Firefighting personnel services – port of east london (3-Year RFQ)

Returnable documents: the completed and signed Transnet Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure D) must be submitted with the bid response.

No evaluation criteria are stated in the provided document. The only stated requirement is that the bidder must sign and submit the Transnet Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure D) with the bid response.

The bidder must sign and submit the Transnet Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure D). This commits the bidder to: treat all confidential information as secret, use it only for the bid or subsequent contract, disclose it only to agents who need it and who are bound by confidentiality, return or destroy all confidential information within 7 days of a written demand from Transnet, and provide a director-signed certificate confirming such return or destruction. The bidder must act as principal, not as agent or nominee, and must comply with South African privacy laws (Section 14 of the Bill of Rights).

The NDA requires the bidder to keep all confidential information secret, use it only for the bid or subsequent contract, and disclose it only to agents who need it and are bound by confidentiality. The bidder must return or destroy all confidential information within 7 days of a written demand from Transnet, and provide a director-signed certificate confirming such return or destruction. The bidder must act as principal, not as agent or nominee, and must comply with South African privacy laws.

Closing date: 28 October 2026 at 16:00 (per tender record).

• No briefing session or site visit date is stated in this document. If a compulsory briefing is indicated in the RFX, attendance is mandatory.

A site visit or briefing session may be required if necessary to view the site or receive further information. If indicated as compulsory in the RFX, failure to attend will result in disqualification. No specific date, time, or venue is stated in this document.

For clarifications before the closing date, upload questions onto the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal or contact the contact person listed in the RFX document.

• After the closing date, communicate only with the contact person listed in the RFX.
• No specific contact names, emails, or telephone numbers are provided in this document.

Bids must be submitted by uploading them onto the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal (transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net) before the closing date and time. Late bids will not be considered.

• Complete all official Transnet bid forms and formats; do not submit on your own forms or with your own terms and conditions.
• The original bid forms must be completed and submitted.
• If additional information is needed, submit it on company letterhead, cross-referenced to the relevant section of the RFX.
• All returnable documents listed in the RFX must be submitted with the bid. Failure to submit mandatory returnable documents will result in disqualification; failure to submit other required documents may also lead to disqualification.
• Prices must be quoted in Rand (ZAR).
• Prices subject to confirmation will not be considered.
• Any alterations to bid prices must be made by deleting incorrect figures and inserting correct ones, initialled by the signatory.
• Bids must be held valid for the validity period stated in the RFX; extensions may be requested.
• If samples are required, they must be marked with the bidder's name, address, bid number and item number, and reach the addressee by the closing date.
• Bids from foreign respondents must include written proof of authorisation of a South African representative or agent, and a Power of Attorney complying with Rule 63 of the Uniform Rules of Court.
• Bids must not be submitted on any other delivery basis than specified (e.g., Delivered Duty Paid) unless otherwise stated.
• Unauthorised communication with the Bid Adjudication Committee or other officials between closing and award may lead to disqualification.

Bids will be evaluated on compliance with the RFX requirements and the General Bid Conditions.

• Bidders must not appear on the National Treasury Register of Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Bidders must complete and submit all mandatory returnable documents and standard forms (e.g., SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, SBD 8, SBD 9) as specified in the RFX.
• If a compulsory site visit or briefing session is indicated, attendance is mandatory; failure to attend will result in disqualification.
• The evaluation will consider the financial merits of any alternative payment or financing proposals submitted.
• No minimum qualifying score or preference point system (80/20 or 90/10) is stated in this document.

The scope is the provision of firefighting personnel on an as-and-when-required basis for a period of three (3) years at the Port of East London.

• The contract is a period contract; Transnet does not bind itself to a definitive quantity, but the successful bidder must supply quantities ordered against the contract.
• Estimated planned quantities per annum are provided in the RFX; these are estimates only.
• Emergency demands may be placed at short notice; the bidder has first right of refusal but Transnet may source elsewhere if the bidder cannot meet the critical delivery period.
• Goods offered must be new, unused, not second-hand or reconditioned.
• Bidders must tender strictly in accordance with the drawings and specifications supplied by Transnet.
• Any respondent's drawings must be submitted before the closing time.
• Foreign specifications must be translated into English, and any departures must be detailed in a covering letter.

Goods offered must be new, unused, not second-hand or reconditioned.

• Samples may be required and retained by Transnet for quality and workmanship checks; payment will not be made for retained samples.
• Unsuccessful bidders may collect their samples at their own risk and cost.

Prices must be quoted in Rand (ZAR).

