00.
• If environmental requirements are not fully met during evaluation, you have 7 days to submit outstanding documents.
• Site visits may be required before tendering; conducted under supervision of contract custodian and commercial practitioner.

• Submit tender returnables as specified in the tender documents, including environmental, quality, and safety management documentation.
• If SHEQS (Safety, Health, Environment, Quality, Security) documentation is omitted during tender submission, you have 7 working days to submit it; failure does not disqualify but will be noted for post-award addressing.
• Ensure all required forms (e.g., Environmental Acknowledgement Form, Form A for quality) are completed and signed.
• Direct communication with Environmental Practitioners is not allowed; all clarifications must be levelled in writing with the Eskom Representative (Buyer).

1. Must achieve minimum 80% weighted average score in tender evaluation. 2) Must provide evidence of certified or documented SHEQ management systems. 3) Must have SACPCMP-registered construction health and safety professionals. 4) Must comply with all applicable South African legislation (OHS Act, NEMA, NEMWA, etc.). 5) Must complete and sign Form A acknowledging all requirements. 6) Must have valid Letter of Good Standing from COIDA. 7) EPC contractors must manage all sub-suppliers to ensure Eskom compliance.

• The contractor must establish and maintain an Environmental Management System (EMS) guided by ISO 14001:2015.
• Submit a draft/example Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), Waste Management Plan, and Aspect and Impact Register aligned with the scope.
• On-site environmental records must be kept and submitted upon project completion, including: incident/complaint registers, hazardous substance registers, herbicide/pesticide registers, and the approved project-specific Environmental File.
• Adhere to Eskom’s ‘Zero Harm’ SHEQ policy and all applicable environmental legislation.
• Quality Management System (QMS) must conform to ISO 9001; submit a Contract Quality Plan (CQP) and Quality Control Plan (QCP)/Inspection and Test Plan (ITP).
• Occupational Health & Safety system must comply with ISO 45001:2018 and employ SACPCMP-registered safety professionals.

• Bidders must provide valid and authentic environmental documentation for evaluation.
• Comply with all applicable environmental legal requirements and Eskom’s environmental standards, policies, and procedures.
• B-BBEE minimum Level 2 is required.
• The contractor is responsible for ensuring subcontractors also comply with environmental and legal obligations.
• Maintain and submit environmental records, including aspects and impacts registers, incident reports, and audit findings.

• Environmental and SHEQ criteria are integral to tender evaluation and contract placement.
• Contractors must be aware of high-risk environmental obligations prior to commencement.
• Quality checks and evaluations are ongoing throughout project duration.

Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 10:00. Starting date: 02 November 2026. Completion date for whole works: 26 February 2027. Key dates include design review acceptance by 27 Nov 2026, factory acceptance test by 18 Dec 2026, cable delivery by 08 Jan 2027, terminations delivery by 15 Jan 2027, trenching completion by 05 Feb 2027, termination installation by 12 Feb 2027, testing/commissioning by 19 Feb 2027, and final documentation by 26 Feb 2027.

Project Manager: Waldo van Heerden, Address: National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd, 60 Voortrekker Road, Bellville 7560, Tel: 021 915 9260, Email: [email protected]. Supervisor: Owen Imbriolo, Address: same as above, Email: [email protected]. Invoicing queries: [email protected] (local), [email protected] (foreign). Vendor management: [email protected]. Procurement queries: [email protected].

Returnable documents must be submitted as specified in the tender documents. The tenderer must ensure all required forms and schedules are completed and included. Disqualification risks include incomplete submissions, failure to meet mandatory criteria, or non-compliance with tender conditions.

Tenderer must submit: 1) Completed Technical Schedules A and B; 2) Signed confirmation letter from type-tested termination supplier; 3) Compliant type test report for 44kV cable and terminations tested as a system (including water penetration test); 4) Project reference list of minimum 5 HV (44kV+) cable systems installed in last 5 years with client contacts; 5) CVs for technical specialist (min 1 engineer/technologist with 5 years experience) and jointers (min 2 team members with 5 years experience); 6) Preliminary programme and after-installation test proposal. Failure to meet mandatory criteria results in disqualification.

Scope includes manufacturing, testing, supply, installation, and commissioning of 44kV XLPE cable systems for Acacia Substation Windermere feeders. Key deliverables: 44kV XLPE cable (300 mm² Al conductor), outdoor terminations, ECC, bonding equipment, trenching, backfilling, testing (VLF with PD minimum). Design must comply with SANS 60840, IEC 61914 for cleats, and Eskom specifications. Cable ampacity must meet 175A (10 MVA) at 70°C. Installation involves route surveying, excavation, dewatering, cable pulling, termination, and commissioning. Onsite quality assurance required throughout.

