Design, manufacture & testing of pole top & ground mounted transformers – eastern cape tender

The document is Eskom's Supplier Quality Management specification (QM 58, document 240-105658000, revision 4). It applies to all existing and potential Eskom suppliers and sub-suppliers, and becomes part of all RFIs, RFQs, RFPs and contracts. It sets the quality criteria for evaluation, selection, assessment, performance monitoring and auditing of suppliers. Eskom expects partners to demonstrate commitment to a QMS conforming to ISO 9001.

Closing date: 4 December 2026 at 08:00 (as per tender record). No other dates are stated in the document.

No contact details are provided in the document. The document is the Supplier Quality Management specification (QM 58). Enquiries would typically be directed to Eskom's Supply Chain Management, but no email or phone is listed.

Returnable documents (per the List of Tender Returnables 240-12248652):

• Form A (Tender and Contract Quality Requirements for Supplier Quality Management Specification 240-105658000/QM 58 and ISO 9001): must be completed, signed and returned, acknowledging acceptance of Eskom's quality requirements.
• Depending on the applicable category (indicated in Form A), submit:
• Category 1: valid ISO 9001 certificate (latest revision) from an accredited body; latest internal and external QMS audit reports (including nonconformities and corrective actions); documented information on QMS roles/responsibilities; draft Contract Quality Plan specific to scope; draft or example of an ITP/QCP; documented information on control of externally provided processes/products/services; management review meeting records.
• Category 2: documented evidence of a QMS compliant with ISO 9001 (e.g., quality manual, quality policy, quality objectives, control of documented information, internal audit procedure, control of nonconforming outputs, nonconformity and corrective action procedure); latest internal audit reports; draft Contract Quality Plan; example of an ITP/QCP; control of externally provided processes; documented information on QMS roles/responsibilities; management review records.
• Sub-suppliers must also comply with the applicable quality requirements; the main supplier is responsible for managing sub-supplier quality programmes.

Disqualification risks:

• Incomplete submission of the required quality documentation.
• Failure to comply with the quality requirements may lead to disqualification.

Evaluation is based on quality requirements as per QM 58 (Supplier Quality Management specification). The specific quality categories (1–4) and evaluation criteria are selected using the Guideline for QM 58 Selection Criteria (240-125473040) and the Tender Evaluation Scorecard (240-168873697).

Bidders must:

• Be registered on Eskom's supplier database.
• Have a QMS conforming to ISO 9001 (or applicable standard) as per the category requirements.
• Submit Form A and all required quality returnables.

The document does not specify an 80/20 or 90/10 preference point split or a minimum qualifying score.

The document is Eskom's Supplier Quality Management specification (QM 58, document 240-105658000, revision 4). It sets out the minimum quality requirements for all suppliers and sub-suppliers providing products, services or processes to Eskom, and applies to all Eskom RFIs, RFQs, RFPs and contracts. Key requirements:

• The supplier and sub-supplier must develop, implement, maintain and continually improve a formal QMS conforming to ISO 9001 (latest revision) or an applicable alternative standard.
• Unless excluded per the quality categories, a valid ISO 9001 certificate from an accredited body is required.
• The supplier must submit a Contract Quality Plan (CQP) specific to the scope of work, addressing the minimum requirements of ISO 10005.
• Quality Control Plans / Inspection and Test Plans (QCP/ITP) must cover all stages from contract review through material verification, manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, final testing, commissioning, hand-over documentation and certification.
• QCP/ITPs must be reviewed and accepted by Eskom before work commences; changes require Eskom's agreement.
• Hold points: work may not proceed beyond a hold point without written authorisation from Eskom or its inspection agency.
• Witness points: work may proceed provided Eskom has been notified and confirmed inspection is waived.
• The supplier must control sub-supplier quality, including requiring sub-supplier CQPs and QCP/ITPs, and monitoring their performance.
• The supplier must have a performance management programme for sub-suppliers, including QMS verification, audits, NC and defect management, and risk management.
• Special processes (welding, NDE, coating, heat treatment) require qualified personnel, WPS, WQR and PQR records, and compliance with statutory bodies.
• Personnel performing quality‑affecting activities must have documented training needs and records.
• The supplier must allow Eskom or its inspection agency free access to premises and records, and provide workspace for resident inspectors at no cost.
• The supplier must ensure workplace documentation is available in English (and other workforce‑appropriate languages).
• Mandatory pre-inspection meetings will be convened by Eskom or its inspection agency.
• Eskom may appoint any Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) of its choice; suppliers may not obstruct or question them.
• The specification references ISO 9001, ISO 10005, ISO 9000, ISO 10006, ISO 9004, SANS 10845-1, and IAEA GS-R-3.1.

