How To Use This UK Generator Tender Template
This engineer-led template helps you specify new standby diesel generators with clarity. Copy each heading into your tender or Employer’s Requirements and complete with site data, performance targets and acceptance criteria.
- Keep requirements measurable: reference standards, set test thresholds and define pass/fail criteria.
- Use plain language, clear scope limits and unambiguous responsibilities so bidders price like-for-like.
- State who provides civils, fuel systems, electrical interfaces and controls to streamline commissioning.
Project Overview And Scope Of Supply
- Site context and duty: Standby to ISO 8528, expected runtime per outage, resilience goals (e.g., N+1, black start, no-break loads).
- Critical services and operating profile: essential loads, operating hours, maintenance access, environmental constraints.
- Scope: supply only or turnkey including delivery, installation, commissioning, testing, training and documentation.
- Interfaces: civils/plinth, fuel storage and transfer, LV switchgear/ATS, BMS/SCADA, fire and leak detection.
- Sector specifics (e.g., healthcare, data centres, manufacturing, utilities) and uptime/permit requirements.
Power Rating And Sizing (kVA/kW)
- Provide a sizing report covering: steady/transient loads, starting methods (DOL/soft start/VFD), UPS compatibility, THDi, step-load performance.
- Performance limits: max voltage dip (e.g., ≤15%) and frequency dip with recovery times; steady‑state voltage/frequency stability; target power factor (typically 0.8 lag).
- Site electrical data: nominal voltage/frequency, earthing arrangement, short-circuit levels.
- Rating basis: Standby (ESP) or Prime (PRP) to ISO 8528, with headroom for growth or N+1 resilience.
- Quick checks: use our kVA calculator and see ISO 8528 standby vs prime guidance.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Engine And Alternator Specification
- Engines: allow recognised brands (e.g., JCB, Perkins, Baudouin, Cummins) with FG Wilson‑style packaging acceptable. State make/model, displacement, governor class, altitude/ambient limits.
- Fuel and service: fuel consumption at 50/75/100% load, service intervals, recommended spares and fluids.
- Emissions: confirm MCPD/NRMM applicability, after‑treatment (if any) and fuel quality assumptions. See MCPD/NRMM compliance.
- Alternator: make/model, AVR type and stability, winding pitch, short‑circuit ratio, IP and insulation class.
- Acceptance criteria: voltage regulation, total waveform distortion, transient recovery, temperature rise.
Controls, Monitoring And ATS Integration
- ATS: rating, changeover method (open/closed/soft), 3‑ or 4‑pole neutral switching, bypass isolation, mechanical/electrical interlocks.
- Protection and logic: interface with site protection, any parallel/load‑shed controls, safe retransfer logic.
- Controller: platform (e.g., Deep Sea/ComAp), I/O count, PLC functions, trending, Modbus/BACnet, remote alarms.
- Earthing/neutral strategy: align to BS 7671 and protection studies; define N‑E bonding and sensing.
- Resources: ATS panels and LV integration, earthing and neutral switching.
Electrical Interface And Protection
- Output breaker: ACB/MCCB, frame size, rating, short‑circuit withstand, protection functions and metering.
- Studies: protection coordination and selectivity with existing switchgear; earth leakage/RCM strategy and settings to avoid nuisance trips.
- Parallel/export: define G99/G98 obligations, protection relays, and witness test requirements.
- Power quality: harmonic performance and AVR stability with UPS/VFD/non‑linear loads; provide test data.
- Reference guidance: generator output protection ACB vs MCCB.
Mechanical Systems: Fuel, Cooling, Exhaust And Acoustics
- Fuel: P&IDs for bulk/day tanks, polishing/filtration, bunding, transfer controls; day‑tank autonomy; leak detection; fill/vent/overflow arrangements; fuel standard.
- Cooling/ventilation: airflow and static pressure calculations, heat rejection, radiator/alternator derates, maximum ambient and altitude.
