Consulting services for mzimvubu water project: integrated water services masterplan and implementation readiness study

Compulsory briefing session: 27 May 2026 at 10:00 AM (Microsoft Teams). Clarification deadline: 5 working days before the closing date. Closing date: 18 June 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Enquiries: Hlekane Maringa. Email: [email protected].

Submit one original proposal and one copy in sealed envelopes. Include one unencrypted USB drive containing an electronic copy (Microsoft Excel) of the price schedules. All submissions must be delivered to the TCTA Head Office, 1st Floor Building 9, Byls Bridge Office Park, Olievenhoutbosch Rd, Centurion, 0157. Bids must be submitted during office hours (08:00–16:30). Late, telephonic, telegraphic, telex, facsimile, or emailed bids will be rejected. Outer packaging must clearly reflect the bid description and number.

The tender follows a 5-stage evaluation process: Stage 1: Compulsory briefing session attendance (pass/fail). Stage 2: Mandatory returnable documents (pass/fail). Stage 3: Functionality (minimum threshold 60/100). Stage 4: Price (80 points) and Specific Goals (20 points). Stage 5: Supplier vetting. Functionality is scored based on Company Experience (40 points) and Personnel Experience (60 points).

The project requires a Professional Service Provider (PSP) to conduct an Integrated Water Services Masterplan and Implementation Readiness Study for the Mzimvubu Water Project. Key tasks include: 1. Infrastructure gap assessment. 2. Options analysis (centralized vs. decentralized water treatment). 3. Development of an integrated masterplan and prioritized project pipeline. 4. Funding alignment and financial modeling. 5. Stakeholder engagement and institutional alignment. The contract duration is 12 months.

Pricing must be firm, in Rands, and include all disbursements. Prices must be provided excluding and including VAT. The final contract will be a lump sum, but claims must be made on a time and cost basis per deliverable. The total amount claimed cannot exceed the total tendered amount. Any exclusion of specialist studies will result in automatic disqualification.

Bidders must provide a Tax Compliance Status Pin and proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). B-BBEE points are awarded based on a 20-point scale; bidders must submit a SANAS-accredited B-BBEE certificate or a valid sworn affidavit for EMEs/QSEs. Joint ventures must provide a consolidated B-BBEE certificate. Mandatory documents include the Price Summary of Cost Estimate; failure to submit will result in disqualification.

• Closing date for bid submission: 2026‑06‑18 10:00 UTC (as per tender record).
• No specific briefing, site‑visit or clarification dates are mentioned in the extracted text – bidders should refer to the official tender notice for any scheduled events.

• No explicit contact details are provided in the extracted text. Bidders must consult the official tender notice or the RFB cover page for the SCM/technical contact name, email address, telephone number and submission address.

• Complete all 54 returnable schedules and annexes listed in the RFB. If a schedule runs out of space, append additional sheets, cross‑reference them clearly and include a contents list of all supplementary pages.
• Sign every page of every schedule (including any appended tables).
• Provide the mandatory Price Summary of Cost Estimate (Annexure H) and the Letter of Offer (Annexure G) – the letter must state: total price (incl. VAT and escalation), bid validity period, confirmation of compliance with the RFB, insurance coverage, commencement date, time for completion and that the letter together with TCTA’s acceptance forms a binding contract.
• Submit the following non‑mandatory but required documents where applicable: company experience annexes (A1‑A4), personnel CVs (Annexure B), joint‑venture/consortium letter of intent (Annexure E), B‑BEE certificate or sworn affidavit (Annexure D), declaration of joint and several liability (Annexure F), and any other schedules listed (price letters, personnel costs, billing rates, mark‑up factors, direct reimbursable costs, cash flow, manpower schedule, programme charts).
• All documents must be compiled into a single bid package and delivered to the address specified in the RFB (not stated in the extracted text – use the submission address given in the official tender notice).
• Late submissions or incomplete returnables will be disqualified.

