Fire Protection & Detection System Maintenance Services NEW

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is seeking a suitably qualified service provider for a 36-month term contract covering the preventative maintenance, servicing and repair of fire protection and detection systems in state-owned buildings in the Queenstown area. The contract is one of three regional bids (Gqeberha Coastal, Queenstown and Karoo) procured concurrently for similar services. The work follows a risk-based maintenance philosophy, with interval-based servicing of facilities such as provincial offices of user departments, SAPS and security cluster facilities, magistrate courts, correctional centres and service offices. Approximately 80% of the scope is fire suppression, including portable fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, fire hose reels, sprinkler systems, fire dampers, pressure reducing and control valves, and fire suppression agents or systems. The remaining 20% is fire detection, including fire alarm control panels, primary and secondary power supplies, and manual fire alarm boxes. Scope items also include symbolic safety signage and emergency exits.

Key service requirements include a three-hour on-site response to fatal breakdowns, a full condition assessment of all fire protection equipment against the DPWI asset register, and a componentised asset register with Component Identification Numbers (CINs) and handheld scanners. The provider must also prepare a Component Condition Assessment report within three months of appointment, maintain a fire incident management protocol for each facility, and submit monthly logbooks and test certificates. Condition-based replacement of faulty equipment is priced on rates and must be approved in writing by the Service Manager before work begins. Compliance is required with SANS standards (including SANS 1475, 10105, 10400, 1151 and 1567), the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and local by-laws. The contract also includes Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employment targets, including 60% women, 55% youth and 2% persons with disabilities among recruited participants. Rates are subject to an escalation cap of 5% per annum, with price adjustments not permitted in the first twelve months. Renewal is optional for 12 or 18 months based on performance.

For eligible contractors, the tender offers a multi-year revenue stream and the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with a national government department. Bidders must have a CIDB contractor grading of 4SF or higher. Functionality scoring requires three to six reference letters on the departmental template for projects in the last five years, each worth more than R450,000, and at least four key staff: one SAQCC-registered Gas Suppression Technician, one SAQCC-registered Fire Detection Technician, and two SAQCC-registered 1475 Fire Servicemen, with higher scores for additional staff and SAQCC Commissioners. A bank rating of A to D is also required. A compulsory bid briefing is scheduled for 19 November 2026 in Queenstown, and attendance is mandatory for evaluation. The bid is evaluated on an 80/20 preference system, with 20 points available for specific goals, including Eastern Cape location, black ownership and youth, women and disability ownership. Bid documents cost R300 (non-refundable) and are available from eTenders.gov.za.