Innovation baseline & feasibility study for regional innovation network – limpopo tender

Closing date: 12 November 2026 at 16:00

Queries cut-off: 11 November 2026 at 16:00

Administrative enquiries:

• Contact: Mulalo Mahode
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 079 501 7950

Technical enquiries:

• Contact: Komosasa Mokaba
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 074 426 0000

Submission email: [email protected]

Submission method: email (the bid document must be completed in unerasable ink and emailed)

Submission email: [email protected]

Closing time: 12 November 2026 at 16:00 (late bids are rejected)

Returnable forms (all must be completed, signed and submitted unless noted):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid) – bidder details, signed as the cover page; failure to submit leads to disqualification.
• SBD 3.3 (Pricing Schedule – Professional Services) – completed and signed; failure to submit leads to disqualification.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure) – discloses any relationship with state employees; failure to submit leads to disqualification.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form) – claims preference points; non-submission scores zero on specific goals.
• Proof of CSD registration (detailed CSD report) – submission recommended; no bid considered from bidders not registered on CSD before submission.

Disqualification risks:

• Any required document missing, unsigned, or completed in pencil.
• Bids not aligned with the detailed specification.
• Bids from persons in the service of the state or companies with directors so employed.
• Bidders on the Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

Evaluation stages: Stage 1 (pre-qualification), Stage 2 (functionality, minimum 60/100), Stage 3 (price and specific goals, 80/20 system).

Stage 1 – Pre-qualification: submit all mandatory documents (SBD 1, SBD 3.3, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, CSD report). Non-submission disqualified unless otherwise noted.

Stage 2 – Functionality (minimum qualifying score: 60/100):

• Company experience: up to 25 points for Innovation Baseline Studies (4+ = 25, 3 = 20, 2 = 15, 1 = 10, 0 = 0); up to 25 points for Feasibility Studies (same scale). Verified by signed reference letters / appointment letters / purchase orders.
• Quality of proposal and methodology: 30 points for a detailed project plan covering all listed aspects (clear ToR understanding, detailed methodology, step-by-step approach, realistic timelines, defined deliverables and reporting framework); 25 for any four, 20 for three, 10 for two, 0 for one or none.
• Project team qualifications and experience: 20 points for a degree in Business Administration or related field plus 5+ years managing similar projects (15 for 3-4 years, 10 for 1-2 years, 0 for none). Verified by CVs, qualifications, professional registrations.

Stage 3 – Price and specific goals (80/20 system):

• Price: formula Ps = 80(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin).
• Specific goals (20 points total): black ownership 5, women equity 3, youth equity 2, disability 2 (medical certificate), promotion of small businesses 3 (latest financial statement), enterprises located in Limpopo 3 (proof of address), military veterans 2 (MVA force number). Verified via CSD report or stated document.

Deadlock resolution: higher specific goals score wins; then drawing of lots; then higher functionality score.

Project: Develop the Innovation Baseline Study and Feasibility Study for the Regional Innovation Network, facilitated by Limpopo Connexion SOC (Ltd).

Phase 1 – Innovation Baseline Study: assess regional innovation systems (RIS) in Limpopo across six indicators:

• STI institutional landscape: map academia, research institutions, incubators, digital hubs; assess competencies, accessibility, and role in socio-economic development.
• Industrialisation and technology-based entrepreneurship: analyse beneficiation, technology adoption (including SMMEs), industry-STI linkages.
• Inclusivity and transformation: demographic and skills analysis (education, unemployment), community participation in innovation.
• Government enabling environment: assess policies (NDP, STI Decadal Plan, LDP), regulatory frameworks, provincial/local innovation mechanisms.
• Linkages, collaborations and partnerships: map stakeholders, local and international partners, RDI initiatives.
• PEST analysis covering all above areas.

Phase 2 – Feasibility Study: confirm strategic need, identify preferred investment option, define delivery model, financial viability (NPV/IRR, funding strategy), and implementation roadmap.

Deliverables (indicative) – Phase 1: Project Charter, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Feasibility Study Plan, Regional Socio-Economic & Skills Profile Report, Inclusivity & Transformation Diagnostic Report, STI Institutional Landscape Mapping Report, Institutional Capability Matrix, Sector/Industry Innovation & Beneficiation Report, Innovation Ecosystem Map, Stakeholder Workshop Report, Policy & Strategy Alignment Report, Government Enabling Environment Assessment.

Phase 2 deliverables: Strategic Context Report, Policy Alignment Report, Regional Innovation System Analysis, Options Appraisal Report, Global Benchmarking Study, Economic Impact Assessment, Market Demand Study, Commercial Structure Report, Procurement Strategy, Partnership Framework, Financial Viability Report, Investment Model, Funding Strategy, Governance Framework, Implementation Roadmap, Risk Management Plan.

