Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified professional service provider to deliver comprehensive mechanical engineering services for the repairs and refurbishment of the Seshego Labour Centre. The appointment aims to ensure safe, compliant, and sustainable upgrades to the building's structure, roofing, and mechanical systems while aligning with national infrastructure policies, labour-intensive construction mandates, and targeted procurement goals.

Scope of Services

The engagement encompasses the complete lifecycle of mechanical engineering services across six standard stages: inception, preliminary design, detail design, documentation and procurement, contract administration and inspection, and close-out. Core responsibilities include developing concept and detailed designs, producing specifications and drawings, measuring mechanical works for bills of quantities, certifying interim and final payment certificates, managing design variations, and compiling final accounts. Additional services require provision of construction monitoring (part-time or full-time site presence), integration of Occupational Health and Safety specifications into tender documentation, environmental impact assessment applications, and administration of targeted procurement and contract participation goals. The mechanical works are estimated at R304,300 excluding VAT, with a projected design period of four to six months and a ten-month construction phase.

Technical Requirements

• All services must comply with the 2023 National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Scope of Engineering Services and Tariff of Fees.
• Designs, planning, and supervision must strictly adhere to applicable legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, National Building Regulations, SANS 10400, and SANS 10142.
• Service providers must use compatible software for project documentation and submit monthly progress reports, annual accrual reports, and updated Project Execution Plans.
• Minimum professional indemnity insurance coverage of R1.5 million is mandatory throughout the contract period.
• Projects incorporating labour-intensive works must follow Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) guidelines, including demographic tracking, wage reporting, and training documentation.
• Design innovation promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable material selection, and environmental friendliness is required.
• All produced documents and copyright vest with the Employer upon project completion.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• Tenders must operate under the full-time direct supervision of a professional mechanical engineer or engineering technologist registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
• Bidders must submit proof of current professional registration, CVs, and certified identification for all designated key personnel.
• Staff responsible for labour-intensive components must hold NQF Level 5 or 7 unit standards (or equivalent QCTO qualifications) related to labour-intensive construction strategies or project management.
• Evaluation considers financial viability, risk assessment, and demonstrable experience on comparable projects within the past five years.
• Bidders must be registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide valid B-BBEE ownership documentation to claim preference points.

Explanation of Complex Terms

• EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme): A government framework requiring public infrastructure projects to generate employment opportunities, prioritizing local communities, youth, women, and persons with disabilities. It mandates specific reporting on job creation, wage rates, training, and asset maintenance.
• Value-Based vs. Time-Based Fees: Remuneration may be structured as a percentage of the final certified construction cost (value-based) or calculated by multiplying actual hours worked by tendered hourly rates (time-based). Both methods allow for annual inflation adjustments based on official consumer price indices.
• Principal Agent: Typically the appointed architect who acts as the Employer's representative to coordinate the multidisciplinary consulting team, administer the construction contract, verify contractor progress, and certify payments before Employer approval.