Public relations services for mining qualifications authority (mqa) – 3-Year contract

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a public entity under the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) under the Skills Development Act (SDA). It aims to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality through skills development, aligning with the National Development Plan (NDP) and National Skills Development Plan (NSDP). The MQA seeks to appoint a service provider to support its public relations activities, ensuring effective communication with all stakeholders (internal, external, media, and public) over a 3-year period.

Closing date: 10 July 2026 at 11:00. Non-compulsory briefing session: 25 June 2026 at 10:00 via Microsoft Teams. Join link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/371604617891511?p=wKjXjjTyiF7xh4c8iA. Meeting ID: 371 604 617 891 511, Passcode: Ft2v8wq2. Attendance is recommended but not mandatory.

Technical enquiries: Merle Clark (Email: [email protected], Phone: 011 547 2616) or Tsholo Dilape (Email: [email protected], Phone: 011 547 2628).

To avoid disqualification, submit the following returnable documents: Proof of registration on Central Supplier Database (CSD), Valid Tax Clearance Certificate, B-BBEE Certificate of Measured Entity (or Sworn Affidavit for EMEs). Fully complete and sign SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 3.3 (Pricing), SBD 4 (Declaration of Interests), and SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim). Include CVs detailing where experience was acquired, with certified copies of qualifications attached. Qualifications must be certified within 6 months prior to the closing date. Missing documents may result in disqualification, but the MQA may request outstanding information within 7 working days after the closing date, provided it does not affect the substance of the proposal or give unfair advantage.

Submit: Short profile of the bidder, all documents required per evaluation criteria, and detailed cost/fee breakdown for services.

Evaluation occurs in phases: Phase 1 (Compliance) requires submission of all mandatory documents (CSD, Tax Clearance, B-BBEE Certificate, SBD forms). Phase 2 (Functionality) scores out of 100, with a minimum threshold of 70 to proceed. Key evaluation areas: Reference letters (30 points: min 3 compliant letters from different clients, detailing PR work within the last 5 years), Company profile (20 points: min 5 years’ experience providing PR services to different clients, including analysis of PR activities and reports), Account Manager experience (10 points: min 5 years, with relevant Bachelor’s degree or higher), Account Manager qualifications (10 points: NQF Level 7+ in PR/communications/journalism, professional registration advantageous), Junior Account Manager experience (10 points: min 3 years), Junior Account Manager qualifications (10 points: NQF Level 6+ in relevant field), Project plan (10 points: example of a previous PR project plan with clear tasks, resources, timeframes, and risk identification). Phase 3 (Pricing and Specific Goals) uses the 80/20 preference points system: Price (80 points), B-BBEE and specific goals (20 points). B-BBEE Status Level points: Level 1 (15), Level 2 (14), Level 3 (10), Level 4 (8), Level 5 (6), Level 6 (5), Level 7 (4), Level 8 (2), Non-compliant (0). Specific goals: Black Woman-owned (2), Black Youth-owned (1), Black Disabled-owned (1), Black Rural Area-owned (1).

Scope: Provide public relations services to the MQA for 3 years, using all media and communication tools to plan and oversee PR activities for effective stakeholder communication. Key deliverables: Advisory role on MQA’s 2025-2030 Communication Strategy and media/technological trends. Develop and present a 3-year Public Relations and Media Strategy aligned with MQA’s 5-year Communication Strategy. Media liaison: Collate and analyse media coverage, ensure sufficient MQA media placement (print, online, broadcast), produce publicity materials (brochures, videos, press releases, etc.), develop media practitioner network, respond to media queries (with MQA approval), organise press conferences/interviews, and position MQA successes in media. Advertising: Seek partnerships/sponsorships, place max 8 adverts/annum in targeted mining/sector publications (e.g., SA Mining, Mining Indaba, Business Day). Content development: Create 8 large and 12 smaller campaigns/annum, including social media, podcasts, website content, graphic design, and promotional materials for MQA events (e.g., AGM, Mining Skills Lekgotla). Social media: Support MQA platforms (X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok) with content and graphic design. Events: Provide PR support for 8 annual MQA events and 5 stakeholder engagement activities, ensure media coverage. Reporting: Monthly reports on PR strategy accomplishments, media releases, analytical reports, technical reports, and brand assessment. Training: Provide media/spokespersons training to max 50 MQA personnel over 3 years. Media monitoring: Use own media monitoring services to advise MQA. Project management: Ensure adequate resourcing, accessibility, and continuity. Report to MQA’s Customer Service and Communication Unit.

