Supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of smart meters

Mandatory returnable form:

• E-Tendering Training Acknowledgement Form: tenderers must confirm they have completed self-training through the e-Tendering Noddy Guide, video, or a clarification meeting and are able to operate the e-Tendering Solution. The form must be fully completed, including business/JV name, contact person, contact details, and authorised signature, and submitted to NTCSA within the prescribed period.

Submission method: e-Tendering platform. Failure to fully complete and submit the form within the prescribed period renders the tenderer non-responsive and disqualified from the procurement process.

Mandatory responsiveness requirement:

• Submission of the E-Tendering Training Acknowledgement Form, fully completed, within the prescribed period. Non-submission or incomplete submission results in disqualification.

Reference number and business/JV name are required on the acknowledgement form.

The works involve the procurement, delivery, off-loading, installation, testing, commissioning and handover of smart meters on site. The contractor must establish site facilities and complete the Bill of Quantities in line with the project technical specification.

Closing date: 27 November 2026 (time not stated in document). No briefing or site visit dates provided.

No contact information was found in the document.

Submission method: not stated in the document.

Returnable documents: not specified; the Bill of Quantities must be completed using the project technical specification.

Evaluation criteria are not detailed in the provided document. The Bill of Quantities indicates pricing items but no scoring method or preference point system is stated.

Scope: Procure, deliver, off-load, install, test, commission and handover smart meters on site, in accordance with the technical specification and works information.

Electrical work (Bill No. 4) — supply and install:

• Cable: 16mm2 x 4 core (5 m), 1.5mm2 x 4 core (10 m), 2.5mm2 x 1 core (100 m), 1.5mm2 x 1 core (300 m).
• Earth conductor: 6mm2 x 1 core (10 m).
• Schneider PM5310 multifunction energy meter or similar approved (17 units).
• Current transformers, class 0.5, 5VA: 400/5A (5 sets) and 200/5A (6 sets).
• 6-way CT shorting blocks (11 units).
• 3-phase 5A MCB, C-curve, 6 kA (14 units).
• Meter enclosure, surface-mounted (2 units).
• Wiring termination accessories, ferrules, lugs, markers (1 item).
• Cable glands (1 item).
• Galvanised DIN rail (5 m).
• Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for completed works (11 units).

Preliminaries (Bill No. 1) — contractor must provide:

• Establishment of site facilities.
• Health and safety file and plan, quality plan, medicals, PPE, police clearance.
• Safety officer.
• Worker transport (including driver costs).
• On-site LDV.
• Accommodation and meals.

Pricing: complete the Bill of Quantities with rates and amounts for each item. The contract sum is the estimated cost excluding VAT. No bond, guarantee, retention or payment terms are stated.

No specific eligibility or compliance requirements (e.g., CSD, tax clearance, B-BBEE, CIDB) are stated in the provided document.

The contractor must prepare a health and safety file and plan, provide medicals, PPE, police clearance, appoint a safety officer, and include these costs in the preliminaries.

Contract terms are not stated; only the requirement to supply and install wiring termination accessories and identification labels is listed as a bill item.

No additional evaluation criteria are specified in the document.

Returnable documents:

• E-Tenderers E-Tendering Training Acknowledgement Form (Annexure): must be fully completed, signed, and submitted to NTCSA within the prescribed period. Failure to do so renders the tenderer non-responsive and disqualified.

Submission method: e-Tendering Solution.

Disqualification risks:

• Incomplete or unsigned acknowledgement form.
• Form not submitted within the prescribed period.

Mandatory returnable:

• E-Tenderers E-Tendering Training Acknowledgement Form – mandatory, must be fully completed and submitted on time.

Responsiveness: Tenderers not submitting the form fully and on time will be declared non-responsive and disqualified.

Bidders must confirm they have completed self-training via the e-Tendering Noddy Guide, video, or clarification meeting, and are able to operate the e-Tendering Solution.

