PSIRA Certificate of Registration vs Letter of Good Standing for Tenders

When submitting a tender bid for security services, the document checklist will often ask for "Proof of PSIRA Registration". Does this mean your certificate or your letter of good standing? The answer is usually both, but they serve different purposes.

1. Certificate of Registration

• What is it? This is the document issued when you first successfully register your company.
• Purpose: It proves that your entity exists on the PSIRA database and was legally formed to provide security services.
• Validity: It generally does not expire unless you are deregistered, but it does not prove you are currently up to date with fees.
• Tender Use: Used to prove identity and qualification.

2. Letter of Good Standing (LOGS)

• What is it? A letter issued by PSIRA confirming that your financial obligations (annual fees, fines) are fully paid up for the current financial year.
• Purpose: It proves financial compliance and active status.
• Validity: Valid for a specific period (e.g., 90 days) or until the financial year ends.
• Tender Use: Used to prove compliance and active status.

Common Tender Application Mistake

A common mistake is submitting only the Certificate of Registration. A tender committee might reject this because, while registered, you might be suspended for non-payment of fees.

The Golden Rule: Always submit certified copies of both in your tender pack.

• Certificate: Showing you are a security provider.
• Letter of Good Standing: Showing you are a compliant security provider.

Conclusion

Request a fresh Letter of Good Standing well before the tender closing date. System delays happen, and you don't want to miss a deadline because you were waiting for a document.