Objectives

To restore uninterrupted and compliant electrical power supply to the SAPS Richards Bay station following a transformer explosion, ensuring safe reconnection to the municipal grid and full operational readiness of the facility.

Scope of Work

The project encompasses comprehensive fault detection, cable repair or replacement, troubleshooting, major servicing, and complete power restoration. Key deliverables include:

• Identifying and rectifying cable faults caused by the transformer explosion.
• Restoring power flow from the municipal grid to the site infrastructure.
• Servicing and commissioning a 500KVA 11KV/415V ONAN DYN11 mini substation.
• Rehabilitating internal distribution networks to ensure stable power delivery to the police station.

Technical Requirements

• Contractor Grading: Minimum CIDB contractor grading of 1EP. Preferences are allocated to bidders holding 2EP or 2EB grades.
• Hazardous Material Compliance: Submission of an active permit demonstrating adherence to SANS 555 protocols for the handling, storage, and legal disposal of fire-contaminated mineral oil.
• Equipment Calibration: Three valid calibration certificates (issued within twelve months of the advertisement date) for the following diagnostic instruments: Very Low Frequency (VLF) Tester, Earth Loop Resistance Tester, and Micro-ohmmeter (Winding Resistance).
• Documentation Integrity: The final five pages of the specification document must be manually signed and stamped by the bidder. Unsigned submissions will be disqualified.
• Project Track Record: A company profile detailing at least three successfully completed medium-voltage (MV) substation projects within the past five years, with each project valued at a minimum of R250,000.
• Transformer Maintenance Experience: Three verifiable completion certificates or performance letters confirming direct involvement in distribution transformer core overhauls, gasket servicing, and oil decontamination.
• Document Preparation: Strict prohibition of correction fluid on all tender submissions; alterations must be hand-corrected and initialed.

Skills Requirements

• High-Voltage Certification: Field personnel must hold active certification authorizing cable terminations up to 11kV/22kV, issued by recognized Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or state utility training academies.
• Diagnostic Proficiency: Demonstrated competency in deploying, operating, and interpreting results from specialized high-voltage testing equipment.
• Environmental & Safety Management: Trained staff capable of executing strict hazardous oil recovery procedures while maintaining compliance with occupational health and environmental regulations.
• Project Execution: Proven capability in managing complex MV/HV electrical infrastructure rehabilitation, including grid synchronization and substation commissioning.

Explanation of Specialised Terms

• SANS 555: A South African National Standard that dictates safety, environmental, and legal protocols for managing mineral insulating oil, particularly when contaminated by electrical faults or fire.
• ONAN DYN11: A technical transformer designation where "ONAN" refers to Oil Natural Air Natural cooling, and "DYN11" indicates the winding configuration and phase displacement required for seamless integration with the municipal grid.
• CIDB Grading: The Construction Industry Development Board’s classification system that evaluates contractors based on financial turnover, project complexity, and historical performance to ensure capability alignment with public works.
• VLF Tester: Very Low Frequency testing equipment used to safely identify insulation degradation and pinpoint faults in high-voltage underground cables without causing secondary damage during diagnostics.