The University of the Western Cape (UWC) invited qualified bidders to submit proposals for a Sustainable Energy Security solution, which encompassed the construction, installation, metering, maintenance, operations, and financing of the project.
The project utilized a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, allowing bidders to leverage their own supply chains, including contractors and subcontractors, to achieve the project’s goals. Bidders were required to provide a monthly cost for the BOT model and submit an option for capital expenditure (CAPEX) funding.
The required infrastructure included a Solar PV System, which consisted of a 4 Megawatt peak (MWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for UWC’s Main Campus residences, academic buildings, Unibell residence, and a carport solar PV system for the Chemical Science car park. Additionally, an Energy Metering and Load Monitoring System was deployed, incorporating both hardware and software to monitor and manage energy usage across the UWC campus.
The operation and maintenance of the Sustainable Energy Security infrastructure included routine maintenance as well as provisions for technology upgrades and replacements, ensuring optimal performance throughout the contract period.
The operations and maintenance period offered by bidders lasted a maximum of 20 years from the issuance of the Completion Certificate for the infrastructure.
Qualification Criteria
To be considered for this tender, service providers needed to meet several mandatory criteria and submit specific documents, including payment of a tender fee of R1,150.00 (inclusive of VAT),
Company registration documents, a valid tax clearance certificate, a valid BBBEE certificate or related documents,
A Department of Labour Letter of Good Standing (COIDA), and the latest financial statements for the past two years. Bidders also provided proof of Contractors All Risk Insurance and three project reference letters for similar work, along with completing a Schedule of Current Contracts.
