Objectives

The primary objective is to convert one golf cart and three tow trucks operated by Grey’s Hospital to lithium-ion battery power. This upgrade aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce long-term maintenance costs, improve reliability for patient and goods transport, and align with modern energy storage standards while maintaining full functionality of onboard electrical systems.

Scope of Work

All modifications will be performed on-site at Grey’s Hospital. The contractor must:

• Golf Cart: Remove existing batteries and install a 36V 210Ah lithium-ion battery pack. Integrate a 12V output for lighting and horn, fabricate and mount custom brackets, install a 36V charger with a 3-pin top plug, fit a smart LCD battery monitor, replace the ignition switch, and secure an anti-theft bracket.
• Tow Trucks (x3): Apply identical modifications using 24V 210Ah lithium-ion battery packs.
• Additional Deliverables: Supply all necessary cabling, DC-DC converters, accessories, and a comprehensive safety file. Test all converted equipment upon completion, leave the site clean, retain all removed original batteries on-site, and restore any masonry or painting affected by the installation to the satisfaction of the hospital maintenance department.
• Warranty: Provide a minimum five-year warranty on all supplied batteries.

Technical Requirements

• Compliance with South African National Standards (SANS), KZNPA electrical specifications, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
• Batteries must support integrated smart monitoring, voltage regulation via DC-DC converters, and secure mechanical mounting.
• Valid Letter of Good Standing from the Department of Labour.
• CIDB registration minimum grade 1 EB or higher.
• Certified technician competence certificates for electricians involved in the conversion.
• Central Supplier Database (CSD) verification with active tax clearance status.
• Pre-commencement submission of a documented safety file covering health, safety, and environmental protocols.

Skills Requirements

• Specialized expertise in vehicle electrical conversions as a core business activity.
• Qualified electricians capable of safely handling high-capacity lithium-ion battery integration, DC-DC converter installation, and low-voltage accessory wiring.
• Proficiency in mechanical modifications, including ignition system replacement, custom bracket fabrication, and anti-theft hardware installation.
• Site coordination and project management capabilities to liaise with hospital maintenance staff, adhere to strict site access protocols, conduct post-installation performance testing, and maintain continuous health and safety compliance.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Lithium-Ion Vehicle Conversion: Replaces traditional lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries with high-energy-density lithium packs. This requires precise voltage stepping down via DC-DC converters to power 12V accessories, advanced battery management systems for thermal and charge monitoring, and specialized charging infrastructure to prevent over-discharge or overheating.
• CIDB Grade 1 EB: A Construction Industry Development Board classification indicating eligibility to execute electrical installation projects valued up to R5 million, ensuring the contractor meets baseline financial and technical capacity thresholds.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A public procurement evaluation model where 80 points are awarded based on competitive pricing and 20 points are allocated to socio-economic goals. Full preference points are granted to enterprises with at least 51% Black ownership.
• Safety File: A mandatory pre-contract compilation of risk assessments, method statements, emergency procedures, and regulatory compliance documentation that must be reviewed and approved before any physical work commences on hospital premises.