Objectives

The primary objective is to procure and install a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system for the Maphumulo Municipality’s IT server room. The tender aims to ensure continuous, stable, and clean power delivery to protect critical IT infrastructure from grid fluctuations, outages, and electrical disturbances.

Scope

The scope covers the complete supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a single UPS unit specifically configured for server room environments. The successful bidder must execute a formal written contract (MBD7) upon award. All deliveries must be dropped at the designated Supply Chain Management Unit reception tender box. The contract strictly prohibits post-submission price increases, and any manual alterations to pricing must be countersigned by the bidder to remain valid. Installation must be completed within the stipulated lead time, adhering to the municipality’s server room specifications.

Technical Requirements

• Capacity: 8 kVA / 8 kW with unity power factor
• Topology: Online double-conversion
• Form Factor: 4U rack size, free-standing construction, black finish
• Efficiency & Certification: Up to 97.2% efficiency, Energy Star qualified
• Protection & Monitoring: Constant voltage and frequency regulation, graphical LCD display, auto-shutdown function, internal bypass for fault continuity
• Maintenance: Hot-swappable batteries
• Connectivity & Input: Hardwired/fixed input, 40–70 Hz frequency range, nominal runtime of 5–10 minutes
• Included Components: UPS unit, cable glands, IEC output cables, USB cable, tower mounting supports, safety instructions, and quickstart guide
• Compliance: Must align with the attached server room specifications referenced in the tender package

Skills and Qualification Requirements

While explicit technical certifications are not itemised, bidders must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in supplying and installing enterprise-grade UPS systems for data centres or server rooms
• Competency in electrical installation, including hardwiring, battery integration, load balancing, and adherence to electrical safety standards
• Administrative compliance with municipal procurement regulations, including:
• Active Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration
• Valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) with SARS PIN
• B-BBEE verification certificate or sworn affidavit
• Completed and signed Municipal Bidding Documents (MBD 4, 6.1, 8, 9)
• Proof of residence or business premises
• Ability to formally execute contracts and adhere to strict submission deadlines, formatting rules, and mandatory checklist requirements

Key Terms and Clarifications

Double Conversion Topology: Continuously converts incoming AC power to DC and then inverts it back to clean AC, completely isolating connected equipment from grid noise, surges, and outages with zero transfer time.

Hot-Swappable Batteries: Allows battery modules to be replaced while the UPS remains fully operational, eliminating maintenance-related downtime.

Internal Bypass: Automatically routes power directly from the mains to the load if the UPS unit experiences a critical fault, ensuring uninterrupted service continuity.

80/20 Preference Point System: A South African public procurement scoring model allocating 80 points to competitive pricing and 20 points to socio-economic transformation goals (e.g., ownership by historically disadvantaged individuals, rural/township residents, youth, women, or persons with disabilities). Bidders must submit verified proof to claim these points.

MBD Forms: Standardised municipal compliance documents covering declarations of interest, past supply chain practices, independent bidding certification, and preference claims. All forms must be fully completed, stamped, and signed; incomplete submissions result in automatic disqualification.