Objectives

The primary objective is to procure comprehensive maintenance, refurbishment, and certification services for Boiler 2, with a focus on retubing and structural integrity verification. The procurement aims to restore operational reliability, ensure strict compliance with safety and quality standards, and align with Necsa’s regulatory obligations. Bidders must demonstrate functional capability, competitive pricing, and adherence to national preferential procurement and economic transformation frameworks.

Scope of Work

• High-pressure water cleaning and sandblasting of the flue, tube plates, combustion chamber, and smoke box.
• Flushing the boiler water side.
• Testing and certifying all valves and appurtenances.
• Conducting internal and external boiler inspections, including crack detection.
• Re-fitting valves and appurtenances, and preparing the boiler for hydrostatic pressure testing.
• Removing existing second and third pass tubes.
• Preparing tube plates for inspection and performing non-destructive testing (NDT).
• Fitting new second and third pass tubes.
• Conducting a hydrostatic pressure test, with all critical inspections and tests witnessed by an Approved Inspection Authority.

Technical Requirements

• Mandatory submission of a Certificate of Registration for a Competent Person (CP – Boilers Supplier).
• Proof of appointment or certification from an Approved Inspection Authority (AIA), submitted alongside the quotation.
• Clear specification of supplier lead-time, with evaluation points awarded based on delivery speed (preference given to ≤4 weeks).
• Compliance with Necsa’s General Conditions of Purchase, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (2000), and the Preferential Procurement Regulations (2022).
• Submission of required administrative documentation: valid tax clearance certificate, SBD 4 declaration of interest, B-BBEE status evidence, and a Letter of Good Standing (COID) where applicable.
• Evaluation follows a functionality threshold model. Only responses meeting the minimum functionality score progress to financial evaluation, which applies an 80/20 point system (80 points for price, 20 points for B-BBEE status level).

Skills Requirements

• Certified boiler technicians capable of safe abrasive blasting, tube extraction, precision fitting, and valve certification.
• Licensed Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) practitioners qualified to inspect tube plates and perform crack detection assessments.
• Personnel familiar with pressure vessel fabrication standards and nuclear-adjacent safety protocols.
• Access to or employment of an Approved Inspection Authority to validate compliance, witness hydrostatic testing, and issue statutory certification.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying RD 0034, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, and ISO 17025 standards to meet Necsa’s integrated management system requirements.

Key Terminology & Unusual Requirements

AIA (Approved Inspection Authority): A legally recognized inspection body mandated to verify pressure equipment compliance, conduct statutory inspections, and officially witness critical safety tests such as hydrostatic pressure and crack detection.

NDT (Non-Destructive Testing): Specialized inspection techniques that evaluate material integrity and detect hidden flaws without damaging the component, essential for ensuring boiler tube plate safety.

CP – Boilers Supplier: A South African regulatory certification denoting a qualified professional authorized to design, supply, and maintain boiler systems under national pressure equipment legislation.

80/20 Point System: A public procurement evaluation model where 80% of the total score is derived from price competitiveness, while 20% is allocated based on the bidder’s verified B-BBEE status level to promote economic transformation.

RD 0034: A specialized regulatory framework outlining quality and safety management requirements specifically tailored for nuclear installations, ensuring rigorous operational controls beyond standard industrial practices.