• Prices subject to confirmation will not be considered.
• Alterations to bid prices must be made by deleting and inserting correct figures, initialled by the signatory.
• For goods, prices must be on a Delivered Duty Paid (latest ICC Incoterms) basis unless otherwise specified; local supplies on a Delivered RSA named destination basis; imported supplies on a Delivered Duty Paid basis.
• VAT must be shown separately on tax invoices.
• Payment methods and conditional discounts are specified in the Terms and Conditions of Contract.

Prices must be quoted in Rand (ZAR).

• Prices subject to confirmation will not be considered.
• For goods, prices must be on a Delivered Duty Paid (latest ICC Incoterms) basis unless otherwise specified; local supplies on a Delivered RSA named destination basis; imported supplies on a Delivered Duty Paid basis.
• VAT must be shown separately on tax invoices at the standard rate.
• The successful bidder may be required to provide a Deed of Suretyship as security, in the form supplied by Transnet, within 30 calendar days of the letter of acceptance. No other form of guarantee will be accepted.
• A guarantee covering any advance payments may be required.
• Payment terms and conditional discounts are set out in the Terms and Conditions of Contract; alternative payment or financing proposals may be submitted but the bid must first comply with the standard terms.
• No bid security or specific financial capacity thresholds are stated in this document.

Bidders must not appear on the National Treasury Register of Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.

• Bidders must complete and submit all mandatory returnable documents and standard forms (e.g., SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, SBD 8, SBD 9) as specified in the RFX.
• If the bidder is a company, the full names of directors must be stated; for a close corporation, the members; for a partnership or individual, the partners or individual.
• Foreign bidders must provide proof of authorised representation in South Africa and a Power of Attorney complying with Rule 63 of the Uniform Rules of Court.
• No specific B-BBEE level, CIDB grade, CSD registration, or tax clearance requirements are stated in this document.

The contract is governed by South African law. The bidder must specify a domicilium citandi et executandi in South Africa.

• The contract documents comprise the General Bid Conditions, the Terms and Conditions of Contract, and any Special Conditions, together with the bid response and Transnet's letter of acceptance.
• If the bidder finds any conditions unacceptable, it must indicate them in writing on company letterhead; Transnet's Legal Counsel will review proposed amendments. The bidder may withdraw an unacceptable deviation, failing which the bid will be disqualified.
• If the successful bidder fails to enter into a formal contract, accept an order, furnish security, or comply with conditions, Transnet may accept another bid or call for new bids and recover additional expenses.
• Unsuccessful bidders will be notified in writing and informed of the successful bidder and reasons.
• Copyright in plans and drawings is governed by the Intellectual Property Rights section of the Terms and Conditions of Contract.
• Bidders on the Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers will not be awarded.
• In case of conflict between these General Bid Conditions and the RFX document, the RFX document prevails.

Transnet General Bid Conditions apply to all bids. These include conditions on submission, use of bid forms, bid fees, validity period, site visits/briefing sessions, clarifications, communication restrictions, returnable documents, defaults, currency, price alterations, exchange and remittance, acceptance of bid, notice to unsuccessful bidders, terms and conditions of contract, contract documents, governing law, identification, samples, securities, price and delivery basis, export licence, quality of material, VAT, payment, contract quantities and delivery, plans/drawings/specifications, foreign respondents, restricted suppliers, and conflict with RFX document.

After the closing date, bidders may only communicate with the contact person listed in the RFX. Unauthorised communication with the Bid Adjudication Committee or other officials may lead to disqualification.

Closing date: 28 October 2026 at 16:00

Compulsory briefing: 20 October 2026 at 11:00 via MS Teams (approximately 1 hour). Attendance is mandatory; failure to attend results in disqualification. The attendance register is proof of attendance.

Clarification deadline: 26 October 2026 at 16:00 – submit queries to [email protected].

Compulsory briefing: 20 October 2026 at 11:00 via MS Teams, approximately 1 hour. Attendance is mandatory; failure to attend results in disqualification. The attendance register is proof of attendance.

Enquiries (bidding procedure / technical):

• Contact: Xolelwa Gwele
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: Not applicable

Clarification queries: [email protected] (before 16:00 on 26 October 2026)

Complaints: [email protected]

Site inspection requests: [email protected]

Submission portal: https://esupplierportal.transnet.net/portal/

Submission method: Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal (TDPS Supplier Submission Portal) at https://esupplierportal.transnet.net/portal/.

