Fire Protection and Detection Systems Maintenance NEW

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is procuring a term service contract for the preventative maintenance, servicing and repair of fire protection and detection systems in state-owned buildings in the Karoo area of the Eastern Cape. The contract runs for 36 months and forms one of three related area tenders (Gqeberha Coastal, QTN and Karoo). The Department may award more than one area to the same contractor, and bidders may be asked to choose a preferred area. The estimated contract value is not stated in the published summary. Bidders must price the Bill of Quantities in full, and rates are subject to an annual escalation cap of 5%. The contract includes renewal options of 12 months (good performance) or 18 months (excellent performance).

Approximately 80% of the work covers fire suppression, mainly portable fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, fire hose reels, and to a lesser extent sprinkler systems, fire dampers, pressure reducing and control valves, and fixed gas suppression systems. The remaining 20% covers fire detection, including fire alarm control panels, primary and secondary power supplies, and manual fire alarm call points. The scope also includes preparing a geotagged componentised asset register with Component Identification Numbers, a Component Condition Assessment within three months of site handover, a fire incident management protocol for each facility, condition-based replacement of faulty components with new units, and a three-hour on-site response to fatal breakdowns. Symbolic safety signage and building maintenance items are included. Contractors must also comply with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), with recruitment targets of 60% women, 55% youth aged 18 to 35, and 2% persons with disabilities.

Evaluation is split between functionality (minimum 50% to qualify) and price with specific goals on an 80/20 basis. Functionality covers relevant experience (25 points), client references (25 points), financial capacity through a bank rating of A to D (20 points), and personnel (30 points). The minimum key staff is four SAQCC-registered personnel: one gas suppression technician, one fire detection technician and two 1475 fire servicemen, with higher points for additional staff and commissioners. Bidders must also hold a SANS 1475 permit for the production of reconditioned fire-fighting equipment, have a valid ASIB competency certificate, and provide one-tonne roadworthy light delivery vehicles. The cidb specialist grading (SF) is indicated as 4SF or higher. A compulsory briefing takes place on 24 November 2026 at the SAPS Training Academy in Graaff-Reinet. Bids close on 1 December 2026 at 11:00 at the Eben Donges Building in Gqeberha, and the bid document costs R300.

Bidders should note that some sections of the document refer to the Gqeberha Coastal area and to East London and Queenstown site information, which appear to be carry-over text from related tenders. Prospective bidders should confirm the site list and asset register with the technical contact before pricing. The contract offers a stable, multi-year revenue stream for an established fire safety provider. It also gives Eastern Cape-based and small enterprises preference points for specific goals, and the contract supports SANS and OHS compliance across government facilities.