RFQ 12070111: Supply and Delivery of Contactor

Objectives

The primary objective is to procure high-durability electrical contactors specifically engineered for municipal street lighting infrastructure. The tender seeks to secure reliable suppliers capable of delivering compliant equipment that guarantees uninterrupted public lighting operations, enhances road safety, and ensures long-term asset performance under demanding environmental conditions.

Scope

The procurement covers the supply and direct delivery of specified contactors to designated City Power storage facilities. The immediate quotation request targets three units of Item 5218 (80A, 3-pole, DIN rail mount, 230V coil contactors for street lighting). The accompanying technical specification establishes baseline engineering standards for four contactor variants (40A small, 40A, 80A, and 115A), creating a reference framework for current and future procurement cycles. All deliveries must adhere to municipal supply chain protocols and include comprehensive technical and compliance documentation.

Technical Requirements

• Standards Compliance: Strict adherence to SANS 60947-4-3 and associated IEC standards for low-voltage switchgear controlling non-motor loads.
• Environmental Resilience: Equipment must withstand exposed outdoor installation, temperature fluctuations between -10°C and +65°C, frequent dust accumulation, and electrical storms.
• Lifespan Expectancy: Minimum 20-year operational service life.
• Electrical Specifications: 400V rated voltage, 3-pole configuration, DIN rail mounting, AC3 usage category, and 230V control coil. Continuous current capacity must accommodate a de-rating factor of 2.2, ensuring effective ratings meet or exceed 88A.
• Safety & Protection: Minimum IP2X ingress protection rating; sturdy insulating covers to prevent inadvertent contact with live parts.
• Testing & Certification: Submission of complete type test reports conducted by an independent accredited laboratory. Routine testing per SANS 60947-4-3 is mandatory.
• Quality Assurance: Valid ISO 9001:2015 certification from the manufacturer or authorised distributor.
• Documentation: Fully completed and signed Technical Schedules (Schedule A & B) and Deviation Schedule. Placeholders, ticks, crosses, or "TBA" entries will result in disqualification.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• Regulatory Compliance: Valid SARS PIN/certificate, active CSD (MAAA) number, and municipal rates/taxes clearance (not overdue beyond 90 days).
• Corporate Governance: Current CIPC registration documents, certified ID copies of all directors and shareholders, and valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (not older than three months).
• Mandatory Forms: Fully completed MBD4 (Declaration of Interest), MBD6.1 (Preference Points Claim), MBD8 (Past SCM Practices), and MBD9 (Certificate of Independent Proposal Determination).
• Evaluation Thresholds: Technical scoring (maximum 100 points) demands flawless completion of the technical schedule, submission of type test reports, and provision of ISO 9001:2015 certification. A minimum 80% score is required to proceed to financial evaluation.
• Preferential Procurement: Up to 20 points allocated for transformation goals, including enterprises owned by black individuals (≥51%), black youth (≥51%), persons with disabilities (≥51%), or Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs). Verified shareholding certificates or official verification agency documents are required.
• Integrity & Anti-Collusion: Bidders must declare independence from competitors, confirm no history of fraud/corruption convictions within five years, and verify absence of conflicts of interest with municipal officials.

Clarification of Specialised Terms

• AC3 Category: An international standard classification indicating suitability for switching squirrel-cage induction motors and heavy-duty resistive/inductive loads. In this context, it certifies the contactor’s ability to handle the high inrush currents and frequent cycling typical of discharge street lighting systems.
• De-rating Factor (k=2.2): A safety multiplier applied due to severe operating conditions. It reduces the nominal current rating to calculate the effective continuous load capacity, ensuring the equipment does not overheat or degrade prematurely under harsh municipal lighting loads.
• SANS 60947-4-3: The South African national standard governing low-voltage contactors for non-motor applications, mandating rigorous safety, performance, electromagnetic compatibility, and testing benchmarks.
• MBD Forms: Standardised municipal bidding templates enforcing transparency, preference point claims, past practice declarations, and anti-corruption compliance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• CSD/MAAA: The Central Supplier Database identifier used by South African government entities to verify supplier legitimacy, tax compliance, and historical performance before contract award.