Project duration: 6-8 months, with the service provider proposing the implementation plan.

Meetings and engagement with Limpopo Connexion take place in Polokwane.

Project governance: managed per PMBOK; structure includes Project Steering Committee (PSC, monthly meetings, overall authority), Project Management Committee (PMC), and Working Groups. The successful bidder appoints a Project Manager approved by the PSC; Limpopo Connexion appoints its own PM who approves stage plans and confirms deliverable completion before invoices are paid.

The bidder's proposal must include a detailed project plan covering: clear understanding of the Terms of Reference, detailed methodology, step-by-step activities and approach, realistic timelines and milestones, and clearly defined deliverables and reporting framework. The plan is scored under functionality (up to 30 points) – see evaluation criteria.

Company experience requirements (verified by signed reference letters / appointment letters / purchase orders): up to 25 points for successfully completed Innovation Baseline Studies (4+ = 25, 3 = 20, 2 = 15, 1 = 10, 0 = 0); up to 25 points for Feasibility Studies on the same scale.

Project team: up to 20 points for a degree in Business Administration or related field plus 5+ years' experience managing similar projects (15 for 3-4 years, 10 for 1-2 years, 0 for none). Verified by CVs, qualifications, professional registrations.

Inspection/testing (GCC clause 8): pre-bid testing at bidder's cost; the Department may inspect bidder's premises at reasonable hours; if supplies/services fail inspection, costs fall on the supplier and rejected items must be replaced at supplier's cost. Packing (clause 9): packing must prevent damage during transit and comply with any special contract requirements. No tender-specific quality standards beyond these GCC provisions.

Use SBD 3.3 Pricing Schedule (Professional Services). Provide a ceiling price for the total project inclusive of all taxes. List hourly and daily rates for each person involved. Break down phases with cost and man-days. Travel and other expenses (e.g., accommodation) are recoverable at actual cost with certified invoices. State period to commence after bid acceptance and estimated man-days. Confirm whether rates are firm for the full contract period (if not, provide adjustment basis such as CPI). The schedule must include clear line items for Phase 1 (Innovation Baseline Study) and Phase 2 (Feasibility Study).

Pricing format: SBD 3.3 Professional Services Pricing Schedule; provide a ceiling price for the total project (all phases, all expenses, all applicable taxes included).

Price structure – two line items:

• Phase 1: Innovation Baseline Study
• Phase 2: Feasibility Study

Total price must be fixed, final and consolidated.

Prices must be quoted in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT.

Include per-person hourly/daily rates and per-phase costs with man-days; travel and other expenses (e.g., accommodation) at actual cost, with certified invoices required for reimbursement.

Bid validity: 60 days from closing date.

No bid security, performance bond or guarantee mentioned in the document.

CSD registration: required – bidders not registered on the Central Supplier Database must register before submission; submit a detailed CSD report with the bid.

Tax compliance: bidders must provide a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or a printed TCS certificate, or a CSD number if no TCS is available; each party in a consortium/JV/sub-contractor arrangement must submit its own.

State service restriction: bids from persons in the service of the state, companies with directors so employed, or close corporations with members so employed are not considered.

B-BBEE: no general B-BBEE level required – specific goals points are claimed via SBD 6.1, which verifies black ownership, women equity, etc. (see evaluation criteria).

No specific health and safety requirements are stated in the tender document beyond standard project management (PMBOK) governance. No OHS plan or certificate is required.

No specific environmental requirements are stated. The Feasibility Study should include an economic impact assessment but no environmental impact assessment is required.

Standard GCC July 2010 applies; Special Conditions of Contract (SCC) prevail over GCC on conflict. Key GCC clauses referenced include payment, prices, contract amendments, assignment, subcontracts, delays, penalties, termination for default and insolvency, force majeure, settlement of disputes, and taxes. No tender-specific terms beyond standard conditions.

Special conditions (clause 10): bids not matching the specification are disqualified. LCX may award partially or fully depending on budget availability. LCX may cancel the bid under listed circumstances (no need, no funds, no acceptable bids, failed price negotiation, material irregularity). For sub-contracting or joint ventures, the contract is with the principal bidder. LCX may call interviews short-listed bidders, conduct due diligence (including surprise site visits), and request payslips/payment proof. Bidders must be CSD-registered. Successful bidder signs an SLA. The bid document contains confidential information – no reproduction or disclosure without permission. Bidders must ensure LCX can receive and open the proposal. Queries cut-off 11 November 2026 at 16:00; quote the bid number in all correspondence.

Additional evaluation detail: the price formula Ps = 80(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin) applies. Specific goals contribute up to 20 points. Deadlock: highest specific goals score, then drawing of lots, then highest functionality score. SBD 6.1 must be completed with the bid or the bidder scores zero on specific goals.