RFQ Summary: Supply and Delivery of Contactors

Objectives

The primary objective is to procure and deliver high-durability electrical contactors specifically engineered for municipal street lighting infrastructure. The tender seeks reliable suppliers capable of meeting stringent performance and environmental standards to ensure uninterrupted public lighting operations, enhance road safety, and achieve a minimum operational lifespan of twenty years.

Scope

The procurement covers the supply and direct delivery of two specific contactor variants to designated City Power stores. All quotations must be fixed, firm, and inclusive of VAT. Physical submission via the designated quotation box is mandatory; electronic submissions are strictly prohibited.

• Item 5218: 3-pole, DIN rail-mounted, 400V, 80A per pole, AC3 classification, 230V coil.
• Item 5219: 3-pole, DIN rail-mounted, 400V, 40A per pole, AC3 classification, 230V coil.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate strict compliance with the following technical, testing, and quality standards:

• Regulatory Compliance: Equipment must conform to SANS 60947-4-3, SANS 60947-1, and IEC 61000-4 series for electromagnetic compatibility.
• Environmental Durability: Contactors must operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -10°C to +65°C, withstand frequent dust exposure and electrical storms, and maintain a minimum ingress protection rating of IP2X.
• Performance & Lifespan: A minimum working life of 20 years is mandated. Due to harsh outdoor conditions, a de-rating factor of k=2.2 applies, requiring continuous current capacities of at least 88A, 176A, or 253A depending on the configuration.
• Testing & Documentation: Suppliers must provide full type test reports from an independent accredited laboratory, along with completed technical schedules detailing manufacturer information, rated electrical/mechanical life, and physical dimensions. ISO 9001:2015 certification from the distributor or manufacturer is mandatory.
• Evaluation Threshold: A minimum 80% score is required to proceed to the second evaluation stage. Technical scoring allocates 40 points for compliant technical schedules, 40 points for complete type test reports, and 20 points for valid ISO 9001:2015 certificates.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

As this is a goods supply contract, specific personnel skills are not required. Instead, bidders must submit comprehensive corporate, financial, and compliance documentation:

• Valid SARS PIN certificate and up-to-date B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Fully completed and signed Municipal Bid Documents (MBD 4, 6.1, 8, and 9).
• Active CSD Unique Number (MAAA) and a municipal rates and taxes statement showing no arrears exceeding 90 days.
• Valid CIPC registration documents and certified ID copies of all shareholders and directors.
• Declaration of independence confirming no collusive bidding practices or undisclosed conflicts of interest with state employees.

Key Terms and Clarifications

• AC3 Classification: An IEC duty category typically associated with switching squirrel-cage motors, but in this tender, it indicates suitability for general industrial and lighting applications under non-motor load standards.
• De-rating Factor (k=2.2): A safety multiplier applied to nominal current ratings to account for extreme environmental stress (heat, dust, voltage fluctuations), ensuring the contactor operates well below its thermal limits to prevent premature failure.
• 80/20 Preference System: A standardized procurement evaluation model where 80% of the total score is awarded based on price competitiveness, and 20% is allocated to socio-economic goals such as black-owned enterprises, youth-owned businesses, or enterprises owned by persons with disabilities.
• MBD Forms: Mandatory South African municipal compliance templates used to verify tax clearance, BBBEE status, past supply chain integrity, and anti-collusion declarations during the bidding process.