• Register or sign in on the portal, then log an intent to bid for this RFQ.
• Upload bid documents against the tender; each upload up to 30 MB, multiple uploads allowed.
• Complete all pricing electronically in the eSupplier portal.
• Submit at least a day before closing to avoid technical issues; no late submissions accepted.
• Each company must use its own registered profile; submitting through another company's profile disqualifies the bid. Joint ventures may submit via any JV partner's profile.
• Returnable documents (all must be signed, stamped and dated):
• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder details and signed offer cover.
• Section 4: Complete Price Schedule, manually and electronically.
• Section 5: RFQ Declaration, Certificate of Acquaintance & Breach of Law form: confirms familiarity with all RFQ conditions and discloses any serious breach of law in the past 5 years.
• Section 6: Specific Goals Points Claim form: claims preference points for specific goals.
• Section 7: Protection of Personal Information form.
• Annexure A: Master Agreement and Schedule of Requirements.
• Annexure B: Service Provider's Integrity Pact.
• Annexure C: Transnet General Bid Conditions.
• Annexure D: Non-Disclosure Agreement.
• Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (consolidated scorecard for JVs).
• Failure to submit mandatory returnable documents by closing date and time results in disqualification.
• Missing scoring documents (e.g., B-BBEE) results in zero points for that criterion.
• Essential documents may be requested later; failure to submit by the set deadline may lead to disqualification.
• Quotations must not include documents or references to other tenders; additional conditions must be in a covering letter.
• Changes to quotations after closing are not accepted.
• The quotation is a binding offer; exceptions must be stated clearly.

Evaluation stages:

• Stage 1: Administrative and substantive responsiveness – bid lodged on time, all returnable documents completed and signed, priced offer included, and material compliance with scope. Must pass to proceed.
• Stage 2: Functionality/technical evaluation – minimum qualifying score 70 out of 100. Criteria:
• Previous company experience in HAZMAT, fire and emergency services (30 points): submit at least two signed reference letters or signed practical completion certificates. Each must include project description and valid client contact details (name, email, physical address, telephone, company logo). Scoring: 0 = none or non-compliant; 1 = one compliant reference; 2 = two; 3 = three or more.
• Key personnel qualifications (30 points): provide certificates for Firefighter 1 with HAZMAT awareness, Firefighter 2 with HAZMAT operational, and First Aid level 3 (mandatory minimum). Scoring: 1 = Firefighter 1 + HAZMAT awareness; 2 = First Aid level 3, Firefighter 2, HAZMAT operational; 3 = HAZMAT technician, confined space, high angle rescue, BAA, etc.
• Key personnel experience (20 points): CVs for firefighters with minimum 2 years' experience in HAZMAT, fire and emergency services. Scoring: 1 = 1 to <2 years; 2 = 2 to <3 years; 3 = 3+ years. Qualifications must align with CVs.
• SHE management (20 points): submit at least two of: SHE management plan, project-specific risk assessment, valid letter of good standing with Workmen's Compensation Fund. Scoring: 1 = one requirement met; 2 = two; 3 = all three.
• Stage 3: Preference point system (80/20):
• Price (80 points) – evaluated per rate item, not total. Formula: Ps = (Pmin/Pt) × 80.
• Specific goals (20 points) – per Section 6 claim form, including B-BBEE status level (Level 1 or 2 = 5 points) and EME/QSE 51% black-owned (15 points).
• Post-tender negotiations may be conducted sequentially if the highest-ranked price is not market-related; best and final offers may be requested.
• Award is made to the highest weighted score, subject to market-related price and legal review.

Scope: Provision of firefighting personnel on an as-and-when-required basis at the Port of East London for three (3) years.

Services include:

• Fire protection standby at tanker berth, dry dock, IMDG container cargo (KLM berth), and any hot work within the port.
• All firefighting services, HAZMAT response, and emergency services.
• Services rendered under the request and direction of the Chief Fire Officer.

Contractor obligations:

• Provide and collect firefighters as required by TNPA at required sites.
• Bring firefighters to the port for induction and orientation; arrange security permits.
• Work under supervision of a TNPA representative; responsible for acts and omissions of employees.
• Provide all PPE: day-to-day combat uniform, safety boots, hard hats, reflective jackets, working gloves, eye and ear protection, and full firefighting gear (bunker suit, helmet, fire boots, gloves, goggles). No firefighter may start work without correct PPE.
• Maintain a pool of at least 6 firefighters to meet demand.
• Ensure personnel are rested, fit for duty, not intoxicated, and well groomed.
• Prohibition on using personnel currently employed by other companies or institutions (e.g., BCMM firefighters) – no moonlighting.

Personnel requirements:

• Qualified by SAESI, IFE, or University; health and physical fitness certified by an occupational health and safety practitioner.
• Must have passed Firefighter 1 & 2, HAZMAT operations, First Aid level 3 or higher, and at least two years' prior firefighting experience.
• Advanced PPE (e.g., Level A chemical suits) provided by the port when needed.

Compliance:

• Comply with OSHA, LRA, BCEA and COIDA.
• Submit annually: letter of good standing from labour and fitness test results from a registered occupational health and safety practitioner.

