Panel of service providers for technical assessments and performance oversight – national tender

Compulsory briefing session: 14 September 2026, 13h00-14h00, held online via Microsoft Teams (link and meeting ID provided in the bid document). Closing date and time: 30 September 2026 at 12:00 pm. Bid validity period: 120 days from date of closure. Last date for submission of enquiries: three working days from the closing date of the tender.

Procedural and technical queries to be directed in writing to Supply Chain Management, Business Advancement section. Email: [email protected]. Fraud and corruption reporting: toll-free 0800 701 701 or SMS 39772.

Bids must be submitted through the National Treasury e-submission portal at https://admin.etenders.gov.za using CSD login details. Select the tender number NRF RIISA SIIA/19/2026-27 and start e-submission. Bids submitted by any other method will not be accepted. The bid uses a two-envelope system: Envelope 1 (compliance and technical response) and Envelope 2 (financial response). Each file must be in PDF format and password-protected; passwords must be sent in a separate file, not before bid closure, but no later than 2 days after closure. Bids must be signed by an authorised person, with proof of authority (e.g. company resolution). Late bids will not be considered. Bidders must submit all mandatory returnable documents: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule), SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim), B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, tax compliance documentation, CSD Detail Report, company profile, and written references. Each joint venture or consortium member must submit separate SBD 1, 4 and 6.1 forms. Bids must be submitted in their entirety; alterations to the bid document will result in disqualification. Bidders must disclose beneficial ownership information in line with CIPC requirements and anti-money laundering legislation.

Evaluation is in three stages. Stage 1: Submission of returnable documents and forms – all mandatory criteria must be met to proceed. Stage 2: Functionality requirements – failure to submit evidence results in disqualification. Stage 3: Price and preference – price is scored 80 points and preference 20 points, total 100. Bidders must meet mandatory functionality requirements including proposing a qualified project team and providing a reference letter. The tender will be awarded to the bidder with the highest combined score for price and preference, subject to final verification of tax compliance. Bidders must not be listed on the National Treasury's Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

The NRF seeks to appoint a panel of service providers over a 5-year period to deliver technical assessments and performance oversight services for partner contracts. Services include: conducting periodic technical and performance assessments; independent performance verification of active contracts; targeted contract monitoring and risk identification; and targeted evaluations and analytical studies (mid-term, end-term, post-implementation reviews). The service provider must ensure contract-level compliance, independent verification of financial, operational and governance reporting, structured documentation review aligned to donor frameworks, risk-based performance assessment, and objective assurance reporting. Work will be allocated on a project basis via request for quotation, with rotation of panellists. A detailed scope of work per project will be communicated as needed. The NRF is not obligated to allocate work to all panellists. Bidders must submit a proposal of not more than 15 pages detailing suitability, implementation methodology and a draft workplan. The bidder must propose a project team: a Project Lead/Principal Investigator with NQF level 7 or higher and at least 3 years' relevant experience; and at least one team member with a master's degree in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and at least 2 years' working experience. CVs and qualification certificates must be provided. Bidders must provide at least one report (including terms of reference) of bi- and/or multi-country project reviews or MEL/impact assessment engagements on the African continent within the last five years (from January 2021), related to STI. Bidders must provide at least one reference letter on client letterhead with contact details of similar work done in the last five years.

The bidder must propose a methodology demonstrating how contractual performance, outputs,

outcomes, impact, risks, lessons learned and supporting evidence will be assessed, including proposed

data sources, sampling methodology, verification procedures, analytical approach and reporting

methodology.

2. Data Analysis:

Interrogation and analysis of 80 grant holders’ projects’ mid-term progress reports in line with the NRF

and funding partners(s) funding framework. The bidder will also be expected to advise on

opportunities for synergies in the work of the projects.

3. Final mid-term Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) report at a minimum represents:

▪ Profile of outputs, outcomes and impact of the funded projects

▪ Critical areas of success, challenges and opportunities for the Fund management, and in

specific projects

▪ The effectiveness of the Science Granting Councils' role in supporting such initiatives

The bidder is expected to formulate a quotation on “Project Africa Research 2026 ”. There may be other

projects funded within the NRF which require the expertise of which the service providers may be rotated on a

need basis.

Panel model of engagement

• Bidders meeting the mandatory and functionality requirements and subsequently achieving the

applicable price and preference outcome will be considered for appointment to the panel

• Appointments from the panel will be made in accordance with a documented rotation/call-off

methodology, taking into account relevant expertise, capacity, availability, prior allocation, performance

and actual or potential conflicts of interest.