• Compliance with the returnable schedules is a material evaluation factor – points are awarded only when the required tables are fully completed and signed.
• Functionality points are allocated for: company experience (Annexures A1‑A4), personnel experience (Annexure B), methodology (Annexure C) and compliance documents (Annexures D‑F).
• The evaluation is stage‑based: first, administrative compliance (submission of all required schedules); second, technical functionality (experience, methodology, CVs); third, financial evaluation (price summary, cost estimate, cash flow).
• Minimum thresholds are not explicitly stated, but any non‑submission of a mandatory schedule (e.g., Price Summary) will result in automatic disqualification.
• Preference points may be awarded for B‑BEE compliance (Annexure D) and for demonstrated experience on large‑scale water infrastructure funding alignment (Annexure A4).

Scope of Services (Appendix 1) includes:

1. Inception Report – gap assessment, demand analysis, stakeholder register.
2. Options Analysis – three water‑treatment‑work configurations, lifecycle cost modelling, institutional capacity assessment.
3. Integrated Water Services Masterplan – development of masterplan and prioritized project pipeline.
4. Fundable Implementation Programme – alignment with funding streams, phased implementation plan.
5. Cost & Affordability Report – multi‑year funding model, fiscal risk register.
6. Stakeholder Engagement – MoAs (min 4), off‑take agreements (min 3), FOCAC brief, engagement plan.
7. Project Management – administration, progress reporting, risk register, final close‑out.
8. Skills Development – compliance with CIDB B.U.I.L.D. programme.

Bidder must submit a detailed methodology (Annexure C) demonstrating understanding of each task, any proposed variations or innovations, and how deliverables will be achieved. Failure to demonstrate adequate methodology may lead to rejection.

• Provide a Letter of Offer (Annexure G) with total price (incl. VAT and escalation) and bid validity period.
• Submit the mandatory Price Summary of Cost Estimate (Annexure H) and supporting schedules: personnel costs (Annexure I), billing rates (Annexure J), mark‑up factors (Annexure K), direct reimbursable costs (Annexure L), cash flow (Annexure M).
• All cost items must be presented in South African Rand, with VAT shown separately.
• Include any required bonds or guarantees only if stipulated in the RFB (not stated in extracted text).
• Payment terms will follow the Client/Consultant Model Services Agreement (FIDIC) – refer to the agreement annexes for escalation and remuneration details.

Required compliance documents:

• SANAS‑accredited B‑BEE certificate or sworn affidavit (Annexure D).
• Joint‑venture/consortium letter of intent and power of attorney (Annexure E) – include percent participation of South African engineering consultancies.
• Declaration of joint and several liability (Annexure F).
• Completed Request for Bid (SBD 1), Bidders Disclosure (SBD 4) and PPR 2022 compliance (SBD 6.1) schedules (Annexure P‑R).
• Company and personnel experience forms (Annexures A1‑A4, B) with CVs showing professional registrations, BEE status, and demographic status as per the Employment Equity Act.
• CIDB registration and skills development plan (Annexure O) to meet the CIDB B.U.I.L.D. programme requirements.
• Valid CIPC registration and tax compliance (CSD) – implied as standard requirement though not explicitly listed in the extracted text.

The document references a 2025/2026 deadline for resolving deficiencies identified by National Treasury (BFI-1712). All work must be completed in time for the 2026/27 financial year funding cycle.

Correspondence must be routed through the TCTA, with copies sent to the DWS Provincial Programme Managers. Meetings may be held at TCTA offices in Centurion, Mthatha Mzimvubu PMO facilities, or DWS offices in King William's Town or East London.

The tender requires the submission of a comprehensive programme (Appendix 4) and remuneration/payment details (Appendix 3). Monthly progress reports must be submitted on the 1st day of each month, accompanied by payment certificates and approved deliverables. All reports and documents must be submitted in two hard copies and one soft copy (original format and PDF). Digital signatures using Adobe Acrobat Pro (or compatible) are mandatory; wet signatures are not permitted.

