Independent socio-economic monitor services for the gautrain system (5 years)

The GMA seeks to appoint a suitably qualified service provider to conduct independent socio-economic monitor services for the Gautrain system for a period of five (5) years.

The GMA is a PFMA Schedule 3(C) listed provincial public entity established in terms of the GMA Act.

Its strategic objectives include assisting the Gauteng Provincial Government in implementing Gautrain, managing the relationship with the Concessionaire, enhancing integration with other transport services, promoting socio-economic development and B-BBEE objectives, liaising with government structures, managing assets, finances, and monitoring the policy and legislative environment.

The appointment is subject to conclusion of a service level agreement between the GMA, the service provider and the concessionaire.

Issue of RFP: 09 October 2026

Online non-compulsory briefing session: 16 October 2026, 10h30 – 11h30

Closing date for submitting questions: 27 October 2026

Closing date and time: 30 October 2026 at 12h00

Intended completion of evaluation: 30 November 2026

Intended formal notification of successful bidder: 07 December 2026

Effective date of contract: 15 December 2026

Note: Timetable is indicative and subject to change by GMA.

An online non-compulsory briefing session will be held on 16 October 2026 from 10h30 to 11h30.

A link to join the briefing session is provided.

The closing date for submitting questions is 27 October 2026.

Tender queries (SCM):

• Email: [email protected]

TendaSwift system helpdesk:

• Email: [email protected]

Whistle-blowing (anonymous):

• Telephone: 0800 222 585
• Sms: 33490
• Email: [email protected]
• App: https://www.whistleblowing.co.za/download-app/

Submission method: web-based TendaSwift system only; no physical submissions accepted.

Access: https://eprocurement.gautrain.co.za/

Format: PDF files only; maximum 50MB per attachment.

Bidders must register on TendaSwift and be ready to submit 48 hours before closing; complete submission at least 5 hours before closing.

Bids in draft status at the deadline are treated as non-submission; the system locks automatically at closing time.

Returnable documents (all must be completed, signed and submitted):

• CSD Central Supplier Database report: proof of registration.
• SBD1(A) and SBD1(B) Bidding submission: bidder and contact details, signed as offer cover.
• SBD 3.1 Pricing Schedule: priced offer.
• SBD 3.2 Pricing Declaration: declares pricing basis.
• SBD 4 Declaration of Interest: discloses any state employment or connections; false declaration disqualifies.
• SBD 6.1 Preferential Points Claim Form: claims B-BBEE preference points.
• SHE Safety, Health and Environment documentation: confirms HSE compliance.
• Supplier Code of Conduct (Part D): acceptance of code.

Disqualification risks:

• Any returnable document omitted or unsigned.
• Bids submitted after closing time, regardless of reason.
• Bids in draft status at closing time.
• Unauthorised communication with GMA staff or advisors outside the prescribed channel.

Three-stage evaluation process.

Stage 1: Administrative compliance and pre-qualification/mandatory requirements.

Stage 2: Functionality (technical proposal) evaluation.

Stage 3: Price and preference points.

Minimum qualifying score for functionality: 70 out of 100 points.

Bids scoring below 70 on functionality are disqualified.

Preference point system: 90/10 (bid value estimated above R50,000,000).

Weighting:

• Technical proposal: 100 points (threshold 70)
• Specific goals (B-BBEE): 10 points
• Price proposal: 90 points

Price points formula: Ps = 90(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin), where Pt = price of tender under consideration, Pmin = price of lowest acceptable tender.

Preference points per B-BBEE level: Level 1 = 10, Level 2 = 9, Level 3 = 6, Level 4 = 5, Level 5 = 4, Level 6 = 3, Level 7 = 2, Level 8 = 1, Non-compliant = 0.

Total points = price points + preference points.

The GMA requires appointment of a suitably qualified service provider to conduct independent socio-economic monitor services for the Gautrain system.

Contract period: five (5) years.

Appointment is subject to conclusion of a service level agreement between the GMA, the service provider and the concessionaire.

Detailed scope is set out in RFP Part B – Terms of Reference (not fully extracted).

Bidders must submit a tabulated statement showing their level of compliance with the Specification in Part B.

They must state if they will not comply or will only comply subject to conditions, with full details.

Minor variations may be contemplated, but significant departures are viewed unfavourably unless necessity is demonstrated.

Bidders may submit alternative tenders if they also provide a conforming response and clearly identify it as an 'Alternative Tender'.

Bidders are encouraged to offer innovative solutions that contribute to cost-effective operations, which will be considered on a 'commercial in confidence' basis if requested.

