Supply, installation and commissioning of signalling equipment between congella and umbilo, KZN region

Compulsory briefing and site visit

• Date: 21 October 2026 at 10:00.
• Venue: PRASA KZN, 65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Greyville, Durban Station.
• Attendance is compulsory; the site visit takes place immediately after the briefing.
• Bidders must provide their own PPE for the site visit.
• Bidders must appear on the compulsory briefing attendance register.

Closing

• Date: 29 October 2026 at 12:00.

Bid validity

• 60 working days from the closing date; PRASA may request an extension on the same terms.

Compulsory briefing and site visit

• Date: 21 October 2026 at 10:00.
• Venue: PRASA KZN, 65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Greyville, Durban Station.
• Attendance is compulsory and bidders must appear on the attendance register.
• The site visit takes place immediately after the briefing so bidders can assess the works and quote accurately; measurement errors will not be corrected later.
• Bidders must provide their own PPE during the site visit.

Bidding procedure enquiries

• Contact: Rani Thevar
• Telephone: 031 8130138
• Email: [email protected]

Complaints

• Email: [email protected]
• A complaint must state the bid description, reference number, closing date, supplier name, supplier contact details and the detailed complaint.

Submission address

Tender Box No. 04

PRASA Offices KZN

65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

Greyville, Durban Station

4001

Briefing and site visit venue

PRASA KZN

65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

Greyville, Durban Station

Submission method

• Sealed envelope deposited in Tender Box No. 04 at PRASA Offices KZN.
• Address: 65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Greyville, Durban Station, 4001.
• Closing: 29 October 2026 at 12:00. Late bids are not accepted.
• Bids must be completed on the official forms supplied; retyped documents are not accepted.
• A quotation must not reference any other quotation or proposal; additional conditions must be set out in a covering letter.
• Changes to a submission are not accepted after the closing date and time.

Returnable documents

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses whether any director, shareholder or member is employed by the state or connected to anyone at PRASA.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims points for the stated specific goals under the 80/20 system.
• Pricing schedule / Bill of Quantities: completed strictly in the prescribed format.
• Briefing Session Form D plus the compulsory briefing attendance register.
• Signed Joint Venture, Consortium or Partnering Agreement where applicable.
• Proof of CIDB grading 4EP or higher.
• Engineering Technician qualification (National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Light or Heavy Current, or Signal Electrician Certificate) and valid Flagman certificates.
• Annexure A (Statement of Compliance): commits the bidder to the contract period.
• Stage 1B documents, which PRASA may call for within five working days: COID Letter of Good Standing, valid SARS PIN, CSD registration number.

Disqualification risks

• Any Stage 1A mandatory document missing or requirement not met — automatic disqualification.
• Stage 1B information not supplied within five working days of request.
• Incomplete bids, or bids that do not conform to the instructions and specifications.
• Bids delivered late or to the wrong venue.
• Any attempt to canvass an SCM officer or PRASA employee between closing and award.
• Bidders listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.

Mandatory returnable documents

• All RFP documentation completed.
• Briefing Session Form D and the compulsory briefing attendance register.
• Signed Joint Venture, Consortium or Partnering Agreement where applicable.
• Proof of CIDB grading 4EP or higher.
• Engineering Technician qualification and Flagman certificates.
• Annexure A (Statement of Compliance) committing to the contract period.

Other returnable documents

• COID Letter of Good Standing.
• Valid SARS PIN.
• CSD registration number.
• SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1 and the completed pricing schedule/Bill of Quantities.

Consequence

• Failure to submit mandatory returnable documents by the closing date and time may result in disqualification.

Evaluation stages

• Stage 1A — Mandatory requirements: pass or fail. Only compliant bidders proceed.
• Stage 1B — Other mandatory requirements: documents may be requested within five working days; failure to supply disqualifies.
• Stage 2 — Technical/functionality: scored out of 50. Minimum qualifying score: 70%. Bidders below 70% are not evaluated further.
• Stage 3 — Price and specific goals: 100 points in total.

Stage 2 technical criteria (50 points)

• Organisational experience: 15 points.
• Qualifications and technical experience of key staff: 15 points.
• Project programme (work plan): 10 points.
• Project approach and methodology: 10 points.

Organisational experience scoring

• Based on similar completed signalling supply and installation projects in the last ten years.
• 0 projects or incomplete submission: 0 points; 1 to 2 projects: 2; 3 to 4: 4; 5 to 6: 6; 7 to 8: 8; 9 or more: 10.
• Each project requires an appointment letter on company letterhead, project description, client name and contact details, start and end dates, extension of time where applicable, contract value including VAT, and a client completion certificate or confirming letter.

