Geotechnical and geophysical survey for multi-purpose reactor siting (mpr) – site characterisation

The tender is for a geotechnical and geophysical survey to characterise the preferred site for a multi-purpose reactor (MPR). The work includes rotary core drilling, test pitting, geophysical and seismic investigations, laboratory testing, and the production of factual and interpretive geotechnical reports.

Scope of work: geotechnical and geophysical survey for multi-purpose reactor siting (MPR) preferred site characterisation.

Boreholes:

• 10 rotary core boreholes, each 15 m to 35 m deep.
• Provisional total drilling quantity: 250 m (average 25 m per borehole).
• Additional 100 m provisional allowance for drilling in competent rock.
• Standard Penetration Tests at 1.5 m intervals: 160 tests provisional.
• Undisturbed Shelby tube sampling: 30 samples provisional (3 per borehole).
• Rock-core sampling: 30 samples provisional (3 per borehole).
• Engineering geologist logging of full drilled depth: 250 m.
• Standpipe piezometers: 10 installations (one per borehole).
• Initial groundwater level measurements: 3 visits.

Test pits:

• 8 test pits to approximately 3 m depth.
• Profiling and photographic recording: 8 pits.
• Disturbed bulk samples: 24 (3 per pit).
• Undisturbed samples: 8 (1 per pit).
• Loose backfill with excavated material: 8 pits.

Geophysical and seismic:

• Continuous Surface Wave (CSW) survey: 500 m provisional line length.
• CSW mobilisation, setup and calibration: lump sum.
• CSW data processing and interpretation: lump sum.
• Down-hole seismic testing in 2 boreholes, including preparation.
• Down-hole seismic data processing and interpretation: lump sum.

Laboratory testing:

• Test quantities are provisional; the geotechnical professional selects representative samples.

Reporting and analysis:

• Factual geotechnical investigation report (methodology, coordinates, logs, profiles, photographs, groundwater observations, laboratory certificates).
• Interpretive geotechnical report (geology, founding conditions, bearing capacity, settlement, excavatability, groundwater, seismic parameters, site constraints).
• Site plans, investigation location drawings and geological sections (CAD/GIS-ready).
• Geotechnical recommendations for foundations, earthworks, drainage, excavation support, construction control and further investigations.
• Draft report review meeting and incorporation of one consolidated set of comments.
• Final signed report by an appropriately qualified geotechnical professional.

General:

• Mobilisation and establishment on site, including permits, inductions, temporary facilities, equipment setup and demobilisation.
• HSE documentation, risk assessments, method statements and compliance for field investigations.
• Survey setting-out and recording of investigation positions and elevations.
• Reinstatement and disposal of drilling spoil not required for records or testing.
• Quantities are provisional and must be verified by the tenderer.
• Bidders may add or remove activities on the BOQ table as deemed necessary.

Pricing basis:

• Unpriced tender schedule; rates must include labour, supervision, equipment, consumables, sample containers, transport, data processing, quality control and normal overheads unless expressly separated.
• Hourly labour rates must include all charges and overheads (bonus, overtime, daily allowances, fares, transport, subsistence, condition money, national insurance, sick pay, leave, industrial training levy, redundancy payment contribution, protective clothing, tools and equipment).
• Orientation and medical costs for personnel are borne by the contractor.

Pricing structure:

• Subtotal (excluding VAT).
• Contingency: 10% (editable allowance, not a tendered work item).
• Total excluding VAT.
• VAT: 15%.
• Total including VAT.

Measurement and re-measurement:

• Drilled metres, rock metres, SPT tests, test pits, CSW line metres and laboratory tests are re-measured against actual quantities.
• Rates remain applicable to measured quantities.

Exclusions (unless added as BOQ items):

• Service detection, water supply, access-road construction, security escorts, spoil disposal off site, contamination testing, permits, rehabilitation to engineered standard, long-term groundwater monitoring.