The GMA requires a suitably experienced service provider to conduct independent socio-economic monitor services for a period of five (5) years. No specific years of experience or key personnel qualifications are stated in the extracted text.

Pricing must be submitted as a total price for the proposed solution as per terms of reference.

Price points are calculated using the formula: Ps = 90(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin).

The price proposal carries a weighting of 90 points in the evaluation.

Pricing format: total price proposed solution as per terms of reference.

Price proposal weighting: 90 points.

Price evaluation formula: Ps = 90(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin).

Bid value estimated above R50,000,000, hence 90/10 preference point system applies.

No bid security, guarantee, retention or payment terms stated in the extracted text.

CSD registration: proof of registration on National Treasury Centralised Supplier Database required.

B-BBEE: to claim preference points, submit completed and signed SBD6.1 and a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit; verified.

Preference points allocated per B-BBEE level (Level 1 = 10 points down to non-compliant = 0).

No minimum B-BBEE level specified.

No CIDB grading required (non-construction services).

Compliance with National Treasury Regulations, Guidelines, Instruction Notes and Practice Notes required.

Bidders must not participate in more than one bid and must disclose any conflicts of interest.

Ten (10) points are allocated for preference (Specific Goals).

B-BBEE rating certificates and affidavits signed under oath are the Specific Goals applicable for this tender.

Preference points will be allocated in terms of the BBBEE Codes of Good Practice.

To claim preference points, bidders must submit the duly completed and signed SBD6.1 and a valid B-BBEE certificate or affidavit signed under oath which will be verified.

A Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) form is a returnable document that must be completed and submitted. No further HSE requirements are stated in the extracted text.

The RFP is an invitation to submit proposals; it is not an offer and creates no contractual rights. No binding contract exists until a formal written contract is executed.

The GMA may change information, issue addenda, or amend the RFP before closing time.

Bidders must keep RFP contents confidential.

The GMA may disqualify bidders for improper assistance, fraud, corruption, collusion, anti-competitive conduct, or conflicts of interest.

Bidders must not participate in more than one bid and must disclose any relationships with other bidders.

Late tenders will not be accepted.

Tenders must remain valid for 180 days from closing date.

Each tender constitutes an irrevocable offer.

The GMA may accept a tender in part or whole, or negotiate.

The GMA is under no obligation to appoint a successful bidder or enter into a contract.

Bidders warrant compliance with rules and providing additional information as requested.

The GMA's rights include ceasing the tendering process, altering structure/timing, varying dates, terminating participation, requiring additional information, calling for new tenders, rejecting late or non-compliant tenders, and considering alternative tenders.

The contract will be governed by South African law, and prices must be in South African Rands.

In case of inconsistency, precedence is given to Part A and Part B conditions, then Part C response, then other parts.

All bids must be submitted through the secure web-based TendaSwift system.

No bids may be physically submitted at GMA offices.

Bidders should register and be ready to submit bid documents 48 hours before closing date and time, and complete submission of all bid documents at least 5 hours before closing date and time.

GMA takes no responsibility for any bidder's failure to successfully submit a bid by closing date and time.

Bids in draft status at the deadline will be considered as non-submission.

The TendaSwift system will automatically lock at the closing date and time.

Bidders must be registered on TendaSwift and submit all bid documents electronically through the system.

Bids must be submitted in PDF format only, with a maximum size of 50MB per attachment.

Bidders must ensure their tender is accurate, complete, and submitted on TendaSwift.

They must examine the RFP and all referenced documents, inform themselves on all matters, make their own enquiries, assess risks, and comply with all applicable laws including National Treasury Regulations.

Failure to provide required information could result in disqualification.

The evaluation will be based on a point system and three-stage evaluation process.

The bid value is estimated to be above R50,000,000, therefore the 90/10 preference point system applies.

Weighting: Technical proposal 100 points (threshold 70), Specific goals 10 points, Price proposal 90 points.

The minimum threshold for functionality is 70 points; bids not meeting this are disqualified.

Thereafter, qualifying bids are evaluated on the 90/10 preference point system: maximum 90 points for price and 10 points for Specific Goals (B-BBEE).

Price points are calculated using the formula Ps = 90(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin).

Preference points are allocated per B-BBEE status level: Level 1 = 10, Level 2 = 9, Level 3 = 6, Level 4 = 5, Level 5 = 4, Level 6 = 3, Level 7 = 2, Level 8 = 1, Non-compliant = 0.

Total points = price points + preference points.

