Appointment of a panel of subject matter experts for energy qualifications (all provinces) for a period of twelve (12) months

Closing date: Friday 21 August 2026 at 13h00.

Issue date: Friday 14 August 2026.

Non-compulsory briefing session: N/A.

Tender validity: 90 working days from the closing date.

Inquiries: [email protected] (all inquiries must be in writing).

Bidding procedure and technical enquiries: [email protected], telephone 011 274 4700.

Fraud hotline: EWSETA Vuvuzela Fraud and Ethics Hotline – Free Call 0800 611 205, SMS 30916, email [email protected], website https://www.thehotline.co.za/.

Returnable documents (Stage 1 pre-qualification):

• Company registration documents (CIPC).
• CSD report or number.
• Joint Venture agreement, if applicable.
• Valid B-BBEE certificate (SANAS accredited) or sworn B-BBEE affidavit for EMEs/QSEs; combined certificate/affidavit for JVs.
• SBD 1 (Annexure 1) – Invitation to Bid: bidder details and offer cover page.
• SBD 3.3 (Annexure 2) – Pricing Schedule (professional services).
• SBD 4 (Annexure 3) – Declaration of Interest: discloses any state employment or connections.
• SBD 6.1 (Annexure 4) – Preference Points Claim: claims B-BBEE points.
• Annexure 5 – General Conditions of Purchase: sign last page and initial each page.
• Annexure 6 – POPI Consent forms: consent to process personal information; both JV parties must sign.
• SARS Tax PIN (tax clearance certificate); each JV member must provide their own.

Submission method: Bids must be sent to the SCM email address [email protected] (note the typo in the document; the correct address appears as [email protected] elsewhere).

Disqualification risks:

• Late bids: any bid arriving after 13h00 on the closing date will not be considered under any circumstances.
• Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided (not re-typed).
• VAT-registered bidders who submit bids without VAT will be disqualified.
• Failure to complete the VAT declaration or provide a valid VAT number (if registered) may lead to disqualification.
• Plagiarism in any bid will result in disqualification.
• Bidders must respond to clarification requests within 48 hours or may be disqualified.
• Tax matters must be in order at time of award; failure results in disqualification.

Note: Bidders will not be disqualified at Stage 1 if returnable administrative documents are not attached, but all documents will be required prior to award if recommended.

Stage 1 Pre-Qualification Criteria - Returnable Administrative Documents: Company Registration Documents (CIPC), CSD Report/Number, Joint Venture Agreement if applicable, valid B-BBEE Certificate (SANAS accredited) or B-BBEE Affidavit for EMEs/QSEs (combined for JV), fully completed and signed SBD forms (SBD 1, SBD 3.3, SBD 4, SBD 6.1), Annexure 5 General Conditions of Purchase (signed on last page and initialled on each page), Annexure 6 POPI Consent forms (both JV parties must consent), Tax PIN issued by SARS (each JV member). Bidders will not be disqualified at this stage if documents not attached, but all documents will be required prior to award if recommended.

Evaluation is in two stages:

Stage 1 – Pre-qualification: Returnable administrative documents (see submission guidelines).

Stage 2 – Functionality: Bidders must score a minimum of 70 points out of 100 (70%) to qualify and proceed to the next stage. Functionality criteria:

• Reference letters from previous clients confirming relevant experience in the energy sector as facilitator, assessor, or moderator: 3 or more letters = 30 points; 2 letters = 20 points; 1 letter = 10 points; none or unsatisfactory = 0 points. Letters must not be older than 5 years, must be on the client's letterhead, include client name, work conducted, years, contactable reference, and be signed. EWSETA may contact references; if no response within 3 business days, the letter scores zero.
• Qualifications/professional certification of the Subject Matter Expert: relevant energy qualification or proof of registration as an SME = 20 points; none or irrelevant = 0 points. Certified copies of highest qualifications must be attached; certification not older than 6 months; uncertified certificates not accepted; foreign qualifications require a SAQA evaluation certificate.
• Experience of the Subject Matter Expert: 5+ years relevant experience or registered assessor/moderator = 50 points; 3-4 years = 40 points; less than 3 years = 0 points. A brief CV of the SME must be attached.

Preference points: The 80/20 system applies – 80 points for price, 20 points for B-BBEE status level. B-BBEE points: Level 1 = 20, Level 2 = 18, Level 3 = 14, Level 4 = 12, Level 5 = 8, Level 6 = 6, Level 7 = 4, Level 8 = 2, Non-compliant = 0. Bidders failing to submit proof of B-BBEE status may not be disqualified but score 0 for B-BBEE. Trusts, consortia or JVs must submit a consolidated B-BBEE certificate. A bidder will not be awarded B-BBEE points if it intends sub-contracting more than 25% of contract value to an enterprise that does not qualify for at least the same points, unless the sub-contractor is an EME with capability to execute.

