Underground Fibre Optic Installation Training

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ, reference DMP/06/26/GAU-HCM/1) for the appointment of a service provider to deliver underground optical fibre installation training to PRASA Telecoms Department technicians in the Gauteng Region. The training aims to give technicians the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to install, splice, test and maintain underground fibre optic cables, while ensuring compliance with industry, safety and installation standards. Upon successful completion, a Certificate of Competence must be issued to each trainee. The BOQ specifies 20 trainee places, with a recommended maximum class size of 10 trainees.

The scope covers eight core modules: an introduction to fibre optics (single-mode vs multi-mode, network components and new technology); health and safety (PPE, site safety, trenching risk assessments, plant transport and electrical hazards); reading network designs (route planning, fibre route diagrams and permit requirements); trenching and ducting (depth requirements, bedding and backfill, duct and micro-duct installation, reinstatement); fibre cable installation (blowing and pulling, cable handling, manholes and labelling); jointing and splicing (fusion and mechanical splicing, closures, mid-span access); testing and commissioning (OTDR and power meters, continuity and loss testing, fault finding); and maintenance and repairs (emergency repairs and restoration reporting). Assessment includes a theoretical test with a minimum pass mark of 80%, a practical evaluation on-site or in a simulated environment, and a final evaluation by an accredited trainer or external assessor. The provider must supply the training manual, PPE for practical sessions, outdoor practical trench and duct space (real or simulated), fibre blowing equipment, splicing and testing equipment, safety signage, civil tools, and meals and tea breaks.

To be eligible, the provider must be a registered training institution or individual with valid accreditation, specifically SETA accreditation under qualification 59057 (Telecommunications Network Operations Certificate) or FOA accreditation as a fibre underground training provider, and must be accredited to train and assess candidates or hold Assessor and Moderator credentials. Functionality is scored on similar completed projects, with a minimum threshold of 60% and full marks for five or more projects, so bidders should provide appointment letters, completion certificates and contract values. Evaluation is 80% price and 20% specific goals, which include Black women ownership and EME/QSE status with at least 51% Black ownership. Mandatory documents include a completed and signed RFQ and SBD forms, a valid SARS PIN, a CSD registration number, a COID letter of good standing, attendance at the compulsory briefing (9 November 2026, 11:00, 6th Floor, Shosholoza Meyl Junction, Braamfontein), and a SETA or FOA accreditation letter. Bids must be hand-delivered to the Ground Floor, Shosholoza Meyl Junction, Cnr Leyds and Simmonds Street, Braamfontein, by 10:00 on 12 November 2026. Email and fax submissions are not accepted. Note that the SBD1 cover page lists a closing date of 09 November 2026, which conflicts with the 12 November date stated elsewhere, so bidders should confirm the date with the contact person before submitting. Bids must remain valid for 90 working days.