Tender Summary

Objectives

The City of uMhlathuze seeks to engage a qualified contractor for an "as and when" utility pole replacement project spanning Mzingazi, Esikhaleni, and Vulindlela Municipalities. The core objective is to safely install sixty (60) new poles at an 11-metre mounting height, transfer existing electrical conductors and hardware, and remove decommissioned structures while ensuring full compliance with municipal operational standards, occupational health and safety legislation, and preferential procurement policies.

Scope of Work

• Dig foundation pits to specified depths (1.3m, 1.5m, or 1.8m) based on site conditions and engineering specifications.
• Erect new poles and carefully transfer all conductors, insulators, and hardware from old to new structures.
• Extract and transport removed poles to designated municipal storage facilities.
• Execute proper soil compaction around pole bases to prevent structural leaning or instability.
• Maintain rigorous safe working practices throughout all phases of execution.
• Operate under municipal-led power isolation protocols; the contractor assumes full financial and operational liability for any damages caused during works.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate robust technical capability and submit comprehensive documentation proving regulatory and municipal compliance:

• Contractor Grading: Minimum CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) registration of EP1 or higher. CIDB is the national body that grades construction contractors; EP1 denotes entry-level engineering plant capability.
• Safety & Risk Management: Submission of a complete SHE (Safety, Health, Environment) File containing baseline risk assessments, a mandatory Fall Protection Plan for elevated work, tool and equipment inspection registers, medical fitness certificates for all personnel, and valid public liability insurance.
• Statutory Compliance: Adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Regulations 2014, and Low Voltage Regulations. Contractors must secure applicable construction permits and prove competency in electrical safety protocols.
• Administrative Documentation: Valid tax compliance certificate, Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration, Letter of Good Standing from the Compensation Fund, proof of electrical contractor registration with the Department of Labour, and fully completed municipal bid forms (MBD 4, MBD 8, MBD 9). MBD refers to Standard Municipal Bid Documents used for statutory declarations.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must possess specialized technical, managerial, and safety competencies to execute high-risk electrical and civil works:

• Electrical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in low-voltage distribution systems, conductor handling, and hardware transfer, backed by formal registration as an electrical contractor.
• Working at Height Competency: Certified training and practical experience in elevated installations, including proper use of harnesses, anchor points, and fall-arrest systems.
• Regulated Project Appointments: Formal appointment of key personnel as mandated by the Construction Regulations 2014, including a Construction Manager, Assistant Construction Manager, Construction Health and Safety Advisor, and Site Supervisor. All appointees must provide verified proof of training and competence.
• OHS Leadership: Dedicated safety officers and management capable of conducting daily toolbox talks, enforcing PPE policies, managing incident reporting, and ensuring continuous alignment with municipal and national safety legislation.

Key Terms & Conditions

Compulsory Site Meeting: Mandatory attendance for all prospective bidders to inspect actual site conditions and clarify technical expectations prior to quotation submission.

Preferential Procurement (80:20 System): Contract evaluation allocates 80% of scoring to price and 20% to transformation goals. Points are awarded for black ownership, women/youth/disabled ownership, and rural/township residency. Bidders must attach certified proof for every claimed point; unverified claims receive zero points.

Price Integrity Clause: Quoted prices are fixed upon submission. Any manual alterations to pricing must be physically signed by the bidder; unsigned modifications trigger immediate disqualification.