• Before receiving or responding to a project-specific RFQ, each panellist must declare any actual,

potential or perceived conflict of interest relating to the project, funder, partner or beneficiaries. A

conflicted panellist will not participate in that assignment.

• Work will only be allocated where a need arises. The NRF is not obligated to allocate work to all panellist

during the contract period.

• Appointment to the panel does not constitute a commitment by the NRF to procure any minimum

quantity or value of services from any panellist. The NRF reserves the right to appoint one or more

panellists for individual assignments in accordance with the approved call-off mechanism.”

Minimum requirements for Bidders:

Only those bidders that meet the following minimum requirements and the administrative and

evaluation criteria, on section A6, will be eligible to be included on the panel.

1. Company profile, highlighting previous work experience in similar projects.

2. A proposal of not more than 15 pages detailing suitability, implementation methodology, and a draft

workplan.

3. The bidder must propose a project team comprising of:

▪ The bidder must nominate a suitably qualified Project Lead or Principal Investigator (PI)

responsible for the assignment. The proposed lead must demonstrate qualifications at NQF

level 7 or higher, and experience (3 years) appropriate to technical assessment, monitoring,

evaluation, performance oversight and/or impact assessment. (Please provide the curriculum

vitae (CV) and qualifications certificate of the proposed lead individual).

▪ Other team member(s). Minimum 1 CV of team member with a masters degree in Science,

Technology and Innovation (STI) and at least 2 years’ working experience. (Please provide the

curriculum vitae (CV) and qualification certificate).

The proposed team must collectively demonstrate the technical, financial, monitoring and evaluation

expertise required for the assignment.

4. Minimum of one (1) report (including terms of reference) showing in conducting bi- and/or multi-country

project reviews and/or Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and/or impact assessment

engagements on the African continent within the last five (5) years; related to Science Technology and

Innovation (STI). (Report timeframe: from January 2021 to date)

5. Minimum 1 reference letter (on client letterhead) including description of project and contact details

(contact person name, email address and contact numbers) of similar work done, in the last 5 years

(from January 2021 to date).

Mandatory returnable documents

A5. Performance management and key performance indicators

1. The service provider and the NRF’s contract manager review the initial performance, including service levels as set

out in this document, to support the contract delivery.

2. Both parties agree on the final set of performance levels, including measurable key performance indicators with

minimum thresholds as well as trigger points for penalties in writing. Both parties sign the agreed performance levels

and append them to this contract.

3. The performance level indicators are maintained monthly, with review of performance levels after the first three months

against the expected requirements of the contract.

4. Where both parties agree to a variation of these performance levels, both parties will meet and agree on the revised

performance levels in writing, sign and append to this contract.

5. Each performance level document states the agreed performance levels, the date effective from, performance

penalties, performance bonuses, cost saving sharing, and any matter forming part of such performance levels.

6. The service provider and the NRF’s contract manager review the current agreed performance levels after every six

months.

7. The service provider and the NRF’s contract manager measure delivered performance against the performance levels

as agreed in accordance with this document.

8. Management of poor performance:

a. Where either party has identified poor performance under this contract, both parties will meet and investigate

the matter to determine the root cause.

b. Both parties will agree to a correction plan and will implement it.

c. Both parties will monitor the corrective actions to ensure performance levels are at the agreed minimum.

d. Both parties will assess the applicability of penalties to the incurred poor performance and apply these,

9. The service performance levels are:

Performance key performance indicators (KPI) and penalties project specific

Performance Measurement Penalty trigger level Penalty

being measured

Delivery KPIs The minimum performance Not delivered at the GCC clause 22 will be

standards and applicable KPIs set specified date and time applicable.

out in this bid are binding. Any

project-specific KPIs must be

included in the project-specific scope

of work or purchase order and must

not materially alter the contractual

performance requirements.”

Quality of rendered Meets the agreed requirements Requirements are not X% of total invoice

service(s) achieved value” Insert a

Quality shall be measured against

defined penalty

the approved scope, agreed

percentage, calculation

deliverables, completeness, factual

methodology,

accuracy, evidence supporting

maximum aggregate

findings, compliance with the agreed

penalty and any

methodology and acceptance

applicable cure period

criteria. The applicable acceptance

criteria and remediation process

shall be specified in each project-

specific scope.”