- Exhaust: permissible backpressure, silencer grade, NOx/PM controls, flue routing and termination.
- Acoustics: targets at receptors/boundary to BS 4142; octave‑band data and acceptance at FAT/SAT or post‑installation tests.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Enclosure, Installation And Logistics
- Canopy/container: acoustic rating, IP class, corrosion category, paint system, baseframe, anti‑vibration mounts, lifting points, fuel tie‑ins.
- Siteworks: plinth details, gland plates, cable entries, condensate/spill management, hot‑air discharge and intake louvers.
- Logistics: delivery methodology, cranage plans, RAMS, access route surveys, offload constraints.
- Export (if applicable): packing specification and export documentation.
Compliance, Quality Assurance And Documentation
- Standards matrix: ISO 8528, BS 7671, EMC, G99/G98, MCPD/NRMM (as applicable), CE/UKCA marking.
- QA: ITPs, RAMS, calibration certificates, materials traceability, weld/NDT records (if relevant).
- Testing: FAT/SAT scope and witness points—load bank testing, protection checks, controls integration.
- Documentation: complete O&M manuals, as‑builts, parts lists, training records, acoustic/emissions test reports.
Commissioning, Performance Testing And Handover
- Performance tests: 25–100% step loads, max voltage/frequency dips, recovery times, steady‑state stability.
- Functional tests: black start, auto start/stop, alarms/trips, remote monitoring, ATS sequences and fail‑safes.
- Handover pack: signed test results, as‑built drawings, parameter backups, training certificates, warranty start.
- Defects: rectification timescales, retest criteria and close‑out evidence.
Commercial Terms, Programme And Guarantees
- Pricing breakdown: generator set, ATS, delivery, installation, commissioning, testing, training; options (acoustics, tank size, controls, redundancy).
- Clarifications: provisional sums, exclusions, client‑supplied items, utility shutdown windows.
- Programme: lead times, FAT dates, delivery, installation, SAT, resource plan and site constraints.
- Guarantees: minimum warranty terms, SLA response and fix times, recommended spares for year one.
Tender Response Matrix And Evaluation Criteria
- Response matrix: technical compliance, evidence, deviations and proposed alternatives.
- Supplier credentials: experience, H&S record, and three relevant references in comparable sectors.
- Evaluation weighting: technical compliance, lifecycle cost (fuel, maintenance, spares), programme, aftersales support and resilience outcomes.
Next Steps: Specify With Confidence
- Download the checklist, add your site specifics, and arrange a technical review to validate rating, ATS philosophy, compliance and commissioning plan.
- Shortlist brands aligned to your duty—JCB, Perkins and Baudouin are proven for UK standby applications.
- Explore our new generators for sale, or book a call with PowerTech Generators. Useful resources: ATS panels and the kVA calculator.
FAQs
What Information Do Bidders Need To Size The Generator Correctly?
Provide a load list (kW/kVA), starting methods, UPS type/size, THDi, acceptable voltage/frequency dips, future capacity, ambient/altitude and duty (standby/prime).
Should I Choose Open Or Closed Transition ATS?
Open transition suits most standby systems. Closed or soft transition may be required for no‑break transfers or sensitive loads—confirm via your protection study and operations plan.
How Do I Set Acoustic Requirements?
Use BS 4142 to set limits at receptors or site boundary. Request octave‑band data and agree acceptance at FAT/SAT or post‑installation measurements.
What Emissions Rules Apply To Standby Sets In The UK?
MCPD/NRMM may apply depending on size, location and hours. State expected run hours and require evidence of compliance and fuel quality assumptions.
What Are Typical Commissioning Acceptance Criteria?
Define maximum voltage/frequency dips on step load, recovery times, steady‑state stability, correct ATS logic, protection settings and successful black start. Record and sign all results.
Can I Keep Costs Down Without Compromising Resilience?
Specify essentials clearly, avoid oversizing, and choose proven brands with local support. Focus spend on ATS quality, ventilation, acoustics and protection coordination.