The eTendering system is a web-based platform that replaces physical delivery of tender documents to Eskom tender offices. Suppliers upload their bids electronically instead of submitting them by hand.

• Access is through the Tender Bulletin public site at https://tenderbulletin.ntcsa.co.za, which links to the eTendering portal at https://eTendering.eskom.co.za.
• Suppliers must register before they can use the portal, and a one-time PIN is sent to both their cellphone and email address for verification.
• A CSD number is required to gain access.
• The portal also supports closed tenders, which are not advertised on the Tender Bulletin but are sent by email link to selected suppliers who meet the buyer's criteria.
• System problems with the Tender Bulletin, eTendering or OpenText must be reported to the buyer responsible for the relevant tender.

Submission channel

• Bids are submitted electronically through the NTCSA eTendering portal at https://eTendering.eskom.co.za; physical delivery to Eskom tender offices is no longer used.
• Tenders are advertised on the Tender Bulletin at https://tenderbulletin.ntcsa.co.za, which links through to the eTendering portal.
• A CSD number is required before the portal can be accessed.

Registration and access

• Suppliers must register on the portal before bidding; registration details include name, organisation, CSD number and cellphone number.
• Contact numbers must be entered with a plus prefix, for example +27.
• Registration is verified by email link, and login requires the registered email address, password and a one-time PIN sent to the registered cellphone and email address.
• Registered details can be changed at any time through the Edit Registration option.

Uploading a bid

• Select the tender reference number, open Create New Submission, then add each file under the correct category (for example technical, commercial or finance).
• All required documents must be uploaded and verified before Finalise Submission is clicked.
• A single file may not exceed 50MB and the combined size of all uploaded files may not exceed 900MB.
• Finalising closes the submission and records a submission timestamp; a confirmation email listing the submitted documents and a submission ID is sent to the submitter, and that email should be retained for later enquiries.
• Submitted bids can be reviewed afterwards under My Submissions.

System support

• Users who experience problems with the Tender Bulletin, eTendering or OpenText systems must contact the buyer responsible for the published tender.
• Microsoft Edge is the recommended browser.

CSD registration

• A valid CSD number is mandatory to gain access to the eTendering portal and to submit a bid.
• The CSD number held on the supplier's eTendering registration must be kept current.

The work comprises the procurement, delivery, off-loading, installation, testing, commissioning, and handover of smart meters, to be carried out in accordance with the stated standard and specifications.

Contacts

• Buyer: Ofhani Masakona
• Telephone: 0763119945

(Additional contact details not provided in the document.)

Returnable documents — all must be completed, signed and submitted with the bid:

• Annexure C: completed and submitted in full.
• SBD 6.2 (Declaration for Local Production and Content): declares compliance with the local production and content threshold; must be fully completed and submitted.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to meet the objective criteria (CIDB grade, local content) as a condition for contract award may lead to the second-ranked tenderer being recommended for award.
• Incomplete or unsigned returnable forms.

Evaluation is in two stages:

1. Objective criteria (condition for contract award):

• CIDB Grading: Grade 2EB or higher is required.
• Designated Sector (Cables): minimum 90% local production and content must be achieved in full.
• Annexure C and SBD 6.2 must be fully completed and submitted.

2. Other SDL&I objectives (not scored, but contractual obligations):

• B-BBEE status must be maintained throughout the contract period.
• Skills development and job creation targets: not applicable due to low value and project period.

Failure to meet the objective criteria may result in the second-ranked tenderer being recommended for award.

Scope of work:

• Procure, deliver, off-load, install, test, commission, and handover smart meters.
• Must meet the standard and specifications as per the scope of work.

Project duration: Seven (6) months (as stated; note: the document says "Seven (6)" which is inconsistent, likely a typo — 6 months is the figure given in the text).

