Low-Pressure Pipes and Fittings Supply and Support

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd has issued an open tender (Reference E3718GXMPCAM) for the manufacturing, supply, delivery and aftersales support of low-pressure system pipes and fittings for Camden Power Station in Mpumalanga. The contract runs for 48 months and is governed by the NEC3 Supply Contract (SC3), with price adjustment for inflation (X1), changes in law (X2), delay damages (X7) and low-performance damages (X17). The tender was published on 5 November 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026 at 10:00 (South African Standard Time), with submissions made electronically via the Eskom e-tendering site. Tenders remain valid for 180 days from the closing date.

The scope covers the fabrication of pipes and fittings, supply and delivery to site, and ongoing aftersales technical support. Mandatory technical criteria require the tenderer to prove ownership of a pipe manufacturing plant through a letter signed by the managing director on company letterhead, or, for OEM agents, a valid distribution agreement together with the OEM's confirmation of plant ownership. The manufacturer must declare full compliance with Eskom Standard 240-123801640, and a Technical Representative with a minimum N6 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering must be nominated. Qualitative scoring rewards experience (five completed and signed purchase orders with matching delivery notes for pipe supply in the past five years, weighted at 40%), a detailed method statement covering fabrication, storage, handling and transportation (30%), and the nominated representative's relevant experience in steel piping, flanges, fittings and couplings (30%). A minimum technical score of 70% applies, with Eskom retaining the right to consider bidders scoring 60% to 69% if technically acceptable.

Preference is evaluated under the 80/20 or 90/10 system, depending on the lowest acceptable tender value, with specific goals based on B-BBEE status. Objective criteria apply: steel conveyance pipes, pipe fittings and specials, and forged fittings carry a 100% local content threshold, supported by SBD 6.2 and Annexures C, D and E. Health, safety, environmental and quality requirements (ISO 9001-aligned QMS, SHEQ plan, risk assessments, environmental management and waste plans) must be met before award. Supplier development obligations include a quarterly SDL&I report, a 1.5% retention on invoices as security, and a skills bursary programme for TVET learners (N3/Matric to N6) sourced from Msukaligwa Municipality. Subcontracting of transport to designated EME or QSE suppliers, at least 51% black-owned, is expected. Mandatory returnables include valid CSD registration, a tax compliance status or SARS PIN, audited financial statements (or the applicable review or compilation report), an integrity declaration, and a completed authorisation form.

For businesses, this tender offers a long-term, 48-month supply and support relationship with a major state-owned utility. It is best suited to established pipe manufacturers, or OEM-authorised distributors with verifiable plant ownership and quality systems, and it rewards bidders who can demonstrate delivery track record, technical depth, and genuine local content and SDL&I commitments. Contract value is not stated in the tender documents, so bidders should confirm the scale of the requirement through the Eskom Procurement Representative before committing resources.