Supply and delivery of a 1mva mini substation (rmu) to lethabo power station – reverse e-auction

The tender is for the supply and delivery of a 1MVA mini substation (RMU) to Lethabo Power Station on a once-off basis. The procurement is conducted via a reverse e-auction, so no prices are submitted in the tender. The tender documents are provided free of charge. The tender is an open invitation to tender.

Closing date and time: 20 August 2026 at 10:00 am (SAST).

Tender validity period: 120 days from the closing date and time.

Issue date: 06 August 2026.

Clarification: no formal briefing session or site visit is stated. Queries must be sent by email to the Eskom Representative before the closing time for clarification of queries.

Eskom Representative (SCM): Keneilwe Makoele

• Tel: 016 457 5294
• Email: [email protected]

Clarification contact: Paulina Rapoo

• Email: [email protected]

Procurement Manager (signatory of ITT): Ndumiso Mncube

Fraud and corruption reporting: 0800 11 2722 / [email protected]

Submission channel: tenders must be uploaded electronically via the Eskom E-Tendering system (Eskom Tender Bulletin site on the Eskom E-tendering page) and the National Treasury e-Tendering system, by the closing date and time. Late tenders will not be accepted; proof of posting or courier delivery is not proof of delivery.

Format: all documents must be submitted in PDF format. The price list must be submitted in PDF and a copy in Excel format. Upload size per document is 500 megabytes; total submission is restricted to 4 gigabytes. Documents must be uploaded under the folders Technical, Commercial, Financial, and Other.

Returnable forms (all mandatory, must be completed and signed):

• Annexure A (Authorisation Form): authorises the named signatory to bind the bidder; certified copy of the resolution/power of attorney must be attached.
• Annexure B (Acknowledgement Form): acknowledges receipt of tender documents and, where applicable, completion of reverse e-auction self-training.
• Annexure C (Tenderer's Particulars): bidder and contact details.
• Annexure D (Integrity Declaration Form): declares any interest or relationship with Eskom or state employees, and confirms fair tendering practices; false declarations may lead to rejection.
• Annexure E (CPA Requirements for Local Goods/Services) and Annexure F (CPA(IG) for Foreign Goods/Services, if applicable).
• Annexure G1-G4 (SBD 6.2 and local content declarations): mandatory because the commodity is a designated sector.
• Annexure H (SBD 1 Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• Annexure I (SBD 6.1 Preference Points Claim Form): claims B-BBEE points under PPPFA.
• Annexure J (SBD 4 – Bidders Disclosure): discloses any state employment or connection to the procuring institution.
• Reverse e-auction training acknowledgement form and E-tendering Help Manual acknowledgement form.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to submit one complete hard copy of the original tender (if applicable) or failure to upload all required documents.
• Tenders signed by non-authorised persons.
• Submitting more than one tender, either individually or as a partner in a JV/consortium.
• Sub-contracting 100% of the scope of work.
• Any tenderer on the National Treasury restricted suppliers list or Tender Defaulters register.
• Tenders not sealed and marked correctly (for physical submissions) — but note this tender is electronic.
• Mandatory documents not submitted by the tender submission deadline will render the tender non-responsive.

No prices may be submitted in the tender — this is a reverse e-auction. Prices included in the tender will be disregarded. Suppliers who pass basic compliance and pre-qualification will be invited to the live auction event.

Bidders must not be under any restriction to do business with Eskom or State-Owned Companies. Bidders must not have the nationality of a country on international sanctions lists. Bidders must not submit more than one tender (individually or as part of a JV/consortium). JV/consortium agreements must state joint and several liability. Bidders must not have conflicts of interest. Tenders signed by non-authorised persons are disqualified. Bidders on National Treasury's restricted or tender defaulters lists are ineligible. Bidders must not subcontract 100% of the scope of work. Bidders must complete and submit the mandatory annexures, including the Integrity Declaration Form and the Reverse e-auction training acknowledgement form.

Scope: supply and delivery of a 1MVA mini substation (RMU) to Lethabo Power Station on a once-off basis.

Technical requirements:

• The mini substation must comply with Eskom specification 240-56062752.
• Suppliers must provide datasheets of the mini substation demonstrating compliance with the specification.
• Suppliers must complete Schedule A and Schedule B as provided in the tender documents.
• A relevant Type Test Certificate for the Mini Sub must be submitted.
• Suppliers must provide details of delivery costs and lead time; lead time of 4 weeks or less is preferred.
• Suppliers must provide at least three treatable references of previous purchase orders for supply and delivery of miniature substations.

