Radiographic testing and inspection services at germiston depot - 12-Month as-and-when-required contract

Transnet Engineering, an operating division of Transnet SOC Ltd (registration number 1990/000900/30), requires an approved service provider to render radiographic testing and inspection services at Germiston Depot on an as-and-when-required basis, for a period not exceeding 12 months. Quotations are invited under RFQ TE/2026/09/3922/11764/RFQ and must be submitted through the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal.

Closing

• Closing date: 5 October 2026
• Closing time: 15:00
• Closing date and time are as published on the Transnet e-tender System.

Briefing session (non-compulsory)

• Date: 28 September 2026
• Time: 10:00
• Duration: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Venue: Microsoft Teams
• Meeting ID: 311 733 387 558 772
• Passcode: YB7Ez9ap
• Attendance is not compulsory but is encouraged. The session starts punctually and information is not repeated for latecomers.
• Confirm attendance and send contact details and the number of representatives to [email protected].

Clarification queries

• Deadline: 12:00 on 1 October 2026
• Submit to [email protected] or 011 820-2175. Responses are made available to all bidders.

Bid validity

• 90 business days from the closing date, excluding the first day and including the last day.

A non-compulsory briefing session will be held on Microsoft Teams on 28 September 2026 at 10:00, lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Respondents arrange their own transport and accommodation. The session starts punctually and information is not repeated for latecomers. Attendance is encouraged but not compulsory, and Transnet accepts no responsibility if a non-attending respondent later feels disadvantaged. Respondents are encouraged to bring a copy of the RFQ and must confirm attendance, sending contact details and the number of representatives, to [email protected]. Meeting ID: 311 733 387 558 772. Passcode: YB7Ez9ap.

Bidding procedure enquiries

• Contact: Langanani Mphelo
• Telephone: 011 820-2175
• Email: [email protected]

Complaints

• Email: [email protected]
• The SCM Complaints office acknowledges the complaint and issues a complaint form for completion.

Submission

• Method: electronic submission via the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal
• Portal: https://esupplierportal.transnet.net/portal/

Service delivery

• Germiston Depot, Gauteng

Process outcome

• Results are communicated by email. A bidder with no communication 30 days after expiry of the bid validity period may consider its bid unsuccessful. Unsuccessful bidders may request reasons from the contact person named in SBD 1.

Submission channel

• Electronic submission only, through the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal (TDPS): https://esupplierportal.transnet.net/portal/
• Register a company profile, sign in, view advertised tenders, toggle "Log an Intent" to activate submission, then upload the bid against the selected tender.
• Upload limit: 30 MB per upload; multiple uploads are permitted.
• Pricing must be captured electronically in the eSupplier portal. No paper pricing schedule will be accepted.
• Submit at least one day before the closing date; no late submissions will be accepted.
• Each company must log its own intent and submit under its own registered profile and company name. A bid submitted through another company's profile will be rejected or the bidder disqualified, even where the other company is a subsidiary or holding company.
• Joint ventures: any party may submit on behalf of the JV using its own registered profile.
• Bidder guide: transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net

Returnable document categories

• Mandatory: failure to submit by the closing date and time results in disqualification.
• Used for scoring: failure does not disqualify, but scores zero for that criterion.
• Essential: Transnet may allow a further set deadline; continued failure may result in disqualification.
• All returnable sections must be signed, stamped and dated by the respondent.

Mandatory returnable documents

• Section 4 Quotation Form, with a priced offer.
• Valid Letter/Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Employment and Labour, in the name of the company performing the RT services (Nature of Business: Engineering Services – Non-destructive Testing of Components, Inspections or Testing of Components).
• Valid SAHPRA Radiation Control Registration Certificate for possession and use of radiation equipment.
• Valid Radiation Protection Officer qualification issued by the governing professional body.
• Valid ISO 9712 or PCN certifications for proposed NDT personnel: minimum two Level II per NDT method and one Level III.
• Valid qualifications for at least one Metallurgical Engineer and two Technicians for PMI, hardness and replica testing.
• Radiographic Testing Emergency Plan.
• Signed Technical Specification Acceptance Declaration (last page of the Technical Specification).