Contract uses NEC3 Option A (priced contract with Activity Schedule). Payment based on completed activities assessed monthly on the 20th. Prices are lump sums per activity. Performance bond: 5% of contract value. Retention: 6.5% of contract value (50% payable on completion, remainder after defects period). Delay damages: 0.1% of contract value per day up to 10%. Payment terms: as per NTCSA vendor database/4 weeks. Tax invoices must include NTCSA VAT number 4710303126.

B-BBEE status must be maintained; decrease may allow renegotiation or termination. CIDB registration required if applicable. Tax compliance: VAT registration and invoicing per Value Added Tax Act. Local content and production requirements apply per SDLI document. Skills development, job creation, and SD&L commitments subject to 2.5% retention. Health and safety: adherence to Eskom Cardinal Rules, Construction Regulations, and asbestos regulations if applicable. Environmental management plans must be followed.

• Tender closing: 21 August 2026 at 10:00 SAST (GMT+2).
• Compulsory Site Clarification Meeting: 29 July 2026 at 10:00 SAST at Acacia Substation (off Montague Road/Edgemead Drive, Edgemead, Cape Town). GPS: -33.880556S, 18.533333E. MS Teams meeting on site followed by site walk-down.
• Tender validity period: 12 weeks from closing date.
• Deadline for clarification queries: 10 working days before tender closing date.
• Check NTCSA Tender Bulletin and NT e-tender portal regularly for addenda and updates.

• NTCSA Representative: Tshane Lekgoati. Email: [email protected]. Tel: 011 800 5057.
• 1st tier escalation: Lungile Gcwensa. Email: [email protected]. Tel: 011 800 8869.
• 2nd tier escalation: Frans Pooe. Email: [email protected]. Tel: +27 11 800 5661.
• For bid-related enquiries, email: [email protected].
• Escalation of ITT issues to NTCSA Chief Executive or Eskom Group Chief Executive is last resort; rather submit to [email protected].
• Submission address: Electronic only via Eskom E-tendering site (https://eTendering.eskom.co.za).

• Submit electronically via Eskom E-tendering site only. No physical files accepted – any physical submission will be deemed non-responsive.
• Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 10:00 SAST (GMT+2). Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Upload documents in PDF format (price list also required in Excel). Maximum file size per document is 500MB; total submission limited to 4GB.
• Mandatory returnables (disqualifiable if incomplete/unsigned/not submitted by closing): Authorisation Form (Annexure A), Acknowledgement Form, Tenderer’s Particulars (C), Integrity Declaration Form (D), SBD 6.2 Declaration Certificate for Local Production and Local Content (G1-G4), SBD 1 Invitation to Bid, SBD 6.1 Preference Points Claim Form (I).
• Non-disqualifiable returnables (if incomplete, you will have 5 working days to rectify): Tax Clearance Certificate (if applicable), B-BBEE certificate/affidavit, Employment Equity Act compliance proof, SBD 4 – Bidders Disclosure, Joint Venture documents (if applicable).
• CIDB proof of grading (5EP/EB or higher) must be submitted at tender closing or within 21 working days after closing if agreed with Employer.
• Ensure all pricing schedules (NEC3 ECC and Activity Schedule) are submitted – failure will render tender non-responsive.
• E-tendering Training Acknowledgement Form is mandatory for e-tendering submission.

Tenderers must: Have CIDB grading of 5EP/EB or higher; Not be from sanctioned countries; Not submit multiple tenders individually or as JV partner; Have JV agreement with joint and several liability; Not have conflicts of interest; Not be signed by non-authorized persons; Not be restricted by National Treasury; Not be on Tender Defaulters list; Not subcontract 100% of scope; Not be flagged suppliers implicated in misconduct; Attend compulsory site meeting; Be registered on CSD (local and foreign with SA footprint); Provide valid tax compliance; Not have nationality from sanctioned countries.

• Scope: Supply and installation of Acacia Substation 33kV Cable System.
• Technical evaluation based on detailed criteria in document 240-185000385 (Acacia Windermere 1 & 2 33kV Cable Systems Project Scope and Technical Evaluation Criteria).
• Mandatory requirements: Fully completed Technical Schedules (Schedule A and B), signed letter from type-tested termination supplier confirming supply for this project, qualified Type Test report for supplied 44kV cable and terminations tested as a system.
• Scoring criteria include: Preliminary project plan, reference list of minimum 5 HV (44kV and above) cable systems installed over last 5 years, CVs and competency certification for jointers/installers, CV for technical specialist/designer, outline drawings for cable, terminations, bonding lead/ECC, link disconnecting box, SVL disconnecting box, SVL, cleats/clamps, water penetration test report, proposal for after-installation tests.
• All technical documentation must be submitted as part of tender returnables.

