Consulting services for RFI review, business case development, and RFP preparation for DCDT and SAPO

The DBSA, in collaboration with DCDT and SAPO, seeks a consulting firm to transform SAPO's Business Rescue plan into an actionable strategy. The scope involves analysing RFI responses, classifying SAPO's assets, and developing a bankable business case with a costing model to guide SAPO's restructuring and modernisation as a hybrid logistics and digital services platform.

• Compulsory Online Briefing Session: 24 July 2026, 12:00 PM - 13:00, via Microsoft Teams. Registration link required.
• Closing Date and Time for Bid Submission: 07 August 2026 at 23:55 (Telkom time).
• Deadline for Requesting OneDrive Submission Link: 06 August 2026 by 16:30 Johannesburg time.
• Clarification Requests Deadline: Must be submitted at least three (3) working days before the submission closing date.
• Bid Validity Period: 120 calendar days from the closing time.

• For tender technical and general queries, clarifications, and OneDrive link requests: Email [email protected].
• Do not contact via telephone; all communication must be in writing via email.
• Complaints about the tendering process should be emailed to [email protected].

• Submit electronically via a OneDrive link only. No physical, faxed, or emailed bids accepted.
• Request the OneDrive submission link by emailing [email protected], quoting RFP116/2026. Link requests accepted until 06 August 2026 at 16:30 Johannesburg time.
• Submit your bid as two separate folders: Folder 1 for Pre-qualifiers and Functionality proposal, Folder 2 for Price proposal.
• Use the official bid forms provided; do not re-type them.
• Ensure all compulsory returnable schedules and documents are completed and included. Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
• Bids must be submitted by the closing time: 07 August 2026 at 23:55 (Telkom time). Late bids will not be considered except under exceptional circumstances caused by DBSA.
• Bids must remain open for acceptance for 120 calendar days from the closing time.

The DBSA requires an independent consulting firm to:

• Review and validate the outcomes of an RFI issued by DCDT and SAPO on 14 November 2025.
• Rationalise and bundle the most credible initiatives from the RFI responses.
• Classify SAPO assets into core and non-core categories.
• Prepare a comprehensive, bankable business case with an implementation plan and indicative costing model for SAPO's turnaround.
• Prepare a subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) for the next phase.

Key tasks include:

• Assessing RFI responses against track record/certification.
• Creating a unified asset inventory and prioritisation plan.
• Performing optioneering (retention, partnership, disposal) for initiatives and asset groups.
• Proposing quick-win partnership strategies and funding sources.
• Ensuring SAPO procurement policies align with PFMA and Treasury Regulations.
• Developing a detailed implementation plan covering target operating model, governance, and commercial constructs for SAPO's business segments.
• The consulting firm awarded this contract will be precluded from participating in any subsequent tenders related to this SAPO project.

• Your proposal must include a detailed, step-by-step methodology demonstrating a thorough understanding of the project objectives.
• Submit a detailed project plan as a High-Level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with timeframes in a Gantt chart format.
• Clearly outline the proposed team structure, key personnel disciplines, and the team leader.

• The proposed team must have extensive experience in bankable feasibility studies for property/retail or similar sectors.
• Key personnel roles and minimum experience requirements:

• Lead Advisor/Technical Expert: 15+ years with 3 comparable assignments.
• Real Estate Economist & Valuer: 10+ years post-registration with SACPVP.
• Legal Expert: 10+ years post-registration with Legal Practice Council.
• Financial Modeller/Structuring Expert: 10+ years experience.
• PPP/Public Finance Expert: 10+ years experience.

• CVs must detail at least 3 comparable assignments completed within the last 10-20 years.
• Provide 3-5 contactable client reference letters on company letterhead, signed by an authorised representative.

• The consulting firm must conduct a rigorous, independent assessment of RFI responses for quality and feasibility.
• The deliverables must include a comprehensive implementation plan with clear commercial constructs and governance.
• Bidders must promptly notify DBSA of any discrepancies or errors found in the tender documents.

• A pricing schedule is required; refer to Annexure A1 in the bid documents.
• Notify DBSA promptly of any pricing errors in your submission.
• Price is evaluated in the third stage, contributing 80 points under the 80/20 principle.

• The financial evaluation uses the 80/20 principle (80 points for price, 20 for B-BBEE).
• Refer to Annexure A1 for the required pricing schedule.
• Bidders must promptly notify DBSA of any errors in their pricing submission (excluding minor clerical errors).
• The recommended preferred bidder will be the one with the lowest overall price in the third evaluation stage, subject to PPPFA regulations.
• DBSA will perform a due diligence risk assessment on the preferred bidder, considering financial stability and other objective criteria.

• South African bidders must be registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) and submit a CSD Summary Report.
• All bidders must submit proof of tax compliance:

• South African bidders: Submit a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN issued by SARS or a printed TCS.
• Foreign bidders: Must answer a questionnaire; if they have no presence/income in RSA, a SARS TCS/PIN is not required.

• B-BBEE Requirements:

• Submit a valid B-BBEE status level verification certificate or a sworn affidavit.
• Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs with turnover ≤ ZAR10 million) must submit a certificate from an independent auditor or accredited verification agency.

• Provide certified copies of CIPC company registration documents and latest share certificates (if applicable).
• Consortia/Joint Ventures: Each party must submit separate compliance documents (CSD, Tax, B-BBEE).
• Bidders must declare any conflict of interest.

• The bid constitutes an irrevocable offer valid for 120 days.
• Bids become the property of DBSA upon submission, though bidders retain intellectual property rights.
• DBSA reserves broad rights to cancel, suspend, or alter the tender process at any time.
• Bidders are responsible for all costs related to bid preparation.
• Strict rules against conflicts of interest, collusion, corruption, and unauthorised communication with DBSA staff.
• DBSA will perform due diligence on the preferred bidder, assessing litigation, performance history, and reputational risk.

• The evaluation follows a three-stage process: Administrative Responsiveness, Functionality, and Price/Preference.
• Stage 1 (Pre-Qualifying) includes mandatory briefing attendance, two-folder submission, and specific personnel qualifications.
• Stage 2 (Functionality) is scored on Methodology (20%), Skills of Key Personnel (60%), and Track Record (20%), with a 70% minimum threshold.
• Stage 3 uses the 80/20 scoring principle (80 points for price, 20 for B-BBEE).