No specific compliance requirements are stated in the document. The tenderer must list applicable standards and any departures, and must state reliance on Employer information. The final report must be signed by an appropriately qualified geotechnical professional.

The procurement is for geotechnical and geophysical survey services to support the siting of a Multi-Purpose Reactor (MPR). Detailed scope is defined in document PMO-MPR-SOW-0002.

Bidding procedure enquiries:

• Contact: Mr Buyani Nsibande
• Telephone: 012 305 6072
• Email: [email protected]

Submission address:

Necsa Gate 3

R104 Elias Motsoaledi Street (Church Street West Ext)

Pelindaba

Submission method: deposit in the bid box at Necsa Gate 3, R104 Elias Motsoaledi Street (Church Street West Ext), Pelindaba.

Closing time: 11:00 on 02 December 2026. Late bids will not be accepted.

Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided, not re-typed.

Returnable documents (all must be completed and signed):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule): priced offer, valid for a stated number of days from closing.
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses any state employment or relationships with the procuring institution; false disclosure disqualifies.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE and specific goal points.
• SBD 7.1 (Contract Form): signed by the successful bidder and purchaser.
• SBD 8 (Declaration of Bidder's Past SCM Practices): declares past supply chain practices.
• SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination): certifies no collusion or price disclosure.
• Proof of authority to sign (e.g. company resolution).
• Tax Compliance Status PIN or CSD number; each consortium/JV/sub-contractor party must submit its own.
• B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs and QSEs) to claim preference points.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to provide or comply with any required particulars.
• Submission after the closing time.
• Bids from persons in the service of the state, companies with such directors, or close corporations with such members.

Preference point system: 90/10 or 80/20, to be determined by the organ of state based on the lowest/highest acceptable tender.

Points allocation: maximum 100 points total — price plus specific goals.

Specific goals points are claimed via SBD 6.1; failure to submit proof means no preference points are claimed.

The organ of state may require substantiation of any preference claim at any time.

Scope: Geotechnical and geophysical survey for Multi-Purpose Reactor (MPR) siting.

Refer to scope of work document PMO-MPR-SOW-0002 for detailed requirements.

Pricing schedule (SBD 3.1) must be completed with all applicable taxes included.

Offer validity period must be stated on the pricing schedule.

Payment terms: per contract form, payment within 30 days after receipt of invoice and delivery note.

Tax compliance: submit SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN, or CSD number if no TCS PIN; each consortium/JV/sub-contractor party must submit its own.

B-BBEE: submit a B-BBEE status level verification certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs and QSEs) to qualify for preference points.

Exclusion: persons in the service of the state, companies with such directors, and close corporations with such members are excluded.

Bidders listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers are automatically disqualified.

The purpose of this Scope of Work is to define the tasks, deliverables, responsibilities, and requirements for the geotechnical and geophysical characterisation of the preferred site for the proposed Multi-Purpose Reactor. The work will develop site-response information and site-related design-basis inputs for the reactor design, Site Safety Report, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Public Information Document.

Objectives:

• Characterise the soil, rock, groundwater and founding conditions of the preferred site.
• Establish site-response data through drilling, test pitting, geophysical testing, laboratory testing and analysis.
• Provide traceable design-basis inputs for the MPR design and Site Safety Report.
• Provide geotechnical and geophysical information for the EIA and Public Information Document.

No specific contact details are provided in the source document.

Returnable documents: none specified in the source document. The document is a Scope of Work and does not list returnable forms or submission instructions.

The service provider must be suitably qualified and experienced to complete the geotechnical and geophysical investigation of the preferred MPR site and to submit a technically sound report for project design, environmental assessment and nuclear-siting submissions.

Scope of work: geotechnical and geophysical characterisation of the preferred site for the proposed Multi-Purpose Reactor. The work will develop site-response information and site-related design-basis inputs for the reactor design, Site Safety Report, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Public Information Document.