• Pricing must be inclusive of VAT.
• Submit price list in PDF and Excel format.
• Payment terms: For contracts below R50 million (including VAT), NTCSA pays within 30 days of receipt of undisputed invoice. For contracts above R50 million (including VAT), payment within 60 days.
• Financial analysis required: Submit audited financial statements for previous 18 months (or last year if not available). For JVs/SPVs, statements for each participant required. Start-ups (formed within last 12 months) exempt but must furnish statements after first year if successful.
• Security for performance may be required if tenderer not financially viable: Parent Company Guarantee or Performance Bond from NTCSA-approved financial institutions.
• Cataloguing may be required after award; include line item in pricing schedule for cataloguing services.

• CSD registration mandatory prior to contract award. Proof of valid CSD registration (CSD number/report) required for local tenderers and foreign tenderers with local footprint.
• Tax compliance: Local tenderers must provide SARS e-filing PIN for verification or submit tax clearance certificate. Foreign tenderers with local footprint must submit tax clearance certificate if not on CSD. Foreign suppliers with no SA footprint complete SBD1 but no tax proof required.
• B-BBEE: Valid B-BBEE certificate from SANAS-accredited verification agency, sworn affidavit, or CIPC affidavit required. For JVs, consolidated B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate. Failure to submit scores zero for Specific Goals but not disqualifying.
• CIDB grading: Minimum 5EP/EB or higher required. Proof of grading must be submitted at tender closing or within 21 working days after closing if agreed.
• Local content designated sectors apply: XLPE Cable (90% local content threshold), Substation Cable Sealing Ends (100% local content threshold). SBD 6.2 Declaration Form and Annex C (Local Content Declaration) mandatory for contract award.
• Employment Equity Act compliance proof required for designated employers (SA tenderers only).
• Sub-contracting 100% of scope is not allowed.

• Detailed technical evaluation criteria are in document 240-185000385.
• Level 1 mandatory criteria (weighted 80%): Fully completed Technical Schedules, signed letter from termination supplier, qualified Type Test report for 44kV cable and terminations as a system. All must be met to proceed.
• Level 2 scoring criteria (weighted 20%): Scored out of 20 points across items including project plan (2 points), reference list of HV cable systems (2 points), CVs for jointers/installers (4 points), CV for technical specialist (2 points), outline drawings (multiple items, 1-2 points each), water penetration test report (1 point), after-installation test proposal (1 point).
• Overall technical threshold is 90%; failure to meet disqualifies tender.
• Price evaluation: 80 points, Specific Goals (B-BBEE): 20 points.
• B-BBEE points allocation as per 80/20 system table.
• Local content requirements: Designated sectors with minimum thresholds (XLPE Cable 90%, Substation Cable Sealing Ends 100%).

Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 10:00 AM (UTC).

Submit the following returnable documents with your tender:

• Completed Technical Schedules A and B (Appendix A).
• Preliminary Project Plan: Time frames and sequence for all on-site activities.
• Type Test Reports: For supplied 44kV XLPE cable and terminations, tested as a system (must include water penetration test).
• Outline Drawings: For cable, terminations (sealing ends), cleats/clamps, link and SVL disconnecting boxes. Cleats/clamps must comply with IEC 61914.
• Project Reference List: Minimum of 5 HV (44kV and above) cable systems installed in the last 5 years. Include project name, voltage level, client name, email, and telephone contact details.
• Signed Confirmation Letter: From the delegated representative of the type-tested termination supplier, confirming supply of type-tested terminations for this project.
• CVs and Competency Certifications: For technical specialists/designers (minimum 1 with 5+ years experience) and jointers/installation team members (minimum 2 with 5+ years experience).
• Proposal for After-Installation Tests: As outlined in clause 4.3 (DC voltage test, overvoltage test, PD measurement, or alternative AC voltage test with PD).
• Method Statements: For all construction activities, signed off by an ECSA-registered professional engineer.
• Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs): Aligned with method statements and submitted as part of the contract quality plan.

Disqualification Risks:

• Incomplete or missing Technical Schedules.
• Failure to provide signed confirmation from termination supplier.
• Non-compliance with type testing requirements (SANS/IEC 60840).
• Missing or inadequate CVs/competency certifications for key personnel.

Mandatory Gatekeeper Criteria (Level 1): 1) Fully completed Technical Schedules. 2) Signed letter from type-tested termination supplier confirming supply for this project. 3) Qualified Type Test report for supplied 44kV cable and terminations, tested as a system. Failure on any single mandatory criterion results in a score of 0% and technical disqualification. To proceed to scoring (Level 2) and achieve an overall technical compliance score of >=90%, all mandatory criteria must be met.

