Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified contractor to perform switchgear and protection testing, maintenance, and related services at various substations and electrical network sites within the Rustenburg Local Municipality. The work aims to ensure the reliability, safety, and proper functioning of electrical protection systems over a period of three years.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Assessment, testing, and commissioning of medium voltage cables, switchgear, power transformers, current transformers, voltage transformers, protection relays, and related equipment.
• Provision of test and commissioning certificates for all equipment.
• Testing of protection schemes including over-current, earth fault, differential, bus bar, and other relay functions.
• On-site testing, calibration, and maintenance of electrical protection systems.
• Replacement and upgrade of protection equipment, including relays and associated wiring.
• Preparation of detailed reports, safety plans, and data sheets.
• Provision of specialized equipment and key personnel as specified.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Adherence to SABS 1200 standards and relevant national and international standards.
• Completion of detailed testing procedures such as circuit breaker mechanical and electrical tests, transformer tests, relay testing (primary and secondary injection), and calibration.
• Implementation of protection settings approved by the Distribution Engineer, with proper documentation and labeling.
• Carrying out site checks, preliminary inspections, and functional testing prior to energizing equipment.
• Witnessing and reporting on commissioning tests, with proper calibration and safety procedures.
• Provision of comprehensive site commissioning reports and as-built drawings.
• Use of calibrated testing equipment, with valid calibration certificates not older than one year.
• Implementation of safety and occupational health protocols, including submission of a safety plan.
• Provision of detailed data sheets for all equipment and protection schemes.

Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate the following skills and qualifications:

• Experience in similar substation protection testing, commissioning, and maintenance projects, with at least 5 years’ relevant experience.
• Qualified Project Manager with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in electrical protection systems.
• Technicians with relevant electrical engineering qualifications and at least 5 years’ experience in relay testing, programming, and repairs.
• Authorized persons certified under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for live substation work.
• Provision of a company profile, including plant, equipment, and previous project references (minimum of 5 completed projects).
• Availability of specialized testing equipment as listed in the Schedule of Equipment, with proof of ownership or leasing arrangements.
• Capability to perform detailed analysis, protection grading, and coordination studies using software such as Dig Silent or equivalent.
• Personnel must be capable of performing site inspections, calibration, testing, and reporting to meet safety and technical standards.