This document is Annexure B, Schedule 15 (Socio-Economic Development Obligations) of the Gautrain Concession Agreement. It sets out the socio-economic development obligations that the Concessionaire (Sihamba Sonke Mobility Proprietary Limited) must meet over the contract term, as monitored by the Independent Socio-Economic Monitor.

No tender-specific dates are stated in this document. The closing date is 30 October 2026 at 12:00 (from the tender record).

Returnable documents:

• Socio-Economic Development Plan (Annexure 3): sets out activities and measures to achieve the Socio-Economic Development Obligations for the contract year.
• Socio-Economic Development Quarterly Action Plan: submitted when committing to resolve underperformance in any obligation within the subsequent quarter.

Submission method and address are not stated in this document. Refer to the full Request for Proposals.

The Concessionaire must submit a Socio-Economic Development Plan (Annexure 3) setting out activities and measures to achieve its Socio-Economic Development Obligations, and a Socio-Economic Development Quarterly Action Plan when committing to resolve underperformance in any obligation within the subsequent quarter.

Socio-Economic Development performance is measured against committed obligations using specific indicators: Rand value of actual spend for local content, procurement, enterprise development, skills development, and social investment; percentage shareholding for ownership; and number of person-months for employment equity and management control. Performance penalties (up to 5% of Reference Value per quarter) accrue for failure to meet quarterly obligations. Persistent poor performance leads to additional penalties and potential termination points.

The Concessionaire must meet committed socio-economic development obligations across the following performance elements:

• Local Content: for EMUs, buses and midi buses, track work, earthworks, bridges and tunnels, signalling, telecommunications, radio, power supply and distribution, automatic fare collection, and infrastructure and buildings.
• Ownership: at least 50% ownership by Black People (and Black Women) in the Measured Entity.
• Procurement and Subcontracting: from B-BBEE Compliant Companies, EMEs and QSEs, Black Owned Companies, Black Women Owned Companies, and Township Suppliers.
• Local Employment Equity: employment of Black People, Black Women, Black Youth, Black Employees with Disabilities, and Township residents.
• Management Control: targets for Black People and Black Women in board, executive, senior, middle, and junior management positions.
• Enterprise Development: contributions to EMEs and QSEs that are at least 51% Black Owned or Black Women Owned, including rail industry and township enterprise incubation.
• Skills Development: expenditure on learning programmes, including rail industry and township skills development.
• Social Investment: contributions to uplift communities, including township social investment.
• B-BBEE Status Level: as stated on a valid verification certificate or sworn affidavit.

The Concessionaire must implement its socio-economic development obligations in accordance with the Quarterly Obligations and Socio-Economic Development Plan, avoiding back-ending of commitments or significant discrepancies between project spending patterns and achievement of committed obligations. The Concessionaire must submit a Socio-Economic Development Plan annually, and may propose updates to quarterly obligations reflecting changes in timing or sequencing of individual initiatives, subject to Province approval.

Performance penalties: up to 5% of the Reference Value per quarter for failure to meet quarterly obligations. Persistent poor performance may lead to additional penalties and termination points.

B-BBEE compliance is required, evidenced by a valid B-BBEE verification certificate (for entities above R50 million turnover) or a sworn affidavit (for EMEs and QSEs). The Concessionaire must meet committed targets for local content, ownership, procurement, employment equity, management control, enterprise development, skills development, social investment, and B-BBEE status level.

B-BBEE compliance is required, evidenced by a valid B-BBEE verification certificate or sworn affidavit. The Concessionaire must meet committed targets for local content, ownership (at least 50% Black ownership), procurement from B-BBEE compliant entities, employment equity, management control, enterprise development, skills development, social investment, and B-BBEE status level.

The Concessionaire must allow the Independent Socio-Economic Monitor access to all information (except commercially sensitive information) on which quarterly achievements are based. The Concessionaire must report progress to the Province and ISEM, keep records of all SED activities, and notify the Province of any anticipated changes to committed spending patterns. Quarterly obligations may be updated annually with Province approval, but cannot reduce committed obligations over the remaining contract term. Skills Development administration costs are capped at 15% of total Skills Development Expenditure, and informal/workplace learning programmes are capped at 25%.

The Concessionaire must meet committed socio-economic development obligations as measured by the Independent Socio-Economic Monitor. Failure to meet quarterly obligations results in performance penalties (up to 5% of Reference Value per quarter). Persistent poor performance may lead to additional penalties and termination points.

The Gauteng Provincial Government, acting through the Gautrain Management Agency, and the Concessionaire (Sihamba Sonke Mobility) jointly appoint an Independent Socio-Economic Monitor to verify the Concessionaire's compliance with socio-economic development obligations under Schedule 15 of the Concession Agreement. The appointment is for a term of five years.