The panel of Subject Matter Experts will conduct site visits, consultations, and provide reports for a period of twelve (12) months on behalf of EWSETA nationally. Services include:

• Accreditation site visits and recommendations.
• Learning material evaluation.
• Workplace site visits and recommendations.
• Assessment centre site visits and recommendations.
• Skills development provider and project monitoring and evaluation.
• Conduct capacity building sessions.
• Verification of learning and recommendation for endorsement.
• Transfer of skills.
• Project monitoring and reporting to EWSETA.
• Conduct due diligence for the discretionary grant committee.
• Attending meetings or workshops as delegated and reporting outcomes.
• Development and input into EWSETA policies and processes.
• Conduct due diligence on behalf of EWSETA.

Experts must be registered with QCTO or NAMB as an SME and carry out monitoring and recommendations for Accreditation, Re-Accreditation and De-Accreditation of Skills Development Providers offering training within Electrical, Energy and closely related occupations.

The Subject Matter Expert must be registered with QCTO or NAMB as an SME.

Relevant energy-related qualification or proof of registration as an SME is required (20 points in functionality).

Certified copies of highest qualifications must be attached; certification not older than 6 months; uncertified certificates not accepted; foreign qualifications require SAQA evaluation.

Experience: 5+ years relevant experience in the energy sector with emphasis on exit moderation, assessment and workplace approval processes, or registered assessor/moderator = 50 points; 3-4 years = 40 points; less than 3 years = 0 points.

A brief CV of the SME must be attached.

Reference letters from previous clients confirming relevant experience as facilitator, assessor, or moderator: 3+ letters = 30 points; 2 = 20; 1 = 10; none = 0. Letters must not be older than 5 years, on letterhead, include client name, work conducted, years, contactable reference, and be signed.

EWSETA, as the Quality Assurance Partner (QAP), is responsible to the QCTO for executing quality assurance activities for energy qualifications.

Service providers must adhere to ethical research and evaluation standards.

All data and information accessed during assignments remain the property of EWSETA.

Confidentiality agreements must be signed before commencement of any assignment.

The panel will be managed through the EWSETA Quality Assurance and Skills Development Department.

No financial proposals are expected at this stage since this is a panel appointment; price will not be assessed.

EWSETA reserves the right to negotiate pricing with successful bidders.

Pricing for allocated work will be determined at contracting stage based on specific services and applicable procurement processes.

Bidders registered for VAT who submit bids without VAT will be disqualified.

Bidders must complete the VAT declaration: indicate if VAT-registered and provide VAT number if applicable.

The SBD 3.3 pricing schedule (professional services) is a returnable document, but no pricing is required at this stage.

No financial proposals are expected at this stage since this is a panel appointment; price will not be assessed, only technical assessment scores determine panellists.

EWSETA reserves the right to negotiate pricing with successful bidders.

Pricing for allocated work will be determined at contracting stage based on specific services and applicable procurement processes.

Bidders registered for VAT who submit bids without VAT will be disqualified.

Bidders must complete the VAT declaration: indicate if VAT-registered and provide VAT number if applicable.

Payment will be made based on satisfactory completion of deliverables, verified by the EWSETA Project Manager/Steering Committees.

EWSETA will not make upfront payments.

EWSETA undertakes to pay valid invoices within 30 days if all supporting documents are submitted.

Mandatory registrations and documents:

• Company registration (CIPC).
• CSD registration (report or number).
• Valid B-BBEE certificate (SANAS accredited) or sworn affidavit for EMEs/QSEs; combined for JVs.
• SARS Tax PIN (tax clearance certificate); each JV member must provide their own.
• Tax matters must be in order and reflect on CSD at time of award.
• Bidders must not be persons in the service of the state, or companies with directors who are state employees.
• Joint Venture Agreement, if applicable.

Standard forms (one line each):

• SBD 1 – Invitation to Bid: bidder details and offer cover page.
• SBD 3.3 – Pricing Schedule (professional services).
• SBD 4 – Declaration of Interest: discloses state employment or connections.
• SBD 6.1 – Preference Points Claim: claims B-BBEE points.
• Annexure 5 – General Conditions of Purchase: sign and initial each page.
• Annexure 6 – POPI Consent forms: consent to process personal information.

