Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint contractors for the maintenance and training related to MV switchgear, transformers, and minisubstations over a contract period of 36 months. The aim is to ensure reliable operation, effective maintenance, and capacity building through on-the-job training and training manuals/videos, thereby supporting the City of Cape Town’s electricity distribution infrastructure.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Maintenance, repairs, and testing of MV switchgear (Oil Insulated, Air Insulated, Gas Insulated) and distribution transformers (50-1000 KVA).
• Provision of on-the-job training, manuals, and videos for City staff.
• Sourcing and management of spares, including abnormal/ad hoc items.
• Maintenance of associated equipment such as cable boxes, band joints, cable terminations, and protective panels.
• Corrosion treatment, spray painting, SF6 top-up, oil sampling/analysis, and installation of heaters and canon sockets.
• Maintenance and repair of DC systems (battery chargers/BTUs).
• Provision of tools, equipment, vehicles, and site facilities.
• Adherence to safety, traffic, and site security requirements.

Technical Requirements

The technical scope includes:

• Proven experience in maintenance and refurbishment of specified switchgear models and transformers, supported by detailed work history and certificates.
• Qualified personnel: Supervisors/Project Leaders with relevant trade/test certificates, experience, and responsible persons’ certification (NRS 040). Maintainers must have at least 2 years MV switchgear/transformer maintenance experience and relevant training certificates.
• Provision of comprehensive maintenance task lists, manuals, and videos for each switchgear type, supported by evidence of prior work.
• Use of OEM-approved tools, calibration certificates, and specialized equipment.
• Compliance with safety, environmental, and legislative standards, including occupational health and safety, oil handling, and environmental management.
• Effective management of spares, including sourcing, approval, and inventory control, with provisions for abnormal/ad hoc items.
• Adherence to specified inspection, testing, and reporting procedures, including photographic evidence at key stages.
• Implementation of site traffic management, security, and site facilities as per regulations.
• Provision of training manuals, videos, and capacity building for City staff.

Skills Requirements

The tender demands:

• Technical Skills:
  • Qualified electrical technicians with trade/test certificates or NQF Level 3 in Electrical Engineering.
  • Experience in MV switchgear and transformer maintenance, repairs, and testing.
  • Ability to interpret OEM manuals, prepare maintenance task lists, and produce training materials.
  • Proficiency in using calibrated tools, specialized equipment, and handling oil sampling/analysis.
• Training & Capacity Building Skills:
  • Ability to deliver on-the-job training, produce manuals/videos, and facilitate knowledge transfer.
  • Experience in developing and implementing training programs for technical staff.
• Management & Administrative Skills:
  • Effective spares management, reporting, and documentation skills.
  • Ability to coordinate site activities, traffic management, and site security.
  • Competence in safety compliance, environmental management, and occupational health standards.

Summary

The successful tenderer must demonstrate proven technical expertise in MV switchgear and transformer maintenance, qualified personnel, capacity to produce comprehensive manuals and training materials, and the ability to manage spares, safety, and site logistics effectively. The scope is broad, covering maintenance, repairs, training, and environmental safety, requiring a well-rounded team with technical, managerial, and safety skills.