Key staff scoring

• Engineering Technician and Flagman CVs are assessed and the average score applies. Each must have at least five years' experience.
• Less than 5 years or no information: 0 points; 5 years: 3; above 5 up to 6 years: 6; above 6 up to 7 years: 9; above 7 up to 8 years: 12; above 8 years: 15.
• Certified copies of qualifications and professional certificates are required; the Commissioner of Oaths stamp must be no more than three months old at closing. Both the Engineering Technician and Flagman certificates must be submitted or no marks are awarded.

Project programme scoring

• MS Project schedule aligned to the preferred duration, covering the milestones: safety file completion, community liaison, site establishment, procurement of material and services, construction activities, and final works completion.
• Maximum project duration of three months.
• 0 milestones: 0 points; 1: 2; 2: 4; 3: 6; 4: 8; 5 or more: 10.

Methodology scoring

• Method statement elements: risk identification and mitigation, work breakdown, quality assurance, transportation, material procurement, plant and equipment, functional and correspondence test sheets, scrap disposal and environmental management.
• 3 or fewer elements: 3 points; 4: 6; 5: 9; 6: 12; 7 or more: 15. No submission scores 0.

Stage 3 points (100 total)

• Price: 80 points, awarded on the 80/20 preference point system using the prescribed formula.
• Specific goals: 20 points, 4 points each for B-BBEE, Black Women Owned, Black Youth Owned, 51% Black Owned, and creation of new jobs and labour intensification.
• Evidence for specific goals: B-BBEE certificate or affidavit (a consolidated scorecard is accepted for a joint venture); certified ID copies of owners for Black Women and Black Youth ownership; audited annual financial statements, B-BBEE certificate or affidavit for 51% Black ownership; current job creation documents submitted with the bid.
• Failure to submit the required proof means the specific goal points are not claimed.

Scope

• Supply, install and commission new signalling track equipment on the Congella to Umbilo section in the KZN region.
• Work stages: planning and procurement, trenching, installation (construction), testing and commissioning, site rehabilitation, project close-out.
• Affected assets: tracks, points, cables, pots and apparatus cases at Congella to Umbilo stations.
• The section runs between Durban, Berea Road, Dalbridge, Congella and Rossburgh stations.

Technical requirements

• Equipment to be installed as per As-Built plans and the bill of quantities.
• All new trackside equipment must be vandal-proofed.
• New cables must be laid underground in trenches; the Technical Officer indicates the cable route.
• Trenching and cable laying must comply with Trenching and Outdoor Cable Specification CSE 516 Version 2b.
• Machine trenching is not permitted in existing cable routes; it may be proposed for new routes alongside service roads, with special supervision.
• Cross trenching with 110 mm flex tube/nextube (industrial) is permitted instead of manholes; GPS positions of trenches must be recorded and marked on cable plans.
• Cable joints must be marked on plans with GPS positions.
• Megger sheets must be supplied for all new cables installed.
• The contractor repairs services damaged through its staff's negligence after being shown the cable route.
• All redundant cables and scrap must be removed and delivered to Goble Road Signal Maintenance depot.
• On completion, three laminated hard-copy sets of cable plans plus one USB of all plans in PDF format must be provided.

Personnel

• One qualified Engineering Technician with a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Light or Heavy Current) or a Signal Electrician Certificate.
• Two qualified Flagmen with valid flagman certificates to protect personnel working in the section.

Site and security

• The contractor is solely responsible for security of all equipment and materials brought to site; open trenches and exposed cables must be guarded at all times.
• Security personnel must sign on and off at the contractor's site office; security costs must be included in the rates.

Occupations

• The Signal Department arranges occupations by agreement with the contractor and Network Planning.
• A detailed occupation request must be submitted well in advance; three weeks' notice is required for all occupations.
• PRASA may cancel or postpone any occupation.
• Occupation time is restricted during the week, with extended time allowed on weekends; the contractor may be required to present at the monthly occupation planning meeting.

Contract period

• Five months from date of award; the bidder must complete Annexure A (Statement of Compliance) to commit to this period.

Method statement

• The methodology must align with the scope of work.
• Required elements: identification of risks and mitigation, work breakdown of activities, quality assurance, transportation, material procurement, plant and equipment, functional and correspondence test sheets, scrap disposal and environmental management.
• Risks and mitigation measures must specifically address working on the railway reserve.
• Scoring: 3 or fewer elements = 3 points; 4 = 6; 5 = 9; 6 = 12; 7 or more = 15; no submission = 0.

Organisational experience (15 points)

• Assessed on successfully completed similar signalling supply and installation projects in the last ten years.
• 0 projects or incomplete submission = 0 points; 1 to 2 = 2; 3 to 4 = 4; 5 to 6 = 6; 7 to 8 = 8; 9 or more = 10.
• For each project submit: appointment letter on company letterhead, project description, client name and contact details (email and office number), start and end dates, extension of time where applicable, contract value including VAT, and a client completion certificate or confirming letter.