Scope: Installation of new Acacia Windermere 1 & 2 33kV feeders at Acacia substation using 44kV single-core XLPE cables. The existing 33kV busbar will be decommissioned, and new 10MVA, 66/33kV Transformers 5 and 6 will be line-banked. Cable route lengths are approximately 50 meters per circuit. New 44kV terminations will connect to existing customer 33kV terminations.

Key Requirements:

• Cable System: 44kV XLPE-insulated, 300 mm² aluminium conductor, single-end bonded sheath system, flat formation with minimum 2*diameter spacing, laid at 1m depth.
• Ampacity: Must meet 10MVA (175A) continuous load at 70°C conductor temperature, with ambient temperature at 35°C and soil temperature at 25°C. Additional ratings (90°C, 105°C, 4-hour overload, 2-hour overload) must be provided.
• Fault Levels: Maximum 3-phase fault level of 40kA for 1 second; maximum single-phase-to-earth fault level of 40kA for 1 second.
• Route Length: ~50m per single-core cable; total length per circuit is 150m. Cable length must account for bends, slack, deviations, and terminations.
• Earthing: Insulated Earth Continuity Conductor (ECC) required, adequately rated for expected earth faults. ECC may need transposition to limit circulating currents.
• Accessories: Cable sealing ends (terminations), cleats/clamps (IEC 61914 compliant), link and SVL disconnecting boxes (stainless steel, kiosk or structure-mounted), bonding leads.
• Trenching: Backfilling and compaction with imported soil; thermal resistivity of backfill must not exceed 1.2 K·m/W. Test certification required.
• Testing: After-installation tests include DC voltage test of oversheath, overvoltage test (2 pu for 1 hour, 3 pu VLF sinusoidal, or 4 pu VLF cosine), and partial discharge (PD) measurement. Alternative AC voltage test with PD may be proposed.

Excluded Activities:

• Removal of line isolator equipment/structures on Feeders 7 & 8.
• Excavation/removal of line isolator foundations.
• Excavation/casting of new Cable Sealing End foundations and earthing.
• Supply/installation of Cable Sealing End steel support structures.
• Supply of hardware (clamps) and stringing activities for jumpers.

Standards:

• SANS/IEC 60840: Power cables with extruded insulation and accessories.
• IEC 61914: Cable cleats for electrical installations.
• 240-56030640: General requirements for HV cable systems.
• 240-56030625: Specification for XLPE-insulated power cables and accessories (44kV–132kV).
• Eskom standards: D-DT-5271 (foundations), D-DT-0892 (trench details), D-DT-0890 (XLPE terminations), D-DT-0893 (bonding/earthing).

B-BBEE: Minimum Level 2 compliance required.

Technical Compliance:

• Suppliers must comply with all requirements in the project scope and technical evaluation criteria.
• Type-tested cable and terminations (SANS/IEC 60840) are mandatory.
• Contractor’s method statements and ITPs must be signed off by an ECSA-registered professional engineer.
• All construction work must adhere to the Construction Regulations (OHS Act No. 85, 1993).
• Quality inspection plans (QIP/QITP) must be submitted and followed.

Certifications:

• Jointers/installation teams must provide competency certifications for HV cable installation.
• Cleats/clamps must comply with IEC 61914 and include compliance certificates.
• Thermal resistivity test certificates for imported backfill soil are required.

Technical evaluation is based on a two-level process:

Level 1: Mandatory (Gatekeeper) Criteria (80% weighting)

• All criteria must be met to proceed to Level 2. Failure in any criterion results in disqualification.
• Fully completed Technical Schedules A and B.
• Signed confirmation letter from the type-tested termination supplier.
• Qualified Type Test report for 44kV cable and terminations, tested as a system (including water penetration test).

Level 2: Scoring Criteria (20% weighting)

Points are awarded for the following (total possible: 20):

• Preliminary Project Plan (schedule) for all activities.
• Project reference list (5+ HV cable systems in the last 5 years).
• CVs and competency certifications for jointers/installers (minimum 2 with 5+ years experience).
• CVs for technical specialists/designers (minimum 1 with 5+ years experience).
• Outline drawings for 44kV cable, terminations, bonding leads/ECC, link/SVL disconnecting boxes, cleats/clamps, and SVLs.
• Water penetration test report.
• Proposal for after-installation tests (as per clause 4.3).

Final Score: (Level 1 score

• 0.8) + (Level 2 score
• 0.2). Minimum 90% required to qualify technically.