Quality requirements (supporting evidence required):

• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• ISO 10005 – Quality Management System Guidelines for Quality Plans.
• ISO 10006 – Quality Management Systems Guidelines for Quality Management in Projects.
• ISO 10007 – Quality Management Systems Guidelines for Configuration Management.
• ISO 31000 – Risk Management Principles & Guideline.

Payment terms: for contracts valued below R50 000 000 (including VAT), Eskom is committed to paying suppliers within 30 days of receipt of undisputed invoices. For contracts valued above R50 000 000 (including VAT), the 60-day payment term applies.

Bid security: if a performance bond or demand guarantee is required, the tenderer must name a minimum of two financial institutions it is likely to approach for the security. Eskom reserves the right to reject a financial institution it deems unsuitable.

Financial due diligence: audited financial statements of the tenderer for the previous 18 months (or the last year if not available) must be submitted. For a JV or SPV, audited statements for each participant must be submitted. Start-up enterprises formed within the last 12 months are exempt but must furnish statements for the first year once available.

Pricing: no prices are to be submitted in the tender — this is a reverse e-auction. Prices will be evaluated inclusive of VAT, corrected for arithmetical errors, and compared on Net Present Value.

Mandatory compliance (disqualifiable if not met):

• Proof of registration as an Electrical Contractor in terms of the OHS Act and regulations.
• Valid Letter of Good Standing (COIDA or equivalent).
• National driver's licence (applicable to drivers).
• OHS Act 37(2) agreement signed with the contract.
• Subcontractor management commitment letter (if subcontracting) confirming compliance with Eskom and legal requirements.
• Acknowledgement of Eskom's SHE rules and requirements (Annexure B).

Other compliance:

• CSD registration and tax compliance status (as per National Treasury instructions).
• B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (SANAS accredited verification agency / CIPS affidavit) to claim preference points. Eskom will not accept a sworn affidavit with an electronic signature.
• Proof of ownership/shareholding (preferably CIPC documentation) inclusive of shareholding breakdown, certified ID copies of shareholders, proof of disability (where applicable).
• For trusts, consortia or JVs, a consolidated B-BBEE status level verification certificate.
• SBD 6.2 Declaration Certificate for Local Production and Local Content (Annexure G1) and Annexures G2-G4 as evidence of compliance with local content requirements.
• No EIA needed, but compliance with ISO 14001 and Lethabo environmental procedures is required.
• Tenderer must not be under any restriction to do business with Eskom or State-Owned Companies, not on the National Treasury restricted suppliers list or Tender Defaulters register.
• Tenderer must not have a conflict of interest; prima facie evidence of conflict of interest leads to disqualification.
• Tenderer must not have the nationality of a country on any international sanctions list.
• Tenderer must not sub-contract 100% of the scope of work.

Additional evaluation criteria: the technical evaluation uses a two-stage approach — a mandatory gatekeeper followed by qualitative evaluation. The qualitative evaluation uses a weighted score-card with a minimum threshold of 80%. Specific goals under PPPFA are scored out of 10/20 points based on B-BBEE status level. If a tenderer fails to submit evidence for a specific goal, it scores 0 for that goal but is not disqualified. The commodity is a designated sector, so local content thresholds apply: Transformer, Stunt Reactors and Associated Equipment 100%; Cables 90%. SBD 6.2 and Annex C are mandatory. CIDB CSDG and CPG are not applicable.

The contract is an NEC3 Supply Contract (SC3) between Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd and the supplier for the supply and delivery of a 1 MVA mini substation (RMU) to Lethabo Power Station on a once-off basis. The contract comprises Part C1 (Agreements and Contract Data), Part C2 (Pricing Data), and Part C3 (Scope of Work).

Supply Manager: Lethabo Power Station, Private Bag X 415, Vereeniging, 1930. Telephone and email not provided.

Engineering Contract Strategies (for NEC3 contract documents): Tel 011 803 3008, Fax 086 539 1902, www.ecs.co.za.

Returnable documents:

• Proof of registration as an Electrical Contractor with the Department of Labour (mandatory, to comply with the OHS Act).
• Completed Schedule A and B for the 11 kV Type B 1000 kVA miniature substation.
• Datasheets for the mini substation in accordance with supplier requirements 240-56062752.
• Type Test Certificate for the mini substation.
• Three or more treatable references of previous purchase orders for supply and delivery of miniature substations.
• Details of costs associated with deliveries and lead time for delivery.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to meet any mandatory technical criterion disqualifies the bidder.
• An assessment of 'No' against any mandatory criterion disqualifies the tenderer.
• Failure to achieve a weighted technical score of 80% disqualifies the bidder.

Technical evaluation is two-stage:

• Mandatory criteria are pass/fail gatekeepers; failure on any disqualifies the bidder.
• Qualitative criteria are weighted and scored; a minimum weighted score of 80% is required.

