Request for quotation (RFQ) for the provision of license renewal for sophos malware protection and data encryption suite for the period of five (5) years to the csir

Meet technical specifications exactly: 350 Sophos XDR – Server licenses, 1 SF SW/Virtual Xstream Protection license, and 1 SF SW/Virtual Webserver Protection (WAF) license for 60 months.

Threshold: 60 months

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.

Scope: Renewal of Sophos Malware protection and data encryption suite licenses for a 5-year (60-month) period. Required licenses and quantities: Sophos XDR – Server (350 licenses), SF SW/Virtual Xstream Protection - UP TO 16 CORES & UNL RAM (1 license), SF SW/Virtual Webserver Protection - UP TO 16 CORES & UNL RAM (WAF) (1 license). Detailed specifications are provided in Annexure A. Bidders must fully comply with all specification requirements to avoid disqualification.

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.

Pricing must be in ZAR, inclusive of all taxes, and cover all costs (freight, insurance, duties). Use Annexure B’s 5-year breakdown with escalations.

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.

Pricing must be in South African Rand (ZAR), inclusive of all applicable taxes and less unconditional discounts. Clearly indicate if prices are subject to escalation or exchange rate fluctuations, including the currency and rate of exchange (ROE) used. Prices must cover all additional costs such as freight, insurance until acceptance, and duties where applicable. Use the Pricing Schedule in Annexure B, providing a year-by-year breakdown for all 5 years, including escalations. Explanatory notes are required for deviations from the Pricing Schedule. Payment terms: As per CSIR Payment Terms and Conditions. No goods or services will be accepted without an official CSIR Purchase Order number quoted on the invoice.

Threshold: 5 years

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

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Mandatory returnables: Completed Pricing Schedule (Annexure B) and proof of Sophos authorised partner status for enterprise solutions in South Africa.

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.

Submit electronically to [email protected] by 08/05/2026 @ 16h30. Use RFQ No. 9528/08/05/2026 and the tender description as the email subject. Maximum file size: 25MB per email. Cloud storage links (e.g., WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox) are not accepted. Late submissions or submissions to incorrect email addresses will be disqualified. Required returnables: Annexure C (SBD 1 Form), Annexure D (SBD 4 Form), Annexure E (Preference Points Award Form), Annexure F (Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement). Mandatory returnables: Completed Pricing Schedule (Annexure B) and proof of Sophos authorised partner status for enterprise solutions in South Africa. All documents must be completed and signed by an authorised representative.

Threshold: Maximum file size: 25MB per email

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.

Registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) and valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or certificate are required.

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 all essential returnables: SBD 1 (Annexure C), SBD 4 (Annexure D), Preference Points Form (Annexure E), and Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure F).

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.

B-BBEE compliance: Valid SANAS-accredited certificate needed to claim preference points (80/20 system: 80 for price, 20 for Black Ownership).

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.

Evaluation occurs in two phases: Phase 1 (Elimination Criteria) and Phase 2 (Price and Preference Points). Bidders failing Phase 1 are disqualified. Elimination criteria: Late bids, incorrect submission location/email, listing on NT database of restricted suppliers or Register of Tender Defaulters, failure to submit mandatory returnables (Annexure B and Sophos partner proof), or failure to meet specification requirements. Phase 2 uses the 80/20 preference point system: 80 points for price (lowest acceptable bid scores highest), 20 points for B-BBEE (Black Ownership: 100% = 20 points, 51-99% = 10 points, <51% = 0 points). Valid SANAS-accredited B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit required for preference points. Joint ventures/consortia must submit consolidated B-BBEE scorecard if unincorporated; each party must provide separate TCS PIN/CSD number.

Threshold: 80 points

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.

Mandatory registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) at www.csd.gov.za. Tax compliance: Submit valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or printed TCS certificate. If no TCS PIN is available, provide CSD number. Non-compliance results in disqualification or contract cancellation. For consortia/joint ventures, each party must submit separate TCS PIN/CSD number. B-BBEE: Valid SANAS-accredited B-BBEE certificate required to claim preference points. Proof of Sophos authorised partner status for enterprise solutions in South Africa is mandatory. No bids accepted from state employees, companies with directors in state service, or close corporations with members in state service. Complete and sign SBD 1 (Annexure C), SBD 4 (Annexure D), Preference Points Form (Annexure E), and Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure F).

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.