Appointment of a service provider to undertake research project coe 240201 “develop pre-tensioning guidelines for anti-spin (asp) cable bolts under various rock mass conditions”.

The Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) seeks to appoint a service provider to develop practical, evidence-based pre-tensioning guidelines for Anti-Spin (ASP) cable bolts under various rock mass conditions. This research aims to improve ground support performance and mine health and safety outcomes in the South African Mining Industry (SAMI). The project addresses the lack of universal guidelines for optimum pre-tension levels in ASP cable bolts, particularly in complex ground conditions. Current empirical methods (e.g., RMR and Q-system) are often generalised for cable bolt tensioning. The outcome will contribute to better ground control practices and reduced ground-failure incidents.

Why it matters: This is a qualified operational interpretation of the stored scope, not a stated mandatory or scored criterion.

Inferred from stored analysis; verify against the source document.

The project involves developing pre-tensioning guidelines for Anti-Spin (ASP) cable bolts under various rock mass conditions. The goal is to improve health and safety in the South African mining industry by providing actionable research outcomes. The proposal must include: an executive summary, introduction and background, research questions/hypotheses, aim and objectives, significance of the study, literature review, research methodology, outputs (primary and secondary), and a plan for transferring research outcomes for implementation or dissemination.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

Develop pre-tensioning guidelines for Anti-Spin (ASP) cable bolts under various rock mass conditions. Key deliverables: research outcomes, methodology, literature review, project milestones (initiation, draft final report, final report and close-out presentation), and a transfer plan for implementation or dissemination. The study must address: research questions/hypotheses, significance, ethical considerations, and limitations as per the ToR.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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Pricing must be in South African Rand (R) and inclusive of all applicable taxes, including VAT (15%). Complete the pricing schedule (SBD 3.1) in full, including all costs to deliver services (supply, delivery, maintenance, etc.). For imported goods/services, specify the exchange currency, rate at time of bidding, and the portion of the bid price subject to fluctuations. Submit pricing proposals with the technical proposal in a clearly labelled folder. Price changes due to CPI, PPI, or industry factors may be allowed as per the signed contract. Payment terms: Within 30 days from receipt of invoice after completion of deliverables, in accordance with PFMA and Treasury Regulations 8.2.3. Bid price validity: 120 days from closing date. Pricing schedules must be completed in full; errors or discrepancies will default to the price indicated on the schedule.

Threshold: 30 days

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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Provide a detailed financial summary per milestone (e.g., project initiation, draft final report, final report). Include: Human Resources (HR) costs, Capital Costs, Operating or Running Costs, and Sub-contractor Costs. Total project cost must be specified excluding and including VAT. If sub-contractors are involved, list their names, activities, and costs (including VAT). Proof of VAT registration must be provided if VAT is charged; if not VAT registered, no VAT must be charged.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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Two-envelope system: Submit 1 original + 2 hard copies of the technical proposal, 1 electronic copy (PDF on USB), and 1 hard copy of the pricing proposal (SBD 3.1).

Why it matters: This is a qualified operational interpretation of the stored scope, not a stated mandatory or scored criterion.

Inferred from stored analysis; verify against the source document. No source document identifier is stored for this item.

Pricing must be in ZAR, inclusive of VAT (15%), and valid for 120 days from closing date. All returnable documents (SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, SBD 3, SBD 7) must be fully completed and signed.

Threshold: 120 days

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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Contract duration: 18 months (15 months for project work, 3 months for MHSC administrative duties). MHSC reserves the right to: Request presentations, conduct reference checks, terminate the contract within the first week if the service provider misrepresents capabilities, amend the bid (publicised on original platforms), carry out site inspections, or call for supporting documentation. Bidders may not modify their pricing during the 120-day bid validity period. All documents and certifications must be valid at the time of submission. No service will be rendered without an official MHSC Purchase Order. MHSC is not liable for bid preparation costs or missing/duplicated pages.

Threshold: 18 months

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

Complete the Bid Price Schedule (SBD 3.1) for all activities: Project initiation, literature review report, rock mass characterisation report, laboratory test report, field trials report, in-situ data report, correlation analysis report, pre-tensioning guideline/manual, stakeholder workshop report, draft report, and final report. Include: Total exc VAT, VAT (15%), and total inc VAT. Prices must cover all costs (supply, delivery, maintenance, overheads) and remain valid for 120 days. For exchange rate fluctuations, specify the currency, rate, and affected portion of the bid price. Pricing must be submitted in a clearly labelled folder with the technical proposal.

