The national research foundation (saao) invites tenders for the design, supply, delivery, installation, and certification of a complete turnkey solution involving six concrete columns, one 20ft shipping container, and three concrete slabs at the saao sutherland site in the northern cape. This project is aimed at contractors with expertise in civil construction and installation to provide a fully functional and compliant container structure ready for operational use.
Key Requirements
A compulsory briefing session/site visit is required on 29 July 2026 at 08:00 in Sutherland, with RSVP by 24 July 2026.
Bidders must have a minimum CIDB grading of GB 1 or higher and at least three years' relevant experience in similar projects.
Submission must include mandatory documents: signed SBD forms, company profile, three reference letters, CVs of key staff, proof of COIDA registration, a signed SHE policy, and proof of R2 million insurance cover.
The scope is a full turnkey solution requiring certified designs, supply of a compliant container, construction of columns and slabs, electrical installation, and issuance of all compliance certificates.
Prices must be firm, inclusive of VAT, valid for 60 days, and submitted using the attached pricing schedule.
The evaluation uses an 80/20 preference point system (80 for price, 20 for B-BBEE status and specific goals).
All transport, installation, and site responsibilities (including power, facilities, and security) are the contractor's responsibility.
Design, supply, delivery, installation and certification of compliance of concrete columns, shipping container and concrete slabs.
Briefing SessionCompulsory
Date & Time
Friday, 14 August 2026 - 16:00
Venue
SAAO Sutherland, Old Fraserburg Road, Sutherland Northern Cape, 6920
Important: Attendance at this briefing session is mandatory. Bids from suppliers who do not attend may be disqualified.
Requirements & Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
Complusory briefing session\ site visit details mandatory - saao, old fraserburg road, sutherland northern cape, 6920 date: wednesday, 29 july 2026 time: 08:00 AM venue: boardroom, (saao), sutherland, northern cape. Limited transport and hostel accommodation at saao sutherland is available on a first come first served basis. The shuttle departs from saao head office, observatory, cape town at 11h00 AM on 28 july 2026, and returns to cape town the following afternoon. Please be on site by 10:30 AM if you will be making use of our shuttle services and accommodation. Rsvp to [email protected] By friday, 24 july 2026 at 14:00 pm, indicating whether you will attend the site visit and make use of our shuttle and accommodation.
Tenders in this industry often require registration with these bodies.
CIDB Registration
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registration is mandatory for almost all public sector construction tenders. Ensure your grading matches the tender value.
Typical Documents
10 items
Company Registration (CIPC)
Tax Clearance Certificate
B-BBEE Certificate
CSD Registration
Company Profile
CIDB Registration Certificate
NHBRC Registration (if applicable)
Health & Safety Plan
Insurance Certificates
Previous Project Completion Certificates
Recommended Certifications
Having these can improve your winning chances: NHBRC Registration, ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety), SACPCMP Registration, ECSA Registration
Review in progress · 0 of 1 documents being finalised
AI Document Analysis Stages
Document read. The full tender notice and its supporting documents are read end-to-end. Key sections, requirements, dates, and contact details are identified and pulled into a working summary you can act on.
Compliance review. The working summary is checked against South African procurement standards — PFMA, PPPFA, B-BBEE, CIDB, local content, and preferential procurement — so nothing critical is missed before you start your bid response.
Procurement Rules & Compliance ContextThis tender may be governed by South African public procurement rules covering fairness, transparency, preferential procurement, anti-corruption, administrative justice and access to information.
11 rules
These references help suppliers understand the public-procurement framework around this opportunity. They are generated from the tender category, issuing organisation type and procurement context.
Core procurement rules
These rules commonly apply to South African public-sector procurement.
7
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE Act)
Act 53 of 2003
high
Provides the empowerment-compliance context often used in public-sector supplier evaluation.
Relevant because this is a South African public-sector procurement opportunity.
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 – Section 217
Act 108 of 1996 (s217)
high
This is general procurement context, not legal advice. Always verify requirements in the official tender documents and issuing authority notices.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) invites tenders for a turnkey project to design, supply, deliver, install, and certify a complete installation at its Sutherland site in the Northern Cape. The project involves constructing six concrete columns, supplying and installing a 20ft shipping container, and constructing three concrete slabs, including all associated civil, structural, and electrical works.
Not sure if your business is ready for this tender? Check CSD, CIDB, and B-BBEE requirements, run a readiness assessment, and move from opportunity to submission.
Based on 23 comparable awarded tenders. Companies with similar profiles typically bid near the median.
* Estimates are based on historical data and do not guarantee actual award values.
Bid-ready summary. The submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, technical, financial, and compliance sections are refined into professional, easy-to-scan prose. This is the final version you can rely on when preparing your bid or briefing your team.
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Document read
Compliance review
Bid-ready summary
Project involves design, supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, and certification of concrete columns, a shipping container, and concrete slabs at the SAAO Sutherland site.
The contractor provides a complete turnkey solution including all labour, materials, plant, transport, and supervision.
Key components: Six concrete columns (600mm x 600mm), one 6m shipping container, three concrete slab foundations.
The objective is a fully functional, compliant, and installed structure ready for operational use.
Important Dates
Source: RFQ117281 - Concrete Columns.zip (RFQ)
Closing date and time: 14 August 2026 at 16:00.
Compulsory briefing session/site visit: 29 July 2026 at 08:00. Venue: Boardroom, South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), Sutherland, Northern Cape.
