Esg framework development and in-depth esg assessment for intersite asset investments (24-Month contract)

The procuring institution is the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The tender reference is INTERSITE/ ESG/ 01/10/2026. The work comprises developing an ESG framework and conducting an in-depth ESG assessment over a 24-month period. The document supplied is the RFP clarification form, used to capture written questions and responses during the clarification phase.

Closing date: 26 November 2026 at 10:00

Returnable documents: none stated beyond the RFP clarification form. The document provided is the RFP clarification form (ANNEXURE 4), an Excel workbook used to log questions and responses during the clarification phase.

The department requires the appointment of a professional service provider to develop an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment. The contract period is 24 months. Reference number: INTERSITE/ ESG/ 01/10/2026.

Intersite Asset Investments (a wholly owned subsidiary of PRASA) is procuring a professional service provider to develop an ESG framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment. The services are to be delivered over 24 months. This document is the draft consulting agreement for that appointment.

Closing: 26 November 2026 at 10:00.

Briefing/site visit: none stated in this document.

Intersite Asset Investments

Address: Umjantshi House, 30 Wolmarans, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Attention: Legal Department

Postal address: Private Bag X101, Braamfontein, 2017

Telephone: 011 085-7002

Facsimile: 011 085-7002

Returnable documents: complete and submit the SBD/MBD forms (if any), the signed offer, pricing schedule, and all requested annexures. The draft contract (Annexure 7) is provided for review; the bid must include any required declarations such as SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest) and SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination).

Submission method: as per the RFP; ensure the bid is submitted before the closing time.

Closing time: 26 November 2026 at 10:00.

Legal standing: company must be duly constituted under South African law and have authority to contract.

Must not be a Restricted Enterprise (e.g., listed on the tender defaulters register under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act).

Financial standing: no pending or threatened litigation, arbitration, winding-up, liquidation, judicial management, or deregistration affecting the bidder or subcontractors.

Must hold qualified personnel, resources, and approvals to perform the services.

Integrity: no corruption, collusion, fraud, misrepresentation, or undisclosed conflict of interest.

Evaluation likely follows the 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system per the PPPFA (as applicable to professional services), with price and B-BBEE points.

Minimum qualifying score: not specified in this source.

Scope: Develop an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment for Intersite Asset Investments.

Optional: efficient reporting tools and mechanisms as described in Annexure A.

Services must be performed in accordance with Good Industry Practice and the milestone programme (Annexure C).

Duration: 24 months from the effective date.

Place of service: most services at consultant's discretion; some on telephone or as necessary.

Consultant must have qualified personnel, resources, approvals and rights to perform services. Must display the degree of skill and diligence expected of a skilled and experienced person in similar work. Specific years of experience or named key personnel are not stated in this document.

Payment is made per the payment schedule in Annexure B. Invoices are paid within 30 calendar days for accepted deliverables. Delay penalties apply at 0.25% of contract value per business day, capped at 20%. Contract value and pricing format are not specified in this draft agreement.

Payment: per payment schedule (Annexure B); invoices paid within 30 calendar days for accepted deliverables.

Invoices must be valid tax invoices with VAT number, bank details, and vendor number.

Professional Indemnity Insurance: minimum R5,000,000 per claim and in aggregate, maintained throughout the project term and for at least 24 months after completion or termination.

Penalty for delay: 0.25% of contract value per business day of delay, capped at 20% of contract value.

Termination for convenience: Intersite may terminate on 30 calendar days' notice, paying for conforming services completed up to termination.

B-BBEE: no specific level or percentage stated in this document; B-BBEE matters are referenced (e.g., changes to B-BBEE component require Intersite CEO consent).

CIDB: not applicable (professional services).

CSD registration: not stated in this document.

Tax compliance: must provide a valid tax invoice and be VAT registered; tax clearance status may be required per the RFP.

Must not be a Restricted Enterprise under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

Consultant must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Labour Relations Act. Services must be rendered as an independent consultant as defined in those acts. Consultant indemnifies Intersite against any claim arising under section 198(4) of the Labour Relations Act. Compliance with employment legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA) is warranted.

The tender relates to developing an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework; specific environmental requirements are not detailed in this document.

