Awarded Tender: PRASA diesel electric locomotive maintenance RFP eastern cape

Tender source analysis

What the tender required and what the award supports

Source material and existing AI analysis appear first. Supplier conclusions remain qualified by the evidence Tenders-SA holds.

Summary

PRASA requires a service provider for the maintenance and repairs of diesel electric locomotives serving the east london and port elizabeth corridors, on an as-when-required basis for 12 months. The scope covers scheduled examinations (a, b, c) and brake valve programmes for 33 ge, 34 ge, and 34 gm locomotive classes, plus a wide range of unscheduled repairs and hourly fault-finding call-out rates. Bidders must attend a compulsory briefing on 6 october 2026 or be disqualified, and the bid must be submitted by 26 october 2026 at 12:00.

AI Document AnalysisMethodology2 documents

Analysis complete · ready for your bid

DocumentRFP Annexures_Sept_26 (2).zipReview complete

Description

Source: RFP Annexures_Sept_26 (2).zip

Award analysis coverage

0 of 2 source documents fully reviewed. Unstated details are identified only after complete source review.

technical scope

58 sourced criteria

financial capacity

19 sourced criteria

pricing

12 sourced criteria

compliance returnables

57 sourced criteria

evaluation

18 sourced criteria

experience

6 sourced criteria

personnel

1 sourced criteria

equipment capacity

5 sourced criteria

delivery contract

13 sourced criteria

equity registrations

8 sourced criteria

What the buyer was looking for

1Mandatory requirement

Compulsory briefing: Attend on 6 October 2026 at 10:00 at PRASA, No 8 Station Road, East London Station; failure to attend disqualifies the bid.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

No source document identifier is stored for this item.

Source: AI key requirements · requirements

Known supplier evidence

The linked award records SOLAR AND ENERGY GROUP HOLDINGS as appointed for this tender.

Qualified inference

Inference only

An award confirms appointment. It does not prove why a supplier was selected, that every qualification remains current, or that delivery was completed successfully.

DocumentRFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdfReview complete

Description

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

PRASA requires appointment of a service provider for maintenance and repairs of Diesel Electric Locomotives for East London and Port Elizabeth corridors, on an as-when-required basis for 12 months.

Background: East London rail infrastructure was vandalised, making conventional electric locomotives redundant; a limited number of Diesel Electric Locomotives are used for commuter service.

Objective: keep these locomotives operationally available and reliable.

The Eastern Cape Rolling Stock Depot lacks capacity for scheduled maintenance (A, B, C examinations, brake programme) and unscheduled fault finding.

Scope limited to South African 33GE, 34GE, and 34GM Diesel Electric Class locomotives.

PRASA will provide all checklists before contract commencement.

Contract form: PRASA Standard Service Contract.

Important Dates

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf (RFP)

Closing date: 26 October 2026 at 12:00.

Compulsory briefing session: 06 October 2026 at 10:00, at PRASA East London Station. Attendance mandatory; bidders must provide own transport and accommodation. Certificate of Attendance (Form D) must be submitted with proposal.

Closing date for questions: 09 October 2026.

Closing date for responses to questions: 13 October 2026.

Bid issue date: 23 September 2026.

Validity period: 90 working days from closing date.

Contact Information

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf (RFP)

Enquiries before closing:

Contact: Siyasanga Jodwana
Email: [email protected]
(Telephone not stated)

After closing, contact Bid Secretariat:

Contact: Siyasanga Nyweba
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 043 700 2386

Complaints: [email protected]

Submission address:

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa

The Secretariat / Tender Office

PRASA Rail Eastern Cape Region

East London Train Station

No 8 Station Road

East London, 5200

Submission Guidelines

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf (RFP)

Submission method: sealed envelope deposited in the PRASA tender box.

Address: Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, The Secretariat / Tender Office, PRASA Rail Eastern Cape Region, East London Train Station, No 8 Station Road, East London, 5200.

Envelope must be marked with RFP No ECR/RAIL/RS/09/2026, bid description, closing date and time.

Closing time: 26 October 2026 at 12:00.

Packaging: two sealed envelopes. Volume 1 (Envelope 1): Part A Mandatory Requirements Response and Part B Technical/Functional Response. Volume 2 (Envelope 2): Part C Financial Proposal and Specific Goals, in a separate sealed envelope.

