Tender Summary: Provide Training for MV Switching

Objectives

The primary objective is to deliver accredited training to five (5) municipal employees in Medium Voltage (MV) Switching operations. The programme aims to develop both theoretical understanding and practical competence, enabling participants to safely plan, execute, and restore power on MV electrical networks in compliance with national occupational standards.

Scope

The service provider will conduct a structured five-day training course aligned with Unit Standard 259204 (NQF Level 4, 20 credits). The delivery schedule includes:

• Days 1–3: Classroom-based theoretical instruction covering network planning, switching procedures, isolation techniques, safety testing, earthing, and supply restoration.
• Day 4: Supervised practical sessions applying switching, isolating, safety testing, phasing, earthing, and lock-out procedures.
• Day 5: Individual practical assessments to validate candidate competency.

While the unit standard encompasses overhead line networks, the training emphasis is placed on indoor medium voltage substations.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must satisfy the following technical and compliance criteria:

• Deliver training strictly mapped to Unit Standard 259204, ensuring all five learning units are fully addressed.
• Supply all required practical training equipment, including safety clothing, voltage testing apparatus, earthing gear, insulated operating rods, keys, and lock-out devices.
• Be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide a valid supplier registration number.
• Submit mandatory municipal procurement documents: MBD4 (Declaration of Interest), MBD6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form), MBD8 (Declaration of Past Supply Chain Management Practices), alongside current municipal rates/taxes statements or lease agreements, and a BBBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Demonstrate operational presence within the Alfred Duma Local Municipality by submitting proof of address to qualify for local economic development preference points.

Terminology Note: MV Switching refers to the controlled energisation and de-energisation of electrical circuits in medium voltage distribution networks (typically 1kV–36kV). MBD Forms are standard South African municipal bidding templates used to disclose conflicts of interest, past procurement misconduct, and regulatory compliance. The CSD is the National Treasury’s central registry for verifying supplier legitimacy, tax clearance, and ownership structures.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must possess proven expertise in delivering accredited electrical training, specifically in MV network operations. Required competencies include:

• Ability to interpret single-line drawings, identify ring and radial feeders, and define work scopes in coordination with control centres.
• Proficiency in teaching supervisory/remote control systems, apparatus labelling, and emergency switching protocols.
• Advanced instruction capability in safety compliance, including proper use of insulating equipment, dead/live testing, integral and working earths, and lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Expertise in guiding candidates through work permit issuance, site barricading, circuit phasing verification, and systematic supply restoration.
• Assessment proficiency to evaluate individual practical performance against NQF Level 4 benchmarks.

Evaluation utilises an 80/20 preferential points system, awarding 80 points for price competitiveness and 20 points for specific transformation goals (15 points for local municipality residency/operation, 5 points for historically disadvantaged ownership verified via the CSD).