Threshold: 120 days

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

Submit bids to the tender box at: B7 Maple Place, 145 Western Service Road, Woodmead, Sandton, 2080. Late submissions or incorrect delivery addresses will be disqualified. Required documents: 1 original + 2 hard copies of the technical proposal, 1 electronic copy (PDF on USB), and 1 hard copy of the pricing proposal (two-envelope system). All bids must be submitted on official forms provided. Bids close at 11:00 on 06 July 2026. Bid validity period: 120 days from closing date. Ensure all returnable documents (SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, SBD 3, and SBD 7 where applicable) are fully completed, signed, and submitted. Bids submitted via telegram, telex, facsimile, or similar means will not be considered.

Threshold: 120 days

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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Submit bids by 06 July 2026 at 11:00 to the tender box at B7 Maple Place, 145 Western Service Road, Woodmead, Sandton, 2080 (late submissions disqualified).

Why it matters: This is a qualified operational interpretation of the stored scope, not a stated mandatory or scored criterion.

Inferred from stored analysis; verify against the source document. No source document identifier is stored for this item.

Mandatory compliance: CSD registration, tax compliance (SARS PIN/CSD number), and Chamber of Mines Certificate in Rock Mechanics (COMCRM).

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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The service provider must acknowledge awareness of the Mine Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. As an employer, the service provider has duties and responsibilities as prescribed in the OHS Act. MHSC promotes a culture of occupational health and safety in the mining industry. Compliance with these acts is mandatory for the project.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

Proof of VAT registration must be provided if VAT is charged; if not VAT registered, no VAT must be charged. The proposing organisation must declare that: the information provided is true and correct, they have the expertise and facilities required for satisfactory completion of the project, and costs quoted are in accordance with normal practice and can be substantiated by audit.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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The project proposal must address four requirements: 1) Clearly defined methodology (design/approach, participants, datasets, study sites, instruments, procedures). 2) Feasibility of the proposed methodology (accessibility of participants/sites, data collection, sample sizes). 3) Full coverage of all scope items in the project terms of reference. 4) Project schedule with expected outcomes, clear timelines, and costing. Proposals that reproduce the scope verbatim without a clear methodological approach will score 0 points. Attach the project proposal as per the provided template.

Threshold: 0 points

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

Service provider requirements: Minimum 5 years of experience in applied research/consulting (company profile required). Project team must include: At least one member with 10+ years of experience in rock engineering with underground mining (CV required). At least one geologist with 5+ years of experience in the mining sector (CV required). Qualifications: Rock engineer: Master’s degree or above (5 points), Honours degree (3 points), less than Honours (0 points). Geologist: Master’s degree or above (5 points), Honours degree (3 points), less than Honours (0 points). Team members in the proposal must execute the project; replacements must match the original expertise and experience.

Threshold: Minimum 5 years of experience in applied research/consulting (compan

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

General criteria: The service provider must have expertise in mining engineering, rock mechanics, or a related field. The organisation must demonstrate capacity to undertake the research, including facilities, equipment, and personnel. Proof of VAT registration (if applicable) must be provided. The proposing organisation must declare the accuracy of information and their capability to complete the project. Technical criteria: The project team must include qualified researchers with experience in cable bolt systems, rock mechanics, or mine safety. The proposal must align with the technical/functional criteria outlined in the Terms of Reference (ToR). The service provider must have a track record of delivering similar research projects successfully.

Why it matters: The source places this item in the evaluation criteria; the recorded weight or threshold is shown when available.

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Minimum requirements: 5+ years of applied research/consulting experience, 10+ years of rock engineering experience (at least one team member), and 5+ years of geology experience in mining (at least one team member).

Threshold: Minimum requirements: 5+ years of applied research/consulting experi

Why it matters: This is a qualified operational interpretation of the stored scope, not a stated mandatory or scored criterion.

Inferred from stored analysis; verify against the source document. No source document identifier is stored for this item.