The appointment is based on a multidisciplinary team approach. The consultant must provide a dedicated full-time Project Manager approved by TCTA. Evaluation includes functionality, specifically regarding the team's experience in integrated water services planning, financial modelling, and stakeholder facilitation. Skills development compliance (CIDB B.U.I.L.D. Programme) is a mandatory performance requirement.

The project involves a bridging study/masterplan for the Mzimvubu Water Project (MWP). Key tasks include: 1) Inception (Gap Assessment/Demand Analysis), 2) Options Analysis (Lifecycle costing for centralised/decentralised models), 3) Integrated Water Services Masterplan, 4) Fundable Implementation Programme, 5) Cost/Affordability Report and Funding Model, 6) Stakeholder Engagement (MoAs/Off-take agreements), 7) Project Management (FIDIC White Book 2006), and 8) Skills Development (CIDB B.U.I.L.D).

Bidders must include costs for all services, including skills development and a dedicated part-time skills development manager, in their bid submission (Appendix 3). Payment is linked to approved deliverables and monthly progress certificates. The consultant must prepare resource-based cost estimates and multi-year cash flows.

Must comply with the National Water Act, Water Services Act, PFMA, Municipal Systems Act, and TCTA SCM Policy. Mandatory adherence to the CIDB Standard for Developing Skills through Infrastructure Contracts (March 2023). Skills development progress must be audited annually by an independent external auditor at the consultant's cost.

The Consultant must provide all personnel, equipment, facilities, and services required for the project. TCTA will not supply these at no cost. The scope of work includes: 1. Inception Report; 2. Options Analysis Report; 3. Mzimvubu Integrated Water Services Masterplan; 4. Fundable Implementation Programme for prioritized pipeline of projects; 5. Cost and Affordability Report, including Financial Model; 6. Stakeholder Engagement and Alignment; 7. Project Management; 8. Skills Development in line with the CIDB B.U.I.L.D. programme. Note: TCTA may second graduate engineers, technologists, technicians, and environmental scientists to the Consultant for training and skills development purposes.

All costs for personnel, equipment, facilities, and services required by the Consultant must be included in the Consultant’s remuneration or elsewhere in the Agreement. No items will be provided by TCTA free of cost.

Skills Development: Must align with the CIDB B.U.I.L.D. programme. TCTA may second graduate engineers, technologists, technicians, and environmental scientists to the Consultant for training purposes.

• Escalation base date: Commencement Date of the contract.\n• Price freeze: Billing rates, consultancy fees (fixed percentage), and direct reimbursable costs remain unchanged for the first 12 calendar months.\n• Annual adjustment: After 12 months, rates are adjusted annually on the anniversary date using the Consumer Price Index (CPI for all urban areas – STATS SA P0141, Headline).\n• Budgeting guidance: Bidders must allow 5% per annum for escalation in cash flow forecasts.

• Time charging: Maximum 1 person-month per personnel per calendar month. No contingencies, bonuses, or profit-sharing allowances permitted.\n• Costs: Administration (e.g., secretaries, clerks) and direct reimbursable costs must be explicitly listed in the bid or are deemed covered in other proposal elements.\n• Insurance: Liability and indemnity insurance required as per Clause 7.1 of the Conditions of Agreement.\n• Personnel: Only named/assigned personnel in the Agreement will be accepted for invoicing. Changes require prior TCTA approval.\n• Invoicing: Submit tax invoices within 7 days of each month’s end. Format and details must be pre-agreed with TCTA. No payments until format is finalised.\n• Bank details: Provide original signed bank destination instructions, specimen signatures, and VAT certificate (if applicable). E-mails, photocopies, or faxes are not accepted. Changes require 28 days’ notice.