Submit a comprehensive project outline with deliverables and milestones for MQA approval. Include a project execution plan with deliverables, timelines, and suitable resources. The MQA will approve the plan before project commencement. Example of a previous project plan (excluding confidential information) must detail: process, tasks, resources, timeframes, and risk identification. Higher scores awarded for plans including reputation management strategy.

Project team members with foreign qualifications must submit a SAQA certificate of valuation. Proposal must include names of personnel to be evaluated; failure results in zero points. CVs must detail where experience was acquired and include certified copies of qualifications. Qualifications must be certified within 6 months prior to the closing date. Reference letters must be from different clients, on client letterhead, signed by relevant officials, dated, and include contact details. Letters must detail comprehensive PR activities undertaken and confirm successful execution or client satisfaction. MQA may contact references for verification; non-confirmation results in non-compliance. For Account Managers: Minimum 5 years’ experience in managing PR activities for clients and working on PR campaigns/projects. Qualifications: Relevant Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) or higher in PR, communications, or journalism. Professional registration with bodies like PRISA, SACIA, ACASA, or SACOMM is advantageous. For Junior Account Managers: Minimum 3 years’ experience in PR projects/campaigns. Qualifications: Relevant Diploma (NQF Level 6) or higher in PR, communications, or journalism. Professional registration is advantageous.

Pricing must be in South African Rand (ZAR) and include VAT. Quoted price must be itemised per scope of work. The MQA may negotiate price with the preferred service provider, but negotiation will not: allow unfair advantage, disadvantage other bidders, or result in a higher price than submitted. Payment will only be made for acceptable, timeously delivered work. Submit a detailed cost/fee breakdown for services.

Mandatory compliance documents: Proof of registration on Central Supplier Database (CSD), Valid Tax Clearance Certificate, B-BBEE Certificate of Measured Entity (or Sworn Affidavit for Exempted Micro Enterprises). Failure to submit B-BBEE Certificate results in zero points for evaluation. Additional forms: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 3.3 (Pricing), SBD 4 (Declaration of Interests), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim). All forms must be fully completed and signed. For foreign qualifications, submit SAQA certificate of valuation. CVs must indicate where experience was acquired and include certified copies of qualifications. Qualifications must be certified within 6 months prior to closing date. The MQA may verify references and disqualify non-compliant letters. Proposal must include names of personnel to be evaluated; failure results in zero points.

B-BBEE Status Level contributes 15 points (Level 1: 15, Level 2: 14, Level 3: 10, Level 4: 8, Level 5: 6, Level 6: 5, Level 7: 4, Level 8: 2, Non-compliant: 0). Promotion of Black Woman/Youth/Disabled/Rural Area contributes 5 points (Black Woman-owned: 2, Black Youth-owned: 1, Black Disabled-owned: 1, Black Rural Area-owned: 1). Submit original/valid B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate or certified copies from SANAS-accredited agencies or IRBA-approved auditors. Exempted Micro Enterprises must submit a letter from the Accounting Officer. Non-submission results in zero points for specific goals.

Contract duration: Maximum 3 years from appointment date. Work commences upon contract signing. Scheduling and resource allocation will be agreed upon between MQA and the service provider. The MQA reserves the right to: terminate the contract for non-performance or poor quality, award the contract to multiple bidders, pay only for acceptable and timeous work, and not award the bid. Service provider must accept Supply Chain Management’s general conditions of contract. Any mutually accepted suggestions during progress meetings become part of the contract. Service provider must be available in Gauteng at their own cost as required.

