Objectives

To engage qualified contractors for the installation, repair, and calibration of HVAC systems across multiple NMISA facilities. The primary objective is to restore precise temperature and humidity control for sensitive laboratory and server equipment, implement effective dust mitigation measures during concurrent construction activities, and ensure full operational commissioning of all climate control units in compliance with metrological standards.

Scope of Work

The project covers HVAC heater and controller installation/testing in eight Building 7 laboratories. It includes chiller system work on the Building 6 roof (York and Clint chillers) and within designated rooms (106, 103, Lab 33, and Dosimetry). Contractors must supply and install dust-protection materials and shielding for server rooms and laboratory equipment across Buildings 4, 5, and 6 to prevent contamination during ongoing construction. Additional tasks involve restoring power and stabilizing temperature controls in Building 5’s first-floor quantum area, addressing ground-floor Freiges operations, managing basement FIBSEM copper-related HVAC needs, and servicing Building 4 East third-floor and ARI Labs areas. All installed units and HVAC components must undergo full commissioning. A mandatory site briefing will be conducted at the CSIR Campus in Pretoria, and a comprehensive safety file must be submitted upon purchase order issuance.

Technical Requirements

• Installation, configuration, and functional testing of HVAC heaters and digital control panels.
• Maintenance and integration of rooftop and indoor chiller units (York and Clint models).
• Supply and fitting of industrial-grade dust containment barriers and protective sheeting for sensitive electronics and scientific machinery.
• Calibration and stabilization of temperature and humidity parameters to meet strict laboratory standards.
• Comprehensive commissioning protocols to verify system performance, airflow distribution, and thermal regulation.
• Adherence to South African occupational health and safety documentation standards, including a pre-submission safety file.

Skills Requirements

• Certified HVAC technicians with proven experience in commercial and laboratory climate control systems.
• Proficiency in chiller plant operations, refrigerant handling, and control panel programming.
• Electrical troubleshooting capabilities for power restoration and load balancing.
• Knowledge of cleanroom and dust mitigation techniques for protecting sensitive scientific equipment.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and conduct systematic commissioning and validation tests.
• Familiarity with statutory safety file compilation, site risk assessments, and compliance reporting.

Notes on Specialized Terms

Commissioning: The systematic process of testing, adjusting, and verifying that all HVAC systems operate according to design intent, manufacturer specifications, and facility requirements before official handover.

Safety File: A mandatory South African construction industry document containing health and safety plans, method statements, incident reports, and compliance certificates. It must be compiled by the contractor and submitted to the client prior to or immediately after purchase order issuance to ensure legal site access.

Freiges, FIBSEM, Quantum, ARI LABS: Acronyms denoting highly specialized research environments within NMISA facilities. These spaces house precision instruments and experimental setups that require strict environmental stability, making advanced dust control and exact thermal regulation critical to preserving data integrity and preventing equipment damage.