Termination: either party may terminate on material breach after notice and remedy period (7 business days). Intersite may terminate for convenience on 30 calendar days' notice. If Intersite defaults, consultant is paid for approved work done up to termination. If consultant defaults, consultant pays damages.

Force majeure: notice within 5 days; if event persists over 20 days, either party may terminate.

Confidentiality: obligations last for 7 years after termination; POPIA compliance required; no offshore transfer of personal data without prior written authority.

Dispute resolution: negotiation within 10 business days, then arbitration in Johannesburg under AFSA Rules.

Governing law: South African law; non-exclusive jurisdiction of North Gauteng High Court.

Variations: only valid if approved by Intersite's CEO and in writing; aggregate increase not to exceed 10% of contract price.

Subcontracting and cession: require prior written consent; consultant remains solely responsible; changes to shareholding, composition, ownership, or B-BBEE status require Intersite CEO consent.

Limitation of liability: no indirect or consequential damages; consultant indemnifies Intersite for losses from the services.

Consultant warrants compliance with employment legislation and status as independent consultant.

The document is the returnable forms annexure for an RFP to appoint a professional service provider to develop an ESG framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment for PRASA over 24 months. The NIP programme applies to government contracts with imported content; obligations arise when imported content reaches US$10 million (or US$3 million per contract over 2 years). The NIP obligation is 30% of imported content, with a 7-year period to discharge it. Successful bidders must report contracts above R10 million to the DTIC. Preference points under the 80/20 system: price 80, specific goals 20 (51% black-owned 10, 51% women-owned 5, black people with disability 5).

Closing date and time: 26 November 2026 at 12:00.

Compulsory tender briefing: 9 November 2026 at 11:00, held online via Microsoft Teams.

• Meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/324182346588745?p=8xghEKtENyHuCwwpnH
• Meeting ID: 324 182 346 588 745
• Passcode: S5UC9nR3

Tender documents available for download from 27 October 2026 on the National Treasury e-tender website.

Submission address:

PRASA Umjantshi House

30 Wolmarans Street

Braamfontein

Johannesburg

2001

No other contact details are provided in the document.

Submission method: physically deposit the bid response in the bid box at the address below, or submit online (documents must be on official forms, not re-typed).

Submission address: PRASA Umjantshi House, 30 Wolmarans Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001.

Late bids are not accepted for consideration.

Returnable forms (all to be completed and signed):

• Form A (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details; signed as the offer cover page.
• Form B (Terms and Conditions for Bidding): acknowledgement of bidding terms.
• Form D (Tender Briefing Session — Compulsory): proof of attendance at the compulsory briefing.
• Form E (Statement of Works Successfully Carried Out): details of relevant completed works.
• Form F (Security Screening Form): declarations of no criminal/civil judgments, no insolvency/liquidation in the last 5 years, and consent to security screening.
• Form G (Acknowledgement): certification that information is true and correct; false info may lead to blacklisting.
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): disclosure of any state employment or connection to the procuring institution; false declaration disqualifies.
• SBD 5 (National Industrial Participation Programme): signed commitment to NIP obligations if applicable.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claim for specific-goal preference points.

Disqualification risks:

• Late submission.
• Any returnable form missing or unsigned.
• Use of re-typed forms instead of official forms.

Preference point system: 80/20 (price 80 points, specific goals 20 points).

Price scoring formula (80/20): Ps = 80(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin), where Pt = price of tender under consideration, Pmin = price of the lowest acceptable tender.

Specific goals (total 20 points):

• 51% Black-owned: 10 points. Evidence: CIPC documents, B-BBEE certificate, or affidavit.
• 51% Women-owned: 5 points. Evidence: certified copies of owner IDs.
• Owned by Black people with disability: 5 points. Evidence: certified copies of owner IDs and a doctor's note confirming the disability.

Failure to submit evidence for specific goals means no preference points are claimed for those goals.

The service provider is to develop an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment for PRASA.

Contract period: 24 months.

The scope of work, deliverables and service levels are not detailed in the returnable forms document; the full statement of works is expected to be in the main tender document.

Bid security: not specified in the returnable forms.

Performance guarantee: Only mentioned in the context of the National Industrial Participation (NIP) programme — if a NIP obligation applies, the contractor must submit a performance guarantee to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

NIP threshold: contracts with imported content equal to or exceeding US$10 million may incur a NIP obligation (30% of imported content).