Mandatory compliance requirements:

• Supplier must be registered on Eskom's supplier database.
• Must have a QMS conforming to ISO 9001 (or applicable standard) and, based on the category, hold a valid ISO 9001 certificate from an accredited certification body.
• Must complete and sign Form A of QM 58.
• Must submit all required quality returnables as per the List of Tender Returnables (240-12248652).

The document does not specify CSD registration, tax clearance (SARS TCS), B-BBEE level, or CIDB grading as eligibility criteria for this specification (though they may appear in the general tender).

Evaluation will use the Tender Evaluation Scorecard 240-168873697 and the Guideline for QM 58 Selection Criteria 240-125473040 to select the appropriate quality category and assess compliance with the quality requirements. Bidders must meet the quality requirements for the selected category to be considered.

The tender is for the design, manufacture and testing ex-works of various types of pole top and ground mounted transformers, on an "as and when" required basis over a 12-month period, for Eskom Distribution Division. The technical evaluation criteria document (240-128700801) defines how bidders will be assessed, based on tender returns and factory assessment.

Closing date: 4 December 2026 at 08:00 (per tender record).

No other dates (briefings, site visits, clarification deadlines) are stated in the document.

Technical contact:

• Name: Dr Hendri Geldenhuys
• Role: Corporate Specialist, Transformers and Reactors
• Email: not stated
• Telephone: not stated

No SCM contact or submission address is stated in the document.

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

• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses whether any director or shareholder is employed by the state or connected to anyone at Eskom.
• SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination): certifies the price was set independently, with no collusion.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE preference points under the PPPFA.
• SBD 6.2 (Declaration for Local Production and Content): declares local content percentages.
• Completed AB Schedule sheets for the offered transformer types, including all technical data fields.
• Proof of CSD registration and a valid SARS Tax Clearance (TCS) or tax pin.
• SANS 780 certification mark and permit number for each transformer type offered.
• Type test and routine test reports in accordance with SANS 780.
• Method statements for oil filling and impregnation, and for handling and storage of natural ester oil.
• Calculated interlayer stress values for tap and non-tap parts of windings.
• Design review documentation proving electrical clearances and oil level adequacy.

Disqualification risks:

• Any mandatory returnable form left unsigned or omitted.
• Failure to meet the minimum qualifying score of 80.
• Bids received after the closing time.

Evaluation stages:

1. Mandatory compliance: CSD registration, valid tax clearance, SANS 780 certification, completed returnable forms.
2. Technical evaluation (desktop and factory assessment): scored against the technical evaluation criteria in standard 240-45395762.
3. Preference points: B-BBEE status level claimed via SBD 6.1 under the PPPFA (80/20 or 90/10 system as applicable).

Minimum qualifying score: 80 (technical).

Loss capitalisation: total cost = A + (NLLF × PNL) + (LLF × PLL), where A is the purchase price, PNL is no-load loss (kW), PLL is load loss (kW), NLLF is the no-load loss factor (R/kW) and LLF is the load loss factor (R/kW). The economic life of a transformer is 25 years.

Scope: Design, manufacture and testing ex-works of various types of pole top and ground mounted transformers, on an "as and when" required basis over a 12-month period, for Eskom Distribution Division.