Compliance requirements:

• CIDB Grading: Grade 2EB or higher.
• Local production and content: Cables designated sector, minimum 90% local content.
• B-BBEE: Tenderers must maintain their B-BBEE status throughout the contract period.
• Sworn affidavits: If a B-BBEE sworn affidavit is submitted, it must meet the validity requirements:
• Deponent's name as per ID and ID number.
• Designation as director, owner, or member.
• Enterprise name as per CIPC registration and business address.
• Percentage of black ownership, black female ownership, designated group (or black beneficiaries for specialised enterprises).
• Total revenue for the year under review and basis (audited or management accounts).
• Financial year end.
• B-BBEE status level (only one).
• Empowering supplier status (for QSEs, basis for status).
• Deponent and Commissioner of Oaths must sign on the same date.
• Commissioner of Oaths cannot be an employee or ex officio of the enterprise.

Contractual obligations include:

• B-BBEE status must be maintained throughout the contract period.
• Skills development and job creation targets are not applicable due to the low value and short period of the project.

Undertakings given in Section 2 are not scored but become contractual obligations once awarded.

The tender is for the procurement, delivery, off-load, installation, testing, commissioning, and handover of smart meters to meet specified standards and technical requirements. The work is for NTCSA buildings/metering points. The contract is for the whole scope. Bidders must be registered with the Department of Employment and Labour as electrical contractors and hold CIDB grading 2EB or higher.

Closing date: 27 November 2026

Closing time: 10h00

Tender validity: 12 weeks (90 days) from closing date.

Clarification queries deadline: 10 working days before tender submission deadline.

Clarification meeting: Not applicable.

NTCSA Representative: Ofhani Masakona

Telephone: 013 297 9690

Email: [email protected]

1st Escalation – Procurement Manager: Magcino Zuma

Email: [email protected]

2nd Escalation – Middle Manager: Vongani Hlungwani

Email: [email protected]

Submission: Electronic via NTCSA Tender Bulletin site on Eskom E-tendering page.

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the NTCSA Tender Bulletin site on the Eskom E-tendering page. Documents must be uploaded under the Technical, Commercial, Financial, and other folders. All documents must be in PDF format; the price list must be submitted in both PDF and Excel format. The upload size per document is 500 megabytes, and total submission is restricted to 4 gigabytes. No zip or compressed files, no hard copies. If a tender is resubmitted, only the latest version is accepted; previous versions are null and void. Ensure the submission status is marked as complete. Late tenders will not be accepted.

Returnable forms required at tender closing (disqualifiable if not completed, signed if required, and submitted):

• Annexure A: Authorisation Form authorising the signatory to bind the bidder.
• Annexure B: Acknowledgement Form acknowledging receipt and understanding of documents.
• Annexure C: Tenderer's Particulars providing bidder's details.
• Annexure D: Integrity Declaration Form, confirming adherence to the Supplier Integrity Pact.
• Annexure G1 (SBD 6.2): Declaration Certificate for Local Production and Local Content.
• Annexure H (SBD 1): Invitation to Bid, completed by all tenderers.
• Annexure I (SBD 6.1): Preference Points Claim Form under PPPFA 2022.
• Annexure J (SBD 4): Bidders Disclosure – declaration of interest or conflict.
• Annexures G2, G3, G4, and Annexure E: local and imported content declaration schedules.
• E-tendering Help Manual acknowledgement form.
• Proof of CIDB contractor grading 2EB or higher (may be submitted within 21 working days after closing if expressly permitted).

Other returnables (non-disqualifiable; if not submitted at closing, requested in writing, must be provided within 5 working days):

• SBD 1, Tax clearance (if applicable), CSD proof, etc.

Disqualification risks:

• Any returnable marked as disqualifiable not fully completed, signed, and submitted by closing.
• Late submission, regardless of reason.
• Submitting more than one tender individually or as a JV partner.
• Tenders signed by non-authorised persons.
• Failure to meet eligibility criteria.

Evaluation follows a two-stage process. First, functionality (technical) is scored out of 100. A minimum threshold of 70% is required to proceed; bidders scoring below this are disqualified. Then, price and specific goals are scored under the 80/20 preference point system (for tenders up to R50 million).