Successful bidders with contract value above R10 million must report the contract to the DTIC within 5 working days of award.

CSD registration: mandatory — bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database, with business registration, directorship/membership/identity numbers, tax compliance status, and banking information.

Tax compliance: a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or a CSD number (if registered) must be provided. Where a TCS is not available but the bidder is on the CSD, the CSD number suffices.

Joint ventures/consortia/subcontractors: each party must submit separate proof of TCS/PIN/CSD number.

Foreign suppliers must answer whether they are RSA residents, have a branch, permanent establishment, or source of income in SA; if no to all, no SARS TCS/PIN is required.

Failure to provide any required particulars may render the bid invalid.

The successful bidder must sign a written contract (SBD 7). The NIP obligation agreement, if applicable, is between the DTIC and the contractor, not PRASA. Under NIP, the contractor must sign the agreement, submit a performance guarantee to the DTIC, and provide bi-annual progress reports. No other contract terms (duration, termination, penalties) are in this annexure.

Price scored using 80/20 formula. Specific goals total 20 points: 51% black-owned (10 points, evidence: CIPC/B-BBEE/affidavit), 51% women-owned (5 points, evidence: certified IDs), owned by black people with disability (5 points, evidence: certified IDs + doctor's note). No minimum qualifying score stated.

The work comprises developing an ESG framework and conducting an in-depth ESG assessment for PRASA, to be delivered over a 24-month period.

Returnable documents: the completed Form C (Tender Form) with all returnable annexes, including the resolution of the board or certificate of partners authorising the signatory, and the completed annexe required of companies, partnerships, close corporations or joint ventures.

Post-award documentation: Within 30 working days of award notification, provide acceptable documentary proof of Workmen's Compensation coverage, securities and insurance. Sign the formal contract within 7 working days of notification that contract documents are ready.

Disqualification risks: Failure to complete any material term of the RFP, or non-compliance with the tender form requirements, constitutes a material breach giving PRASA cause for contract cancellation.

The evaluation approach in this document is limited to the tender form requirements. The bidder must be duly authorised by a resolution of the board or certificate of partners, with a certified copy annexed. A company, partnership, close corporation or joint venture must complete and certify the annexe as correct. Pricing must be quoted on the schedule of prices or bills of quantities, with arithmetic correction rules: unit rates decisive for non-architectural work; total amount decisive for architectural work.

Pricing must be a lump sum or per the schedule of prices / bills of quantities, inclusive of all applicable taxes. In case of discrepancy, the amount in words takes precedence.

Performance Bond: If the tender is accepted, the bidder must deposit a Performance Bond issued by a South African registered bank to the value of 10% of the contract price (VAT inclusive).

The bidder must provide acceptable documentary proof of Workmen's Compensation, Securities and Insurance coverage within 30 working days of award notification. No other compliance requirements (such as CSD, tax, B-BBEE or CIDB) are stated in this document.

The ESG framework and assessment must address environmental, social and governance aspects, with the framework development and in-depth assessment carried out over a 24-month period.

The bidder must complete the whole of the works within the period stated in the tender, which must be at least 90 days from the closing date. Completion may be in stages as specified in the project specification. Failure to complete within the stipulated period triggers penalties under the Conventional Penalties Act, as set out in the project specification. Penalty relief is considered only if the bidder proves the penalty is out of proportion to PRASA's prejudice. If the bidder fails to enter into a formal contract or furnish security after acceptance, PRASA may recover the costs of re-tendering or accepting a less favourable tender. The tender remains valid for a minimum of 90 days from the closing date. In case of conflict, the project specification prevails over other tender documents; the covering letter or subsequent correspondence prevails over the tender documents. Non-compliance with material terms is a material breach giving PRASA cause for cancellation.

Intersite Asset Investments (SOC) Ltd is a state-owned company, wholly owned subsidiary of PRASA, managing an asset portfolio valued at more than R5 billion including stations, commercial properties, retail space, telecommunications infrastructure, advertising opportunities, development sites, and transit-oriented precincts. Intersite drives property development, leasing, transit-oriented development, strategic partnerships, commercialisation of ancillary assets, and sustainable development projects. The RFP seeks a professional service provider to develop an integrated, business-specific ESG Framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment, as Intersite's current ESG efforts have evolved organically without a formal framework. The project duration is 24 months, with objectives 1-5 within 12 months.

