Objectives

The primary objective is to deliver comprehensive servicing, component replacement, and rigorous functional testing of the existing fire smoke extraction system at the Central Provincial Stores facility. The project ensures full compliance with national building regulations, occupational health and safety legislation, and provincial health department standards, while maintaining uninterrupted daily operations of the occupied building.

Scope of Work

The contractor must complete all works within a strict two-day period from site handover. The scope encompasses:

• Inspection & Testing: Full evaluation of three smoke extraction fans, twenty electromechanical smoke ventilators, three control systems, ducting networks, smoke sensors, window actuators, and the central fire panel.
• Maintenance Activities: Motor winding and bearing assessments, airflow direction verification, fan balancing at full speed, cable termination securing, ducting leak repair, debris clearance, actuator limit calibration, mechanical lubrication, and control panel fault resetting with full operational simulation.
• Component Replacement: Safe removal and environmentally compliant disposal of a faulty 4kW variable speed drive (VSD) and associated batteries; supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a new 4kW VSD and four 12V 7Ah backup batteries.
• Commissioning & Reporting: Simulated smoke signal testing across all sensors to verify automatic fan activation, siren response, and window closure. Submission of a comprehensive safety file and a post-completion service report.
• Warranty: A twelve-month guarantee covering all materials, workmanship, and system performance against latent defects.

Technical Requirements

All works must strictly adhere to South African National Standards (SANS), specifically SANS 10400-A (National Building Regulations), SANS 10142 (Wiring of Premises), and EN12101 (Smoke Control). The installation must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and relevant KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health policy documents. Key technical stipulations include:

• All materials and components must be brand new, unused, and SABS/SANS approved. Used or second-hand equipment is strictly prohibited.
• An Electrical Certificate of Compliance must be issued for all electrical works performed.
• Pricing must be firm, inclusive of labour, transport, consumables, mark-up/profit, and applicable VAT. Supplied products must retain a minimum shelf life of six months.
• The contractor must submit a detailed itemized billing breakdown and a work program for approval prior to commencement.
• Standard government contract conditions apply, including performance security provisions, penalty clauses for delayed performance (calculated at the prime interest rate per day), and strict adherence to confidentiality and anti-collusion regulations.

Note on Terminology: CIDB 1SF refers to the Construction Industry Development Board’s grading scale for Fire Prevention and Protective Systems, indicating a contractor capable of executing projects up to R10 million. Variable Speed Drive (VSD) is an electronic controller that adjusts motor speed by varying frequency and voltage, critical for optimizing fan performance, reducing wear, and ensuring precise smoke extraction rates during emergencies.

Skills & Qualification Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate proven capability and regulatory compliance through the following mandatory criteria:

• Contractor Grading: Valid CIDB registration with a minimum grading of 1SF or higher.
• Personnel Qualifications: Deployment of trade-tested Artisan Electricians. Certified proof of trade testing must be submitted with the quotation.
• Project Experience: Documentary evidence of at least one successfully completed project of a similar nature, supported by an official award/order letter and a corresponding completion certificate.
• Regulatory Compliance: Active registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD), valid tax clearance status, and submission of a sworn affidavit or B-BBEE verification certificate where applicable.
• Operational Capacity: A competent supervisor must oversee all site activities. Preference is granted to contractors operating workshops or offices within the KwaZulu-Natal province to ensure rapid emergency response times.

Evaluation follows a three-stage process: administrative compliance, functionality verification, and a preference point system (80 points for price, 20 points for specific goals targeting 100% Black African ownership).