Tender Summary: Annual Protection Relays Verification

Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to engage a qualified contractor to conduct annual verification and testing of protection relay systems for uMngeni-uThukela Water. This ensures the continued reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of critical electrical protection equipment, thereby minimizing service interruptions and maintaining infrastructure integrity.

Scope of Work

The scope covers the systematic inspection, functional testing, calibration, and performance validation of protection relays across the employer’s water infrastructure assets. The contractor will be responsible for executing these annual verification activities, documenting test results, identifying deficiencies, and certifying that all relays operate correctly under fault conditions. All work must align with the employer’s procedural guidelines for tender submission, delivery, and evaluation.

Technical Requirements

• CIDB Contractor Grading: Tenderers must hold a minimum Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading of 2EB or higher.
• Eligibility Compliance: Only submissions from entities that fully satisfy standard procurement eligibility criteria will be considered.
• Official Documentation: Tenders must be prepared and submitted exclusively using the formal tender documentation issued by the employer.
• Submission Protocols: Strict adherence to prescribed methods for sealing, addressing, delivering, and handling tender packages is mandatory. Late submissions will be rejected.

Skills and Competency Requirements

Although the tender notice does not provide an explicit skills matrix, the mandated CIDB grading and nature of the work require demonstrated competencies in:

• Expertise in protective relay testing, calibration, and fault simulation.
• Proficiency in interpreting relay settings, coordination studies, and single-line diagrams.
• Knowledge of national electrical safety standards, grid codes, and utility-specific operational procedures.
• Ability to generate accurate technical reports, maintain calibration certificates, and recommend corrective actions.
• Qualified field personnel trained in safe isolation practices and high-voltage protection system maintenance.

Explanation of Key Terms

CIDB Grading 2EB: This designation refers to the South African Construction Industry Development Board’s contractor classification system. The numeral “2” indicates a medium-tier monetary limit for project execution, while “EB” specifically classifies Electrical Installation contractors. A 2EB rating confirms that the contractor possesses the verified financial capacity, technical expertise, and operational track record to manage medium-complexity electrical works, including the precise testing and commissioning of protection relay systems.