Six-month contract to dismantle and repair SF6 gas leaks and mechanical faults on circuit breakers at traction substations between Vryheid and Sheepmore, including gas supply. Requires CIDB 3EP grading or higher and SF6 repair experience.
Transnet SOC Ltd, through its Rail Infrastructure Manager division, has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) reference TFR/2026/08/0012/114651/RFQ for the dismantling and repair of SF6 gas leaks and mechanical failures on various types of circuit breakers at traction substations between Vryheid and Sheepmore. The contract runs for six months and is managed from the Vryheid Depot. It is governed by the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract (Option B, priced contract with bill of quantities). The scope covers circuit breakers from several manufacturers, including Siemens (3AP1FG), GEC Alsthom (FXT 10), Alsthom (GL312F1), AREVA, Sprecher Energie and Hitachi (LTB 145D1/B). Work begins on 1 November 2026, with completion required by 31 May 2027.
The required works include identifying the location of gas leaks and mechanical faults, repairing faulty components (with defective gaskets, seals and O-rings replaced), refilling breakers with new SF6 gas, and conducting dew point testing on all circuit breakers. Gas filling must be performed by an accredited person. Post-repair SF6 purity must meet at least 98% and comply with IEC 60376, with a purity analysis carried out not less than seven days after repairs. The maximum leakage rate for repaired breakers is 0.5% per year. Gaskets must be neoprene, nitrile or cork. The contractor must also provide a procedure for the safe disposal of decomposed SF6 products and supply hoses, fittings and 49 kg SF6 gas cylinders. The bill of quantities covers dew point tests, leak identification, leak repair, breaker refilling, gas supply, and transport of up to 5,000 km between Vryheid and the substations. Works must be supervised by a Transnet representative holding at least a C-Green certificate, and all work is subject to strict Transnet safety, OHS, COIDA and railway-line safety specifications.
Bidders are evaluated on functionality (minimum qualifying score of 70 out of 100), covering work programme, management and key-person CVs with qualifications, and previous SF6 circuit breaker repair experience at traction substations. Successful bidders who pass functionality are then scored on price and B-BBEE status under the 80/20 preference point system. Key requirements include CIDB registration at 3EP grading or higher, a valid tax clearance certificate, a CSD registration, a B-BBEE certificate or affidavit, and a performance bond of 5% of the contract price. Attendance at the compulsory clarification meeting on 10 November 2026 at Vryheid is mandatory, and bids close on 17 November 2026 at 10:00. Subcontracting requires prior approval from the Project Manager. Tenders must be submitted electronically via the Transnet eTenders portal at least one day before closing.
This tender suits registered electrical or high-voltage engineering contractors with CIDB grading of 3EP or higher (or a qualifying joint venture) and proven experience repairing SF6 circuit breakers at traction or similar substations. Bidders should have qualified key personnel, including trade-tested electricians, a safety officer, a test officer and an accredited gas-filling technician, plus the equipment and capacity to work on railway-adjacent high-voltage sites in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Companies should hold ISO 9001 certification and be able to provide the required quality plans, method statements and equipment type test certificates. Small and emerging businesses (EMEs and QSEs) with B-BBEE credentials may benefit from the preference points, and they may also be suited to subcontracting roles, subject to Transnet approval. Businesses without SF6-specific experience, CIDB registration or the ability to attend the compulsory briefing should not apply.
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