Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to deliver after-service repairs, preventive maintenance, and installation of air-conditioning units across multiple healthcare facilities under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The goal is to restore and maintain optimal temperature control, ensure equipment reliability, and support uninterrupted clinical operations.

Scope of Work

The contract encompasses diagnostic troubleshooting, component replacement, refrigerant leak repairs, and complete supply-and-installation of split-type air-conditioning units across six designated locations: Bergville Mobile, Bergville Clinic, Dukuza Clinic, Park Home–Youth Friendly Services, Oliviershoek Clinic, and Amazizi Clinic. Specific tasks include:

• Locating and repairing gas leaks in existing units
• Replacing faulty printed circuit boards, compressors, fans, and capacitors
• Supplying missing remote controls
• Installing new 9,000, 12,000, and 18,000 BTU units, including self-regulatory models

All works must be executed while buildings remain occupied, requiring careful scheduling and minimal disruption to healthcare activities.

Technical Requirements

• Minimum CIDB Grading 1ME certification for plumbing and mechanical engineering contracting
• Compliance with SARACCA quality and safety standards for refrigeration and air conditioning
• Use of manufacturer-specified or pre-approved proprietary equipment and materials
• Functional testing and commissioning of all units to the end-user’s satisfaction
• Submission of two traceable completion certificates for similar past projects
• Firm pricing inclusive of transport, labour, VAT, overheads, and profit, valid for 90 days
• Adherence to the 80/20 preferential procurement evaluation framework

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• Certified trade qualifications in refrigeration and air conditioning, with proven experience in institutional or healthcare HVAC maintenance
• Proficiency in handling R22 and modern refrigerants, vacuum pumping, pressure testing, and gas recovery procedures
• Competence in diagnosing electrical faults, replacing PCBs, and calibrating thermostatic controls
• Supervisory capability to coordinate works in occupied clinical environments without compromising patient care or facility security
• Ability to produce accurate documentation, including commissioning reports and client sign-offs

Explanation of Key Terms

CIDB Grading 1ME: A South African National Construction Industry Board classification denoting minimum competency in plumbing and mechanical engineering contracting. Grade 1ME is the baseline requirement for HVAC installation and repair contracts of this scale.

SARACCA: The South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association. Compliance ensures that all refrigerant handling, electrical connections, and system installations meet nationally recognised safety, environmental, and performance standards.

80/20 Preference System: A government procurement evaluation model where 80% of total scoring is allocated to competitive pricing and 20% to designated socio-economic goals. In this tender, the 20 points are reserved exclusively for promoting South African-owned enterprises.

SBD Forms: Standard Bidding Document templates mandated by National Treasury. They require bidders to disclose conflicts of interest, confirm tax compliance, declare company structure, and claim preference points. Failure to submit completed SBD forms results in automatic disqualification.