Tender Summary: Fiber Optics Cable Splicing and Breakdown Support

Objectives

The primary objective is to engage a service provider for the provision of fiber optics cable splicing and breakdown support services at the Transnet Port Terminal, Port of Richards Bay. The contract aims to ensure reliable, rapid, and technically competent maintenance and emergency response capabilities to support the terminal's critical communication and operational infrastructure.

Scope of Work

The scope encompasses the supply of skilled personnel and resources for fiber optic cable maintenance, splicing, and emergency breakdown interventions. Key elements include:

• Service Location: Transnet Port Terminal, Port of Richards Bay.
• Core Activities: Fiber optic cable splicing, servicing, installations, and breakdown support.
• Resource Provision: Supply of Technicians and Semi-skilled assistance.
• Pricing Structure: Hourly rates applicable for normal hours, overtime, weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
• Response Commitments: Adherence to strict lead times for service delivery and immediate response to callouts.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must meet the following mandatory and scoring criteria:

• Registration & Compliance: Proof of registration as an electrical contractor with the Department of Labour and a valid Letter of Good Standing for Electrical Engineering. If subcontracting, a valid agreement is required.
• Security Clearance: Successful bidders and their personnel/subcontractors must obtain security clearance up to CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET, or TOP SECRET levels. Implementation of required security measures is mandatory.
• References: Submission of three (3) traceable references (Purchase Orders or client letters) confirming experience in fiber optic servicing, splicing, and installations. References must not be older than five (5) years.
• Lead Time: Written confirmation of delivery lead times. Scoring favors delivery within one (1) week or less.
• Response Time: Written commitment to respond to callouts swiftly. Minimum requirement is a one (1) hour response time for technical backup during the contract period.
• Documentation: Submission of Annexure B – Technical Evaluation questionnaire. Valid B-BBEE status proof.

Skills and Personnel Requirements

The bidder must demonstrate specific technical competencies through its workforce:

• Technician Qualifications: Technicians working on the project must hold an N6 qualification, a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, or ECSA Registration. Qualifications must be accompanied by CVs confirming current employment with the bidding company.
• Electrician Competency: Electricians involved in the project must be qualified. Their qualifications must be submitted.
• Fiber Optic Expertise: Personnel must possess proven skills in fiber optic cable splicing, servicing, and installations, evidenced by the required references.
• Availability: Staff must be available to work across all shift patterns including overtime, weekends, and public holidays as per the pricing schedule.

Explanation of Terms

DOL: Department of Labour. Refers to the government department responsible for labor regulations; registration indicates compliance with electrical contracting standards.

LOGS: Letter of Good Standing. An official document issued by the relevant engineering board confirming the contractor's compliance and good standing in the electrical engineering field.

ECSA: Engineering Council of South Africa. The statutory body responsible for registering professional engineers and technologists; registration ensures adherence to professional standards.

B-BBEE: Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment. A South African government policy aimed at redressing the disadvantages of apartheid by promoting economic participation of black people; bidders must provide proof of their status level.