Issue date: 27 October 2026

Compulsory briefing session: 09 November 2026 at 11:00 (Microsoft Teams, virtual) - attendance mandatory; Certificate of Attendance (Form D) must be submitted with proposal.

Closing date for questions: 12 November 2026 at 16:00 (RFP Clarification Form to be submitted)

Closing date for responses to questions: 16 November 2026 (briefing minutes and responses issued)

Closing date for bids: 26 November 2026 at 12:00 (midday)

Validity period: 90 working days from closing date, with possible request for extension.

Contact person: Max Mashabane

Email: [email protected]

Telephone (Bid Secretariat after closing): 011 013 1463

Complaints email: [email protected]

Submission address: Umjantshi House, 30 Wolmarans Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001

Service/delivery location: Intersite operates nationally; head office in Johannesburg.

Submission method: physical delivery in sealed envelopes.

• Volume 1 (Envelope 1/Package 1): Part A - Mandatory Requirements Response; Part B - Technical or Functional Response (response to scope of work).
• Volume 2 (Envelope 2/Package 2): Part C - Financial Proposal and Specific Goals. This envelope must be separate and sealed; pricing offer goes here.
• Submit 1 original response. Copies and an electronic version on a memory card or external hard drive, clearly marked with the bidder's name, may also be submitted.
• All documents must be in English, in A4 format (graphic illustrations may be A3), neatly and functionally bound, with consecutively numbered pages.
• Sign forms with black ink. Any copy documents must be certified as true copies by a Commissioner of Oaths.
• The original must be signed by a person duly authorised by each consortium member and subcontractor; proof of authorisation must accompany the submission.
• Sealed envelope must be addressed to: The Secretariat / Tender Office, RFP NO: INTERSITE/ ESG/ 01/10/2026, with bid description, closing date and time, and closing address.
• Deliver to the PRASA tender box at the main entrance of Umjantshi House.
• Bids delivered late or to the incorrect address will not be accepted.

Returnable documents (all must be completed and signed):

• Form A (SBD 1, Bid Invitation): bidder and contact details, signed as offer cover page.
• Form B (Terms and Conditions for Bidding): acknowledgement of terms.
• Form C (Pricing Schedule): financial offer.
• Form D (Compulsory Briefing Session Attendance Certificate): proof of attendance at briefing.
• Form E (Statement of Works Successfully Carried Out by Bidder): evidence of relevant experience.
• Form F (Security Screening Form): for security vetting.
• Form G (Acknowledgement): acknowledgement of RFP receipt.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure): discloses whether any director/shareholder is employed by the state or connected to the procuring institution.
• SBD 5 (National Industrial Participation Programme): compliance with NIPP requirements.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE preference points under the 2022 regulations.
• Annexure 4 (RFP Clarification Form): for submission of queries.
• Annexure 5 (Pricing Schedule): detailed pricing.

Disqualification risks:

• Any attempt to canvass PRASA officers or employees directly or indirectly between closing date and award.
• Collusion with other bidders.
• Making or offering any gift to PRASA employees or consultants.
• Failure to submit any required returnable document.

Evaluation is in three stages:

• Stage 1: Compliance Requirements - pass/fail check of mandatory submissions and eligibility.
• Stage 2: Technical/Functionality Requirements (Envelope 1) - scored against detailed criteria set out in section 5.5 of the RFP. The technical response must address the scope of work.
• Stage 3: Pricing and Specific Goals (Envelope 2) - pricing score plus points for specific goals (B-BBEE).
• The exact point split (e.g., 80/20 or 90/10) and minimum qualifying technical score are not stated in the visible text; refer to RFP sections 5.4 to 5.7.
• PRASA may request presentations from bidders at any stage of evaluation.
• PRASA may negotiate a market-related price with the highest-scoring bidder, and if not agreed, with the next highest, and so on. If no agreement, the bid is cancelled.
• PRASA may also request a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) if no proposal meets requirements.

Scope: Develop an ESG Framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment for Intersite Asset Investments (SOC) Ltd, a subsidiary of PRASA, covering all operational assets, development projects, co-investments, managed portfolio, and material supply chain relationships. Linkages to the PRASA Group must be acknowledged and assessed.