Additional requirements:

• The Subject Matter Expert must be registered with QCTO or NAMB as an SME.
• Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate.
• Certification of qualifications must not be older than 6 months.
• Reference letters must not be older than 5 years.

Preference points are awarded under the 80/20 system: 80 points for price, 20 points for B-BBEE status level.

B-BBEE points table: Level 1 = 20, Level 2 = 18, Level 3 = 14, Level 4 = 12, Level 5 = 8, Level 6 = 6, Level 7 = 4, Level 8 = 2, Non-compliant = 0.

Bidders must submit original or certified copies of B-BBEE certificates.

A bidder failing to submit proof of B-BBEE status may not be disqualified but scores 0 for B-BBEE.

Trusts, consortia or JVs must submit a consolidated B-BBEE certificate.

A bidder will not be awarded B-BBEE points if it intends sub-contracting more than 25% of contract value to an enterprise that does not qualify for at least the same points, unless the sub-contractor is an EME with capability to execute.

Training providers must adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Department of Labour (DOL) requirements.

The Subject Matter Expert must be registered with QCTO or NAMB as an SME to carry out monitoring and recommendations for Accreditation, Re-Accreditation and De-Accreditation of Skills Development Providers.

Panel appointment does not guarantee any future work; work is allocated on an ad hoc, rotational basis as requirements arise.

Panel duration: twelve (12) months from date of appointment; EWSETA may terminate at any time.

A contract will be signed with each appointed service provider; duration from date of contracting for twelve months.

Confidentiality and indemnity agreements must be signed before commencement of any assignment.

All engagements are governed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) per assignment.

Payment is based on satisfactory completion of deliverables, verified by the Project Manager/Steering Committees.

EWSETA may award an assignment to more than one panel member.

EWSETA reserves the right to interview panel members and review suitability for assignments.

Panel members must keep the same profile team members throughout the contract; changes require written authorisation from EWSETA.

A contract is only concluded when reduced to writing and signed by authorised representatives; EWSETA's designated person is the CEO or written delegate.

EWSETA will not make upfront payments.

EWSETA undertakes to pay valid invoices within 30 days if all supporting documents are submitted.

Bidders must note implications of contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

EWSETA reserves the right to appoint more than one service provider.

Terms of appointment: EWSETA does not guarantee work; service providers used on an ad hoc basis.

Panel utilisation: appointment does not guarantee future work; work allocated on a rotational basis.

Duration: panel established from date of appointment for twelve months; EWSETA may terminate at any time.

Contracting mechanism: appointment does not guarantee work; opportunities may be allocated on a rotational basis considering capacity, experience and past performance; payment based on satisfactory completion of deliverables.

Costing: no costing required at this stage.

Governance: panel managed through EWSETA Quality Assurance and Skills Development Department; engagements governed by SLAs per assignment; providers report to designated Project Manager and Steering Committee.

Ethical standards: providers must adhere to ethical research and evaluation standards; all data remains property of EWSETA; confidentiality agreements must be signed before commencement.

Rules of engagement: a contract will be signed with each service provider; duration from date of contracting for twelve months; confidentiality and indemnity agreement required; panel members not guaranteed work; assignments may be allocated via RFQ or rotational basis; EWSETA may award assignments to more than one panel member; EWSETA reserves the right to interview panel members; panel members must keep same profile team members throughout contract, changes require written authorisation.

Sub-contracting: A tenderer will not be awarded B-BBEE points if it intends sub-contracting more than 25% of contract value to an enterprise that does not qualify for at least the same points, unless the sub-contractor is an exempted micro-enterprise with capability to execute.

Submission: A comprehensive proposal together with pricing schedule must reach EWSETA by no later than Friday 21 August 2026 at 13H00. No late proposals will be considered. Tender validity: 90 working days from the closing date.

Stage 1 – Pre-qualification: Returnable administrative documents (see submission guidelines).

Stage 2 – Functionality: Minimum qualifying score of 70 points out of 100 (70%).

Functionality criteria:

• Reference letters (30 points): 3+ relevant letters = 30; 2 = 20; 1 = 10; none = 0. Letters must not be older than 5 years, on letterhead, include client name, work conducted, years, contactable reference, and be signed. EWSETA may contact references; no response within 3 business days results in zero.
• Qualifications/professional certification (20 points): relevant energy qualification or proof of registration as SME = 20; none = 0. Certified copies required; certification not older than 6 months; foreign qualifications require SAQA evaluation.
• Experience (50 points): 5+ years relevant experience or registered assessor/moderator = 50; 3-4 years = 40; less than 3 years = 0.

Preference points: 80/20 system – 80 for price, 20 for B-BBEE status level.