Field investigations:

• Rotary core drilling: approximately 10 boreholes, depths 15 m to 35 m.
• Standard Penetration Tests at 1.5 m intervals.
• Collect Shelby tube samples and rock-core samples.
• Engineering geologist to log boreholes.
• Install piezometers to monitor groundwater levels.
• Capture geological information on site plans.
• Test pitting: approximately eight test pits to about 3 m depth.
• Engineering geologist to profile test pits.
• Test disturbed and undisturbed samples for founding properties.
• Loosely backfill test pits after investigation.
• Continuous Surface Wave (CSW) survey and downhole seismic testing.
• Laboratory testing.
• Analysis reported in detailed reports.

Deliverables:

• Inception package: methodology, programme, resource plan, investigation layout, registers. Approved by Necsa before fieldwork.
• Field records: borehole logs, test-pit profiles, groundwater readings, samples, updated site plans. Complete, legible, checked, traceable.
• Test results: laboratory, CSW, downhole seismic results with quality records, linked to samples and locations.
• Full-scale geotechnical and geophysical characterisation of the site: methods, data, analysis, site response, conclusions, drawings, supporting evidence. Technically checked and suitable for Necsa review.
• Final assessment report and data pack: accepted report, resolved comments, editable files, PDF, data, drawings, calculations, records. Necsa comments addressed and final submission accepted.

Exclusions: Phase 1 preliminary site-screening assessments are existing inputs and will not be repeated unless Necsa approves additional work.

Quality management requirements:

• Maintain quality control, chain-of-custody and traceability for samples, field records, test results, calculations and drawings.
• Use calibrated, fit-for-purpose equipment and provide calibration and verification records.
• Submit deliverables in editable native format and PDF.
• Quality Assurance stakeholder: quality-plan review, surveillance, records and audits.
• The report/s must comply with the regulatory and standards requirements listed in the compliance matrix.

Budget: The service provider shall provide a priced breakdown covering mobilisation, field investigations, testing, specialist personnel, reporting, disbursements and applicable taxes. No work outside the approved scope may be charged without prior written authorisation.

Regulatory and standards compliance: The service provider shall demonstrate compliance with the following requirements through a compliance matrix:

• National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998
• Regulation R.927 (Regulations on the Licensing of Sites for New Nuclear Installations 2011)
• Regulation R.388 (Regulations on Safety Standards and Regulatory Practices 2006)
• NNR RG-0011 Rev 0 (Interim Guidance for the Siting of Nuclear Facilities)
• NNR PP-0014 Rev 0 (Considerations of External Events for New Nuclear Installations)
• NNR RG-0016 (Guidance on verification and validation of evaluation and calculation models 2016)
• IAEA SSR-1 (Site Evaluation for Nuclear Installations 2019)
• IAEA SSG-93 Rev 1 (Geotechnical Aspects in the Siting and Design of Nuclear Installations 2026)

Project execution requirements:

• Submit proposed methodology, investigation locations, sampling plan, testing schedule, equipment list and applicable procedures for Necsa's approval before fieldwork begins.
• Use calibrated, fit-for-purpose equipment and provide calibration and verification records.
• Maintain quality control, chain-of-custody and traceability for samples, field records, test results, calculations and drawings.
• Secure investigation areas and restore them to a safe condition after fieldwork.
• Notify Necsa promptly of hazards, deviations, constraints or findings that may affect safety, quality, scope, schedule, design or regulatory submissions.
• Obtain written authorisation from Necsa before any material change to approved scope or methodology.
• Submit all deliverables in editable native format and PDF. Drawings and datasets in formats agreed with Necsa.

Health and safety requirements:

• A Health and Safety Plan must be developed.
• Safety, Health and Environment (SHEQ) management is required.
• Site-work controls, permit monitoring and incident response are required.
• Safety or environmental incidents could cause harm, stoppage, non-compliance and delay; implementing approved plans, permits, supervision and incident response are required controls.