Returnable documents used for scoring

• Proof of compliance with the specific goal requirements set out in Section 6.

Essential returnable documents

• Section 1 SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• Section 5 Certificate of Acquaintance with RFQ Documents: confirms the bidder is familiar with and accepts the RFQ conditions.
• Section 6 RFQ Declaration and Breach of Law Form: declares any serious breach of law in the preceding five years.
• Section 8 Certificate of Attendance at the non-compulsory RFQ briefing.
• Section 9 Protection of Personal Information.

Disqualification risks

• Late submission.
• Any mandatory returnable document missing at closing.
• Bid not signed by an authorised respondent, or no priced offer.
• Pricing submitted in a format other than the prescribed price schedule.
• Submitting through another company's profile.
• Collusion with other bidders.
• Failure to submit the comprehensive RT Emergency Plan covering all listed minimum requirements, or the signed Technical Specification Acceptance Declaration.

Mandatory returnable documents – failure to provide by the closing date and time results in disqualification

• Section 4 Quotation Form with the priced offer.
• Valid Letter/Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Employment and Labour.
• SAHPRA Radiation Control Registration Certificate.
• Radiation Protection Officer qualification.
• ISO 9712/PCN certifications for NDT personnel covering all services in the specification/pricing schedule.
• Metallurgical Engineer and technician qualifications for PMI, hardness and replica testing.
• Radiographic Testing Emergency Plan.
• Signed Technical Specification Acceptance Declaration.

Returnable documents used for scoring – failure does not disqualify but scores zero for the criterion

• Valid proof of compliance with the specific goal requirements in Section 6.

Essential returnable documents – failure may allow a further set deadline, after which failure may result in disqualification

• Section 1 SBD 1 Form.
• Section 5 Certificate of Acquaintance with RFQ Documents.
• Section 6 RFQ Declaration and Breach of Law Form.
• Section 8 Certificate of Attendance at the non-compulsory RFQ briefing.
• Section 9 Protection of Personal Information.

General

• All returnable sections must be signed, stamped and dated by the respondent.
• The successful respondent must keep all returnable documents valid for the duration of any contract and present renewals when due; failure entitles Transnet to terminate the agreement immediately without liability.

Staged evaluation

• Step 1 – administrative and substantive responsiveness: bid lodged on time; all returnable documents and schedules completed and returned by the closing date and time; validity of returnable documents verified; bid signed by the authorised respondent; priced offer present; material compliance with scope and specification; technical pre-qualification and legal requirements met. This step must be passed to proceed.
• Step 2 – functionality/technical evaluation out of 100 points. Minimum qualifying score: 80/100. Scores are rounded to two decimal places. Bidders below 80 do not proceed.
• Step 3 – final weighted scoring: price 80 points plus specific goals 20 points.
• Step 4 – price negotiation, where applicable.
• Step 5 – award of business and conclusion of contract.

Technical criteria (100 points)

• Personnel capacity and resources: 20 points. Organogram plus NDT Level III, Metallurgical Engineer and four or more qualified technicians = 20; three technicians = 10; two technicians = 5; no evidence = 0.
• Capability to perform RT services: 25 points. Signed letter confirming ability to evaluate 8 m weld length using 300 mm film within 6 hours and 70 m weld length using roll-pack film within 10 hours (material thickness 6 mm to 20 mm). Both capabilities confirmed = 25; no confirmation = 0.
• Capability to perform PMI, hardness and replica testing: 25 points. Demonstrated capability with calibrated equipment = 25; one service only or no evidence = 0.
• Film development and reporting turnaround: 15 points. 6 hours or less after notification = 15; more than 6 up to 12 hours = 5; more than 12 hours = 0.
• Emergency call-out response time: 15 points. 6 hours or less = 15; more than 6 up to 12 hours = 5; more than 12 hours = 0.

Price (80 points)

• Comparative formula: Ps = 80 x (1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin), where Pt is the price of the bid under consideration and Pmin the lowest acceptable bid.
• Final pricing scores are rounded to two decimal places.

