Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure a robust, reliable water holding and storage system for Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP). The system must ensure uninterrupted vaccine manufacturing operations during municipal water shortages by providing a dual-tier water solution that complies with cGMP sterility standards. Additionally, the tender seeks to gather information on solar energy solutions to support OBP's strategic and operational needs, including potential integration into their electrical systems.

Scope

The scope includes designing, engineering, and implementing a turnkey water storage solution that accommodates two types of water:

• Potable Bulk Storage (PB)
• Water for Injection (WFI)

The solution must meet specific material and structural specifications, including the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 316L stainless steel, or epoxy-coated carbon steel, with features such as controlled internal surfaces, crevice-free design, and fully drainable, jacketed, vertical cylindrical tanks. The system should also include options for heating jackets, conductivity, TOC, and temperature monitoring, and biofilm prevention measures.

Additionally, the tender invites proposals for solar energy solutions that can operate independently or in conjunction with the grid, with a site visit scheduled for 26 June 2026.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications for the water storage system include:

• Materials:
  • Potable Bulk Storage: HDPE or epoxy-coated carbon steel
  • WFI Storage: 316L stainless steel or epoxy-coated carbon steel
• Design Features:
  • Electropolished internal surfaces (\(R_a \leq 0.38\, \mu\text{m}\))
  • Vertical, sectional, crevice-free, fully drainable, jacketed tanks
  • Continuous hot looping with steam jackets (\(\geq 80^\circ C\))
  • Options for heating jackets to prevent condensate blockages
  • Wetting coverage, conductivity, TOC, and temperature monitoring
  • Biofilm prevention features

The system must also include pretreatment loops and contamination control measures such as chlorination, UV sanitization, or ozone treatment.

Skills and Capabilities Requirements

• Demonstrated relevant experience in designing and implementing water solutions or consulting in pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing environments.
• Provision of detailed technical proposals including design methodology, footprint considerations, and budget estimates.
• For solar energy solutions, installers must have a trained service team based in South Africa, with available spare parts and critical spares.
• Capability to meet sanitary compliance standards and integrate monitoring systems for water quality parameters.
• Ability to provide references and evidence of past successful projects in similar regulated production settings.

Summary

This tender aims to select qualified vendors capable of delivering a compliant, efficient, and reliable water storage system tailored to OBP’s manufacturing needs, along with potential solar energy solutions to enhance operational independence and sustainability. The process involves detailed technical proposals, demonstration of relevant experience, and adherence to specified standards and requirements.