Objectives

The primary objective is to improve water access and community resilience through the Water Indaba Intervention Programme Phase Two. The initiative aims to deploy sustainable, off-grid water supply infrastructure to address water scarcity and enhance municipal service delivery in targeted areas.

Scope

The contract encompasses the complete design, supply, and installation of solar-powered borehole systems across two designated locations: Johannesburg Phumanu Phungula and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipalities. The scope covers end-to-end project execution, including site assessment, borehole drilling, submersible pump installation, solar photovoltaic array setup, electrical integration, system testing, commissioning, and final handover.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must adhere to strict compliance, documentation, and performance standards:

• Contractors must hold a minimum CIDB grading of 6ME/EP or higher.
• All pricing must be firm, inclusive of applicable taxes, and strictly aligned with the provided specifications.
• Bids remain legally binding for 90 days following the closing date.
• Mandatory submission of standardised municipal bidding forms (MBD 1, 3, 4, 8, and 9), plus MBD 6.1 for preference point claims. MBD 5 and audited financial statements are required for bids exceeding R10 million.
• Proof of tax compliance via a valid SARS PIN or clearance certificate.
• A Central Supplier Database (CSD) report issued within 30 days of submission.
• Active registration on both the municipal database and the national central supplier database.
• Recent municipal utility bills confirming no outstanding rates or services arrears exceeding 90 days for the company and all directors or shareholders.
• Valid lease agreements for corporate offices and director residences, or a sworn affidavit if accounts are held under relatives and the bidder does not pay municipal rates.

Skills Requirements

While the tender does not specify a detailed competency matrix, the mandatory CIDB 6ME/EP grading inherently requires contractors to possess proven expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction works. Bidders must demonstrate substantial experience in engineering and installing solar-powered water pumping systems, deep aquifer borehole drilling, submersible pump integration, control panel wiring, and water distribution infrastructure. Joint ventures are permitted, provided every participating entity holds valid CIDB registration and their combined grading meets or exceeds the 6ME/EP threshold.

Clarification of Key Terms

• CIDB 6ME/EP Grading: A South African construction industry classification denoting Level 6 competency in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing works, indicating the contractor’s capacity to manage high-value infrastructure projects.
• MBD Forms: Standardised government bidding documents used for formal declarations, pricing schedules, compliance verification, and socio-economic preference claims.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A procurement evaluation model allocating 80 points to price competitiveness and 20 points to transformation goals, specifically prioritising enterprises located in KwaZulu-Natal and those with majority black ownership.
• Functionality-First Evaluation: A two-stage assessment process where bids undergo an initial compliance and technical functionality screening before price and preference points are calculated.