Specific goals (20 points)

• Claimed on the specific goals preference points claim form; points are awarded per the table in Section 4.1 of that form.

Price negotiation

• If the highest scoring bid is not market related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder in sequence, or cancel the RFQ. If no market-related price is agreed with the third ranked bidder, the RFQ must be cancelled.
• Bids and any negotiated best and final offers remain valid during negotiation and until award.

Scope

• Appointment of an approved service provider for radiographic testing (RT) and inspection services at Germiston Depot.
• Services are rendered on an "as-and-when-required" basis for a period not exceeding 12 months.
• The detailed scope of work is in Annexure A; the technical specification and pricing schedule define the NDT services required.

Required capability

• Evaluate 8 m weld length using 300 mm film and issue reports within 6 hours.
• Evaluate 70 m weld length using roll-pack film and issue reports within 10 hours.
• Material thickness range: 6 mm to 20 mm.
• Film development, film interpretation and report submission, including weekends and public holidays.
• Emergency call-out response during weekdays, weekends and public holidays.
• PMI, hardness and replica testing services.

Minimum personnel

• 1 x VT Level II
• 2 x UT Level II
• 2 x RT Level II
• 2 x MT Level II
• 2 x PT Level II
• 2 x UTT Level II (wall thickness measurement)
• 1 x NDT Level III
• 2 x technicians/personnel for PMI, hardness and replica testing
• 1 x Metallurgical Engineer for PMI, hardness and replica testing
• Certifications must be valid at the closing date and cover all NDT services in the specification/pricing schedule.

Minimum equipment

• PMI: portable XRF analyser and/or OES analyser with a valid calibration certificate.
• Hardness testing: portable hardness tester with a valid calibration certificate.
• Replica testing: replica preparation kit and a metallurgical microscope or access to laboratory analysis facilities.

Radiographic Testing Emergency Plan (mandatory)

• Must cover radiation incident response, radiation source recovery, controlled area establishment and access control, emergency contact details, personnel roles and responsibilities, incident reporting and escalation, evacuation procedures, and availability during normal working hours, weekends and public holidays.
• A signed Technical Specification Acceptance Declaration must also be submitted.
• Failure to submit both the comprehensive RT Emergency Plan and the Technical Specification Compliance and Understanding disqualifies the bidder from proceeding to Step Two.

Personnel and certification requirements

• NDT personnel: valid ISO 9712 or PCN certification, with a minimum of two Level II for each NDT method and one Level III, issued in the name of the company performing the NDT services.
• Minimum personnel complement: 1 x VT Level II, 2 x UT Level II, 2 x RT Level II, 2 x MT Level II, 2 x PT Level II, 2 x UTT Level II (wall thickness measurement), 1 x NDT Level III, 2 x technicians/personnel for PMI, hardness and replica testing, and 1 x Metallurgical Engineer for PMI, hardness and replica testing.
• A Radiation Protection Officer must be appointed and hold a valid qualification/certificate issued by the governing professional body.
• All certifications and qualifications must be valid at the closing date and must cover all NDT services required in the specification/pricing schedule.
• An organogram is required, showing the managing director/general manager, operations manager, quality coordinator/quality manager, NDT Level III, NDT Level II lead technician, NDT Level II technician, Radiation Protection Officer, HSE manager/safety officer, metallurgical engineer and qualified support technicians.

Certification and competence

• NDT personnel must hold valid ISO 9712 or PCN certification: minimum two Level II per NDT method and one Level III, valid at the closing date and covering all NDT services in the specification/pricing schedule.
• A Radiation Protection Officer must be appointed and hold a valid qualification/certificate issued by the governing professional body.
• At least one qualified Metallurgical Engineer and two technicians are required for PMI, hardness and replica testing.

Equipment calibration

• PMI equipment (portable XRF and/or OES analyser), the hardness tester and replica testing equipment must have valid calibration certificates.
• Replica testing requires a replica preparation kit and a metallurgical microscope or access to laboratory analysis facilities.

