Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) Supply and Installation NEW

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has invited Request for Quotation (RFQ) TFR/2026/11/0002/115155/RFQ for the supply, delivery and installation of Automatic AC Voltage Control (AVC) equipment at Loop 4, Loop 5 and Loop 6. The AVCs, which are single-phase Automatic AC Voltage Regulators rated 0.5 kVA to 30 kVA, regulate the voltage from a 50 kV traction supply stepped down through a 50 kV/220 V transformer. Voltage can drop below 30% when heavy-laden trains enter the section, so the equipment must maintain a stabilised output with high accuracy (plus or minus 3%) across an input range of 150 to 250 V. The tap changers are installed at generator standby plants at the three loops. The contract is a priced NEC3 Term Service Contract (Option A) with a one-month service period, with a starting date stated in the contract data as 18 January 2027.

The scope covers the manufacture of three tap changer control panels built to IEC 439 sheet steel standards, with specified Moeller and Rhomberg components, cable entries, terminal blocks, earthing and test terminals. The contractor must supply, deliver and install one AVC at each of Loop 4, Loop 5 and Loop 6, including all materials and consumables. The equipment must be designed for altitudes of 0 to 1800 m, ambient temperatures of minus 5 to plus 45 degrees Celsius, humidity up to 86%, and heavily saline or industrial fume conditions near the coast. Pricing covers preliminaries and general costs, risk and safety (including risk assessment and standardised Transnet induction), and the three installation items. All electrical work must be performed by a Qualified Registered Electrician. The supplier must provide a 12-month guarantee with defect rectification within 24 hours of notification, and Transnet reserves the right to inspect equipment during manufacture. Contractors must also comply with the Transnet Health, Safety and Environmental specification (OHSA 1993, Construction Regulations, NEMA), including a project-specific HSE plan, HIRA, method statements, first aid provision, and a letter of good standing.

Tender evaluation is conducted in three stages. Bidders must attend the compulsory clarification meeting on 16 November 2026 at 11:00 at the Salkor Building in Saldanha, with a signed attendance certificate, or they will be disqualified. Bidders must be registered with the CIDB at 2EP grading or higher (joint ventures are permitted under set conditions). Functionality is scored out of 100 with a minimum threshold of 60 points, based on a works plan (30 points), previous experience on comparable projects (35 points), and project organogram with CVs and qualifications, including a Safety Officer and Quality Assurance Representative (35 points). Responsive tenders are then scored using the 80/20 preference system: 80 points for price and 20 points for specific goals, including B-BBEE Level 1 or 2 status, black women ownership, black youth ownership, and ownership by people with disabilities. Mandatory returnables include a valid SARS tax clearance with TCS PIN, a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, CIDB number, CSD registration, and the compulsory enterprise questionnaire. Tenders must be submitted electronically via the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal by 11:00 on 23 November 2026, with a validity period of 12 weeks from the closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted, and bidders are advised to upload at least one day before closing.