Eskom seeks contractors to install 24-core OPGW fibre optic cable on five 132kV line sections linking substations in Limpopo and surrounding provinces, with end-to-end testing and patch panel termination. Works are priced under an NEC3 contract with durations of 2 to 3 months per section.
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd has published tender E3701DXLIMOU for the installation of 24-core Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre optic cable across five separate 132kV transmission line sections: Rampheri to Unin, Hlanganani to Mashau, Paradise to Mandala, Silimela MTS to Wolwekraal, and Uchoba to Der Brochen. The scope covers stringing and regulating the OPGW, fitting vibration dampers and bird flappers, and jointing the OPGW to non-metallic duct fibre cable at gantries. Associated works include installing joint boxes, splice enclosures, HDPE and galvanised steel duct sections, Sarel boxes, and 24-way and 12-way 19-inch patch panels in substation control rooms and fibre cabinets. Road and HV line crossings, duplex patch leads, fibre splicing, and OTDR and power budget testing at 1310 nm and 1550 nm are also included, with end-to-end testing witnessed by Eskom. The works support improved protection system communication, SCADA monitoring and remote operation of 132kV equipment, and greater network reliability.
The tender is structured as an NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC3), Option B, priced contract with bill of quantities. Indicative durations are 3 months for Rampheri and Unin and 2 months for Uchoba and Der Brochen, with other sections specified in their respective project-specific agreements. Key commercial terms include a 2.5% retention, delay damages of R2 000 per day capped at 5% of project cost, a defects period of 52 weeks, and a five-working-day defect correction period. Performance bonds and parent company guarantees apply only if recommended by Eskom's financial analysis. Contractors must supply their own plant, equipment, transport, accommodation and site facilities, while Eskom supplies certain materials on free issue, including fibre optic cable and hardware. Work must follow Eskom and NRS standards, including NRS 061-2 (OPGW), NRS 078-2 (ADSS), NRS 088-2 (duct fibre), fibre acceptance testing, cable labelling, and a quality inspection and test plan with hold points.
Evaluation is based on the 80/20 preference point system, with up to 20 points for B-BBEE specific goals. Local content thresholds apply: 90% for optical fibre cables, 100% for HDPE pipes, and 10% for steel-value-added products such as ducting and structural pipework. SDL&I commitments include subcontracting a proportion of work to EME or QSE enterprises that are at least 51% black-owned and based in Limpopo, with targets of 2% to 4.9% depending on the section. Eskom will retain 2.5% of each invoice as SDL&I security, and contractors must submit quarterly SDL&I reports and an implementation schedule within 28 days of award. Bidders must also complete Eskom's Form A quality requirements, the SBD 6.2 declaration, and the Annex C local content schedule. Note that the tender is currently in draft status and some supporting documents contain inconsistent line lengths and placeholder fields, so prospective bidders should verify details with the buyer before pricing.
This tender suits electrical and telecommunications contractors with experience in overhead line fibre installation, OPGW stringing, and fibre splicing and testing on high-voltage networks. Bidders should be able to show NEC3 contract experience, quality management systems aligned with ISO 9001, and Eskom supplier qualification or the capacity to obtain it. Limpopo-based EMEs and QSEs that are at least 51% black-owned are well placed as subcontractors for the SDL&I procurement targets, and local suppliers of HDPE duct, steel fabrication, and fibre optic cable may find opportunities to meet the local content thresholds. Consortia combining a fibre specialist with a civil or line construction partner would also be appropriate for this multi-section scope.
Starter gives you this tender's documents, requirements, location and buyer contacts, plus every new tender matched to your business, for R199/month.
Cancel anytime · No contract · Secure checkout by Paystack
See your matched tenders before you pay, then get their documents and buyer contacts straight away. Cancel anytime, no contract.