Submit 1 original response; copies and an electronic version on a memory card or external hard drive may also be submitted.

All responses in English, A4 format (graphics up to A3), neatly bound, pages consecutively numbered.

Signatures in black ink; copies of non-original documents must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.

Returnable forms (all must be completed and signed):

Form A: Invitation to Bid (SBD 1) – bidder and contact details, signed as offer cover.
Form B: Terms and Conditions for Bidding.
Form C: Tender Form (Pricing Schedule) – priced offer.
Form D: Site Inspection Certificate / Pre-Tender Briefing Session – proof of attendance at compulsory briefing.
Form E: Statement of Work Successfully Carried Out by Bidder – evidence of relevant experience.
Form F: Security Screening Form.
Form G: Acknowledgement.
SBD 4: Bidder's Disclosure – declares any interest or connection with the state.
SBD 5: National Industrial Participation Programme.
SBD 6.1: Preference Points Claim Form – claims B-BBEE points under PPPFA.
Annexure A: Pricing Schedule.
Annexure B: RFP Clarification Form (for questions).
Annexure C: RFP Appendices.

Disqualification risks:

Late or incorrectly addressed bids.
Missing or unsigned returnable forms.
Failure to attend the compulsory briefing.
Attempting to canvass PRASA officers or employees between closing and award.
Collusive bidding.
Any gift or offer of gift to PRASA employees or consultants.

Evaluation Criteria

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf (RFP)

Evaluation stages: mandatory compliance, then technical/functional, then financial and specific goals.

Preference point system: 80/20 or 90/10 per PPPFA (exact split not stated in the extract).

Minimum qualifying score: not stated.

PRASA may call bidders for presentations at any stage of evaluation.

PRASA may negotiate a market-related price with the highest-scoring bidder; if not agreed, may negotiate with the next highest, or cancel the bid.

PRASA may request a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) if no proposal meets requirements.

PRASA may request annual financial statements for due diligence.

Bidders must be registered on CSD and tax compliant to be considered.

Technical Specifications

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf (RFP)

Scope: maintenance and repairs of Diesel Electric Locomotives for East London and Port Elizabeth corridors, on an as-when-required basis for 12 months.

Work includes:

A Examination (scheduled)
B Examination (scheduled)
C Examination (scheduled)
Brake Programme (scheduled)
Call-out fault finding and repair (unscheduled)

Locomotive classes: South African 33GE, 34GE, and 34GM Diesel Electric Class.

Key personnel requirements:

Qualified Diesel Electrical Fitter with 5 years' experience on 33GE/34GE/34GM Class locomotives, OR Electrical Fitter with 10 years' experience on those classes.
Safety Coordinator/Officer with valid Rolling Stock Electrical Safety instructions: Category A Brown or C Green.

Workshop facilities required:

Mobile crane with minimum 2.5 tonne lifting capacity.
Forklift with minimum 2.5 tonne lifting capacity.

Insurance requirements:

Maintain warranty or warranty repairs as per Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) warranties.
Public Liability Insurance.

Safety: submit a site-specific safety file with detailed risk assessment and mitigation; access certificate granted in compliance with OHS Act.

PRASA will provide all checklists before contract commencement.

Payment: completed examination checklists must be submitted with invoice for payment.

Contract form: PRASA Standard Service Contract.

Methodology

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

Responses must be clear, concise, and follow a clear methodology explained upfront in an executive summary and maintained throughout the proposal.

Use numbered headings, bullet points, sections, appendices, and schedules.

Address each requirement in the RFP succinctly, using the RFP's terms and definitions.

All pages consecutively numbered.

Experience & Qualifications

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

Key personnel:

Qualified Diesel Electrical Fitter with 5 years' experience on 33GE/34GE/34GM Class Diesel Locomotives, OR Electrical Fitter with 10 years' experience on those classes.
Safety Coordinator/Officer with valid Rolling Stock Electrical Safety instructions: Category A Brown or C Green.

Form E (Statement of Work Successfully Carried Out by Bidder) must be submitted as evidence of relevant experience.

Quality Management

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

PRASA will manage the contract and monitor performance to ensure tasks are performed at acceptable quality standards per the maintenance and repair checklist.

