Outcome-based security solutions for eskom’s north east grid critical infrastructure in mpumalanga

Bidders must comply with tax obligations. Submit a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN issued by SARS to verify tax status. Apply for a TCS PIN via e-filing at www.sars.gov.za. Alternatively, submit a printed TCS certificate with the bid. For consortia, joint ventures, or sub-contractors, each party must provide a separate TCS certificate, PIN, or CSD number. If no TCS PIN is available but the bidder is registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), provide the CSD number. Bids from state employees, companies with state-employed directors, or close corporations with state-employed members will not be considered. Non-compliance with these requirements may invalidate the bid.

Closing date: 04 August 2026 at 10:00 AM (South African Standard Time). Issue date: 03 July 2026.

Primary contact: Vukosi Maluleke, Manager: Procurement. Email: [email protected]. Department: Supply Chain Management (SCM). Clarifications will be published on the NTCSA Tender Bulletin and National Treasury e-tender portal.

Submit electronically via the NTCSA Tender Bulletin site on the Eskom E-Tendering page. Deadline: 04 August 2026 at 10:00 AM (SAST). Suppliers are responsible for ensuring timely submission. All documents must be in PDF or Excel format. Maximum file size: 50MB per file, 900MB total per submission. No ZIP files or hard copies accepted. Only the latest submission will be considered; previous versions are void. Ensure submission status is marked as 'complete'. Do not submit confidential information. Supplier help resources (manual and video) are available on the Eskom E-Tendering page.

Required documents: Technical Value Proposal (max 15 pages) and Pricing Model (high-level, non-binding estimates). Responses can be provided as a document with annexures but must address all questions in the RFI. Additional pertinent information may be included. All documents must be submitted in PDF or Excel format.

Scope: Outcome-Based Security Solutions (Guarding, Security Technology, and Security Escort) for North East Grid Substations, Lines, Servitudes, and designated National Key Point (NKP) buildings. Facilities covered: 18 substations (e.g., Sol, Alpha, Zeus), 12 power stations (e.g., Komati, Kendal, Kusile), all North East Grid towers/lines, and NTCSA offices/workshops. Security requirements: Perimeter hardening (anti-intrusion systems), energy-efficient lighting/visibility, technology integration (CCTV, AI surveillance, access control, vibration sensors, drone monitoring), centralised control room with real-time analytics, and security escort services. Key risks: Mixed perimeter fencing (rusted/ intact), partial lighting coverage, non-functional or absent CCTV/access control. Contract duration: 60 months. All installed equipment becomes NTCSA property upon installation. Service provider accountable for subcontractors/third-party vendors. Performance outcomes: Timely detection of unauthorised access, rapid armed response, reduction in asset loss/service interruptions, full compliance with MPSS, PSIRA, CIP Act, and continuous improvement through innovation.

Technical Value Proposal must describe: technical approach to service delivery; innovative methodologies or technologies; ability to meet Eskom’s specific requirements (incident management, regulatory compliance, technology availability). Provide specifications for equipment and infrastructure to be installed.

Qualified and experienced security service providers are invited. Respondents must demonstrate: relevant experience in high-security or critical infrastructure environments; past project examples with success stories and measurable outcomes; technical capability (methodology, innovation, scalability, control room design/refurbishment); ability to meet Eskom’s requirements (incident management, regulatory compliance, technology availability); proposed team qualifications, experience, and roles; resources (technology, equipment, infrastructure) for service delivery; and risk management/contingency planning approaches.

High-level, non-binding pricing estimates are required. The pricing model must align with the OBC framework, where suppliers invest capital upfront and recover costs over 60 months based on KPI achievement. Include specifications for equipment and infrastructure to be installed.

Pricing model: High-level, non-binding estimates required. Suppliers must make full capital investment for security technology, infrastructure, and control room setup. Costs recovered over 60 months (5 years), subject to achieving predefined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). All newly installed systems must include a 60-month warranty covering hardware, software, and support. Respondents bear all costs associated with submissions.

Mandatory: PSIRA registration. Administrative requirements must be met. Compliance with Eskom’s security standards, Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), MPSS, PSIRA, and CIP Act. Certifications/accreditations: PSIRA, FCA, NKP (as applicable). Confirm ability to comply with all regulatory and legislative requirements outlined in the RFI.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning: Outline approach to identifying, mitigating, and managing project risks. Provide examples of contingency plans to ensure continuity of service. Address evolving threats such as cable theft, vandalism, land invasion, and sabotage.

