Objectives

The primary objective is to replace the existing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Grey’s Hospital to guarantee continuous, stable electrical power to critical patient care equipment and life-support systems.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder will manage the complete lifecycle of the replacement project, including:

• Disconnecting and removing the legacy UPS system.
• Supplying, installing, and commissioning a new 10kVA single-phase transformer-based UPS.
• Providing a remote monitoring alarm panel, batteries, a battery cabinet, and all necessary accessories.
• Executing all associated masonry, patching, and painting works to restore the installation area.
• Conducting comprehensive on-site testing, full-load commissioning, and performance verification.
• Handing over all removed equipment to hospital maintenance and leaving the site clean and tidy.
• Providing a minimum 12-month written warranty covering both the UPS unit and batteries.

Technical Requirements

The replacement UPS must meet stringent clinical-grade specifications:

• Topology & Control: Double-conversion design with PWM technology using IGBTs, DSP processing, microprocessor-based control, and parallel redundancy capability.
• Interfaces & Indicators: User-friendly LCD/LED display with dedicated status LEDs (line, load, battery, bypass, fault, inverter) and communication ports (standard RS232, with optional DB9, USB, AS-400, or SNMP/HTTP slots).
• Protection Features: Built-in safeguards against over/under voltage, line surges, short circuits, load switching transients, and sudden output anomalies.
• Performance Metrics: Wide input voltage range, DC start capability, automatic battery self-testing, minimum one-hour runtime, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) below 12%, and battery recharge current exceeding 10% of the total ampere-hour rating multiplied by string count.
• Compliance & Quality: Strict adherence to SANS 10142-1, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and national building regulations. Only brand-new, unused equipment is permitted; second-hand or expired products will be rejected.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate proven expertise and regulatory compliance:

• UPS supply and installation must constitute the bidder’s core business.
• Valid Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Employment and Labour.
• CIDB registration graded EB or higher.
• Certified trade test qualification for an electrician.
• Registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) with verified tax compliance.
• Post-award submission of a detailed safety programme of works.
• Evaluation utilises an 80/20 preference point system, with 20 points allocated to enterprises with at least 51% black ownership.

Explanation of Technical Terms

• Double Conversion: Continuously converts incoming AC mains to DC and back to pure AC, completely isolating medical equipment from grid fluctuations, brownouts, or spikes.
• PWM with IGBTs: Pulse Width Modulation using Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors enables highly efficient energy switching, resulting in stable voltage output and reduced heat generation.
• DSP Technology: Digital Signal Processing uses advanced algorithms for real-time monitoring, precise control loops, and rapid fault detection/response.
• Parallel Redundancy: Allows multiple UPS units to operate synchronously, automatically sharing load and taking over instantly if one unit fails, ensuring zero downtime.
• THD (<12%): Total Harmonic Distortion measures electrical waveform purity. Keeping it low prevents electromagnetic interference that could disrupt sensitive ICU diagnostics and monitors.
• SANS 10142-1: The official South African National Standard governing safe electrical wiring, installation practices, and compliance for buildings.