Appointment of a service provider to develop the innovation baseline study and feasibility study for regional innovation network, facilitated by limpopo connexion soc (ltd), a subsidiary of limpopo economic development agency (leda)

Closing date: 05 November 2026

Closing time: 11:00

Queries cut-off: 05 October 2026 at 16:00

Bid validity: 60 days from closing date

Administrative enquiries:

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

Technical enquiries:

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

Submission email: [email protected]

Submission method: email only, to [email protected], before or on 05 November 2026 at 11:00.

• Late bids are rejected.
• Complete and sign all provided forms with unerasable ink.
• Bidder must ensure the email is received and openable by LCX.

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

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): supplies bidder and contact details; signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 3.3 (Pricing Schedule – Professional Services): declares the ceiling price, rates and cost breakdown.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure): discloses any state employment or relationship with the procuring institution; a false declaration disqualifies the bid.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims specific-goal points; failure to submit scores zero on specific goals.
• Proof of CSD registration (detailed report).

Disqualification risks:

• Any missing or unsigned document listed above.
• Submitting after the closing time.
• Bidding not in line with the detailed specification.
• Any bidder listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

Evaluation is in three stages:

Stage 1 – Pre-qualification: All documents in Table 1 must be submitted; non-submission of any may disqualify.

Stage 2 – Functionality (100 points), minimum qualifying score: 60.

• Company experience: Innovation Baseline Studies (25) and Feasibility Studies (25), scored by number completed: 4 or more = 25, 3 = 20, 2 = 15, 1 = 10, 0 = 0. Verified by signed reference letters / appointment letters / purchase orders.
• Quality of proposal and methodology (30): full project plan demonstrating all six listed elements scores 30; fewer elements scale down.
• Project team qualifications and experience (20): degree in Business Administration or related field AND:
• 5+ years managing such studies – 20 points
• 3–4 years – 15 points
• 1–2 years – 10 points
• qualification without experience – 0 points
• no qualification – 0 points

Verified by CVs, qualifications and professional registration.

Stage 3 – Price and specific goals (80/20 system): price is scored by formula Ps = 80(1 - (Pt-Pmin)/Pmin). Specific goals max 20 points. Total = 100.

Deadlocks: highest specific goals wins; then highest functionality; then drawing of lots.

Scope: Develop an Innovation Baseline Study and a Feasibility Study for the Regional Innovation Network for Limpopo province, for Limpopo Connexion SOC (LCX).

• Duration: 6–8 months.
• The service provider must work closely with LCX management.

Phase 1 – Innovation Baseline Study: analyse Limpopo's Regional Innovation System (RIS) readiness and effectiveness, covering:

• STI institutional landscape (mapping institutions, competencies, accessibility)
• Industrialisation and technology-based entrepreneurship (beneficiation, adoption, linkages)
• Inclusivity and transformation (demographics, skills, unemployment, community participation)
• Government enabling environment (policies, funding, regulatory frameworks)
• Linkages, collaborations and partnerships
• PEST analysis across these areas

Phase 2 – Feasibility Study for a regional innovation platform (e.g. science and technology park), covering:

• Strategic context and policy alignment (PEST, review of NDP, STI White Paper, LDP, DDM)
• Options analysis and economic impact (benchmarking global science parks, cost-benefit, market demand)
• Institutional structure and delivery model (procurement strategy, partnership framework)
• Financial viability (NPV, IRR, funding strategy)
• Implementation roadmap and governance (risk management)

Key deliverables include: Project Charter, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Feasibility Study Plan, Regional Socio-Economic & Skills Profile Report, Inclusivity & Transformation Diagnostic, STI Institutional Landscape Mapping Report, Industrial Innovation & Beneficiation Report, Innovation Ecosystem Map, Policy & Strategy Alignment Report, Government Enabling Environment Assessment, Strategic Context Report, Options Appraisal Report, Global Benchmarking Study, Economic Impact Assessment, Financial Viability Report, Governance Framework, Implementation Roadmap.

Project governance: managed per PMBOK, with Project Steering Committee (PSC), Project Management Committee (PMC), and Working Groups. PSC meets monthly. All meetings in Polokwane.

The service provider's Project Manager must be approved by the PSC; LCX appoints its own PM who approves deliverables before invoices are paid.

The proposal methodology is evaluated under functionality (30 points).

A detailed project plan must demonstrate:

• Clear understanding of the Terms of Reference
• Detailed methodology
• Step-by-step activities and approach
• Realistic timelines and milestones
• Clearly defined deliverables and reporting framework

Score scales with how many of these are addressed.

In Phase 1, the service provider must develop a detailed Feasibility Study Plan covering innovation framework, scope, methodology and governance.

Company experience (50 points of functionality):

• Innovation Baseline Studies: 25 points for 4+ completed, 20 for 3, 15 for 2, 10 for 1, 0 for none.
• Feasibility Studies: 25 points for 4+ completed, 20 for 3, 15 for 2, 10 for 1, 0 for none.
• Verification: signed reference letters, appointment letters, or purchase orders.