Outcome-Based Contracting (OBC) model applies. Suppliers must make full capital investment for security technology, infrastructure, and control room setup. Costs are recovered over 60 months (5 years), contingent on achieving predefined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Suppliers must provide ongoing maintenance, armed response, and 24/7 monitoring services. All installed systems must include a 60-month warranty covering hardware, software, and support. Suppliers are fully accountable for subcontractors and third-party vendors, with strict consequence management for non-performance. Eskom reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFI per National Treasury SCM Instruction Note. All clarifications will be published on the NTCSA Tender Bulletin and National Treasury e-tender portal. Respondents bear all submission costs; Eskom is not liable for reliance on RFI outcomes.

Confidentiality: Respondents must not submit confidential information. Transparency: All clarifications will be published on the NTCSA Tender Bulletin and National Treasury e-tender portal. No respondent will gain unfair advantage in future bids. Liability: Respondents bear all costs associated with submissions. Eskom is not liable for any reliance on RFI outcomes.

Mandatory compliance: PSIRA registration and administrative requirements. Response structure: Technical Value Proposal (max 15 pages) covering methodology, innovation, scalability, and control room design/refurbishment plan. Pricing Model: High-level, non-binding estimates. Confidentiality: Do not submit confidential information.

No formal evaluation criteria are provided for this RFI. The focus is on gathering information to inform future procurement. Key areas of interest include: cost-effectiveness, technology-driven solutions, innovation, scalability, and compliance with NTCSA’s operational and legislative standards.

Required returnable: Integrity Declaration Form must be fully completed, signed, and submitted by the deadline.

Conflict of interest declarations: Tenderers must disclose if:

• Any employee/director is also an employee/contractor/consultant/director of NTCSA.
• Any employee/director shares an entity with NTCSA employees/contractors/consultants/directors.
• The tenderer or its representatives are related to NTCSA personnel involved in tender specification, evaluation, adjudication, or negotiation.
• The tenderer shares a controlling partner or has a relationship (direct or via third parties) with other bidders that could influence the process.

Disqualification risks: Tenders will be disqualified if the bidder or its directors:

• Abused NTCSA’s procurement process (e.g., bid rigging, collusion).
• Committed fraud or improper conduct in any procurement process.

Additional requirements:

• Declare if any employee/director is a State employee (as per Public Service Act, 1994) and attach proof of authorisation for remunerative work outside the public sector.
• If relationships with other bidders exist, attach proof.
• Complete a table detailing all employees/directors/members/shareholders/owners, their capacity, and any relationship with NTCSA personnel.
• Answer YES/NO to questions on:
• Listing on National Treasury’s Database of Restricted Suppliers.
• Listing on the Register for Tender Defaulters.
• Convictions for fraud/corruption in the past 5 years (provide case number and judgement if applicable).
• Prohibition from doing business with International Financial/Lending Institutions or Development/Funding Agencies.
• History of failing to meet contractual obligations with the State or State-owned entities (provide details if applicable).

Shareholding information: For incorporated JVs, list all shareholders (individuals/entities) with full names, ID numbers, and shareholding percentages. For unincorporated JVs, each member must complete the table.

Integrity Declaration Form:

• Must be fully completed, signed, and submitted by the deadline.
• Includes a table to declare all employees/directors/members/shareholders/owners, their capacity, and any relationship with NTCSA personnel.
• Requires YES/NO answers to questions on restricted supplier status, tender defaulter status, fraud/corruption convictions, prohibitions from international institutions, and contractual obligation failures.
• For incorporated JVs: List all shareholders (individuals/entities) with full names, ID numbers, and shareholding percentages. For unincorporated JVs: Each member must complete the table.

Integrity and conflict of interest compliance:

• Tenderers must confirm all information provided is true and correct. False declarations may result in tender rejection and action against the bidder.
• Consent is required for NTCSA to use and verify the provided information, including sharing with third parties for conflict-of-interest checks.

Restricted suppliers and defaulters:

• Tenderers must not be listed on National Treasury’s Database of Restricted Suppliers or the Register for Tender Defaulters.
• No convictions for fraud/corruption in procurement processes in the past 5 years.
• No prohibitions from doing business with International Financial/Lending Institutions or Development/Funding Agencies.
• No history of failing to meet contractual obligations with the State or State-owned entities.

Data processing consent:

• Tenderers must consent to NTCSA using the provided information for conflict-of-interest verification and other ancillary purposes.
• Information may be shared with third parties for these purposes.

General Requirements:

• All tenderers must complete the tenderer details table regardless of organisation type.
• Table must include:
• Name of tenderer.
• Full names of authorised signatory.
• Designation and capacity.
• Signature of authorised signatory.
• Date of signature.