• This is a pricing schedule for the appointment of a service provider for public relations services.
• Bidders must use the accompanying information to formulate proposals.
• A ceiling price must be indicated based on total estimated time and all-inclusive expenses.
• Details of persons involved and their applicable rates must be provided.

• Closing date: 10 July 2026.
• Closing time: 11:00.
• Offer validity period: 120 days from the closing date.

• Bidding procedure enquiries: Ms Tsholo Dilape, email: [email protected].
• Technical information: Ms Merle Clark, email: [email protected].

• Complete all sections of the SBD 3.3 pricing schedule.
• Submit bids by 11:00 on 10 July 2026.
• Ensure all prices are in South African Rand, inclusive of all applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, SDL).
• Align certified invoices with quoted rates.
• Provide supporting documentation for all expense claims.
• Bids must remain valid for 120 days from the closing date.

• Bidders must complete all sections of the pricing schedule (SBD 3.3).
• All prices must be in South African Rand, including all applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, SDL).
• Certified invoices must align with quoted rates.
• Expense claims require supporting documentation.

• Scope: Public relations services using media and communication tools/platforms.
• Responsibilities: Plan and oversee PR activities to ensure effective communication with all MQA stakeholders.
• Contract duration: Three years.
• Pricing: Must indicate a ceiling price based on total estimated time and all-inclusive expenses.
• Personnel: Provide details of all persons involved and their applicable hourly/daily rates.

• Bid number: MQA/01/26-27.
• Closing: 10 July 2026 at 11:00.
• Offer must be valid for 120 days from the closing date.
• Required details: - Total ceiling price inclusive of all taxes. - Hourly and daily rates for all personnel involved. - Phased breakdown of the project with cost per phase and man-days. - Detailed travel expenses (actual costs only, with proof). - Detailed other expenses (e.g., accommodation) with proof. - Period to commence after acceptance. - Estimated total man-days for completion. - Confirmation if rates are firm for the full contract period; if not, detail adjustment basis (e.g., CPI).

• Bid price must be in South African Rand, inclusive of all applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, SDL).
• Submit a ceiling price based on total estimated time for completion of all phases, including all expenses.
• Provide a detailed pricing schedule including: - Hourly and daily rates for all personnel involved. - Breakdown of project phases with cost per phase and estimated man-days. - Travel expenses (actual costs only, with proof; specify rate/km, class of air travel, etc.). - Other expenses (e.g., accommodation, telephone, reproduction costs) with proof.
• State the period required to commence the project after acceptance.
• Provide estimated total man-days for project completion.
• Indicate if quoted rates are firm for the full contract period; if not, detail the basis for adjustments (e.g., CPI).

• All applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, SDL) must be included in pricing.
• Certified invoices must be checked for correctness and accompanied by proof of expense for all claims (e.g., accommodation, travel).

• All applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF contributions, skills development levies) must be included in pricing.
• Certified invoices for other expenses (e.g., accommodation) will be checked for correctness and must be accompanied by proof of expense.

• Any natural person or juristic entity (company, partnership, etc.) may submit a bid.
• Bidders must complete a mandatory declaration form to ensure transparency, accountability, impartiality, and ethical compliance as required by South African legislation.

• This tender is open to any natural person or juristic entity (company, partnership, etc.).
• Bidders, their directors, trustees, shareholders, members, partners, or any person with a controlling interest must NOT be listed in the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.
• You must declare if the bidder or any controlling person is employed by the state.
• You must declare any relationship with employees of the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) or the procuring institution.
• You must declare if the bidder or any controlling person has an interest in any other enterprise bidding for this contract.
• You must certify that your bid is independent and was prepared without collusion, consultation, or agreement with any competitor.
• You must certify that you have not disclosed your bid terms to any competitor before the official bid opening.
• False declarations can lead to disqualification, reporting to the Competition Commission or National Prosecuting Authority, and potential restriction from public sector business for up to ten years.