Service levels

• Film development, film interpretation and report submission within the committed turnaround time, including weekends and public holidays.
• Emergency call-out response within the committed time during weekdays, weekends and public holidays.

Technical acceptance

• A signed Technical Specification Acceptance Declaration must be submitted, demonstrating understanding of Transnet Engineering's radiographic testing requirements.
• A comprehensive Radiographic Testing Emergency Plan must be submitted; failure to submit it together with the Technical Specification Compliance and Understanding disqualifies the bidder.

Pricing format

• Pricing is submitted on the Quotation Form/Price Schedule, in South African Rand inclusive of VAT, on a "delivered nominated destination" basis.
• The delivery lead-time from date of purchase order must be stated.
• Pricing must follow the prescribed schedule format exactly; using a different format may result in disqualification.
• Disbursements not specifically priced for will not be considered or accepted.
• Unconditional discounts are considered in the final evaluation stage only.
• Final pricing scores are rounded to two decimal places.

Market-related price

• If the highest scoring bid is not market related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, second or third ranked bidder in sequence, or cancel the RFQ. If no market-related price is agreed with the third ranked bidder, the RFQ must be cancelled.

Pricing

• Quote in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT, on a "delivered nominated destination" basis.
• Pricing must be submitted on the prescribed Quotation Form/Price Schedule; a different format may result in disqualification.
• State the delivery lead-time from date of purchase order.
• Disbursements not specifically priced for will not be considered or accepted.
• Discounts are considered in the final evaluation stage only if offered unconditionally.
• Final pricing scores are rounded to two decimal places.

Market-related price

• If the highest scoring bid is not market related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, second or third ranked bidder in sequence, or cancel the RFQ. If no market-related price is agreed with the third ranked bidder, the RFQ must be cancelled.

Bid validity

• 90 business days from the closing date, excluding the first day and including the last day. Bidders may be asked to extend on the same terms and conditions.

Financial due diligence

• Transnet may request audited financial statements or other documentation for due diligence purposes.

Registration and tax

• Register on the Transnet eSupplier portal and submit through the bidder's own profile.
• Submit a SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN, or a CSD number where no TCS PIN is available. A printed TCS certificate is also accepted.
• Consortia, joint ventures and subcontractors: each party submits its own TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number.
• Bids will not be considered from persons in the service of the state, companies with such directors, or close corporations with such members.

Technical pre-qualification (mandatory)

• Valid Letter/Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Employment and Labour in the name of the company performing the RT services, Nature of Business: Engineering Services (Non-destructive Testing of Components, Inspections or Testing of Components).
• Valid SAHPRA Radiation Control Registration Certificate for possession and use of radiation equipment.
• Valid Radiation Protection Officer qualification issued by the governing professional body.
• Valid ISO 9712 or PCN certification for proposed NDT personnel: minimum two Level II per NDT method and one Level III.
• Valid qualification of at least one Metallurgical Engineer and two Technicians for PMI, hardness and replica testing.

B-BBEE and preference points

• 80/20 preference point system applies; the bid value is estimated not to exceed R50 000 000 including all applicable taxes.
• Price 80 points; B-BBEE status level of contribution 20 points.
• Specific goals: B-BBEE level 1 or 2 contributor 5 points; more than 50% black youth owned 5 points; 30% black women owned 5 points; owned by people with disabilities 5 points. Total points for price and specific goals must not exceed 100.
• Proof required: B-BBEE certificate, sworn affidavit or CIPC B-BBEE certificate; for people with disabilities, certified ID copies, a doctor's note and/or EEA1 form; for rural entities, a municipal/Eskom bill or letter from an Induna/chief not older than 3 months; subcontracting or JV agreements where applicable.
• A trust, consortium or joint venture must submit a consolidated B-BBEE status level verification certificate.
• Failure to submit proof of specific goals with the bid means no B-BBEE preference points are claimed.