Joint Venture requirements:

• Submit a Joint Venture Agreement with:
• Statement of joint and several liability for contract execution.
• Designation of the lead member.
• Ratios for work and payment division among members.
• Attach a power of attorney signed by legally authorised signatories of all Joint Venture members.

Returnable Documents Required:

• Completed Tenderer’s Particulars Form (Annexure C)
• CIPC Registration Number or CIPC disclosure certificate (for individual companies and each JV member)
• VAT registration number (for individual companies and each JV member)
• CIDB registration number, contractor grading designation (for individual companies and each JV member), and combined CIDB contractor grading designation for JVs
• Contact person, telephone number, email address, postal address, and physical address (for each JV member)
• NTCSA vendor registration number (if currently registered)
• National Treasury CSD supplier registration number (if currently registered)
• SARS E-filing PIN number (if registered on SARS E-filing system)
• Current valid tax compliance certificate (if foreign supplier or not registered on CSD)
• Signed authorization from authorized signatory (name, signature, designation, capacity, date)

Subcontractor Documentation (if applicable):

• Subcontractor name, CIPC registration, VAT registration, CIDB registration number and grade
• Proposed scope of work for subcontractor
• Subcontractor CSD registration confirmation and number
• Subcontractor B-BBEE level
• Proof of subcontractor's designated group membership
• Signed intention to sub-contract document

CSD Registration Note:

• CSD registration is NOT mandatory at time of submission
• CSD registration IS mandatory prior to award
• Register online at www.treasury.gov.za

Tenderer Structure Declaration:

• Indicate tendering structure type with 'X': Individual tenderer, Unincorporated JV, Incorporated JV, or Other
• Provide registration number where applicable

Company Registration Details (for individual companies and each JV member):

• Name of lead partner/member (for JVs)
• CIPC Registration Number or CIPC disclosure certificate
• VAT registration number
• CIDB registration number
• CIDB contractor grading designation
• Combined CIDB contractor grading designation (for JVs)

Subcontractor Details (if applicable):

• Name of main subcontractor(s)
• CIPC Registration number or CIPC disclosure certificate
• VAT registration number
• CIDB Registration number and grade (if applicable)
• Proposed scope of work to be done by subcontractor
• Contact person, telephone, fax, email, postal address, physical address

Vendor Registration:

• NTCSA vendor registration number (if currently registered)
• National Treasury CSD supplier registration number (if currently registered)
• CSD registration is NOT mandatory at submission but IS mandatory before award
• Register at www.treasury.gov.za

Tax Compliance:

• SARS E-filing PIN number (if registered on SARS E-filing system)
• Current valid tax compliance certificate required by contract award stage (for foreign suppliers or those without SARS PIN)

Authorization:

• Name of tenderer
• Full names of authorised signatory
• Signature
• Designation and capacity
• Date

Mandatory Registrations:

• CIPC Registration: Required for individual companies and each JV member
• VAT Registration: Required for individual companies and each JV member
• CIDB Registration: Required where applicable, with contractor grading designation for individual companies and each JV member, plus combined CIDB grading for JVs
• CSD Registration: Mandatory prior to award (not required at submission stage)

Tax Compliance:

• SARS E-filing PIN required to verify tax compliance status
• Foreign suppliers or those without SARS PIN must provide current valid tax compliance certificate by contract award stage

B-BBEE Requirements:

• B-BBEE level must be confirmed for subcontractors
• Designated group verification required for subcontractors, including:
• EME or QSE status
• 51% black ownership
• 51% black youth ownership
• 51% black women ownership
• 51% black persons with disabilities ownership
• 51% black ownership in rural/underdeveloped areas/townships
• 51% black cooperative ownership
• 51% black military veteran ownership
• Multiple designated group categories

B-BBEE Requirements for Subcontractors:

• Confirm B-BBEE level of proposed subcontractor
• Verify subcontractor belongs to designated group:
• An EME or QSE
• An EME or QSE at least 51% owned by black people
• An EME or QSE at least 51% owned by black youth
• An EME or QSE at least 51% owned by black women
• An EME or QSE at least 51% owned by black persons with disabilities
• An EME or QSE 51% owned by black people in rural or underdeveloped areas or townships
• A cooperative at least 51% owned by black people
• An EME or QSE at least 51% owned by black military veterans
• More than one of the above categories
• Provide proof of subcontractor's designated group membership
• Attach signed intention to sub-contract document

Tenderer Contact Information Required:

• Contact person name
• Telephone number
• E-mail address
• Postal address
• Physical address

Note: For JV submissions, provide contact details for lead partner/member and each JV member separately. For subcontractor details, provide subcontractor's contact person, telephone, fax, email, postal address, and physical address.