Six sequential objectives, with objectives 1-5 to be delivered within 12 months of contract signature, and objective 2 by 26 February 2027. Objective 6 has a maximum delivery period of 24 months.

• Objective 1: ESG Gap Analysis - map current ESG functions (current state), define best-practice ESG framework (desired future state) based on international standards and best-in-class practices, perform gap analysis.
• Objective 2: ESG Framework - develop a business-specific ESG framework.
• Objective 3: ESG Policy and Process - develop policies and processes.
• Objective 4: In-Depth ESG Assessment - conduct detailed assessment.
• Objective 5: ESG Roadmap - create implementation roadmap.
• Objective 6: Efficient Reporting Tools and Mechanisms - deliver reporting tools and mechanisms.
• Overarching requirements: cover all business functions, operations, and supply chain; integrate with Intersite's existing initiatives.

Pricing offer must be submitted in Envelope 2 (Volume 2, Part C) using the Pricing Schedule (Form C / Annexure 5).

• PRASA reserves the right to request annual financial statements prepared and signed off by a professional accountant for due diligence.
• PRASA may negotiate a market-related price with the highest-scoring bidder (and sequentially with lower-scoring bidders) and may cancel the bid if no agreement.
• Bidders bear all costs of preparing their proposal; no reimbursement.
• No bid security or guarantee is stated in the visible text.

Central Supplier Database (CSD): Self-registration required (except foreign suppliers with no locally registered entity). Must provide CSD supplier number and unique registration reference number to PRASA for verification.

Tax Compliance: Must be tax compliant at submission and for the entire contract term; provide Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN. Tax status verified via CSD.

Joint ventures/consortia: Each party must be registered on CSD and tax compliant. If bidding as JV/consortium, must state intention, and submit signed JV/consortium agreement with percentage split and responsibilities, or written confirmation of intention; award only after signed agreement submitted.

B-BBEE: Preference points claimed via SBD 6.1; specific requirements not fully extracted but must be submitted in Envelope 2.

National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP): SBD 5 must be completed.

Security screening: Form F required.

Conflicts of interest: Must disclose as per SBD 4; acceptance of gifts is prohibited.

The passenger rail agency requires a professional service provider to develop an ESG framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment. The contract period is 24 months.

Closing date: 2026-11-26 (date from tender record) at 10:00 (from tender record).

Contact details not stated in the provided document.

Returnable documents: the completed and signed pricing schedule (Annexure 5) with all milestone prices; any other forms listed in the tender pack. Bids must be submitted by the closing date and time. Late bids are disqualified. Follow the submission method and address stated in the tender notice.

Objective 4 (ESG Performance Evaluation Report) is one of the priced milestones and will be evaluated as part of the proposal. Price and functionality are evaluated, with preference points allocated under the PPPFA. Minimum qualifying score not stated in the provided document.

The department (PRASA) seeks a professional service provider to develop an ESG framework and conduct an in-depth ESG assessment over 24 months. Deliverables include the following milestones:

• ESG Gap Analysis Report (Objective 1)
• ESG Framework (Objective 2)
• ESG Policy and Process (Objective 3)
• ESG Performance Evaluation Report (Objective 4)
• ESG Roadmap (Objective 5)
• Efficient Reporting Tools and Mechanism (Objective 6)

Pricing must be completed for each of the six objectives in the pricing schedule (Annexure 5), and the totals filled in:

• Objective 1: ESG Gap Analysis Report
• Objective 2: ESG Framework
• Objective 3: ESG Policy and Process
• Objective 4: ESG Performance Evaluation Report
• Objective 5: ESG Roadmap
• Objective 6: Efficient Reporting Tools and Mechanism

Total (VAT exclusive), Total VAT @ 15%, Total (VAT inclusive).

Pricing must be quoted for each milestone in the pricing schedule (Annexure 5), with a total VAT-exclusive price, VAT at 15%, and total VAT-inclusive price. No other financial requirements (security, bonds, guarantees) are stated.

No specific compliance requirements are stated in the provided document. Bidders must comply with any requirements in the full tender pack (e.g., B-BBEE, tax compliance, CSD registration).

One of the priced milestones, the ESG Performance Evaluation Report, forms part of the proposal deliverables. The evaluation will consider the pricing of deliverables and any functionality criteria stated in the full tender pack.