Other compliance

• Successful bidders must comply with all applicable national and local laws and with the Employment Equity Act, including Section 53.
• Returnable documents must remain valid for the duration of any contract; failure to renew entitles Transnet to terminate immediately.
• Security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level may be required for the successful bidder, its personnel and subcontractors.
• Any commercial relationship with a Domestic Prominent Influential Person or Foreign Prominent Public Official must be disclosed.

Preference point system

• 80/20 applies; the bid value is estimated not to exceed R50 000 000 including all applicable taxes. Transnet uses the lowest acceptable bid to determine the applicable system where all acceptable bids fall outside the stated system.

Points allocation

• Price: 80 points.
• B-BBEE status level of contribution: 20 points, made up of B-BBEE level 1 or 2 contributor 5 points, more than 50% black youth owned 5 points, 30% black women owned 5 points, and entities owned by people with disabilities 5 points. Total points for price and specific goals must not exceed 100.
• Preference points may also be claimed for enterprises located in a specific province, region or municipal area, entities or black people living in rural areas, EMEs or QSEs that are 51% black owned, and for subcontracting or joint venture participation of at least 30% of contract value to South African companies that are 30% black women owned, 51% black youth owned, and 51% black people with disabilities, as well as B-BBEE level 1 and 2 entities and 51% black-owned EMEs/QSEs.

Required proof

• B-BBEE certificate, sworn affidavit or CIPC B-BBEE certificate per DTIC guidelines; a consolidated scorecard is accepted for joint ventures.
• People with disabilities: certified ID copies of owners, a doctor's note and/or EEA1 form.
• Rural entities: municipal/Eskom bill or letter from an Induna/chief not older than 3 months.
• Subcontracting or JV agreements where applicable.
• A trust, consortium or joint venture must submit a consolidated B-BBEE status level verification certificate for every separate bid. Tertiary institutions and public entities submit their B-BBEE status level certificates under the specialised scorecard.
• Failure to submit proof of specific goals with the bid is interpreted to mean no B-BBEE preference points are claimed.
• Bidders must ensure their bids comply with the B-BBEE requirements in force at submission time.

Radiation safety

• A Radiographic Testing Emergency Plan is mandatory and must address radiation incident response procedures, radiation source recovery, controlled area establishment and access control, emergency contact details, personnel roles and responsibilities, incident reporting and escalation, evacuation procedures, and availability during normal working hours, weekends and public holidays.
• Failure to submit a comprehensive RT Emergency Plan covering all listed minimum requirements, together with the Technical Specification Compliance and Understanding, disqualifies the bidder from proceeding to Step Two.
• The successful bidder must implement all security measures the safe performance of the contract requires.
• The successful bidder must comply with all applicable national and local laws and regulations.

ESG information

• Transnet may request further information on a bidder's Environmental, Social and Governance standing at any stage of the procurement or contracting process. This information is not used for evaluation and does not disqualify a bidder; it is kept for record and analysis of ESG compliance.

Subcontractors

• Where subcontracting applies, Transnet may conduct due diligence on subcontractors, request further information from the bidder or directly from the subcontractor, and investigate to detect fronting.

Contract duration

• Services are required on an as-and-when-required basis for a period not exceeding 12 months.

Bid validity

• 90 business days from the closing date, excluding the first day and including the last day. Bidders may be asked to extend on the same terms if the internal evaluation is not finalised in time.

Award and contract formation

• After approval to award, the preferred bidder receives a Letter of Award and the final contract is concluded. Acceptance of the Letter of Award, read with the RFQ response and the Standard Terms and Conditions, may constitute the final contract.

Returnable document validity

• The successful bidder must keep all returnable documents valid for the duration of the contract and submit renewals when due. Failure entitles Transnet to terminate the agreement immediately, without liability and without prejudice to claims for damages.

Disclosure

• On award, Transnet publishes the outcome and successful bidder information on the National Treasury e-Tender Publication Portal and may disclose contract details (company name, goods/services, value and duration) under the JSE Debt Listing Requirements.

Breach of law

• Bidders must declare whether they have been found guilty of a serious breach of law in the preceding five years, including breaches of the Competition Act; minor offences such as traffic offences are excluded.