Key staff qualifications and technical experience (15 points)

• Detailed CVs for the Engineering Technician and Flagman proposed for the works.
• Each must have at least five years' experience; the average of the assessed resources is scored.
• Less than 5 years or no information = 0 points; 5 years = 3; above 5 up to 6 years = 6; above 6 up to 7 years = 9; above 7 up to 8 years = 12; above 8 years = 15.
• Certified copies of original qualifications and professional body certificates are required; the Commissioner of Oaths stamp must be no more than three months old at closing.
• Both the Engineering Technician and Flagman certificates must be submitted or no marks are awarded.
• The Engineering Technician must hold a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Light or Heavy Current) or a Signal Electrician Certificate; Flagmen must hold valid flagman certificates.

Quality management system

• The contractor must have a quality assurance system in place.
• The system must document the processes, procedures and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
• It must include method statements showing how the work will be executed, quality check sheets, and functional and correspondence test sheets.
• A project work schedule must be provided.
• PRASA conducts induction training for contractor staff before any work starts, and a register of attendees is kept.
• Community liaison: the contractor must provide a Community Liaison Plan showing how the community will be involved in the programme of works.

Bill of Quantities — quantities to be priced

• Pre-wired Jeumont frames: 3 each.
• TxRx Jeumont trackside boxes: 20 each.
• TX Jeumont trackside box: 6 each.
• Jeumont power supply unit: 6 each.
• Jeumont 60 VDC TJ for TPRS: 6 each.
• Jeumont 110 VDC TJ for points: 12 each.
• Isolating clippons: 1 000 each.
• 1.5 m double-locking apparatus tropical cases: 2 each.
• 1 m double-locking apparatus tropical cases: 2 each.
• 37 core 1.6 mm cable: 1 000 m.
• 3 core 16 mm square cable: 1 000 m.
• Flagmen protection: 90 days.
• Preliminary and general: 1 sum.
• Totals, VAT and grand total to be completed.

Pricing rules

• Rates for cable supply and installation must include all miscellaneous items needed to join and protect the cables, such as joint kits, clippons and soil.
• Prices in Rand, inclusive of all applicable taxes, on a firm basis with the basis stated.
• Cost breakdown, price escalation basis and formula must be indicated.
• Pricing must follow the prescribed schedule; a different format may render the bid non-responsive.
• Unconditional discounts are considered only at the final evaluation stage.
• Delivery period: suppliers offer their earliest delivery period in working days from date of order.

Pricing

• Prices in South African Rand, inclusive of all applicable taxes.
• Firm price offer with the basis clearly indicated.
• Bill of Quantities to be completed in line with the schedule; cost breakdown and price escalation basis and formula must be indicated.
• Pricing must follow the prescribed schedule exactly; deviation may render the bid non-responsive.
• Unconditional discounts are considered only at the final evaluation stage.
• If the highest-scoring bid is not market related, PRASA may negotiate with the highest, then second, then third highest scorer; if no market-related price is agreed, the RFQ is cancelled.

Bill of Quantities (quantities)

• Pre-wired Jeumont frames: 3 each.
• TxRx Jeumont trackside boxes: 20 each.
• TX Jeumont trackside box: 6 each.
• Jeumont power supply unit: 6 each.
• Jeumont 60 VDC TJ for TPRS: 6 each.
• Jeumont 110 VDC TJ for points: 12 each.
• Isolating clippons: 1 000 each.
• 1.5 m double-locking apparatus tropical cases: 2 each.
• 1 m double-locking apparatus tropical cases: 2 each.
• 37 core 1.6 mm cable: 1 000 m.
• 3 core 16 mm square cable: 1 000 m.
• Flagmen protection: 90 days.
• Preliminary and general: 1 sum.
• Rates for cable supply and installation must include all miscellaneous items such as joint kits, clippons and soil.

Payment

• Payment within 30 days of receipt of a correct tax invoice.
• Measurements and payments are based on project schedules approved by the PRASA Technical Officer/Project Manager.

Penalties

• Late completion against agreed occupation dates: R5 000 per week.
• Trains delayed by the contractor exceeding agreed occupation time: R1 000 per train delayed.
• Working without an approved occupation notice: R10 000; any subsequent breach nullifies the contract.

Warranty and funding

• Installed items must remain free from defects for one year from acceptance, unless another period is stated in the order.
• Award is subject to PRASA securing and confirming sufficient budget; PRASA may cancel the RFQ before award if funding is not secured, and bidders waive claims for loss or damages arising from non-award.

Registration and tax

• CSD registration is mandatory; no award may be made to a supplier not registered on the Central Supplier Database. Foreign suppliers with no local registered entity are exempt.
• A valid SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN or a CSD number must be submitted; a printed TCS certificate is also accepted.
• Each party to a consortium, joint venture or subcontracting arrangement must submit its own TCS certificate/PIN and CSD number.