A6. Bid selection

Stage 1 – submission of returnable documents and forms

NOTE: All mandatory criteria must be met to proceed to the next stage of evaluation. All SBD forms indicated as mandatory must be completed and signed by bidders. However,

NRF may apply discretion to allow bidders to complete and/or sign returnable schedules not completed and/or signed in the first instance or to submit returnable documents not

submitted in the first instance. Such returnable schedules or documents must be of a purely administrative nature and may not pertain to the substance of the bid, such as to

affect the competitive position of bidders by giving one or more bidders a second and unfair opportunity to augment the quality (substantive) aspects of their bid.

Each member of a joint venture, or consortium, must submit separate SBD 1, 4 and 6.1 returnable forms.

Document description Weight Criteria Grading Scheme Document Reference BEC Verification

(Mandatory/Optional)

SBD1 Form Mandatory Has the bidder completed

the SBD 1 form?

(Invitation to Bid)

SBD 3.1 Form

Mandatory Has the bidder submitted

(Pricing Schedule) its price offer for the

services offered?

Has the bidder completed

the SBD 4 form?

SBD 4 Form

Has the bidder made any Mandatory

(Bidder’s Disclosure)

disclosure which would

preclude it from

responding to this bid?

SBD 6.1 Form

Has the bidder completed

Foundation (“NRF”) as the juristic legal entity that will contract with the awarded bidder. Please visit the NRF

website (https://www.nrf.ac.za) for more information.

A2. Background to (the business unit)

Business Advancement is a cross-functional unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) that integrates

and optimises the organisation’s impact, innovative partnering and fundraising drive, working closely with other

divisions. Business Advancement builds on the NRF’s strong network and partnership baseline, at national,

regional and international level, to enable collaboration opportunities in the science and innovation ecosystem.

A3. High-level bid requirements

Business Advancement (BA) Directorate is driving a stakeholder-centred approach aligned to the new

organisational structure and NRF strategic priorities. Partnerships provide a critical platform for resource

mobilisation, fundraising, and the co-creation of impactful research programmes across national, regional, and

international platforms.

The NRF, through the Business Advancement (BA) Directorate, seeks to procure external professional services

over a five-year period to provide independent, technical assessment and performance oversight of new and

existing partner programme contracts.

required, in the form of request for quotation so to ensure complete independence, objectivity and that there is

no conflict of interest under the respective projects. Service providers will be rotated an a project basis.

A4.2 Indication of value and transactions:

“Project Africa Research 2026” is provided solely as an illustrative pricing and methodology scenario and does

not constitute a commitment by the NRF to procure the stated volume of services.

outcomes, impact, risks, lessons learned and supporting evidence will be assessed, including proposed

data sources, sampling methodology, verification procedures, analytical approach and reporting

methodology.

• Bidders meeting the mandatory and functionality requirements and subsequently achieving the

applicable price and preference outcome will be considered for appointment to the panel

• Appointments from the panel will be made in accordance with a documented rotation/call-off

methodology, taking into account relevant expertise, capacity, availability, prior allocation, performance

and actual or potential conflicts of interest.

• Before receiving or responding to a project-specific RFQ, each panellist must declare any actual,

potential or perceived conflict of interest relating to the project, funder, partner or beneficiaries. A

conflicted panellist will not participate in that assignment.

• Work will only be allocated where a need arises. The NRF is not obligated to allocate work to all panellist

during the contract period.

• Appointment to the panel does not constitute a commitment by the NRF to procure any minimum

quantity or value of services from any panellist. The NRF reserves the right to appoint one or more

panellists for individual assignments in accordance with the approved call-off mechanism.”

2. A proposal of not more than 15 pages detailing suitability, implementation methodology, and a draft

workplan.

defined penalty

the approved scope, agreed

percentage, calculation

deliverables, completeness, factual

methodology,

accuracy, evidence supporting

maximum aggregate

findings, compliance with the agreed

penalty and any

methodology and acceptance

applicable cure period

criteria. The applicable acceptance

criteria and remediation process

shall be specified in each project-

specific scope.”

A6. Bid selection

Stage 1 – submission of returnable documents and forms

NOTE: All mandatory criteria must be met to proceed to the next stage of evaluation. All SBD forms indicated as mandatory must be completed and signed by bidders. However,

experience relating to the technical,

financial, monitoring and evaluation

expertise required for the assignment.

Methodology, project schedule, work plan (if applicable)

A proposal of not more than 15 pages a Project design

detailing suitability, implementation proposal?

methodology, and a draft workplan.