Required returnable documents for submission:

• SBD 4 Declaration of Interest form, fully completed and signed.
• Full name, identity number, position, and company registration details of the bidder or representative.
• Tax reference number and VAT registration number of the company.
• Details of all directors, trustees, shareholders, or members, including their identity numbers, tax reference numbers, and employee/PERSAL numbers (if applicable).
• Disclosure of any state employment connections, including names, institutions, and positions.
• Proof of authority for remunerative work outside public sector employment (if applicable).
• Disclosure of any prior business with the state in the last 12 months, including particulars.
• Disclosure of any relationships with state employees involved in bid evaluation or adjudication.
• Disclosure of any interests in related companies bidding for this contract.

Note: Incomplete or missing declarations may lead to bid disqualification.

Compliance requirements include:

• Declaration of any employment or kinship with state employees involved in bid evaluation/adjudication.
• Submission of a signed and certified SBD 4 Declaration of Interest form.
• Disclosure of all directors, trustees, shareholders, or members and their relevant details (ID, tax reference, PERSAL numbers).
• Proof of authority for state employees undertaking remunerative work outside public sector employment (where applicable).

No specific tender dates stated in this document. The closing date is stored in the tender record (2026-08-04). This document is a system user guide and does not contain tender-specific dates, briefing sessions, or clarification deadlines.

No specific tender contact information provided. This document is a system user guide.

• For eTendering system issues: contact the buyer responsible for the published tender
• System support email shown in sample: [email protected] (this is a sample address, not the actual tender contact)
• Actual tender contact details are not available in this document

This document is an eTendering system user guide, NOT the actual tender document for security solutions. The actual tender requirements are not present.

• Submit via Eskom eTendering portal at https://eTendering.eskom.co.za
• Register on the portal before submitting
• Contact number must start with +27 prefix
• Complete captcha validation during registration
• Verify email via link sent to your registered address
• Login with verified email and password
• OTP (one-time PIN) sent to cell phone and email for verification
• Click 'Create New Submission' for the specific tender
• Upload documents by: naming the file, selecting type (Technical/Commercial/Finance), choosing file, clicking Upload
• Verify all required documents are uploaded under correct categories
• Click 'Finalize Submission' when complete
• File size limit: 500MB per file, 4GB total
• Save the confirmation email with submission ID for future reference
• View submitted tenders via 'My Submissions' menu

Document types for upload: Technical, Commercial, Finance. Each file must be named, assigned a type category, and uploaded individually. Verify all required documents are uploaded under correct categories before finalizing. Total upload limit: 4GB. Individual file limit: 500MB.

No technical specifications for the security solutions tender. This document is the eTendering system user guide only.

• eTendering replaces physical submission at Eskom tender offices
• Electronic submission portal for uploading tender documents
• Suppliers must register before accessing the system
• OTP verification required for login
• Compatible with most web browsers; Microsoft Edge recommended
• CSD number required to gain access to the system

No financial requirements specified in this document. This is a system user guide only. Pricing format, bonds, guarantees, payment terms, and financial capacity requirements for the security solutions tender are not available.

• CSD (Central Supplier Database) number is required to access the eTendering system
• All other compliance requirements (tax clearance, B-BBEE, CIDB, CIPC, professional registrations, local content) are not specified in this document as it is a system user guide only

No evaluation criteria specified. This document is the eTendering system user guide, not the actual tender document.

• As-Built Documentation: Provide complete and accurate documentation for the Security Control Room infrastructure.

• Scope: Provide integrated, outcome-based security services for NTCSA's North East Grid critical infrastructure in Mpumalanga.
• Sites: Cover 18 substations, 12 power stations, all transmission lines/towers, new builds, emergencies, projects, and Eskom Park offices.
• Key Site: SOL Substation is a designated National Key Point (NKP) requiring heightened security.
• Contract Model: 60-month Outcome-Based Contract (OBC) focusing on measurable outcomes, not prescriptive inputs.
• Required Outcomes:
• Timely detection of unauthorised access.
• Rapid armed response to verified threats.
• Reduction in asset loss and service interruptions.
• Full compliance with MPSS, PSIRA, and CIP Act.
• Continuous improvement through innovation.
• Service Components:
• Physical Security Services: Comprehensive solution tailored to site-specific risk levels.
• Guard Deployment: PSIRA-registered personnel deployed according to site risk classification (High, Medium, Low).
• Access Control Management: Implementation of an integrated security system.
• Patrol and Perimeter Services: Scheduled and intelligence-driven patrols.
• Incident Response: 24/7 rapid armed response capability.
• Emergency Management: Readiness for sabotage, fire, land invasion, civil unrest, and infrastructure tampering.
• Technology Integration: Must include a Technology Roadmap and Innovation Strategy (ref: 240-10687162).
• Community Involvement: Strategy for community liaison, local job creation/procurement, and safety initiatives.
• Maintenance and Support: Preventive and corrective maintenance for security systems.
• Body-Worn Cameras: Mandatory for all guards and reaction officers.
• Asset Ownership: All installed equipment and systems become NTCSA property upon installation.
• Accountability: Service provider is fully accountable for subcontractors and third-party vendors, with strict consequence management for non-performance.