CIDB

• Proof of CIDB grading 4EP or higher is a Stage 1A mandatory requirement.

Statutory and personnel

• COID Letter of Good Standing (Stage 1B).
• Engineering Technician with a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Light or Heavy Current) or a Signal Electrician Certificate.
• Flagmen with valid Flagman certificates.
• Certified copies of qualifications and professional certificates, certified by a Commissioner of Oaths with a stamp no more than three months old at closing.

B-BBEE and preference points

• Preference points are claimed under the 80/20 system on SBD 6.1.
• B-BBEE: 4 points, evidenced by a B-BBEE certificate or affidavit; a consolidated scorecard is accepted for a joint venture.
• Black Women Owned: 4 points, evidenced by certified ID copies of the owners.
• Black Youth Owned: 4 points, evidenced by certified ID copies of the owners.
• 51% Black Owned: 4 points, evidenced by audited annual financial statements, B-BBEE certificate or affidavit.
• Creation of new jobs and labour intensification: 4 points, evidenced by current job creation documents submitted with the bid.

Exclusion

• Bids from persons in the service of the state, companies with directors in the service of the state, or close corporations with members in the service of the state will not be considered.
• Listing on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers disqualifies the bidder.

Safety

• All work must comply with the Occupational Safety Act, 2003 and the Act 85 requirements referenced in the specification.
• A safety file must be submitted and approved by the Project Manager and Risk Department before work starts.
• The contractor must meet the additional safety, orientation and Act 85 requirements forming part of the specification.
• Completion of the safety file is a milestone in the project programme.
• The method statement must identify risks and mitigation measures for working on the railway reserve.
• Two qualified flagmen are required to protect personnel working in the section.
• Bidders must provide their own PPE for the compulsory site visit.

Environmental management

• Environmental management is a required element of the project method statement.
• Scrap disposal is a required element of the method statement.
• All redundant cables and scrap material must be removed and delivered by the contractor to Goble Road Signal Maintenance depot.

General conditions of purchase

• The PRASA general conditions of purchase form the basis of the contract; no PRASA servant or agent may vary them orally.
• Price may include a price adjustment calculated on the formula stated in the order or contract.
• Payment is made within 30 days of receipt of a correct tax invoice.
• Delivery must be on or before the date in the order or contract; late delivery or completion may attract a penalty where imposed.
• Title to and risk in items pass to PRASA on acceptance.
• PRASA may reject non-conforming items or services and require correction, replacement or rework; return and replacement costs are for the supplier's account.
• Warranty: items must meet PRASA's requirements, be fit for purpose and remain free from defects for one year from acceptance, unless another period is stated in the order.
• The supplier indemnifies PRASA against claims arising from negligence, infringement of rights, breach of statutory duty, or defective design, materials or workmanship.
• Subcontracting requires PRASA's prior approval; the successful bidder remains liable for performance.
• The contract is governed by South African law.

Special condition — funding contingency

• PRASA has National Treasury approval to invite bids before budget provision is complete.
• Any award is subject to PRASA securing the funding allocation and confirming sufficient budget.
• PRASA may cancel the RFQ at any stage before award if funding is not secured, and bidders waive any right to claim loss or damages for non-award.

Termination

• PRASA may cancel the contract at any time during the contract period if the contractor does not perform according to the agreement.

Stage 1A mandatory requirements (failure disqualifies)

• Completion of all RFP documentation.
• Briefing Session Form D and appearance on the compulsory briefing attendance register.
• Signed Joint Venture, Consortium or Partnering Agreement where applicable.
• Proof of CIDB grading 4EP or higher.
• Engineering Technician with a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Light or Heavy Current) or a Signal Electrician Certificate.
• Flagmen with valid Flagman certificates.

Stage 1B other mandatory requirements (may be requested within five working days)

• COID Letter of Good Standing.
• Valid SARS PIN.
• CSD supplier registration number.

Stage 1A — Mandatory requirements: failure disqualifies; only compliant bidders proceed.

Stage 1B — Other mandatory requirements: COID Letter of Good Standing, valid SARS PIN and CSD registration number; PRASA may request these within five working days, failing which the bid is disqualified.

Stage 2 — Technical/functionality: 50 points, minimum qualifying score 70%. Bidders below 70% are excluded from Stage 3.

• Organisational experience: 15 points.
• Qualifications and technical experience: 15 points.
• Project programme: 10 points.
• Project approach and methodology: 10 points.

Stage 3 — Price and specific goals: 100 points.

• Price: 80 points on the 80/20 preference point system.
• Specific goals: 20 points, 4 points each for B-BBEE, Black Women Owned, Black Youth Owned, 51% Black Owned, and creation of new jobs and labour intensification.