Closing date: 30 October 2026 at 12:00 (from tender record).

No other dates (briefings, site visits, clarification deadlines) are stated in the document.

Notices for the GMA:

• Contact: Japhter Makhafola
• Address: 45 Commissioner Street, 2001
• Email: [email protected]

Notices for the Concessionaire:

• Contact: Vuyo Ntoi
• Address: Midrand Business Park, Block 5, 1685
• Email: [email protected]

Notices for the Independent Socio-Economic Monitor: details to be provided.

Returnable documents: none specified in the provided document. The document is a draft form of appointment (Schedule 21) for comment only, not for signature.

Submission method and address: not stated in the provided document. The closing date and time are in the tender record: 30 October 2026 at 12:00.

The Independent Socio-Economic Monitor must be a suitably qualified and competent professional experienced in projects of similar scope and complexity as the Gautrain project.

The Monitor must not have advised or consulted with either the GMA or the Concessionaire prior to appointment.

The Monitor must maintain professional indemnity insurance with a limit of indemnity of not less than 200% of aggregate fees (excluding VAT) per claim or series of claims.

Any Change in Control requires the Appointers' prior written consent.

The Monitor must not assign its interest or sub-contract the Services without the Appointers' prior written consent.

The shareholders of the Monitor are jointly and severally liable for providing adequate resources to meet the Monitor's obligations.

The Gauteng Provincial Government (acting through the Gautrain Management Agency) and the Concessionaire (Sihamba Sonke Mobility Proprietary Limited, to be renamed Sihamba Sonke Mobility (RF) Proprietary Limited) jointly appoint an Independent Socio-Economic Monitor.

The Monitor verifies the Concessionaire's compliance with the Socio-Economic Development Obligations under Schedule 15 of the Concession Agreement.

Duties include:

• Reviewing the Concessionaire's records, including any monitoring or audits, to verify compliance with the Socio-Economic Development Requirements.
• At the request of either party, monitoring implementation or conducting audits to verify compliance.
• Preparing reports on reviews or monitoring carried out.
• Attending relevant meetings at the request of either party.
• Reviewing the Concessionaire's quarterly reports on the Actual Total Quantum and other information to verify the information submitted.
• Performing the scope of services detailed in Annexure 3 (Scope of Services).

Additional Services may be requested in writing by either Appointer, at that Appointer's cost, for further verification work, rectifying material misstatements, or reviewing changed SED Processes.

The Monitor must act objectively and impartially, and must not place the interests of one Appointer above the other.

The Monitor must comply with all Legal Requirements and with security/safety directions for the Land.

The Monitor will be provided access to all parts of the Land, records, information and personnel of the Concessionaire and its contractors, on reasonable notice.

The Monitor must give at least two Business Days' notice before issuing any report, and provide copies of all reports to both Appointers.

The Concessionaire will provide one open plan work station free of rental, security, cleaning and other building operating costs, for the duration of verification services. The Monitor is responsible for its own electricity, water, telephone charges, office equipment, materials, vehicles, computer equipment, software, consumables, file servers, firewalls, and a dedicated line or broadband link to the Gautrain Project Office and offices of the Concessionaire and GMA.

The Monitor's duties include reviewing the Concessionaire's records, monitoring implementation, conducting audits, preparing reports, attending meetings, and verifying compliance with socio-economic development requirements. The Monitor must act objectively and impartially, and may be required to perform additional services upon request.

The Monitor must be a suitably qualified and competent professional experienced in projects of similar scope and complexity as the Gautrain project.

The Monitor must not have advised or consulted with either the GMA or the Concessionaire prior to appointment.

The Monitor must appoint a Director to direct and control overall performance and act as primary contact. The Director may not be replaced without prior written approval of the Appointers.

The Monitor must exercise all reasonable skill, care and diligence expected of a suitably qualified and competent professional experienced in projects of similar scope and complexity.

The Monitor must maintain professional indemnity insurance with a limit of indemnity of not less than 200% of aggregate fees (excluding VAT) per claim or series of claims, and must provide evidence of insurance upon request.

The Monitor must comply with all Legal Requirements and with security/safety directions for the Land.

The Monitor must act objectively and impartially, and must not place the interests of one Appointer above the other.

The Concessionaire is liable to pay the Monitor a lump sum Fee and any Additional Fees for Additional Services.

The Fee is inclusive of disbursements but exclusive of VAT.

Invoices are submitted to the Concessionaire at the address in Annexure 2, on or after the event allocated to each instalment. The first instalment is calculated in accordance with the rates in Annexure 2, on review of compliance for the first three Contract Months.