Completed examination checklists must be submitted with invoice for payment.

The appointed service provider must perform and complete the examination checklists.

Pricing Schedule

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

Pricing must be submitted in the Tender Form (Pricing Schedule) Form C and Annexure A.

Pricing offer must be placed in Envelope 2 (Package 2) – Financial Proposal and Specific Goals.

PRASA may request annual financial statements for due diligence.

Bid bonds and performance bonds: mentioned as 'where applicable' – no specific amounts stated.

No changes to bid rates after closing date unless contract provides.

PRASA may negotiate market-related price; if not agreed, may cancel bid.

Financial Requirements

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf (RFP)

Pricing: submit pricing in the Tender Form (Pricing Schedule) Form C and Annexure A.

Bid bonds and performance bonds: mentioned as 'where applicable' – no specific amounts stated.

PRASA may request annual financial statements for due diligence.

PRASA may negotiate market-related price; if not agreed, may cancel bid.

No changes to bid rates accepted after closing date unless contract provides for it.

Bidders bear all costs of preparing and submitting proposals.

Compliance Requirements

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf (RFP)

CSD registration: mandatory. Provide supplier number and unique registration reference number. Foreign suppliers with no local entity are exempt.

Tax compliance: must be tax compliant at submission and for entire contract term. Provide Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN. SARS TCS system used for verification.

B-BBEE: claim points via SBD 6.1. Specific B-BBEE levels or thresholds not stated in extract.

JV/Consortium: if responding as JV or consortium, submit signed agreement stating percentage split and responsibilities, or written confirmation of intention to enter into such agreement. Award only after signed agreement submitted.

Security screening: Form F required.

Local content: not stated.

CIDB grading: not stated (not construction).

Health & Safety

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

Submit a site-specific safety file with detailed risk assessment and corresponding mitigation for the specified tasks.

Access certificate granted in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Safety Coordinator/Officer must hold valid Rolling Stock Electrical Safety instructions: Category A Brown or C Green.

Contractual Terms

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

Contract: PRASA Standard Service Contract will be used.

Bidders may review and mark up the draft contract using track changes; the marked-up contract forms part of contract negotiations.

Confidentiality: bidders must keep confidential information confidential; may share only with directly involved subcontractors, employees, and advisers. Confidential information remains PRASA property and must be returned on demand.

PRASA may withdraw, amend, or cancel the RFP at any time without liability.

PRASA may reject non-conforming proposals, disqualify late submissions, and request additional documents.

If contract awarded on incorrect information, PRASA may cancel contract and place bidder on restricted suppliers list.

Bidders must not make gifts to PRASA employees or consultants; disqualification.

Bidders must not canvass PRASA officers or employees between closing and award.

Collusive bidding leads to automatic disqualification and restriction from future business.

PRASA may negotiate market-related price with highest-scoring bidder, then next, then cancel.

PRASA may request BAFO.

Bidders bear all costs of proposal preparation.

Validity period: 90 working days from closing date; may be extended.

No changes to bid rates after closing unless contract provides.

PRASA may request annual financial statements for due diligence.

All information submitted may be validated by PRASA.

Section

Source: RFP document - Maintenance Contract_Sept 26.pdf

Evaluation stages: mandatory compliance, technical/functional, financial and specific goals.

Preference point system: 80/20 or 90/10 per PPPFA (exact split not stated).

Minimum qualifying score: not stated.

PRASA may call for presentations at any stage.

PRASA may negotiate market-related price with highest-scoring bidder, then next, then cancel.

PRASA may request BAFO.

Contract Awarded

Award Information

Winning Supplier

Appointment of service provider for maintenance and repairs of diesel electric locomotives for east london and port elizabeth for a period of 12 months on an as when required basis

Award Details

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

Organization Directors

Awards Won: SOLAR AND ENERGY GROUP HOLDINGS

View Supplier Intelligence

What the tender required and what the award supports

Compulsory briefing: Attend on 6 October 2026 at 10:00 at PRASA, No 8 Station Road, East London Station; failure to attend disqualifies the bid.

Scope: Maintenance and repairs of diesel electric locomotives for East London and Port Elizabeth corridors, on an as-when-required basis, for 12 months.