Submit the following returnable documents as part of the proposal: completed proposal template, executive summary, detailed project plan, budget summary (including VAT if applicable), CVs of the project team, copies of qualifications, and a signed declaration by the proposing organisation. Proof of VAT registration must be provided if VAT is charged; if not VAT registered, no VAT must be charged.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

No source document identifier is stored for this item.

Scope of work: Develop pre-tensioning guidelines for Anti-Spin (ASP) cable bolts under various rock mass conditions. Key tasks: Conduct national and international literature review on pre-tension practices and ASP cable bolt performance. Characterise common rock mass types in the South African Mining Industry (SAMI) using RMR and Q-system. Design and perform laboratory pull-out and shear tests using ASP cable bolts in simulated rock masses. Implement field trials in at least three underground operations (weak, moderate, strong rock mass conditions). Collect in-situ data on axial load, displacement, ground response, and support performance under different pre-tension levels. Determine correlation between rock mass condition (quality and stress) and required pre-tension for optimal performance. Develop a pre-tensioning guideline/manual for ASP cable bolts. Conduct a hybrid stakeholder workshop in Gauteng. Expected deliverables: Reports on literature review, rock mass characterisation, laboratory tests, field trials, in-situ data, correlation analysis, pre-tensioning guideline/manual, stakeholder workshop, draft report, and final report. Contract period: 18 months (15 months for project work, 3 months for MHSC administrative duties).

Threshold: at least three underground operations (weak

Why it matters: The source says this applies after appointment and concerns contract delivery.

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Evaluation: 3-phase process (Mandatory, Functionality ≥70%, Pricing/B-BBEE 80/20).

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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Evaluation uses the 80/20 preferential procurement principle. Price scoring (80 points): Ps = 80(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin), where Ps = points for the tender under consideration, Pt = tender price, Pmin = lowest acceptable tender price. Preference points (20 points): Allocated based on B-BBEE compliance as claimed in SBD 6.1, supported by a valid certificate or sworn affidavit. Mandatory disqualifiers: Tax non-compliance, CSD non-registration, incomplete/unsigned documents, misrepresentation, fraud, or fronting. Bidders must achieve 70% in the functionality evaluation to progress to pricing evaluation.

Threshold: 80 points

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

Evaluation follows a 3-phase process: Phase 1 (Mandatory Evaluation) checks compliance with mandatory requirements, including CSD registration, tax compliance, and submission of all returnable documents. Phase 2 (Functionality Evaluation) requires a minimum 70% score to progress, with criteria weighted as follows: Company experience in applied research/consulting (5 points), reference letters (5 points), team member experience in rock engineering (20 points), qualifications of the rock engineer (15 points), team member experience in geology (10 points), qualifications of the geologist (10 points), and quality of the project proposal (35 points). Phase 3 (Pricing and Specific Goals Evaluation) uses the 80/20 principle: 80 points for price (lowest bid scores highest) and 20 points for B-BBEE preference goals (supported by valid certificates). Mandatory requirements include: Chamber of Mines Certificate in Rock Mechanics (COMCRM), 5+ years of applied research/consulting experience, 10+ years of rock engineering experience (at least one team member), and 5+ years of geology experience in mining (at least one team member). Disqualifiers: late submissions, incomplete/unsigned documents, tax non-compliance, CSD non-registration, misrepresentation, fraud, or fronting.

Threshold: minimum 70% score to progress

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

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Mandatory compliance: Registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) with proof of registration. Tax compliance: Valid SARS Tax Verification PIN or CSD supplier number (captured in SBD 1). Chamber of Mines Certificate in Rock Mechanics (COMCRM) must be attached. Submission of all returnable documents: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 4 (Bidder’s Disclosure Form), SBD 6.1 (Preference Claim Form with valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit), SBD 3 (Pricing Schedule), and SBD 7 (Contract Form, upon award). Bidders must ensure all documents are valid at the time of submission. Failure to comply with any mandatory requirement will result in disqualification. Additional: Adherence to POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) and Occupational Health and Safety Act. No bids from persons in the service of the state or entities with directors/members in state service.

Why it matters: The source identifies this as a mandatory or eligibility condition for a compliant bid.

No source document identifier is stored for this item.