Project team (20 points):

• Degree in Business Administration or related field AND 5+ years managing Innovation Baseline and/or Feasibility Studies – 20 points
• 3–4 years – 15 points
• 1–2 years – 10 points
• Qualification with no relevant experience – 0
• No qualification – 0
• Verification: CVs, qualifications, professional registration.

No tender-specific quality management requirements stated.

Standard GCC inspection clauses apply: bidder's premises must be open for inspection; costs of failed inspections are borne by the supplier; non-compliant supplies may be rejected and replaced at supplier's cost.

All pre-bidding testing is for the bidder's account.

Complete SBD 3.3 (Pricing Schedule – Professional Services).

• Indicate a ceiling price including all applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, SDL).
• Provide rates for personnel (hourly and daily).
• Break costs by project phase and man-days.
• List travel expenses (rate/km, air travel class) and other expenses (accommodation, reproduction, telephone) – only actual costs recoverable, with proof.
• State period to commence after acceptance.
• State estimated man-days for project completion.
• Indicate if rates are firm for the contract period; if not, state adjustment basis.

Pricing structure in ToR requires separate line items:

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

The price must be fixed, final and consolidated.

Pricing must be in South African Rand, inclusive of all applicable taxes (VAT etc.).

• Provide a ceiling price for the total project.
• Provide line-item amounts for Phase 1 and Phase 2 separately.
• Provide hourly and daily rates for project personnel.
• Provide phase costs and man-days per phase.
• Travel and other expenses: only actual costs recoverable, supported by certified invoices.
• Price must be fixed, final and consolidated.
• The successful bidder must sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA).
• Bid validity: 60 days from closing date.

Mandatory:

• CSD registration (submit detailed report). If not registered, register before submission.
• Tax compliance: submit SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN, or printed TCS certificate, or CSD number.
• Consortium/JV/sub-contractor parties: each must submit separate TCS/CSD.
• Bidders must not be persons in the service of the state, nor have directors/members in state service.

B-BBEE: Specific goals (max 20 points) are claimed via SBD 6.1, with verification evidence:

• Black ownership (5): CSD report / company registration
• Women equity (3): CSD report
• Youth equity (2): CSD report
• Disability (2): medical certificate or equivalent
• Promotion of small businesses (3): latest financial statements
• Enterprises in Limpopo (3): proof of address in company name
• Military veterans (2): MVA force number

Note: The tender uses the 80/20 preference system under PPPFA Regulations 2022.

No tender-specific health and safety requirements stated.

No OHS plan, safety officer, or HSE compliance requirements are mentioned in the document.

No tender-specific environmental requirements stated.

The feasibility study must include an assessment of the possible impact of the development on low-income workers and quantify public benefits, but no environmental impact or sustainability requirements are listed.

General Conditions of Contract (GCC) apply, except where Special Conditions override.

The GCC covers standard government clauses: definitions, application, standards, use of documents and information, patent rights, performance security, inspections, packaging, delivery, insurance, transportation, incidental services, spare parts, payment, prices, contract amendments, assignment, subcontracts, delays, penalties, termination for default and insolvency, force majeure, dispute settlement, limitation of liability, governing language, applicable law, notices, taxes, NIPP, and prohibition of restrictive practices.

No tender-specific contract duration or penalty percentages stated beyond the general conditions.

Bids must be in line with the specification; otherwise disqualified.

LCX may appoint a bidder it deems fully capable and qualified.

LCX may make a partial or full award, subject to budget availability.

LCX may cancel/withdraw the bid if needs change, no funds, no acceptable bids, failed price negotiation, or material irregularity in the process.

In case of subcontracting or joint venture, LCX contracts with the principal bidder only.

LCX may request interviews with short-listed bidders.

LCX may conduct supplier due diligence (including surprise site visits).

LCX may request payslips and proof of payment to assess compliance.

Bidders not registered on CSD must register before submission.

Bid documents must be completed with unerasable ink.

Successful bidder must sign an SLA.

Confidentiality: bid documents contain confidential information; no reproduction or disclosure without written permission; no reference to LCX in promotional material without consent.

Bidder is responsible for ensuring LCX can receive the proposal.

Queries: written (letter, fax, or email), telephone considered, reference number required in all correspondence, cut-off 05 October 2026 at 16:00, responses within one day.

Additional evaluation details:

• Stage 2 functionality minimum 60/100 to proceed.
• Stage 3 uses 80/20: price 80 points (formula as above), specific goals 20 points.
• Tie-breaking: higher specific goals; then higher functionality; then drawing of lots.
• LCX may call short-listed bidders for interviews before final selection.
• LCX may conduct supplier due diligence (including site visits) before or during the contract.
• LCX may request payslips and proof of payment to verify compliance with laws.