Development of the regional innovation support programme (risp) three-year strategic overview report (2023/24–2025/26)

• SCM/Technical enquiries and submission address: [email protected].
• MS Teams briefing link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/344340645845519?p=poBHCS0TlUHdbPo0Qh.
• Note: Use RFP number (1228/10/06/2026) and description as email subject for all correspondence.

Submit proposals electronically to [email protected] before 10 June 2026 at 16h30 (SAST). Late or incorrectly addressed submissions will be rejected.

• Proposals must be split into two separate emails:

• PART 1: Technical Proposal (clearly labeled with RFP number 1228/10/06/2026 and description).
• PART 2: Pricing Proposal and Specific Goals claim documentation (separate from technical proposal).

• Each email subject line must include the RFP number and description.
• Files exceeding 25MB must be sent in multiple emails. Cloud-based submissions (e.g., WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox) are not accepted.
• Proposals must be signed by an authorized representative.
• Mandatory returnable documents (Annexure E) must be included.
• Attend the compulsory briefing session on 02 June 2026 at 10h00 via MS Teams (link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/344340645845519?p=poBHCS0TlUHdbPo0Qh).
• Last date for submission of enquiries/clarifications: 05 June 2026 at 16h30.
• Disqualification risks: late submission, incorrect email address, non-attendance of briefing, missing mandatory documents, fronting practices, or submission via cloud solutions.

Evaluation occurs in three phases:

Phase 1: Elimination Criteria

• Late submissions, incorrect submission address, or non-attendance of the compulsory briefing will be disqualified.
• Bidders listed on National Treasury’s Register of Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers will be disqualified.
• Missing mandatory returnable documents (Annexure E) will result in disqualification.

Phase 2: Technical Evaluation (100 points, minimum 75% overall and 60% per criterion to proceed)

• Methodology (20%): Clarity, alignment with project scope, and actionable steps. Examples of similar projects strengthen the score.
• Company Experience (25%): Relevant experience in science communication or related fields. Minimum 5 years required; 10+ years with 10+ reference letters scores highest.
• Project Team Experience (25%): Academic qualifications (NQF Level 7+ in science communication, journalism, or related fields) and proven track record. 10+ years with NQF Level 8+ scores highest.
• Project Plan (15%): Comprehensive timeline, milestones, methodology, and contingency strategies. Detail and coherence are key.
• Risk Management Plan (15%): Robust strategies to mitigate potential risks and setbacks.

Phase 3: Price and Preference Points (80 points for Price, 20 points for Preference)

• Only bidders meeting Phase 2 thresholds proceed to this phase.
• Price is evaluated based on competitiveness and adherence to the Pricing Schedule (Annexure D).
• Preference points are awarded per Annexure G (Preference Points Award Form).

Objective Criteria

• The CSIR reserves the right to award the tender to a bidder that did not score the highest total points if:

• Directors, shareholders, or officers are formally charged with fraudulent or illegal conduct that could harm the CSIR’s reputation.

Scope: Develop a three-year (2023/24–2025/26) strategic overview report for the Regional Innovation Support Programme (RISP), focusing on key achievements, measurable outcomes, and lessons learned. The report must be clear, engaging, and accessible to diverse audiences.

Project Phases and Deliverables:

• Phase 1: Data Collection and Analysis

• Review RISP annual/quarterly reports, DSTI policy documents (e.g., White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, STI Decadal Plan).
• Engage with 13 RISP initiatives, 10 platform beneficiaries, DSTI, and RISP PMU representatives.
• Deliverable: Report summarising extracted insights on outcomes and impacts.

• Phase 2: Design, Development, and Drafting

• Draft a 30+ page Strategic Overview Report (electronic copy) with the following content:

• Messages from DSTI and RISP PMU management.
• Programme background, objectives, and overview.
• RISP’s journey and implementation (including key performance indicators).
• Key collaborations and partnerships (academia, civil society, public/private stakeholders).
• Metrics: Technology SMMEs/innovators trained, mentored, and securing further funding.
• Beneficiary demographics.
• Key highlights: success stories and lessons learned.
• Profiling of 13 RISP initiatives and 10 platform beneficiaries.

• Deliverable: Draft report + 3 physical sample copies (A4, glossy finish, 100–150 gsm inside pages, 200–250 gsm cover).

• Phase 3: Final Delivery

• Final RISP Strategic Overview Report (2023/24–2025/26), printed on A4 (21 × 29.7 cm) paper, 100–150 gsm inside pages, 200–250 gsm cover.
• 3 memory sticks containing electronic versions of the final report.

Exclusions: Graphic design, aesthetics, and infographics (handled by RISP PMU).

Additional Requirements:

• Service provider must draft the report.
• Monthly progress meetings and bi-weekly updates to RISP PMU.
• Project duration: 7 months from commencement.

• Pricing must be in South African Rand (ZAR), inclusive of all applicable taxes and unconditional discounts.
• Submit a detailed Pricing Schedule (Annexure D) on official company letterhead.
• Include all cost elements: travel, freight, insurance until acceptance, duties (where applicable).
• Payment terms: Per CSIR Payment Terms and Conditions.
• Pricing must strictly adhere to Annexure D format.
• Separate pricing and specific goals credentials from the technical proposal (submit as a separate document).

• Tax Compliance:

• Submit Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN (via SARS eFiling: www.sars.gov.za) or a printed TCS certificate.
• If no TCS PIN, provide CSD registration number (if registered on Central Supplier Database).
• Joint ventures/consortia: Each partner must submit separate TCS PIN/CSD number.
• Non-compliance invalidates the bid.

• Central Supplier Database (CSD):

• RSA suppliers must be registered on CSD (www.csd.gov.za) and provide their CSD registration number.
• Foreign suppliers with no local entity are exempt.

• B-bbee:

• Submit a valid B-BBEE certificate or consolidated scorecard.

• Joint Ventures:

• Signed joint venture agreement (clearly indicating lead partner and work split).
• Valid B-BBEE certificate/scorecard for each partner.
• Tax Compliance Status (TCS) or CSD Report for each partner.
• Proof of ownership/shareholder certificates.
• Company registration certificates.

• Other:

• No bids from persons in the service of the state or entities with directors/members in state service.
• Proof of authority to sign (e.g., company resolution) must accompany the bid.
• Invoices must include CSIR purchase order number; invoices without it will be returned.