34 GE A Examination: 39

34 GE B Examination: 13

34 GE C Examination: 3

34 GE Brake Valves Programme: 3

34 GM A Examination: 39

34 GM B Examination: 13

34 GM C Examination: 3

34 GM Brake Valves Programme: 3

33 GE A Examination: 13

33 GE B Examination: 4

33 GE C Examination: 1

33 GE Brake Valves Programme: 1

33GE/34 GE/34GM Calibration of Gauges: 7

Remove and Replace 34 GM Starters

Remove and replace 34 GM Starter resistors

Remove and Replace 34 GE Mother Board

Remove and Replace 34 GE Exciter Cards

Remove and Replace 34 GM Turbo

Remove and Replace 34 GM Turbo pump

Remove and replace 34 GM intercoolers

Remove and Replace 34 GE Headlight Dimmer switch

Remove and refit Radiator Blower fan

Remove and refit Cooling radiator

Remove and refit of 1 to 6 Traction motors (Labour Only)

Remove and refit of 1 to 6 Wheelsets (Labour Only)

Remove and refit Exhauster Compressor (Labour Only)

Remove and refit Auxiliary Generator (Labour Only)

Remove and Refit Exciter Generator (Labour Only)

Remove and Refit Heater in Cab

Recondition Engine Governor GM Locomotive

Reset Injectors on GE Locomotive (set of 12)

Reset Injectors on GM Locomotive (set of 12)

Remove and replace high Pressure Fuel Pump GE Locomotives (Set of 12)

Remove and replace compressor exhauster valves and service compressor

Fault Finding and Repair Call out Rate – East London Corridor (per hour)

Fault Finding and Repair Call out Rate – Port Elizabeth Corridor (per hour)

PRASA requires appointment of a service provider for maintenance and repairs of Diesel Electric Locomotives for East London and Port Elizabeth corridors, on an as-when-required basis for 12 months.

Background: East London rail infrastructure was vandalised, making conventional electric locomotives redundant; a limited number of Diesel Electric Locomotives are used for commuter service.

Objective: keep these locomotives operationally available and reliable.

Scope limited to South African 33GE, 34GE, and 34GM Diesel Electric Class locomotives.

Contract form: PRASA Standard Service Contract.

PRASA will manage the contract and monitor performance to ensure tasks are performed at acceptable quality standards per the maintenance and repair checklist.

The appointed service provider must perform and complete the examination checklists.

Submit a site-specific safety file with detailed risk assessment and corresponding mitigation for the specified tasks.

Safety Coordinator/Officer must hold valid Rolling Stock Electrical Safety instructions: Category A Brown or C Green.

Responses must be clear, concise, and follow a clear methodology explained upfront in an executive summary and maintained throughout the proposal.

Address each requirement in the RFP succinctly, using the RFP's terms and definitions.

All pages consecutively numbered.

Work includes:

A Examination (scheduled)

B Examination (scheduled)

C Examination (scheduled)

Brake Programme (scheduled)

Call-out fault finding and repair (unscheduled)

Locomotive classes: South African 33GE, 34GE, and 34GM Diesel Electric Class.

Workshop facilities required:

Performance bond: Provide a 12.5% (VAT inclusive) performance bond from a South African registered bank upon award; also provide proof of Workmen's Compensation, securities, and insurance within 30 working days of award notification.

Remove and replace locomotive battery bank (32 Cells)

Performance Bond: 12.5% of the contract price (VAT inclusive), issued by a South African registered bank, to be deposited with PRASA upon contract award.

Proof of Workmen's Compensation, Securities and Insurance coverage must be provided within 30 working days of award notification.

Contract signing within 7 working days of notification that contract documents are ready.

Tender validity: minimum 90 days from closing date.

Evaluation stages: mandatory compliance, technical/functional, financial and specific goals.

PRASA may request annual financial statements for due diligence.

Pricing offer must be placed in Envelope 2 (Package 2) – Financial Proposal and Specific Goals.

Bid bonds and performance bonds: mentioned as 'where applicable' – no specific amounts stated.

PRASA may negotiate market-related price; if not agreed, may cancel bid.

Packaging: two sealed envelopes. Volume 1 (Envelope 1): Part A Mandatory Requirements Response and Part B Technical/Functional Response. Volume 2 (Envelope 2): Part C Financial Proposal and Specific Goals, in a separate sealed envelope.