Impact evaluation study of uif’s labour activation programme (lap) and COVID-19 ters – 12-Month service provider contract

• Email for enquiries and clarification queries: [email protected] (must be sent before 23 February 2026, 15:00).
• Tender box address for physical submission: Unemployment Insurance Fund, ABSA Towers, Ground Floor, 230 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria, 0002.
• Virtual briefing link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/31718544668389?p=9PIsWscfQUNX37Vf2v (Meeting ID 317 185 446 683 89, Passcode 7Ba2GZ9B).

• Submit one original sealed proposal and two exact copies in non‑erasable ink; each file must be clearly labelled as Original or Copy and sealed separately.
• All pages must be numbered, initialed at the bottom right corner and any corrections also initialed.
• Complete and sign the Bid Register when placing the sealed envelope in the tender box.
• Deliver the sealed envelope to the UIF Tender Box (ABSA Towers, Ground Floor, 230 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria, 0002) on or before 11:00 on 03 March 2026.
• Late submissions will be rejected and returned unopened where possible.
• Required returnable documents (see Proposal Submission Checklist, Section 12):

– SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid) – signed

– SBD 3.3 Pricing Schedule (Annexure D) – total price inclusive of VAT

– SBD 4 Preference Point form (Annexure E)

– SBD 6.1 Claim Form (Annexure F)

– Valid B‑BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit

– Current CIPC certificate and directors’ ID copies

– Municipal rates & taxes statement (≤ 3 months) or lease agreement

– Doctor’s letter confirming International Disability Code 10 (if applicable)

– CSD registration proof (vendor number)

– Tax compliance PIN or MAAA number

• Disqualification risks: missing any of the above documents, failure to seal correctly, incomplete or unsigned forms, non‑compliance with tax or CSD registration, or late delivery.

• Evaluation is conducted in three phases:

1. Phase 1 – Primary review of mandatory administrative and compliance documents (Table 4). Bidders failing to submit any required document are disqualified.
2. Phase 2 – Technical/functional compliance (Annexures A & B). Bidders must score at least 70 points out of 100 on functionality; otherwise they do not proceed to Phase 3.
3. Phase 3 – Price (80 points) and Specific Goal (20 points) evaluation. The total score is out of 100.

• Price points are calculated using the formula Ps = 80(1‑Pt/Pmin). The lowest acceptable bid (Pmin) determines the scaling.
• Specific Goal points (max 20) are awarded for B‑BBEE criteria such as Black, Women, Youth, Disability, EME/QSE, township/rural, veteran ownership, etc., based on evidence submitted.
• Minimum overall threshold to be considered for award is 70 points (technical + price/specific goals combined).
• Preference points are applied in line with the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022 (80/20 split, unless a 90/10 split is triggered by the lowest acceptable bid).

Scope of Work:

• Conduct two impact evaluation studies (Labour Activation Programme – LAP and COVID‑19 TERS) over a 12‑month contract period.
• Deliverables include:

– Detailed project plan with milestones and timeframes, costed and aligned with the agreed budget.

– Evaluation reports for LAP and COVID‑19 TERS covering impact on beneficiaries, economic/financial effects, and policy recommendations.

– Transfer of research and evaluation skills to UIF staff.

• Mandatory technical requirements (Part B):

– Valid membership with the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association (SAMEA) for the bidder and any third‑party sub‑contractors.

– Submission of Annexure I (technical response) – incomplete or missing Annexure I results in immediate disqualification.

– Compliance with any applicable legislation or standards referenced in the tender.

• Service level expectations: adherence to the agreed project plan, timely delivery of interim and final reports, and cooperation with any post‑award site inspections or audits.

• Pricing must be submitted on the SBD 3.3 Pricing Schedule (Annexure D) – total price inclusive of VAT for the full 12‑month contract.
• Only one SBD 3.3 schedule is accepted; missing or mis‑calculated totals lead to disqualification.
• Financial capacity evidence (Section 15.5):

– Audited financial statements for the last full financial year signed by the appropriate officers, or

– A letter signed by the CEO/CFO confirming financial soundness covering the last full year.

• For joint ventures, provide audited statements of each constituent entity and the JV agreement detailing ownership percentages.
• The Fund may request additional audited statements during contract performance.
• No bid bond is explicitly required in the extracted text, but bidders must ensure compliance with any standard UIF procurement guarantees if later requested.

• Tax compliance: Provide SARS tax compliance PIN or MAAA number (obtained via CSD registration) and ensure all sub‑contractors are tax compliant.
• Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration: Must be registered and provide the vendor number certificate.
• B‑BBEE: Submit a valid B‑BBEE certificate (SANAS‑accredited) or a sworn affidavit where applicable.
• Companies and Intellectual Property Act (CIPC): Submit a current valid CIPC certificate and copies of directors’ IDs.
• Municipal rates & taxes statement (≤ 3 months) or lease agreement for rented premises.
• Disability documentation: Doctor’s letter confirming International Disability Code 10 where relevant.
• No bidders listed on the National Treasury Register of Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers.
• Ongoing compliance with tax legislation, B‑BBEE, and any other statutory requirements for the entire contract duration.