RFQ: digital platform development for nrf’s perka project (knowledge, mentorship & advocacy portal)

Closing date: 11 June 2026 at 11:00.

Email for enquiries: [email protected]. Submission email: [email protected]. Do not submit bids to the enquiries email. Physical address: NRF Building, South Gate, CSIR Complex, Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0184.

Mandatory documents to submit: Signed and completed Procurement Invitation (SBD 1), SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claimed), signed Bid Submission Certificate, and Pricing Schedule (SBD 3.1). Optional: Valid B-BBEE certificate or Sworn Affidavit. Include 3 CVs with software development experience. Submit electronically via the designated email ([email protected]). Failure to provide mandatory documents will result in automatic disqualification.

Scoring uses the 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system. Price is scored out of 80 or 90 points using the formula: Ps = 80(1 - (Pt-Pmin)/Pmin) or Ps = 90(1 - (Pt-Pmin)/Pmin), where Pt is the tender price and Pmin is the lowest acceptable tender price. Preference points (20 or 10) are allocated for B-BBEE status, ownership, and company size. B-BBEE points: Level 1-3 (8), Level 4-6 (6), Level 7-8 (2). Ownership points: 51% Black-owned (3), 51% Black female-owned (3), 51% Black youth-owned (1), 51% owned by People with Disabilities (1). Company size points: EMEs/QSEs (4). Tenderers must indicate claimed points for each preference system.

Develop a digital platform for the PERKA project with three pillars: 1) Knowledge Archive: Searchable database of PERKA outputs, module for comparative case studies, and hosting of webinar recordings/workshop outputs. 2) Peer-Learning and Mentorship Environment: Alumni database with matchmaking features, sub-groups for program managers, integrated co-authoring tools, and links to partner organisations. 3) Regional Advocacy and Monitoring: Portal for funders to view fellowship trends, and a longitudinal survey tool to track career pathways. Technical requirements: Accessible in low-connectivity regions, mobile-first (smartphone priority), and interoperable with NRF/University of Pretoria research management systems. Deliverables: PERKA Platform with populated Resource Archive, and an administrator guide for moderating peer-learning groups and updating guidelines.

Mandatory: Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). Submit 3 CVs with software development experience.

Quality assurance requirements: Number of defects identified and resolved must be tracked. Successful completion of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is mandatory. A guide for PERKA administrators on moderating peer-learning groups and updating guidelines must be provided.

Pricing schedule must include: 1) Development of the PERKA Platform (1x, including system configuration, user testing, and rollout). 2) Development of a guide for PERKA Administrators and providing training (1x). Total contract value must be inclusive of 15% VAT. Pricing must be in South African Rands, fully inclusive of all costs (VAT, income tax, UIF, skills development levies, delivery). Contract ceiling price includes firm and estimated quantities. Payment is tied to verified deliveries/performance. Penalties: 2% of invoice value for delays exceeding 2 weeks.

Pricing must be in South African Rands, inclusive of VAT, income tax, UIF, and skills development levies. Price schedule remains fixed for the contract duration (no changes or ad hoc costs unless authorised). Contract ceiling price includes firm and estimated quantities. Pricing must cover all costs, including delivery. Submit detailed pricing via SBD 3.1. Payment is tied to verified deliveries/performance. Penalties apply for delays: 2% of invoice value for delays exceeding 2 weeks. Price adjustments may be negotiated if bids fall outside fair price range.

Mandatory: Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), completed SBD 1 (Procurement Invitation), SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claimed), and signed Bid Submission Certificate. Optional: Valid B-BBEE certificate or Sworn Affidavit (required to claim B-BBEE preference points). Submit 3 CVs with software development experience. Bidders must certify no collusive practices, fronting, or conflicts of interest. Foreign suppliers must complete additional questionnaires if applicable.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements for working on NRF sites: All personnel must obtain safety induction. PPE (closed safety shoes, hard hats, height safety equipment, high-visibility vests) must be worn at all times. All personnel must obey site instructions, including signage for restricted access and speed limits. Contractor must provide a valid Letter of Good Standing (COID Act) and registration number with the Compensation Commissioner. A Section 37.2 agreement (OHS Act) must be signed. Contractor must maintain a health and safety plan and accept liability for OHS Act contraventions. Each team member (including sub-contractors) must submit a signed indemnity form before entering the site.

Contract terms include: Service provider must exercise reasonable skill, care, and diligence. Services must be delivered during normal working hours (Monday to Friday, 08h30-17h00) unless otherwise agreed. Service provider may not prejudice NRF operations. Communication must be in writing, include contract and purchase order numbers, and be verified with the NRF contract manager if numbers are missing. Contractor is liable for OHS compliance, including safety induction, PPE, and maintaining a health and safety plan. Letter of Good Standing (COID Act) and Section 37.2 agreement are required. Performance levels are monitored, and penalties apply for non-compliance. Contract ceiling price includes firm and estimated quantities, with payment tied to verified deliveries.

Preference points are awarded based on the 80/20 or 90/10 system. Price scoring uses Ps = 80(1 - (Pt-Pmin)/Pmin) or Ps = 90(1 - (Pt-Pmin)/Pmin). Preference points (20 or 10) are allocated for B-BBEE status, ownership, and company size. B-BBEE points: Level 1-3 (8), Level 4-6 (6), Level 7-8 (2). Ownership points: 51% Black-owned (3), 51% Black female-owned (3), 51% Black youth-owned (1), 51% owned by People with Disabilities (1). Company size points: EMEs/QSEs (4). Tenderers must indicate claimed points for each preference system. Fraudulent claims may result in disqualification, contract cancellation, or legal action.