RSVP deadline for briefing/site visit: 24 July 2026 at 14:00 to [email protected].
Offer/quotation validity period: 60 days from the closing date.
For technical enquiries: Louis Hannie. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: 021 447 0025.
Submission address: Quotations to be submitted to [email protected].
Site address: SAAO, Old Fraserburg Road, Sutherland, Northern Cape, 6920.
Submission Guidelines
Source: RFQ117281 - Concrete Columns.zip (RFQ)
Submit your quotation electronically to [email protected] by the closing date and time.
The closing date is 14 August 2026 at 16:00.
You must attend a compulsory briefing session/site visit on 29 July 2026 at 08:00 at the SAAO Boardroom, Sutherland, Northern Cape. RSVP to [email protected] by 24 July 2026 at 14:00.
Your submission must include all mandatory returnable documents. Missing any will disqualify you.
Mandatory documents include: Signed SBD 1, Completed SBD 3.1 (pricing schedule), Completed SBD 4, Completed SBD 6.1, CIDB grading of GB 1 or higher, Valid COIDA proof, Signed company SHE policy, Company profile with 3+ years' relevant experience, Proof of registration as a civil construction contractor, Three reference letters for similar projects (since 2019), CVs of key staff and supervisors, Insurance cover of at least R2 million for public/product/professional liability.
Prices must be firm and valid for 60 days from the closing date.
Use the attached pricing schedule file: SAAO Container Slabs Pricing List01a.pdf.
No pre-payment is allowed. Payment terms are 30 days after invoice receipt and delivery.
Evaluation Criteria
Source: RFQ117281 - Concrete Columns.zip (RFQ)
Suitably qualified service providers with a CIDB grading of 1 or higher. Must have at least three years' experience in similar design, supply, and installation projects for shipping containers, concrete columns, and slabs. Must be registered as a contractor in civil construction or with the Department of Labour. Must submit valid B-BBEE status level documentation (certificate or sworn affidavit) to qualify for preference points.
Objective: Provide a fully functional, compliant, and installed container structure on concrete columns and slabs.
Scope is a complete turnkey solution: design, supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, and certification.
Design & Engineering: Prepare all structural, civil, and electrical designs. Submit construction drawings for approval. Designs must be certified by a registered professional.
Container: Supply one 6m (20ft) ISO shipping container. Condition: new or high-quality used with no defects. Specifications include anti-corrosive primer, white paint, waterproofed roof, minimum 16mm internal insulation, industrial non-slip flooring.
Concrete Columns: Construct six reinforced concrete columns, 600mm x 600mm. Install anchor posts.
Concrete Slabs: Construct three concrete pad foundations with welded steel mesh at specified locations and sizes. Concrete strength: 25 MPa.
Electrical Installation: Install LED lighting, sockets, and an IP65 weatherproof distribution board. Full compliance with SANS 10142-1 required. Issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
Testing: Conduct concrete slump and cube tests. Test electrical systems.
Site Responsibilities: Contractor must visit site, provide own power, temporary facilities, site security, and dispose of rubble. Working hours: 8:00 to 17:00. Construction vehicles must use tar road only.
Compliance: All work must comply with SANS 10400, SANS 10142-1, relevant ISO standards, and local regulations.
Health & Safety: Comply with OHS Act. Appoint Construction Manager and Safety Officers. Maintain a site-specific Health & Safety Plan.
Deliverables: Approved construction drawings, as-built drawings, test results, certificates of compliance, and a minimum 12-month warranty documentation.
Transport: All transport and installation costs are for the contractor's account.
Financial Requirements
Source: RFQ117281 - Concrete Columns.zip (RFQ)
Prices must be firm, inclusive of VAT, and valid for at least 60 days from your offer date.
Use the attached pricing schedule (SAAO Container Slabs Pricing List01a.pdf). Do not submit variable prices.
Payment terms: Payment within 30 days from date of receipt of invoice and after goods have been delivered. No pre-payment is allowed.
The contract is subject to National Treasury General Conditions of Contract (GCC).
Compliance Requirements
Source: RFQ117281 - Concrete Columns.zip (RFQ)
Mandatory Registrations/Certificates: You must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). Provide your CSD number.
CIDB Grading: Minimum CIDB grading of GB 1 or higher is required.
B-BBEE: Submit proof of B-BBEE status level (certificate or sworn affidavit for EMEs/QSEs) to qualify for preference points.
Tax Compliance: Provide your tax compliance status. If you are a foreign supplier, answer the related questionnaire.
COIDA: Submit valid proof of Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act (COIDA) registration.
Insurance: Provide proof of insurance cover of at least R2 million for public liability, product liability, and/or professional indemnity.
Company Registration: Provide proof of registration as a contractor in civil construction or with the Department of Labour.
SHE Policy: Submit your company's signed Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) policy.
Ethical Requirements: Complete SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 8, and SBD 9 forms declaring any conflicts of interest.
Section
Source: RFQ117281 - Concrete Columns.zip
The 80/20 preference point system applies (80 for price, 20 for specific goals).
Specific goals points are awarded based on B-BBEE status level and other empowerment criteria as detailed in SBD 6.1.
Sets the constitutional standard for fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective public procurement.
Relevant because this is a South African public-sector procurement opportunity.
This tender has strong source evidence, including source metadata and supporting tender information synced from the government tender portal.
Tenders SA is not the issuing authority. All tenders are automatically synced from the official government tender portal. Always confirm final submission details, closing dates, briefing sessions, eligibility requirements, and documents on the official government portal before applying.