Railway Track Ballast Screening Services

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), an operating division of Transnet SOC Ltd, has issued Request for Proposal TFR/2026/10/0003/115035/RFP (TRIM) for the maintenance of existing railway track using an on-track normal production ballast screening machine at the Port Elizabeth Depot. The contract is administered under the NEC3 Term Service Contract (June 2005) as a priced contract with a price list, with a 30-day service period and a starting date of 16 November 2026. The minimum requirement is one normal production ballast screener capable of screening at least 400 m³ per hour and/or 120 metres per hour, supported by two ballast regulators, two heavy ballast tampers, a ballast stabiliser, a TLB, seven self-discharging spoil wagons, and a fan wagon for tunnel work. The estimated workload is approximately 15 final track km under the Port Elizabeth Depot during the shutdown, with approximately 15 final track km over one month.

The scope covers open track, tunnels, bridges, culverts and turnouts, and requires the contractor to supply all on-track machinery, operators, skilled and unskilled labour, supervision, road vehicles, fuels, spare parts, spoil removal, lighting, dust suppression, armed security in transit and on site, water and ablution facilities, and accommodation. Machines must operate on 40 to 60 kg/m rail, on various sleeper types, at rail temperatures from -10°C to +60°C, and on gradients up to 1 in 40 with curves down to 90 m radius. Work must comply with TFR specifications including E7/1, E10 series, the Manual for Track Maintenance, and the Protection Manual, with safety, quality (A-standard), environmental management and health and safety plans submitted with the bid. Key risks identified by Transnet include working near live overhead traction equipment, adjacent live train lines, sharp curves and steep gradients, wet or high-clay ballast, and exhaust fumes in tunnels. Subcontracting is not permitted without written TRIM approval.

Evaluation follows the 80/20 preference point system, as the estimated value is below R50 million, with 80 points for price and 20 points for B-BBEE status and specific goals. Mandatory returnable documents include a valid SARS tax clearance (TCS PIN), a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, CIDB registration at 6CE or higher, CSD registration, health and safety and environmental plans, a Compulsory Enterprise Questionnaire, and a Service Provider Integrity Pact. Bids must be submitted electronically via the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal by 11:00 on 10 November 2026, with a validity period of 12 weeks. Late submissions will not be accepted, and no compulsory clarification meeting is scheduled.