Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to supply, deliver, install, and configure a Tower Steel Monitoring System over a 36-month period. The system aims to detect and prevent theft activities on eThekwini Electricity’s towers through an end-to-end electronic solution that includes remote detection units, a central data monitoring system, and ongoing operation and maintenance support.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Supply, delivery, and installation of wireless theft detection units on specified towers (275 kV and 132 kV).
• Provision of a central data monitoring system with multiple viewing stations for real-time alerts and images.
• Operation, maintenance, and support of the entire system for the contract duration.
• Supply of all necessary equipment, hardware, software, communication modules (e.g., SIM cards), and accessories.
• Installation supervision, testing, and field assessment of the system’s functionality.
• Training of eThekwini personnel and ongoing technical support.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Wireless remote theft detection units capable of sensing activities such as unbolting, cutting, and tampering, installed at or above specified tower heights.
• Units equipped with sensors, cameras (for video capture), GPS, and communication modules (GPRS/GSM). They must be ICASA approved and UV-stabilized.
• Detection of theft activities including unbolting, cutting with hacksaws, grinders, or laser cutters, and tampering with the units themselves.
• Real-time communication of alerts, images, and status updates to a central Data Monitoring System.
• The system shall include three data monitoring stations (one master and two secondary) with minimum 21-inch screens, capable of remote configuration and alert management.
• The Data Monitoring System must support geospatial mapping, false alarm reduction, data logging, and integration with other systems (e.g., Oracle, MS SQL).
• System components must operate under specified environmental conditions (humid, salt-laden, coastal, high electromagnetic interference).
• Installation, testing, and field assessment procedures, including sample submission and performance validation over a minimum two-week period.

Skills and Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate:

• Experience in similar projects: Proven track record over the last 10 years in designing, implementing, and maintaining steel tower theft monitoring systems, with at least 7 relevant projects, including high voltage tower applications.
• Technical expertise: Skilled personnel including a System Engineer and Site Installation Supervisor with relevant qualifications (e.g., Electronic/System Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical Trade Test) and extensive experience (minimum 5-8 years).
• Key personnel CVs: CVs of the System Engineer and Installation Supervisor must be provided, detailing relevant qualifications, experience, and recent assignments.
• Manufacturing and technical capability: Ability to supply fully compliant wireless units with sensors, cameras, GPS, and communication modules, meeting environmental and operational standards.
• Support and maintenance skills: Capacity to provide ongoing support, system reprogramming, troubleshooting, and training for eThekwini staff.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental compliance: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement safety plans, environmental management, and quality assurance procedures.
• Project management: Ability to coordinate installation, testing, and field validation within specified timelines, including sample testing and performance validation.

In summary, the successful tenderer must possess extensive technical expertise, proven project experience, qualified personnel, and the capability to deliver a reliable, compliant, and fully integrated theft monitoring system tailored for high voltage towers in challenging coastal environments.