▪ The bidder must nominate a suitably qualified Project Lead or Principal Investigator (PI)

responsible for the assignment. The proposed lead must demonstrate qualifications at NQF

level 7 or higher, and experience (3 years) appropriate to technical assessment, monitoring,

evaluation, performance oversight and/or impact assessment. (Please provide the curriculum

vitae (CV) and qualifications certificate of the proposed lead individual).

▪ Other team member(s). Minimum 1 CV of team member with a masters degree in Science,

Technology and Innovation (STI) and at least 2 years’ working experience. (Please provide the

curriculum vitae (CV) and qualification certificate).

previous work experience in similar projects a business or company

profile?

qualifications at NQF level 7 or higher, and

experience (3 years) appropriate to

technical assessment, monitoring, Has the bidder submitted

evaluation, performance oversight and/or CVs and qualification

impact assessment. certificates for PI and

members? - Other team member(s)

Minimum 1 CV of team member with a

masters degree in Science, Technology

and Innovation (STI) and at least 2 years’

working experience.

assurance for all partner programme contracts. Key deliverables include:

a) Conduct periodic technical and performance assessments

▪ Perform independent technical assessments of partner contracts to evaluate compliance with

contractual terms, delivery milestones, risk management, and value-for-money principles.

▪ Provide evidence-based reporting suitable for management, and partner assurance.

b) Independent performance verification of active contracts

▪ Conduct periodic independent reviews of active partner contracts to assess delivery against agreed

objectives, contractual milestones, and strategic alignment as required by the partners.

▪ Provide verification and documentation of outcomes to support partner reporting and internal

governance.

c) Targeted contract monitoring and risk identification

▪ Undertake regular and ad hoc monitoring activities to identify performance gaps, implementation risks,

and corrective actions.

▪ Provide actionable recommendations for timely management interventions and mitigation of operational,

financial, and reputational risks.

d) Targeted evaluations and analytical studies

▪ Conduct mid-term, end-term, and post-implementation reviews of partner programmes to assess

effectiveness, sustainability, and impact.

▪ Provide independent recommendations to strengthen partner performance and alignment with NRF

objectives.

Furthermore, the service provider(s), will ensure:

▪ Contract-level compliance, interrogation and oversight

▪ Independent verification of financial, operational, and governance reporting

▪ Structured documentation review aligned to donor frameworks

▪ Risk-based performance assessment across contracts

▪ Objective assurance reporting suitable for internal governance and external partners

a. Where either party has identified poor performance under this contract, both parties will meet and investigate

the matter to determine the root cause.

b. Both parties will agree to a correction plan and will implement it.

c. Both parties will monitor the corrective actions to ensure performance levels are at the agreed minimum.

d. Both parties will assess the applicability of penalties to the incurred poor performance and apply these,

Procurement regulations [sbd6.1] 38

Part c - contract conditions 44

E 1: special conditions of contract 58

Part d - pricing 68

Invitation to bid (sbd 1)

Bid number: NRF RIISA SIIA/19/2026-27

(Pricing Schedule) its price offer for the

services offered?

cross casting in the Pricing schedule – SBD

3.1

12.1 adjudication stages. This may include providing a breakdown of rates or prices, or correction of

arithmetical errors by the adjustment of certain rates or item prices (or both).

Pricing must be submitted on the SBD 3.1 Pricing Schedule. The pricing schedule must be completed without arithmetic errors. The price component and escalation table based on comparative price assumptions must be completed correctly. Bidders must formulate a quotation based on the illustrative scenario 'Project Africa Research 2026' – a multi-funded project valued at R100,000,000 over 5 years, comprising 80 funded research projects with an average award of R1,000,000 each. The quotation must cover methodology, data analysis (interrogation of 80 mid-term progress reports), and a final mid-term MEL report. The NRF may negotiate prices prior to award and reserves the right to reject overpriced or under-priced bids. The award may be subject to price negotiations.

Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) – registration required prior to award. Bidders must be tax compliant with SARS – provide CSD number, SARS PIN, or printed TCS certificate. Each party to a joint venture/consortium must submit separate tax compliance documentation. Bidders must not be in the service of the state, nor have directors/members in the service of the state. Bidders must submit a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) to claim preference points; if not submitted, 0 points allocated. Bidders with B-BBEE level 4,5,6,7,8 or non-compliant must submit a B-BBEE Transformation Improvement Plan. Bidders must disclose beneficial ownership information in line with CIPC requirements. Bidders must not be listed on the National Treasury's Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers. Bidders must submit SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure) and SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination) – the latter is implied but not explicitly listed in the extracted text; however, the standard forms are required.

report any suspected acts of fraud or corruption to the following toll-free number: 0800 701 701 or SMS 39772.