Qualitative criteria weights:

• Datasheet compliance: 20%
• Completion of Schedule A and B: 35%
• Lead time: 10%
• Type test certificate: 25%
• Treatable references: 10%

Scope: Supply and delivery of a 1 MVA mini substation (RMU) to Lethabo Power Station on a once-off basis. The unit is an 11 kV Type B 1000 kVA miniature substation with RMU.

Key technical requirements (Schedule A):

• Operating conditions: altitude 1800 m, ambient temperature -5 to +40 °C, relative humidity 98%, pollution level inland low-corrosive, wind pressure 700 Pa.
• Ratings: transformer power 1000 kVA, nominal system voltage 11 kV, frequency 50 Hz, 3 phases, rated no-load secondary voltage 420 V, rated power-frequency voltage 12 kV, short-duration power frequency withstand 28 kV, lightning impulse withstand 95 kV peak.
• Design: Type B layout, enclosure IP rating IP35, concealed door hinges, three-point locking, heavy-duty stainless steel locks, overall length 3000 mm, width 1650 mm, base width 1200 mm.
• Transformer: vector group Dyn11, MV system fault level 20 kA, solidly earthed LV neutral, off-load voltage regulation +5,0,+2.5,0,-2.5,-5.0, sealed unit with welded cover, MV bushings Type C with M16x2 thread, top-oil thermoelectric temperature sensing element.
• MV compartment: RMU equipment, cable support for all cables except 11 kV paper insulated (75-100 mm OD), 11 kV paper insulated cables (50-75 mm OD), minimum distance from cable clamp to RMU bushing centre-line 800 mm, Type 3 connection (unscreened separable connectors), single core screened interconnection between RMU and transformer MV bushings.
• LV compartment: LV assembly complies with SANS 1973-1, busbar rated at 1.2 times transformer secondary rated current, air insulated busbars, 3 phases + neutral + earth busbar, provision of LV neutral surge arrester, main LV circuit-breaker, 9 outgoing LV feeder bays, spacing between feeder bays 110 mm, ammeters on all three phases (thermal integrating over 15 min), voltmeter with selector switch, 96 x 96 mm display.
• LV outgoing feeder bay gland plates: 6 gland plates, 2 gland holes per feeder bay, hole sizes 1 x 65 mm and 1 x 52 mm, clearances 1 x 98 mm and 1 x 65 mm.
• LV auxiliaries: three-point socket outlet with earth leakage unit (20 A, 5 kA, 30 mA), no tamperproof compartment for photo-cell, 300 mm x 300 mm blank plate for PECU, numbering ferrules for auxiliary wiring.
• Materials and corrosion protection: inland mild steel, coastal 3CR12 or zinc sprayed mild steel or stainless steel, corrosion protection per DSP 34-1658, tinned copper busbars, mini-sub base steel, gland plates 3 mm min stainless steel (coastal) or mild steel (inland), 5 mm cork packing, final colour Avocado C12 (SANS 1091).
• Notices and labels: transformer rating plate, treatment and first aid instructions, electrical warning signs, phase labels, colour-coded LV busbars, labelling of doors, stencilled ratings, mass and stock number, ID markings.
• Documentation: type test certificates, routine test certificates, drawings (GA, LV assembly, operating procedure label), diagrams (schematic including LV assembly, rating plates).
• Accessories: type of sealant to be specified.

Delivery requirements:

• Delivery place: Lethabo Power Station, Deneysville Vaaldam Road, Vereeniging, 1930.
• Supplier responsible for packaging, transport, loading, and arranging access; Eskom responsible for unloading.
• Supplier to provide packing lists, invoice, delivery note, test results and maintenance manuals.

Pricing: Offered total of Prices exclusive of VAT, VAT at 15%, and total inclusive of VAT to be stated. The total is for budgeting purposes only; actual amounts assessed per contract conditions.

Payment terms:

• Assessment interval: assessment done after 5 days of delivery.
• Payment period: 4 weeks after assessment and receipt of undisputed contractor tax invoice.
• Currency: South African Rand.
• Interest rate: publicly quoted prime rate of interest (365-day year) charged by Standard Bank of South Africa.
• Tax invoice: supplier to provide within one week of receiving payment certificate, in accordance with Purchaser's procedures. Late or incorrect tax invoice extends payment period. Include Eskom's VAT number 4740101508 on each invoice.

Securities:

• Performance bond (Option X13): required only if financial analysis recommends it; issued by a bank, acceptable to Supply Manager, before contract award or within 4 weeks of contract effective date.
• Parent company guarantee (Option X4): pro forma provided; to be reproduced on parent company letterhead without changes.