• Any natural person or juristic entity (company, partnership, etc.) may submit a bid.
• Bidders must complete a mandatory declaration form to ensure transparency, accountability, impartiality, and ethical compliance as required by South African legislation.

The tender requires the appointment of a service provider to deliver public relations services for the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). Scope includes: Utilising media and communication tools/platforms to plan and oversee PR activities. Ensuring effective communication with all MQA stakeholders. Contract duration: 3 years.

Submit the SBD 6.1 Preference Points Claim Form as part of your tender. Failure to include this form or submit required proof/documentation for preference points will result in zero points awarded for specific goals. The organ of state may request additional substantiation of claims at any time.

Evaluation uses the 80/20 preference point system: 80 points for price, 20 points for specific goals. Points are awarded as follows: Price: Calculated using the formula Ps = 80

• (Pmin / Pt), where Pmin is the lowest acceptable tender price and Pt is the tender price under consideration. Specific Goals (20 points total): B-BBEE Status Level (15 points max), Black Woman-Owned (2 points), Black Youth-Owned (1 point), Black Disability-Owned (1 point), Black Rural Area-Owned (1 point). Tenderers must submit valid B-BBEE Certificate or Sworn Affidavit to claim points. Company/firm declaration (type of business) is mandatory. Fraudulent claims may lead to disqualification, cost recovery, contract cancellation, or criminal prosecution.

B-BBEE Certificate or Sworn Affidavit is mandatory to claim preference points for B-BBEE status and ownership goals. Must comply with Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2022. Fraudulent claims may result in: disqualification from the tendering process; recovery of costs/losses/damages by the organ of state; contract cancellation and damages claims; restriction from obtaining business from any organ of state for up to 10 years; or criminal prosecution.

• The National Industrial Participation (NIP) Programme administered by the Department of Trade and Industry applies to all contracts subject to the NIP obligation.

• Bidders must be legally compliant with tax obligations and provide an original SARS tax clearance certificate.
• Bidders must not be restricted from public sector business.
• Bidders must agree to the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) without amendment.
• The successful bidder must be capable of providing performance security (bank guarantee or irrevocable letter of credit) in the contract currency.
• Foreign suppliers are responsible for all taxes and duties outside South Africa.

• Goods supplied must conform to the standards mentioned in the bidding documents and specifications.
• The supplier must not disclose contract documents or information without the purchaser’s prior written consent.
• The purchaser may inspect the supplier’s records and have them audited.

• The General Conditions of Contract (GCC) apply to all bids and form part of the bid documents; they may not be amended.
• Special Conditions of Contract (SCC) are compiled separately for each bid and supplement the GCC. In case of conflict, the SCC provisions prevail.
• Key contractual terms include definitions (e.g., closing time, contract, corrupt practice), payment terms (within 30 days, in Rand unless specified), performance security requirements, warranties, penalties for delays, termination clauses, dispute resolution (mediation then South African courts), and applicable South African law.
• The contract is written in English; all correspondence must be in English.
• The purchaser is not liable for bid preparation costs; a non-refundable document fee may apply.
• Notices are sent by mail to the address provided in the bid.

The bidder must use the provided CV template to address all bid requirements. The template requires: personal details, a summary of work experience (position, organisation, relevant duties, year, duration), a summary of academic qualifications (institution, qualification, NQF level, year obtained), and references (name, surname, company, job title, contact details).

Bidders must demonstrate relevant experience using the mandatory CV template. Requirements include: proof of qualifications (with NQF levels), detailed work history in relevant roles, and verifiable professional references. Non-compliance with the template format will disqualify the bid.

The bidder must use the provided CV template to address all bid requirements. The template requires: personal details, a summary of work experience (position, organisation, relevant duties, year, duration), a summary of academic qualifications (institution, qualification, NQF level, year obtained), and references (name, surname, company, job title, contact details).