• Patrols: Conduct scheduled and intelligence-driven patrols across all designated zones.
• Incident Response: Provide 24/7 rapid armed response to all verified security alerts.
• Technology Roadmap: Submit and implement an innovation strategy for introducing and scaling new security solutions over the contract term.
• Maintenance: Execute preventive and corrective maintenance for existing and new security systems.

• NTCSA invites qualified and experienced security service providers to submit proposals.
• The RFI is targeted at providers capable of delivering comprehensive, integrated security solutions for critical electricity infrastructure.

• Training: Deliver comprehensive training to NTCSA's nominated personnel or a successor service provider.
• Knowledge Transfer: Facilitate structured sessions to ensure operational continuity.
• Documentation: Provide complete and accurate as-built documentation for the Security Control Room infrastructure.
• Standards Compliance: Adherence to ISO 27000 and numerous Eskom specifications for security systems is required.
• Performance Monitoring: The NTCSA TRE team will continuously monitor and evaluate the security framework.

• This is an RFI stage.
• Bidders may provide indicative pricing.
• Pricing information will not be evaluated as part of this RFI.

• This is a Request for Information (RFI).
• Bidders may provide indicative pricing.
• Pricing will not be evaluated as part of this RFI stage.

• Legislative Compliance: Full compliance required with:
• Minimum Physical Security Standards (MPSS).
• Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA Act).
• Critical Infrastructure Protection Act.
• National Key Points Act.
• Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Protection of Personal Information Act.
• NTCSA's own security specifications and technical governance.
• Personnel Registration: All security personnel must be PSIRA-registered and deployed according to site risk classification.
• Technical Standards: Must comply with a extensive list of Eskom normative specifications for security systems (e.g., integrated alarms, CCTV, access control, physical security integration).
• Outcome-Based Contracting: Must adhere to Eskom's OBC guideline (559-348635181).
• Community and Social Requirements: The solution should outline strategies for local job creation, skills transfer, and procurement within Mpumalanga.

• Community Involvement: Develop strategies for positive community engagement around protected sites.
• Local Development: Where feasible and aligned with NTCSA policy, outline strategies for local job creation, skills transfer, and procurement from businesses within Mpumalanga.

• Legislative Compliance: Must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Emergency Management: Maintain full operational readiness for scenarios including sabotage, fire, land invasion, civil unrest, and infrastructure tampering.
• Personnel Training: Personnel must hold competency in evacuation, containment, and first-response protocols.
• Integration: Must integrate with NTCSA's emergency communication systems.
• Body-Worn Cameras: Mandatory for all guards and reaction officers for transparency and accountability.
• Community Safety Initiatives: Participate in joint safety awareness initiatives with local communities.

• The scope includes mitigating risks related to land invasion and property damage.
• Community engagement strategies should address environmental and safety concerns from illegal connections and infrastructure tampering.

• Contract Duration: 60 months (5 years).
• Asset Ownership: All installed equipment, systems, and technologies become the property of NTCSA upon installation.
• Transfer Obligations: The service provider must ensure seamless licensing, ownership, and physical asset handover to NTCSA at contract end.
• Decommissioning: If the Security Control Centre (SCC) is to be decommissioned, the contractor must provide a detailed plan.
• Accountability: The service provider is held fully accountable for all subcontractors and third-party vendors.
• Consequence Management: Strict protocols are in place for non-performance.

• Guard Deployment: Deploy trained, PSIRA-registered security personnel aligned to site risk levels, ensuring uninterrupted coverage with shift handovers and contingency planning.

NTCSA’s Threat and Risk Evaluation (TRE) team to monitor, evaluate, and enhance the security framework

1) ISO 27000 Information Security Management Systems

6) 240-170000098 – Security Public Address System for Substations and Telecoms High Sites

8) 240-170000096 – Physical Security Integration Standard

9) 240-170000614 - Cyber Security Control Guideline

10) 240-170000098 – Security Public Address System For substations and Telecoms High Sites

11) 240-170000723 – Generic technical requirements for physical security technologies contracts

14) National Key Points Act

3) 32-727: Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality Policy