Functionality scoring (out of 100):

• Comprehension of the scope: 20% weight. Requires a method statement addressing buildings/metering points, installation sequence, CT and voltage wiring, testing and commissioning, SHEQ, and handover.
• Experience and Key Resources: 60% weight. Includes project organogram (10%), previous work experience (40%), key resource qualifications (25%), and electrical artisan resources (25%).
• Project Planning and Quality Control: 20% weight. Includes draft schedule (50%) and draft Inspection and Test Plan/Quality Plan (50%).

Price scoring (out of 80 points):

• Prices are evaluated inclusive of VAT, corrected for arithmetic errors, excluding contingencies, adjusted for variations, and compared on net present value.
• Unconditional discounts are considered; conditional discounts are not.

Specific Goals scoring (out of 20 points) under PPPFA. Failure to submit evidence for a specific goal results in zero points for that goal but not disqualification.

Ranking: total score = price + specific goals, ranked highest to lowest.

Scope: Procure, deliver, off-load, install, test, commission, and handover smart meters at NTCSA buildings/metering points, per the technical scope of work.

Mandatory technical criteria:

• The bidder must be registered with the Department of Employment and Labour as an Electrical Contractor. The registration must be in the company's name and include the name and particulars of a registered person who is a full-time employee (unless the owner). Individual registrations are not considered.
• The bidder must have successfully completed at least one project involving the installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of energy meters within the past seven years, with verifiable references.
• The tendered product must meet the technical requirements in the scope; alternative meter models may be offered if they provide equivalent or superior functionality, accuracy, communications, and data logging, supported by a clause-by-clause compliance schedule and manufacturer data sheets.

Quality and safety:

• Must submit a method statement as per the scope (Category 4 returnable).
• Must comply with NTCSA SHEQ policy and relevant quality management specifications.
• Must submit the required safety and environmental documents as listed, including the draft SHE Spec, contractor baseline risk assessment, and environmental management returnables.

Functionality documents required (unless already submitted):

• Method statement
• Project organogram
• Proof of previous work experience
• CVs of key resources
• Draft schedule
• Draft ITP/Quality Plan

A method statement must be submitted as part of the functionality evaluation (20% weight). The method statement must demonstrate understanding of the full scope, including the installation sequence, CT and voltage wiring methodology, testing and commissioning approach, SHEQ requirements, and handover. Scoring: 5 marks for comprehensive method addressing all scope elements; 4 marks for most elements with minor omissions; 2 marks for generic or incomplete; 0 for none.

The bidder must demonstrate relevant experience: at least one successfully completed project involving installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of energy meters within the past seven years, with verifiable client references. A detailed project organogram must be provided identifying key personnel and any outsourced resources. Key resource requirements: the registered person must be an Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician (no single-phase tester) with 5+ years relevant experience and must be a full-time employee of the company. At least 2 electrical artisans are required, each with an electrical trade test with minimum N4 qualification, at least 5 years relevant experience, and trained/authorised to work on low voltage installations (ORLVS). If artisans are subcontracted, a letter of intent between parties must be provided.

Bidders must submit a draft Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) and Quality Plan covering activities of the scope, demonstrating understanding of inspection and verification points (hold/witness points) for CT installation, CT ratio verification, polarity testing, voltage reference checks, meter configuration, Modbus/address settings, functional testing, and Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issuance. The bidder must comply with NTCSA's Supplier Quality Management Specification (240-105658000). The registered person is responsible for issuing the electrical certificate of compliance after inspection and testing.

The pricing schedule/BOQ is attached to the tender and must be completed and submitted. Price list must be submitted in PDF and Excel format. Prices are evaluated inclusive of VAT, corrected for arithmetical errors, and excluding contingencies. Pricing will be scored out of 80 points under the 80/20 preference system.

Pricing: Bidders must submit a pricing schedule/BOQ as attached to the tender (1.1.28). The price list must be submitted in PDF and Excel format. Prices are evaluated inclusive of VAT.

