Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified contractor to design, supply, deliver, install, test, and commission a reliable 500 kVA backup power solution at the Durban Main Centre. The project ensures operational continuity by providing a robust standby generator system integrated with an automatic changeover mechanism, to be delivered within a strict six-month timeframe while adhering to stringent health, safety, quality, and governance standards.

Scope of Work

The successful tenderer will manage the end-to-end delivery of the backup power infrastructure. Responsibilities encompass detailed engineering design, procurement, site verification, mechanical and electrical installation, comprehensive testing, commissioning, documentation handover, and staff training. The contract operates under the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract framework, requiring activity-based pricing, a resource-loaded project programme, and continuous progress reporting. The contractor must also comply with Transnet’s Supplier Code of Conduct, Integrity Pact, and annual Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) improvement targets.

Technical Requirements

• Generator Set: 500 kVA standby rating (minimum 450 kVA prime), diesel-powered, complete with engine, alternator, skid, anti-vibration mountings, coastal corrosion-protected acoustic enclosure, and a 500-litre self-bunded sub-base fuel tank capable of sustaining 12 hours of operation at full load. Includes batteries, charger, control panels, protection systems, and all ancillary equipment.
• Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Minimum 800A, four-pole system featuring integrated controls, voltage sensing, interlocks, bypass/changeover facilities, and associated switchgear accessories.
• LV Electrical Modifications: Replacement of circuit breakers, installation of 1000A copper busbars, generator and normal-supply feeder cables, cable containment, earthing, protection coordination, terminations, gland plates, lugs, supports, identification labelling, and necessary panel alterations.
• Foundation & Installation: All works must utilise the existing concrete foundation. No new concrete foundations are permitted. Scope includes off-loading, positioning, skid mounting, anchor fixing, levelling, assembly, connection, and system integration.
• Fire & Safety Systems: Installation of a fire-detection and alarm system rated for diesel environments, seamlessly integrated with generator protection and automatic fuel isolation valves.
• Testing & Commissioning: Full calibration, electrical and protection relay tests, ATS sequence verification, alarm functionality checks, a four-hour full-load endurance/load-bank test, noise assessment, and a witnessed Site Acceptance Test (SAT) with formally signed reports.
• Documentation & Training: Delivery of three hard-copy sets and one searchable electronic set containing editable drawings, calculations, certificates, software/configuration backups, asset registers, O&M manuals, and final as-built records. Completion of a dedicated training session for ten Transnet personnel.

Skills & Personnel Requirements

• Installation Electrician: Must hold a valid trade test certificate and current wireman licence/registration. Requires documented post-qualification experience (one to three or more years) specifically involving generators, ATS units, switchgear, low-voltage modifications, cabling, testing, and certification.
• Health and Safety Officer: Must possess a recognised occupational health and safety qualification (e.g., SAMTRAC or SAQA-aligned certificate). Requires documented experience (one to three or more years) covering construction/electrical installation safety, risk assessments, lifting operations, fuel hazard management, and commissioning protocols.
• Organisational Capability: Tenderers must hold a CIDB grading designation of 3EB or higher. Higher scoring is awarded to companies demonstrating one to three comparable completed generator, ATS, and low-voltage integration projects, supported by verifiable client references and completion evidence.
• Methodology & Planning: Submission of a comprehensive, project-specific execution methodology addressing design approvals, procurement, coastal corrosion mitigation, foundation verification, ATS/LV modifications, installation, fuel/fire systems, safety controls, testing, commissioning, snag resolution, and handover. A fully integrated, resource-loaded programme with defined critical paths, dependencies, and contingency plans is mandatory.

Explanation of Key Terms: An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is a device that automatically detects mains power failure and switches the electrical load to the backup generator without manual intervention. A load-bank test involves applying a simulated electrical load to the generator to verify its performance, cooling, and fuel consumption under stress before handover. The NEC3 ECC is a collaborative contract model emphasising proactive risk management, clear programming, and mutual obligations. B-BBEE refers to South Africa’s legislative framework aimed at redressing economic disparities, with compliance monitored annually and linked to payment retention clauses.