Transformer types (coastal, ester oil only, three-phase):

• 25 kVA, 11 kV/420V; 25 kVA, 22 kV/420V; 25 kVA, 33 kV/420V
• 50 kVA, 11 kV/420V; 50 kVA, 22 kV/420V; 50 kVA, 33 kV/420V
• 100 kVA, 11 kV/420V; 100 kVA, 22 kV/420V; 100 kVA, 33 kV/420V
• 200 kVA, 11 kV/420V; 200 kVA, 22 kV/420V; 200 kVA, 33 kV/420V
• 315 kVA, 11 kV/420V; 315 kVA, 22 kV/420V; 315 kVA, 33 kV/420V
• 500 kVA, 11 kV/420V; 500 kVA, 22 kV/420V; 500 kVA, 33 kV/420V
• 1000 kVA, 11 kV/420V; 1000 kVA, 22 kV/420V

Key technical requirements:

• Transformers shall be hermetically sealed, oil immersed, ONAN cooling.
• Natural ester oil must comply with IEC 62770:2013, be biodegradable and non-toxic.
• Oil filling and impregnation of cellulose insulation must be done under full vacuum; method statements required.
• MV insulation levels per SANS 780 Table 3 (List 3).
• Winding tapping connections required (range 0, ±2.5, ±5) unless otherwise indicated.
• No overload protection, no optional fittings.
• Bushing creepage distance: minimum 31 mm/kV for pole mounted (SANS 60137); ground mounted per SANS 876.
• Inter-turn insulation stress ≤ 5 kV/mm; interlayer stress ≤ 5 kV/mm (absolute limit).
• Enamel wire insulation Grade 3 or better (SANS 60317-0-1); paper tape covering ≥ 0.125 mm, impulse withstand ≥ 21 kV, power frequency withstand ≥ 8 kV.
• Life expectancy: 25 years.
• Warranty: 36 months from date of manufacture, effective from handover.
• Corrosion protection: inland transformers per DSP 34-1658; coastal per DSP 240-75655504. Final coat colour: Avocado (inland) or Azure Blue (coastal).
• All type tests and routine tests in accordance with SANS 780, including short circuit withstand tests.
• Maximum guaranteed losses and impedance values per transformer type (e.g. 100 kVA: no-load ≤ 190 W, amorphous ≤ 70 W, load ≤ 1500 W, impedance 3.0–4.5%).
• Audio-sound levels per SANS 780 Table 8 (e.g. ≤ 48 dB for 100 kVA).
• Tank: sealed, plain/rigid/corrugated; dimensions not exceeding 1000 mm width, 1500 mm length; supplied with skid under base.
• Earthing terminals: 316 stainless steel or mild steel, boss depth ≥ 30 mm, set screw M12 x 25.
• Surge arrester brackets required; mounting hole diameter 14 mm.
• MV cable termination enclosure: air filled, stainless steel fasteners, cable gland type adjustable mechanical No. 5 or No. 7 depending on rating.
• LV bushings: M12 stem, porcelain or other material, clearance between phases and earth ≥ 60 mm, copper flag current density 2.0 A/mm² or 1.6 A/mm².
• SWER transformers (if applicable) have specific winding configurations and insulation levels as per standard 240-45395762.

Pricing format: ex-works, per transformer type, on an "as and when" required basis.

Loss capitalisation: the total evaluated cost includes the purchase price plus capitalised no-load and load losses using the loss factors (NLLF and LLF) provided in the document. For 2024, NLLF = R80 500/kW and LLF = R17 500/kW; for 2025, NLLF = R85 400/kW and LLF = R18 600/kW.

No bid security, bonds, guarantees, retention, or payment terms are stated in the document.

Mandatory:

• CSD registration (Central Supplier Database).
• Valid SARS Tax Clearance (TCS) or tax pin.
• SANS 780 certification mark and permit number for each transformer type.
• ISO 9001 quality management system (referenced as normative).
• Compliance with Eskom standard 240-45395762 (Specific Requirements for Distribution Pole and Ground Mounted Transformers up to 33 kV and 1 MVA).
• Compliance with SANS 780:2019 for maximum losses.
• B-BBEE: preference points claimed via SBD 6.1; B-BBEE status level affects scoring under 80/20 or 90/10 system.
• Local production and content declaration (SBD 6.2).
• No CIDB grading required (not construction).

Additional evaluation criteria:

• Technical evaluation is based on tender returns (mandatory and functional scoring criteria) and factory assessment.
• Loss capitalisation is used to provide a commercial incentive for lower loss designs.
• Minimum qualifying score: 80.