Environmental requirements:

• The work must comply with the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998.
• Environmental Management Group provides technical geotechnical, hydrogeological and EIA inputs.
• Safety, Health and Environment (SHEQ) management is required.
• Site-work controls, permit monitoring and incident response are required.
• Safety or environmental incidents could cause harm, stoppage, non-compliance and delay; implementing approved plans, permits, supervision and incident response are required controls.

Tax compliance

• No contract will be concluded with a bidder whose tax matters are not in order.
• An original tax clearance certificate issued by the South African Revenue Services must be submitted by the bidder and held by NECSA prior to award.

Taxes and duties

• A foreign service provider is responsible for all taxes, stamp duties, licence fees and other levies imposed outside South Africa.
• A local service provider is responsible for all taxes, duties and licence fees incurred until delivery of the contracted goods to NECSA.

Subcontracting

• Where work is subcontracted, preference must be given to Black Empowerment Companies.

Governing law and language

• The agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
• The contract, all correspondence and related documents must be in English.

Fees are set out in the Pricing Schedule (Annexure E of the SLA) and are payable for full and complete performance of the Services. Payment is made only after the Services are fully performed and the reports/deliverables have been accepted. The Service Provider must submit a monthly statement no later than the last day of the month, along with an original invoice and associated documents. If correct, payment is effected within 30 days after the date of statement, via electronic bank transfer. NECSA may retain a Retention Fee of 10% of the contract value, paid within 3 months of receipt of all goods/services and issue of a certificate of acceptance.

Payment terms

• Fees are set out in the Pricing Schedule (Annexure E of the SLA) and are payable for full and complete performance of the Services.
• Payment is made only after the Services are fully performed and the reports/deliverables (per Annexure B) have been accepted.
• The Service Provider must submit a monthly statement no later than the last day of the month, along with an original invoice and associated documents.
• If the documents are correct, payment is effected within 30 days after the date of statement, via electronic bank transfer.
• Travel, accommodation and disbursement expenses, if not included in the Fees and agreed for reimbursement, are invoiced under the same conditions.
• NECSA may retain a Retention Fee of 10% of the contract value, paid to the Service Provider within 3 months of receipt of all goods/services and issue of a certificate of acceptance.
• For labour costs on a recovery basis, a monthly statement is provided by the last day of the month; payment within 30 days if correct, otherwise adjusted at the next payment or on payment of retention fees.

General

• These terms apply to all bids, contracts and orders issued by NECSA for supply of goods, works or services.
• A Service Level Agreement (SLA) may address specific services; where there is a conflict, the SLA supersedes these terms.

Assignment and subcontracting

• Neither party may assign, transfer or subcontract without the other party's prior written consent.
• Where subcontracting is allowed, preference must be given to Black Empowerment Companies, and NECSA must be notified in writing of all subcontracts.

Indemnity and liability

• The Service Provider indemnifies NECSA against all loss or damage sustained by the Service Provider or its employees during performance, and against third-party claims of IP infringement.
• The Service Provider also indemnifies NECSA against loss, damage and legal costs arising from breach of warranties.
• Except for criminal, negligence or wilful misconduct, neither party is liable for indirect or consequential loss.

Insurance

• Goods supplied must be fully insured in a freely convertible currency against loss or damage during manufacture, transport, storage and delivery.
• Each party accepts its own legal liabilities and must maintain sufficient insurance cover.

Reports and deliverables

• Interim and final reports must be furnished to NECSA at its domicilium within the stages set out in the SLA.
• Acceptance process: 7-day Evaluation Period, correction of nonconformities, 7-day Verification Period, deemed acceptance if no notification.

Contract amendments and variation

• No variation or modification is effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.

Penalties

• If the Service Provider fails to deliver or perform within the specified periods, NECSA may deduct a penalty calculated per the Penalty Formula (Annexure D of the SLA) for each day of delay, and may also terminate the contract.

