Tender Summary: Renovations at NHLS Port Elizabeth 9th Floor

Objectives

The primary objective is to execute comprehensive interior and exterior renovations across multiple functional zones on the ninth floor of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Port Elizabeth Headquarters. The project prioritises seamless integration with ongoing clinical and laboratory operations, requiring phased scheduling, strict noise and vibration control, and rigorous health and safety compliance throughout execution.

Scope of Work

The works encompass a wide range of building maintenance, fit-out, and infrastructure upgrades, including:

• Flooring & Surface Treatment: Preparation and sealing of laminated wooden floors, removal of existing vinyl, installation of porcelain terazzo tiles, and application of heavy-duty safety vinyl flooring.
• Doors, Glazing & Window Treatments: Supply and fitting of solid aluminium frame doors, industrial hardware, PVC blinds, aluminium foldable glass doors with safety laminated glass, and exterior window tinting.
• Painting & Plastering: Stripping of defective coatings, wall preparation, application of Rhinolite plaster, and multi-coat painting of walls, ceilings, staircases, kitchens, and workshops using approved finishes.
• Electrical & Mechanical Systems: Repair and regassing of existing air conditioning units, supply and installation of commercial inverter cassette and midwall split air conditioners, and associated electrical cabling, trunking, isolators, and circuit breakers.
• Courtyard & Structural Upgrades: Installation of composite insulated roof panels, ground compaction, Technicrete paving block laying, replacement of suspended ceiling tiles, and supply of outdoor furniture.
• Preliminaries & General: Site establishment, dedicated project supervision, comprehensive safety file submission, rubble removal, and contingency allowances.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must satisfy the following mandatory technical, administrative, and contractual criteria:

• Registration & Compliance: Valid Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading of 2GB or higher; current South African Revenue Service (SARS) Tax Clearance PIN or Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration; valid Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) certificate or sworn affidavit.
• References: Submission of at least three reference letters or completion certificates for similar renovation projects executed within the past three years, clearly stating project value and duration.
• Safety & Insurance: A comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) safety file must be formally approved by the NHLS SHE officer before work commences. Contractor public liability insurance must cover a minimum of R5 million per claim.
• Contractual Framework: Fixed pricing with no adjustments; 12-month defect liability/guarantee period; 5% retention amount withheld for three months post-completion; daily penalty of 1% of the contract value for unjustified delays; General Conditions of Contract (GCC) 2015 Edition applies.
• Operational Constraints: All works must be coordinated with facility management, restricted to agreed phases/times (including weekends/after-hours), and strictly controlled to prevent vibration or interference with sensitive laboratory equipment and adjacent operating theatres.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate the following competencies and qualifications:

• Project Management: A dedicated project manager with a minimum of five years’ experience, holding relevant construction qualifications and a recognised project management certification.
• Specialised Trades: Employment or subcontracting of registered plumbers, licensed electricians (wiremen), and certified painters. All trades must provide valid trade certificates.
• Site Supervision: Continuous presence of a qualified project supervisor to enforce NHLS specifications, manage phasing, and maintain site safety.
• Documentation & Programme Management: Ability to compile and submit a detailed work programme within fourteen days of award, alongside all mandatory Standard Bidding Document (SBD) forms, tax documentation, and proof of financial/technical capacity.

Key Terminology Explanation

CIDB Grading 2GB: A contractor classification indicating eligibility for construction contracts up to R1 million. The tender accepts bidders at this grade or higher, subject to proof of capacity to deliver the quoted value.

PPPFA 80/20 System: A preferential procurement evaluation model where 80 points are allocated to price competitiveness and 20 points to specific socio-economic goals (e.g., B-BBEE status, youth/women/rural ownership).

GCC 2015: The General Conditions of Contract for Construction Works, Third Edition, published by SAICE, which governs rights, obligations, variations, interim payments, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Retention & Defect Liability: A standard construction clause where 5% of the contract value is withheld for three months after practical completion to ensure prompt rectification of minor defects, followed by a 12-month guarantee period for broader workmanship or material faults.