The NRF, including all its Business Units and National Research1 Facilities, is a public entity established in terms of the National Research

Foundation Act, 1998 (Act No. ), and is a juristic person with legal standing. References to the NRF in these bid documents

include its Business Units and National Research Facilities, unless otherwise stated.

minimum thresholds as well as trigger points for penalties in writing. Both parties sign the agreed performance levels

and append them to this contract.

performance levels in writing, sign and append to this contract.

1.1 Supplier Development.

“Equipment” means the operational unit including spares, replacement components, consumables,

sub-systems, firmware and software that delivers the specified output.

“Output specification” means the listing of the functionality of the procured item or scope of works

performs to meet the objectives of the contract.

‘’QSE’’ means Qualifying Small Enterprise with an annual Total Revenue of between R10 million and

R50 million.

“Service provider” means the provider of goods, services, or/and works i.e. service provider, supplier,

consultant, specialist, contractor.

Should” means a choosing from a range of options.

“Singular/Plural” means in this document words in the singular also mean in the plural and vice versa

unless precisely stated.

“Specific Goals” means specific goals as contemplated in Section 2(1)(d) of the Act which may include

contracting with persons, or categories of persons, historically disadvantaged by unfair discrimination

on the basis of race, gender and disability including the implementation of programmes of the

Reconstruction and Development Programme as published in Government Gazette No. 16085 dated

23 November 1994.

“Will” is defined as the same meaning as “must”.

expertise required for the assignment.

4. Minimum of one (1) report (including terms of reference) showing in conducting bi- and/or multi-country

project reviews and/or Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and/or impact assessment

engagements on the African continent within the last five (5) years; related to Science Technology and

Innovation (STI). (Report timeframe: from January 2021 to date)

5. Minimum 1 reference letter (on client letterhead) including description of project and contact details

(contact person name, email address and contact numbers) of similar work done, in the last 5 years

(from January 2021 to date).

minimum 1 report of

Minimum of one (1) report (including terms

similar work done?

of reference) showing in conducting bi-

and/or multi-country project reviews and/or

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

and/or impact assessment engagements

on the African continent within the last five

(5) years; related to Science Technology

and Innovation (STI). (Report timeframe:

from January 2021 to date)

Has the bidder complied with all the mandatory evaluation criteria in this stage? Yes – pass to pricing NO- disqualified

Stage 3 – price and preference

Bids which meet the minimum requirements for Stage 2, will be evaluated on price and preference as follows –

Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) requirements, PFMA Circular , and anti-money

11.1

laundering legislation. Failure to disclose or misrepresentation of beneficial ownership will result in

disqualification.

12. Clarification of bidder’s tender offer after submission

d) Targeted evaluations and analytical studies

▪ The Monitoring, evaluation and learning assignments aligned with the performance and impact

• Bidders meeting the mandatory and functionality requirements and subsequently achieving the

applicable price and preference outcome will be considered for appointment to the panel

evaluation criteria, on section A6, will be eligible to be included on the panel.

evaluation, performance oversight and/or impact assessment. (Please provide the curriculum

“Output specification” means the listing of the functionality of the procured item or scope of works

“Specific Goals” means specific goals as contemplated in Section 2(1)(d) of the Act which may include

Quality of rendered Meets the agreed requirements Requirements are not X% of total invoice

Quality shall be measured against

Stage 1 – submission of returnable documents and forms

NOTE: All mandatory criteria must be met to proceed to the next stage of evaluation. All SBD forms indicated as mandatory must be completed and signed by bidders. However,

affect the competitive position of bidders by giving one or more bidders a second and unfair opportunity to augment the quality (substantive) aspects of their bid.

(Preferential Points Claim Form) the SBD 6.1 form?

to claim B-BBEE points?BBBEE Certificate, or sworn affidavit

functionality of the procured item or scope of works

submitted, 0 points will be

allocated for preference

Stage 2 – functionality requirements

evaluation, performance oversight and/or CVs and qualification

financial, monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

Has the bidder complied with all the mandatory evaluation criteria in this stage? Yes – pass to pricing NO- disqualified

Stage 3 – price and preference

Bids which meet the minimum requirements for Stage 2, will be evaluated on price and preference as follows