RFI: solar microgrid solution for critical vaccine manufacturing facility at onderstepoort

• OBP is a state-owned animal vaccine manufacturer requiring a reliable solar energy solution to mitigate electricity shortages affecting critical pharmaceutical operations.
• The RFI seeks contractors capable of designing, installing, and maintaining a hybrid microgrid for continuous power to cleanrooms and cold-chain systems.

• Compulsory site briefing: 25 June 2026 at 09:00 at OBP Offices (100 Old Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort, 0110). Attendees must wear PPE.
• Optional site visit: 26 June 2026 at 10:00.
• Closing date and time: 02 July 2026 at 15:00.

• For clarifications and questions: Email [email protected] or telephone 012 522 1500.
• Note: No submissions will be accepted via email.
• Physical address: OBP Offices, 100 Old Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort, 0110.

• Submission method: Use OBP's E-Procurement portal only. No email submissions accepted.
• Portal registration: All bidders must register in advance on the NEW OBP E-Procurement portal via the official OBP website under supply chain.
• Required uploads: All company documents, proposed submissions, and additional requirements must be uploaded with your bid application.
• Submission deadline: 02 July 2026 at 15:00.
• Returnables: Submit a concise presentation packet containing a written response to all Vendor Questionnaire items (Sections A–D) and case studies/reference sheets for similar industrial solar/hybrid deployments.
• Disqualification risks: Failure to register on the portal, submit via email, or meet the deadline may result in non-consideration.

Must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). Must be a manufacturer of solar energy systems with installation/service support in Gauteng, OR an installer with a South African-based service agent possessing trained technicians and available spares. Consortia are permitted but must confirm submission is on behalf of the consortium.

• Project objective: Design, install, and maintain a high-reliability, zero-downtime hybrid microgrid integrating solar PV, battery storage, grid, and backup generators for a vaccine manufacturing facility.
• System must ensure:
• Uninterrupted power to ISO-classified cleanrooms and automated formulation/filling equipment.
• 100% uptime for ultra-low temperature freezers, walk-in cold storage (2°C to 8°C), and incubation systems.
• Hybrid configuration with rooftop/ground-mount solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), grid interconnection, and diesel generator synchronization.
• Zero-transfer switching using static transfer switches or double-conversion online UPS to eliminate voltage drops during grid-to-island transitions.
• Vendor Questionnaire requires details on:
• Corporate profile, pharmaceutical/healthcare experience (at least two relevant projects), and regulatory familiarity.
• Technical capabilities: load profiling, component sourcing (Tier 1 panels, LFP batteries), microgrid controls, and power quality management.
• Implementation timeline, O&M offerings, and business continuity plan.
• Financial models (PPA, CAPEX, leasing) and warranty frameworks.

• Provide information highlighting years of relevant experience and capabilities in solar energy electricity generating, management, storage, and distribution solutions.

• Provide a scope of work with identified pricing structures and metrics for integration into OBP electrical systems, either independent of or integrated with grid supply.
• Identify key performance indicators for monitoring and evaluation.

• Provide a scope of work with identified pricing structures and metrics.
• Pricing should cover integration into OBP electrical systems, either as independent of the grid or integrated with grid supply.
• Identify key performance indicators for monitoring and evaluation.
• Commercial models such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), upfront Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), or leasing structures are of interest.

• Mandatory registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD).
• Service providers must be either:
• A manufacturer of solar energy systems with installation and service support in Gauteng; OR
• An installer with a service agent based in South Africa, having trained technicians and availability of service spares and critical spares.
• Compulsory site briefing attendance on 25 June 2026 at 09:00 with PPE.

• Compulsory site briefing on 25 June 2026 at 09:00 requires PPE clothing before entering the premises.
• Bidders must detail experience with electrical codes, fire mitigation safety for industrial BESS facilities, and cleanroom power isolation standards.

• OBP will keep submitted data confidential, except as required by law or court order, and may disclose it to involved personnel.
• OBP is not liable for any loss from disclosure of information; bidders waive any claims arising from such disclosure.
• OBP reserves the right to use submitted information for aggregated public data (without identifying parties), verify response information, and cancel or withdraw the RFI.

• OBP reserves the right to use submitted information for aggregated public data (without identifying parties) and to verify any information in responses.

• Service providers must be a manufacturer with Gauteng support or an installer with a South African-based service agent having trained technicians and spare parts availability.

• Identify key performance indicators for monitoring and evaluating the solar energy system.
• OBP will involve its officers, employees, agents, advisors, and representatives in evaluating responses.