Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to establish a comprehensive online vending and third-party vending system, including value-add systems, to support and maintain an electricity prepayment vending infrastructure for a period of three (3) years. The system aims to facilitate efficient vending through multiple channels (internet, cellular, bank ATMs, third-party vendors), ensure integration with existing systems, support revenue protection, and enhance municipal revenue management capabilities.

Scope

The scope encompasses the provision, support, and maintenance of a compliant prepayment vending system with the following key components:

• Implementation of a standard transfer specification (STS) Edition 2 compliant vending system and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) head-end system.
• Support for multiple vending channels including internet, cellular, bank ATMs, and third-party vendors.
• Integration with existing head-end systems, financial systems, and support for TID rollover processes.
• Provision of hardware, software, and infrastructure hosting (cloud-based and off-site backups).
• Provision of training, operational manuals, and ongoing support for municipal staff and vendors.
• Revenue collection, revenue protection, and audit functionalities.
• Management of third-party vendors and operators, including signing contracts and signage compliance.
• Implementation of system upgrades, maintenance, and support services over the contract period.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Compliance with NRS 047, NRS 048, NRS 033, IEC standards, SANS standards, and municipal standards.
• Support for multiple meter technologies, including 13-digit STS meters, with seamless integration into existing distribution networks.
• Real-time operation with 24/7 availability, redundancy, and backup systems.
• Support for multiple payment methods: cash, credit/debit cards, bank transfers, cheques, and electronic fund transfers (EFT).
• Generation of STS compliant tokens (electricity, water, and other utilities) and support for TID rollover processes.
• Secure cloud hosting for active vending hardware and backup systems.
• API interfaces for third-party integrations and remote system management.
• Support for concurrent user access, detailed reporting, and audit trails.
• Integration with municipal financial systems and compliance with mSCOA requirements.
• Provision of customer portals, query management, workforce management modules, and mobile applications for field operations.

Skills and Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate:

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in implementing and managing municipal revenue protection and prepaid vending systems.
• Technical expertise in STS standards, AMI systems, and integrated metering solutions.
• Capability to support multiple meter types and technologies, including legacy and modern smart meters.
• Ability to develop and demonstrate compliant, secure, and scalable hardware and software solutions.
• Experience in system integration, API development, and interfacing with financial and billing systems.
• Qualified personnel with relevant certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, SARPA registration, etc.).
• Capacity to provide comprehensive training, operational manuals, and ongoing technical support.
• Demonstrated ability to manage third-party vendors and operators, including contract signing and signage compliance.
• Proficiency in project management, system commissioning, and post-implementation support.

The tenderer must provide evidence of past projects, technical documentation, and references to substantiate their capability to deliver the required system and services.