Epwp non-state sector npo programme participation (2026/27–2028/29): request for proposals

Programme: EPWP Non-State Sector (NSS) NPO Programme for 2026/2027 to 2028/2029 financial years. Objective: Provide unemployed individuals with meaningful work opportunities through community asset delivery and services, while promoting economic inclusion and sustainable livelihoods. Implemented by the Independent Development Trust (IDT) on behalf of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

Closing date: 29/07/2026 at 12H00 PM. Compulsory briefing sessions: 06th to 17th July 2026 (attendance mandatory; non-attendees disqualified). Queries accepted up to 5 calendar days before closing date. Bid validity period: 90 calendar days.

Technical enquiries: Kwanda Mzobe, Tel: 012 845 2000, Email: [email protected]. Written queries: Email [email protected]. Submission address: IDT regional office bid box (addresses listed in Section H of the tender document). Regional contacts: See Section H for addresses and contact people.

Submit bids by 29/07/2026 at 12H00 PM to the IDT regional office bid box. Bids must be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope, marked with bid number, description, closing date/time, NPO name, contact person’s name, email, and cellphone. Emailed or faxed bids are disqualified. Required documents: SBD1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD4 (Bidder’s Disclosure), full Central Supplier Database report, valid Tax Compliance Letter with unique PIN. Courier submissions must sign the Bid Submission Register on behalf of the NPO. Late bids are disqualified. Bids must be completed in permanent black ink (no typed documents). Only one bid per NPO is allowed. Joint ventures, subcontracting, or consortiums are not permitted.

Programme duration: 2026/2027 to 2028/2029 financial years. NPOs must select focus areas from 8 options: 1) Cleaning/maintenance of public facilities, 2) Cleaning/beautification of public/open spaces, 3) Road maintenance (stormwater channels, kerb cleaning, potholes, grass cutting), 4) Waste management (recycling/waste processing), 5) Energy-related projects, 6) Art and craft (for People with Disabilities), 7) Food security/farming support, 8) Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. NPOs must prove capacity to deliver selected focus areas, including site identification, permission letters, and detailed implementation plans. Maximum 4 sites per NPO, each with 25 participants (sub-sites within 5km of main site). NPOs must provide equipment for selected focus areas. Biometric system requires a functional smartphone (4GB RAM, 32GB storage).

NPOs must submit a detailed Implementation Plan aligned with selected focus areas (4.3.1–4.3.8). Plan must include: NPO background (objectives, staff complement, geographic info, infrastructure), proposed work opportunities (female/male totals, targeted groups: women, youth, people with disabilities), organisational capacity (funding history, current EPWP funding), and focus area specifics (site details, permissions, scope of work, participant numbers). NPOs must also provide: signed Project Implementation Plan, work packages/activities for EPWP participants, and demographic targets. Monthly reporting required (attendance registers, invoices, participant verification lists, contracts, certified IDs, bank letters).

NPOs must provide details of 3 key human resources: Manager/Director (Diploma), Financial Officer (Certificate in Finance), Administrator (Certificate in Office/Public/Business Administration or equivalent). All certified copies must be <3 months old from closing date. Staff must be available full-time; replacements must have equivalent/higher qualifications. NPOs must prove experience in selected focus areas (e.g., site permissions, partnerships, capacity to deliver). Previous EPWP-related experience scores 15 points in functionality evaluation.

NPOs must pay participant wages within 3 days of receiving IDT funds. Monthly UIF payments required for all participants. IDT pays COIDA annually (receipt required from NPO). Invoices must match attendance registers and be submitted monthly. No financial compensation for programme cancellation by the client department.

Mandatory: Valid COIDA Certificate (Letter of Good Standing) for 2026/2027 (not month-to-month), UIF registration (UI54), NPO Registration Certificate (minimum 2 years in existence), Department of Social Development Compliance Letter (2025 or 2026), proof of business address (not older than 3 months), permission letters for each site (signed, on letterhead, with details of work opportunities, activities, location, and size). Tax Compliance: SARS TCS PIN or CSD number (if no PIN). B-BBEE: Status Level Verification Certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) required for preference points. Foreign suppliers: Must confirm RSA residency, branch, or tax liability; if none, no SARS PIN required. No bids from state employees or entities with state-employed directors/members. Blacklisted bidders are disqualified.

Waste Management Projects: Focus on recycling and waste processing to address land/ocean/air pollution. Objectives: Create work opportunities, maintain clean towns/public areas, and support recycling enterprises. Requirements: Identify hotspots (towns, townships, informal settlements, beaches, harbours, illegal dumping sites, cemeteries), obtain municipal/departmental permissions (DFFE, DWS), describe scope/activities (collection, sorting, recycling), and specify site extent (weight of waste or ha/km). Critical success factor: Proof of identified sites and permission to work.

Contract duration: 3 financial years (2026/2027 to 2028/2029). Renewal for years 2 and 3 subject to valid COIDA, CSD, and DSD compliance letters. IDT reserves rights to: cancel/withdraw bid without notice, amend/modify requirements, assess bidder facilities, contact landlords (for lease agreements), and verify referees. Contracts are non-transferable; only one bid per NPO evaluated. NPOs must support EPWP training programmes. Maximum 4 sites per NPO, each with 25 participants (sub-sites within 5km). Biometric system requires a smartphone (4GB RAM, 32GB storage). Permission letters required per site/sub-site. No liability for programme cancellation by client department.

Three-stage evaluation: 1) Mandatory Requirements (gatekeeper; failure disqualifies). 2) Functionality (minimum 70 points to proceed). 3) Due Diligence/Site Inspection (minimum 90 points to qualify). Functionality criteria: Readiness (15), capacity (15), governance (10), EPWP understanding/plan (15), experience (15), financial capability (15), fund-raising (15). Only NPOs passing all stages are recommended.