Payment is due within a specified number of Business Days of receipt of invoice (number to be confirmed).

The Concessionaire is liable to pay the Independent Socio-Economic Monitor a lump sum Fee and any Additional Fees for Additional Services.

The Fee and Additional Fees are inclusive of all disbursements (travel, photocopying, printing, accommodation) but exclusive of VAT.

Invoices are submitted to the Concessionaire at the address in Annexure 2 (Submission of Invoices), on or after the event allocated to each instalment. The first instalment is calculated in accordance with the rates in Annexure 2, on review of compliance for the first three Contract Months.

Payment is due within a specified number of Business Days of receipt of invoice (number to be confirmed).

The GMA has no liability to the Monitor for payment; the Concessionaire is solely liable.

The Monitor may not suspend performance pending resolution of any invoice dispute or overdue payment.

The Concessionaire may deduct or withhold any sums for which the Monitor is liable.

Professional indemnity insurance: minimum limit of indemnity of 200% of aggregate fees (excluding VAT) per claim or series of claims, maintained for at least three years after completion of Services.

No specific compliance requirements (CSD, tax, B-BBEE, CIDB, etc.) are stated in the provided document.

The Monitor must be independent of the Appointers and must not have advised or consulted with either prior to appointment.

The Monitor must maintain professional indemnity insurance as described.

Any Change in Control requires prior written consent of the Appointers.

Assignment and sub-contracting require prior written consent of the Appointers.

The Monitor must comply with all Legal Requirements and with directions, instructions or requests relating to the security and/or safety of the Land while present on the Land.

The agreement includes provisions on termination, step-in rights, variation, waiver, entire agreement, cumulative rights, severance, notices, cap of liability, indemnities, disputes, records and reports, force majeure, counterparts, governing law and jurisdiction. It also covers assignment and sub-letting, confidentiality, professional indemnity insurance, and consequences of termination.

The GMA requires a service provider to conduct independent socio-economic monitor services for the Gautrain System for a period of five years. The draft Service Level Agreement (SLA-GMA/004/26) is attached as Annexure A and records the terms of appointment. Bidders must review the draft SLA and return their comments with their bid.

Returnable documents:

• Comments Schedule (Annexure C): completed and returned as a separate document, uploaded on TendaSwift under the returnable documents.
• Declaration (Annexure D): signed, confirming the bid and pricing are based on the draft SLA as issued and that comments are limited to those in the Comments Schedule.

Submission method: upload on TendaSwift.

Disqualification risks:

• Amending, marking up or retyping the draft SLA (a marked-up copy will be disregarded).
• Submitting a conditional or alternative price.
• A comment that, in the GMA's opinion, qualifies, conditions or seeks to alter a material term of the SLA (including fees, payment terms, intellectual property, confidentiality, liability, termination, data protection) may result in the bid being declared non-responsive.

Comments on the draft SLA will not be scored and will not affect the evaluation of functionality, price or preference points.

No minimum qualifying score or scoring split is stated in the document.

The draft Service Level Agreement for the Independent Socio-economic monitor (document SLA-GMA/004/26) is attached as Annexure A. It records the terms on which each successful bidder will be appointed.

Bidders must:

• read the draft SLA in full;
• complete the Comments Schedule (Annexure C) and return it with the bid response as a separate document, uploaded on TendaSwift under the returnable documents;
• sign the Declaration (Annexure D).

How to comment:

• Do not amend, markup or retype the draft SLA.
• Each comment must give the clause number, the text it relates to, the issue, and the bidder's proposed alternative wording.
• If no comments, state "No comments" in the Comments Schedule and sign the Declaration. Silence will be treated as acceptance of the draft SLA as issued.
• State whether a comment affects pricing; any such effect must be reflected in the pricing submitted.

Pricing must be prepared on the basis of the draft SLA as issued. No conditional or alternative price may be submitted. If a comment affects pricing, that effect must be reflected in the pricing submitted.

Pricing must be based on the draft SLA as issued. No conditional or alternative price may be submitted.

Any comment that affects pricing must be reflected in the pricing submitted.

Material terms of the SLA include fees and payment terms. A comment seeking to alter these may render the bid non-responsive.

No specific compliance requirements (e.g., CSD, tax, B-BBEE, CIDB) are stated in the document.

The draft Service Level Agreement (SLA-GMA/004/26) is attached as Annexure A. Bidders must not amend, markup or retype the draft SLA; a marked-up copy will be disregarded. Each comment must give the clause number, the text it relates to, the issue, and the bidder's proposed alternative wording.