Tender Summary: Replacement of 250m 22kV Cable at Nkonjeni Hospital

Objectives

The primary objective is to replace the existing high-voltage underground cable linking Mini Substation 1 to Mini Substation 2 at Nkonjeni Hospital. This intervention aims to restore reliable power distribution, eliminate electrical faults or capacity constraints, and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to critical hospital facilities through compliant, safe, and durable infrastructure upgrades.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder will execute a once-off civil and electrical installation project comprising:

• Excavation of a 250-metre trench between the designated mini substations.
• Supply and placement of 10mm river sand bedding prior to and following cable installation.
• Supply and fitting of 25mm three-phase five-core cable over a length of approximately 250 metres.
• Backfilling and compaction of the trench using suitable soil.
• Issuance of a valid Certificate of Compliance (COC) upon completion.
• Provision of thirty (30) LED flood light fittings as stock items for institutional maintenance.
• All materials and execution must strictly align with SABS-approved standards and the attached technical specifications.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate the capacity to deliver high-voltage underground electrical works under strict municipal and provincial health standards. Key technical demands include:

• Supply of 250 metres of 22kV, 95mm² XLPE-insulated cable meeting national electrical safety and performance standards.
• Adherence to proper trenching, sand bedding, cable laying, and compaction methodologies to prevent mechanical damage and ensure long-term reliability.
• Integration of supplementary 25mm three-phase cabling as outlined in the schedule of rates.
• Firm pricing valid for 90 days, inclusive of labour, transport, equipment, and VAT (where applicable).
• Compliance with General and Special Conditions of Contract, including performance security, warranty obligations, and penalty clauses for delays or non-conformance.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

To be considered responsive, bidders must submit verifiable documentation proving:

• CIDB engineering construction grading of EP (Electrical) and EB (Building) Grade 1 or higher.
• A valid Wireman Licence authorising the legal issuance of electrical COCs.
• A certified Electrical Trade Test certificate.
• At least one completion certificate for a comparable public or private sector electrical installation project.
• Active registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD) and verified tax compliance status.
• BBBEE status documentation to qualify for preference points under the statutory procurement framework.

Explanation of Unusual/Complicated Terms

• 2XLPE Cable: Stands for Double Cross-Linked Polyethylene insulated cable. This insulation type provides exceptional thermal resistance, moisture barrier properties, and dielectric strength, making it the industry standard for medium-to-high voltage underground power distribution.
• COC (Certificate of Compliance): A legally required document issued by a registered electrician confirming that an electrical installation meets South African National Standards (SANS 10142-1) and is safe for energisation.
• CIDB Grading (EP/EB): The Construction Industry Development Board classifies contractors by trade discipline and financial/technical capacity. EP covers electrical installations, while EB covers building works. Grade 1 represents the entry threshold for small-scale contracts.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A standard South African public procurement evaluation model where 80% of total scoring is allocated to competitive pricing and 20% to socio-economic transformation goals, primarily black-owned enterprise certification.