Payment terms: For contracts valued below R50,000,000 (including VAT), NTCSA commits to paying suppliers within 30 days of receipt of undisputed invoices.

Performance security: Not applicable.

Contractual requirements after award (not scoring criteria):

• Proof of CSD registration.
• Financial viability (financial statements may be required).
• Security vetting: company screening by NTCSA Security Services; NTCSA may decline to award based on screening results.

Note: The 80/20 preference point system applies to tenders with a rand value equal to or below R50 million.

Mandatory compliance:

• CSD registration: proof of valid and current CSD registration (CSD number/report) is required for all local tenderers and foreign tenderers with a local footprint.

Tax compliance:

• Local tenderers who have not provided a SARS e-filing PIN for verification or a CSD profile/number must submit a certified copy of a tax clearance certificate.
• Foreign tenderers with a South African footprint but not CSD-registered and without a SARS PIN must submit a certified copy of tax clearance.
• Foreign suppliers with no South African footprint must complete SBD 1 but do not need proof of tax compliance.

Electrical contractor registration:

• Registration with the Department of Employment and Labour as an Electrical Contractor in the company's name; registrations in an individual's name are not accepted.

CIDB grading:

• Contractors must hold CIDB grading of 2EB or higher. Proof required for main contractor and, where required, JV partners/subcontractors.

Employment Equity:

• South African designated employers must provide proof of compliance, including proof of submission of the Employment Equity report to the Department of Employment and Labour.

B-bbee:

• To claim preference points, submit a valid B-BBEE certificate issued by a SANAS-accredited verification agency, a sworn affidavit, or a CIPC affidavit.

Local content:

• SBD 6.2 declaration and supporting schedules required. Designated sector thresholds: 100% local content for the commodity, 90% for cables.

Additional contractual requirements (assessed after evaluation, prior to award):

• COIDA certificate of good standing or proof of application (South African tenderers).
• SHEQ compliance.
• Security vetting.

Eligibility exclusions:

• Tenderer on international sanctions list.
• Submitting more than one tender (except as allowed on e-tendering system).
• JV agreement not providing joint and several liability.
• Conflict of interest (common controlling partner or majority shareholder).
• Tender signed by non-authorised person.
• Restricted by National Treasury or on Tender Defaulters list.
• Subcontracting 100% of the scope.
• Flagged suppliers implicated in serious misconduct (e.g., Zondo Report, SIU, forensic reports, or restricted supplier lists).

Bidders must comply with NTCSA SHEQ requirements, including the NTCSA SHEQ Policy (32-727), the Contract and Contractor OHS Management specification, and the Draft SHE Specification for Smart Meters Installation. The bidder must submit a method statement addressing SHEQ considerations. South African tenderers must provide COIDA certificate of good standing or proof of application. The bidder must submit the required OHS tender returnables as listed (e.g., 32-95 rev 9, AM OHS Contractor Baseline risk assessment).

Bidders must comply with the Transmission Environmental Requirements for Contractors/Suppliers standard (240-180100134) and the NTCSA SHEQ Policy. The smart meter installation has an Environmental Management Tender Returnable and an Environmental Requirements Proforma (240-180100154) that must be completed and submitted.

The contract will be subject to the NEC3 Engineering Short Contract. The contract is for the whole of the scope. The tender validity period is 12 weeks. NTCSA may extend the validity period; bidders agreeing to an extension may not modify their tender. The Form of Agreement will be signed by authorised signatories. Contractual requirements (CSD, financial viability, security vetting) are not evaluation criteria but are conditions for award; failure to meet them may render the bidder non-responsive.

The evaluation process is as described in the main evaluationCriteria section. Additional details: For functionality, a minimum threshold of 70% is required to proceed to the next stage. Specific goals are scored out of 20 points; failure to submit evidence results in zero points for that goal but not disqualification. The 80/20 system applies for tenders with rand value equal to or below R50 million.