• Scope: Consulting services for the Mzimvubu Water Project, including integrated water services masterplan and implementation readiness study.\n• Dependencies: Costs for equipment, facilities, and third-party services must align with Appendix 2 (Personnel, Equipment, Facilities and Services of Others). If not explicitly listed, they are deemed included in the financial proposal.\n• Deliverables: Must comply with Scope of Services (Appendix 1) and Time Schedule for Services (Appendix 4).\n• Payment terms: Time and currency of payment are defined in the main Agreement.\n• Additional services: No payment for unauthorised Additional or Exceptional Services. Variation Orders require TCTA approval.

• Pricing structure: Financial proposal must cover all costs, including equipment, facilities, and third-party services (Appendix 2). Unlisted items are deemed incorporated elsewhere in the bid.\n• Personnel costs: Billing is on a person-month basis using rates from Personnel Billing Rates (Returnable). Rates cover: salaries (no bonuses), overheads (admin, office rent, etc.), overtime, and support staff.\n• Personnel categories: 12 levels for Engineers, Technologists, Technicians, and Scientists, based on qualifications (NQF 6–8) and years of experience. Professional registrations (Pr Eng, Pr Eng Techno, Pr Eng Techni, Pr Sci Nat) required where applicable.\n• Foreign personnel: Must provide evidence of equivalent qualifications and registrations if outside Southern Africa.\n• High-level billing: Motivation required for levels >11 (reserved for specialists, review panel members, or executive managers).\n• Consultant’s fee: Fixed percentage of personnel costs (Summary of Cost Estimate – Returnable). Only personnel billing rates are subject to price changes; the fee percentage remains fixed.\n• Direct reimbursable costs: TCTA reimburses reasonable costs (no mark-up) for: per diem allowances, site allowances, accommodation, and other listed items (Direct Reimbursable Costs – Returnable).\n• Provisional sums: Only expended with TCTA’s written approval (Additional/Exceptional Services). Includes: TCTA adjudication/arbitration costs (TCTA’s costs only), additional surveys/studies, and secondment of TCTA graduates/engineers/scientists. Fixed mark-up on handling charges applies.\n• Escalation: Rates remain fixed for 12 months post-commencement, then adjusted annually using CPI (STATS SA P0141). Budget for 5% annual escalation.\n• Cash flow: Provide estimated monthly cash flow for the project duration, including personnel costs, consultant’s fee, direct reimbursable costs, escalation, provisional sums, and variation orders. Update monthly.\n• Payment method: Direct transfer to Consultant’s bank account. No direct payments to consortium/joint venture members.\n• Invoicing: Submit tax invoices monthly (within 7 days of month-end). Invoices must include: statement of account, PO number, TCTA/VAT details, personnel costs (net person-months, rates, budgets), consultant’s fee, direct reimbursable costs (by line item), escalation, variation orders, and cumulative totals.\n• Audits: TCTA may inspect records (time charges, salaries, cost-control procedures) and adjust rates retroactively if inaccuracies are found. Excess payments may be offset or reimbursed within 28 days.

• Professional registrations: Personnel must hold valid registrations where applicable: Professional Engineer (Pr Eng), Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Eng Techno), Professional Engineering Technician (Pr Eng Techni) from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA); Professional Natural Scientist (Pr Sci Nat) from the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.\n• Qualifications: Minimum NQF levels: Engineer (Level 8), Technologist (Level 7), Technician (Level 6), Environmental Scientist (Level 7).\n• Foreign personnel: Must provide evidence of equivalent qualifications and professional registrations if from outside Southern Africa.\n• Insurance: Liability and indemnity insurance required as per Clause 7.1 of the Conditions of Agreement.\n• VAT: VAT registration certificate required if the Consultant is a VAT vendor.\n• Documentation: Original signed bank instructions, specimen signatures, and VAT certificate must be provided. No electronic copies accepted.\n• Invoicing compliance: Tax invoices must meet TCTA’s agreed format and include all required details (e.g., PO number, VAT numbers, cumulative costs).