Liability limits:

• Supplier's liability for indirect or consequential loss: R0.00.
• Supplier's liability for loss/damage to Purchaser's property: limited to applicable deductible.
• Supplier's liability for defects due to design not notified before last defects date: limited to total of Prices.
• Supplier's total liability (excluding excluded matters): limited to total of Prices.
• End of liability date: 5 years after delivery of goods and services per purchase order.

Mandatory:

• Proof of registration as an Electrical Contractor with the Department of Labour (to comply with OHS Act).

Contract conditions:

• B-BBEE: minimum level 2 required. Supplier must notify Purchaser within 7 days of any change in B-BBEE status and submit updated verification certificate within 30 days. A decrease in status may lead to re-negotiation or termination.
• Joint ventures: if applicable, joint and several liability; notify Supply Manager of key person within 2 weeks of contract date; no change in composition without written consent.
• Cession, delegation, assignment: not permitted without written consent of Purchaser.
• Confidentiality: no disclosure of contract information without consent; images of goods require prior written consent.
• Ethics: no coercive, collusive, corrupt, fraudulent or obstructive actions; termination possible for such actions.
• Insurance: supplier to provide insurances per Insurance Table A (loss/damage to goods, property liability, bodily injury). Purchaser provides insurances per Insurance Table B.
• Health, safety and environment: supplier to comply with all applicable health & safety and environmental laws and regulations.
• Asbestos: compliance with Purchaser's Asbestos Standard 32-303; supplier personnel may stop work if asbestos identified until area declared safe.
• Nuclear liability: Purchaser indemnifies supplier against nuclear damage liabilities (Koeberg).

Technical evaluation uses a two-stage approach. Mandatory criteria are pass/fail gatekeepers; failure on any disqualifies the bidder. Qualitative criteria are weighted and scored; a minimum weighted score of 80% is required. The qualitative criteria cover datasheet compliance (20%), completion of Schedule A and B (35%), lead time (10%), type test certificate (25%), and treatable references (10%).

The tender is for the supply and delivery of a 1MVA mini substation (RMU) to Lethabo Power Station on a once-off basis. The OHS specification applies to any contracting organisation intending to respond to Eskom Generation's tender. The contractor remains accountable for the health and safety programme for their employees and appointed contractors. Eskom does not assume the contractor's legal responsibilities.

No briefing session, site visit, or clarification deadlines are stated in the document.

Eskom OHS Officer: Pretty Mhlongo. Eskom OHS Advisor: Tshokolo Mofokeng. Project address: Lethabo Power Station, Deneysville / Viljoensdrift Road, Private Bag X415, Vereeniging, 1930 SA.

Returnable OHS documents must be submitted with the bid and are evaluated before contract award:

• Annexure B: signed acknowledgement of Eskom's OHS legal and other requirements.
• Health and Safety Plan addressing the project's OHS risks, aligned with the OHS specification.
• Detailed costing for OHS management, broken down rather than a lump sum.
• Baseline OHS Risk Assessment (BRA) with the methodology used.
• Valid Letter of Good Standing (COIDA or equivalent).
• OHS policy signed by the CEO, complying with OHS Act Section 7.
• OHS competency evidence: CVs and qualifications/certificates relevant to the scope.

Bids may be disqualified if these returnables are missing or inadequate. The OHS department will issue the 37(2) agreement after award.

OHS returnables are evaluated prior to contract award. The bidder is accountable for the quality and execution of their health and safety programme. No scoring split or minimum thresholds are stated.

Supply and delivery of a 1MVA Mini Substation (RMU) to Lethabo Power Station on a once-off basis.

• Type: Type B; Voltage: 11 kVac; Operating Range: 1732A LV Busbar; Phase: 3.
• Mounting Method: Base Mount; Enclosure Rating: IP55; Enclosure Type: 3CR12 power coated.
• Cooling Method: Natural Cooling; Width: 1650 mm; Length: 3000 mm; Base Width: 1200 mm.
• Special Features: RMU; Standard: 240-56062752; 1MVA miniature substation with RMU.
• Supplier to complete Schedule B 34 1621.

No pricing format, bonds, guarantees, payment terms, or financial capacity thresholds are stated in the document.

OHS compliance is extensive and includes adherence to the OHS Act 85 of 1993, COIDA, Eskom's Contractor Health and Safety Requirements standard 32-136, and other listed Eskom procedures. The bidder must submit the OHS returnables listed under submission guidelines. B-BBEE Minimum Level: 2.

OHS returnables are evaluated prior to the start of work. The OHS department will issue the 37(2) agreement. The bidder is accountable for the quality and execution of their health and safety programme.