Security clearance

• Acceptance of a bid may be subject to the successful respondent, its personnel providing the goods and its subcontractors obtaining security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level. Obtaining clearance is the respondent's responsibility, and acceptance is also subject to the respondent implementing all security measures the safe performance of the contract requires.

Prominent persons

• Respondents must disclose any commercial relationship with a Domestic Prominent Influential Person (DPIP) or Foreign Prominent Public Official (FPPO) by completing the prescribed declaration. Transnet considers governance protocols, determines DPIP/FPPO status and conducts risk assessment and due diligence before concluding business, and publishes annually a list of contracts entered into with DPIP/FPPO.

Submission rules

• Each company must register its own e-tender profile and log its own intent to bid and submit under the same company name. A bid submitted through another bidder's or company's profile will not be accepted or will lead to disqualification, including where the other company is a subsidiary or holding company.
• In a joint venture, any party may use its registered profile to submit on behalf of the JV.
• Bidders should submit at least a day before the closing date; no late submissions will be accepted.
• Canvassing any Transnet officer or employee between the closing date and award is prohibited, and colluding bidders are disqualified and restricted from doing business with organs of state.

Mandatory technical pre-qualification

• Valid Letter/Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Employment and Labour in the name of the company performing the RT services, Nature of Business: Engineering Services (Non-destructive Testing of Components, Inspections or Testing of Components).
• Valid SAHPRA (Department of Health) Radiation Control Registration Certificate for possession and use of radiation equipment, in the name of the company performing the RT services.
• Valid qualification/certificate for the company's appointed Radiation Protection Officer, issued by the governing professional body.
• Valid ISO 9712 or PCN certification for proposed NDT personnel: minimum two Level II per NDT method and one Level III.
• Valid qualification of at least one qualified Metallurgical Engineer and two Technicians for PMI, hardness and replica testing.
• Certifications must cover all NDT services in the specification/pricing schedule and be valid at the closing date.

Minimum personnel

• 1 x VT Level II, 2 x UT Level II, 2 x RT Level II, 2 x MT Level II, 2 x PT Level II, 2 x UTT Level II (wall thickness measurement), 1 x NDT Level III, 2 x technicians/personnel for PMI, hardness and replica testing, and 1 x Metallurgical Engineer for PMI, hardness and replica testing.

Mandatory submissions

• Radiographic Testing Emergency Plan covering radiation incident response, radiation source recovery, controlled area establishment and access control, emergency contact details, roles and responsibilities, incident reporting and escalation, evacuation procedures, and availability during normal working hours, weekends and public holidays.
• Signed Technical Specification Acceptance Declaration.
• Failure to submit the comprehensive RT Emergency Plan meeting all listed minimum requirements together with the Technical Specification Compliance and Understanding disqualifies the bidder from proceeding to Step Two.

Legal compliance

• The successful respondent must comply with all applicable national and local laws and with the Employment Equity Act applicable to it, including Section 53.

Evaluation runs in stages. Step 1 tests administrative and substantive responsiveness: submission on time, all returnable documents and schedules completed and returned, validity of returnable documents, signature by the authorised respondent, a priced offer, material compliance with the scope and specification, and satisfaction of the technical pre-qualification and legal requirements. Step 2 scores functionality/technical criteria out of 100, with a minimum qualifying score of 80; scores are rounded to two decimal places and bidders below the threshold do not proceed. Step 3 applies the final weighted scoring: price 80 points using the comparative price formula (the lowest acceptable bid scores the maximum) plus specific goals 20 points. Steps 4 and 5 cover price negotiation where applicable and award of business with conclusion of the contract. Technical weightings: personnel capacity and resources 20; capability to perform RT services 25; capability to perform PMI, hardness and replica testing 25; film development and reporting turnaround 15; emergency call-out response time 15. If the highest scoring bid is not market related, Transnet may negotiate sequentially with the highest, second and third ranked bidders, or cancel the RFQ; bids and negotiated best and final offers remain valid during negotiation and until award.