Impossibility of performance

• Failure or delay due to a cause beyond reasonable control is not a breach, provided written notice is given within 5 days of manifestation.
• If the impossibility continues for more than 14 days, the other party may cancel the agreement.

Project plan and variation

• Services must be completed per the Project Plan and Schedule of Deliverables (Annexure B).
• Variations due to unforeseen matters or delays in documentation must be agreed in writing, including any fee adjustments.

Delays in performance

• If the Service Provider delays beyond the essential delivery time, NECSA may, without cancelling, obtain services from another provider at the Service Provider's expense, or cancel and procure elsewhere.

Force majeure

• Neither party is liable for failure to fulfil obligations caused by events beyond reasonable control, including acts of God, riot, strike, war, terrorism, etc.

Confidentiality

• Each party must keep the other's information confidential, not copy or disclose it without written authorisation, and use it only for the contract.
• The Service Provider must ensure its employees are aware of Section 51 of the Nuclear Energy Act, 1999, and have signed confidentiality agreements.
• The Service Provider must not disclose contract documents or information without NECSA's prior written consent.
• NECSA may inspect and audit the Service Provider's records relating to performance.

Ownership and intellectual property

• NECSA Data remains NECSA's property; improvements to it remain NECSA's.
• Service Provider's Intellectual Property/Technology remains the Service Provider's; improvements remain its property.
• The Service Provider warrants no infringement of third-party rights and must defend NECSA against claims.
• A royalty-free, perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence is granted to NECSA for any Service Provider IP included in the deliverables, solely for those deliverables.

Dispute resolution

• Disputes are first referred to project managers, who must try to resolve within 7 days.
• If unresolved, escalated to executive managers, who must try within 10 days.
• If still unresolved, parties may exercise their legal rights.

Breach of agreement

• A defaulting party has 7 days after written notice to remedy the breach; otherwise the aggrieved party may claim specific performance or terminate and claim damages.

Termination for insolvency

• Either party may terminate without notice if the other becomes bankrupt, insolvent, placed under judicial management, or fails to satisfy a judgment within 14 days.

Notices

• Notices are deemed received when delivered, 7 days after posting, on the day sent by fax, or on the day emailed.
• Parties may change their domicilium on 14 days' notice.

Non-solicitation of personnel

• Neither party may employ or use the other's personnel as consultants during the agreement or for 6 months after completion.
• Breach renders the breaching party liable for damages equal to 6 months' salary of the relevant personnel.

Relaxation

• Any indulgence or delay in enforcement does not waive rights.

Validity and severability

• Invalid provisions are severable; remaining provisions remain valid.

Warranties

• Goods supplied must be new, unused, of the most recent models, and free from defects.
• Warranty valid for 12 months after delivery and acceptance, or 18 months after shipment, whichever ends earlier.
• NECSA must notify the Service Provider in writing of warranty claims; the Service Provider must repair or replace at no cost.
• If the Service Provider fails to remedy, NECSA may take remedial action at the Service Provider's risk and expense.

Applicable law and language

• Governed by South African law; all contract documents in English.

Taxes and duties

• Foreign Service Provider responsible for taxes outside South Africa; local Service Provider responsible for taxes until delivery.
• No contract with a bidder whose tax matters are not in order; original tax clearance certificate required prior to award.

Acceptance of reports/deliverables

• NECSA has a 7-day Evaluation Period after furnishing of reports/deliverables to verify conformity with requirements.
• If a nonconformity is notified in writing before the Evaluation Period expires, the Service Provider must correct it at its own expense, and NECSA gets an additional 7-day Verification Period starting on receipt of the corrected reports.
• If NECSA does not notify acceptance, the reports/deliverables are deemed accepted upon expiry of the Evaluation Period, or the Verification Period if a nonconformity was notified.
• Upon full and final payment, all reports/deliverables become the property of NECSA, subject to ownership and intellectual property provisions.