Site inspection: bidders may inspect the site by emailing [email protected].

Pricing format: Fixed rates per item, quoted in South African Rand, exclusive of VAT. Complete the price schedule manually and electronically.

Price schedule items:

• Approved Safety SHE file (Sum)
• Firefighter per hour (Each)
• Firefighter – call-out standby (3 hours) (Each)
• Firefighter per hour on Saturday (Each)
• Firefighter per hour on Sunday/Public holiday (Each)

Call-out fee: three hours per call-out; if work is cancelled within three hours, the fee applies.

Pricing rules:

• Prices must be quoted strictly per the schedule; deviation may disqualify the bid.
• Any disbursement not specifically priced will not be considered.
• Discounts are only considered if unconditional.
• Final pricing scores rounded to two decimal places.
• If the highest-scoring bidder's price is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate a market-related price or cancel the RFQ.

No bid security, bonds, or guarantees are specified.

Mandatory compliance:

• Register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) at https://secure.csd.gov.za/ (foreign suppliers with no local entity exempt).
• Provide a valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or CSD number; tax matters must be in order.
• Submit a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (consolidated scorecard for JVs) as per DTIC guidelines.
• Attend the compulsory briefing.
• Submit all mandatory returnable documents by closing date and time.
• Not be listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Complete SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest) – disclose any director/shareholder employed by the state or connected to Transnet.
• Comply with the Employment Equity Act, including Section 53.
• Sign the RFQ Declaration, Certificate of Acquaintance, and Supplier Integrity Pact.
• Obtain security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level if required.
• Do not use personnel currently employed by other companies or institutions (moonlighting prohibition).
• Disclose any commercial relationship with a Domestic Prominent Influential Person (DPIP) or Foreign Prominent Public Official (FPPO).
• Provide proof of authority (e.g., company resolution) for the signatory.
• Maintain validity of all returnable documents for the contract duration; failure to renew may lead to contract termination.

Tip-Off Anonymous hotline: 0800 003 056 (for reporting dishonest, fraudulent, or corrupt behaviour by Transnet employees).

Returnable documents:

• Annexure B (Integrity Pact): bidders must read, agree with, and certify in the RFQ Declaration Form that they have acquainted themselves with the content. The signed pact becomes part of the final contract.
• RFQ Declaration Form: must be completed and signed, certifying agreement with the Integrity Pact.
• Breach of Law Form: referenced in the RFX document; must be completed if applicable.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to sign or comply with the Integrity Pact.
• Misrepresentation of facts or submission of false or forged documents.
• Withdrawal of bid after closing date and time without good faith.
• Failure to sign a contract after notification of acceptance.
• Unsatisfactory performance or breach of contract conditions.
• Offering, promising, or giving a bribe.
• Fraudulent or improper conduct towards Transnet or any government body.
• Incorrect statements regarding local content or B-BBEE status.
• Failure to declare subcontracting arrangements.
• Litigating against Transnet in bad faith.

Evaluation stages:

• Bidders must sign and comply with the Integrity Pact (Annexure B) and certify this in the RFQ Declaration Form.
• Bidders must declare any previous transgressions (corruption, fraud, theft, extortion, Competition Act contraventions) in the last 5 years with any public sector undertaking, government department, or private sector company.
• Bidders must not appear on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Bidders must not subcontract any portion of the contract to a restricted company.
• Bidders must disclose any conflict of interest in the RFX declaration form or notify Transnet immediately in writing.
• Bidders must not lend to or borrow money from, or enter into monetary dealings with, any bid committee member or person involved in the sourcing process.
• Bids that are suspicious will be reported to the Competition Commission and/or the National Prosecuting Authority.

Bidders must not engage in under-pricing or anti-competitive practices. The Integrity Pact aims to enable Transnet to obtain the desired contract at a reasonable and competitive price in conformity with the defined specifications.

Sanctions for violations may include:

• Encashment of advance bank guarantee and performance bond or warranty bond to recover payments made by Transnet, along with interest.
• Recovery of all sums already paid by Transnet.
• Penalty of up to 10% of the contract value if the supplier subcontracted a portion of the bid without declaring it to Transnet.

Compliance obligations:

• Bidders must uphold the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) covering Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption.
• Bidders must not appear on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Bidders must disclose any conflict of interest in the RFX declaration form or notify Transnet immediately in writing.
• Bidders must declare any previous transgressions in the last 5 years.
• Bidders must not subcontract any portion of the contract to a restricted company.
• Transnet may require the bidder to furnish a copy of its code of conduct, which must address compliance programmes and reject bribery and unethical conduct.

Bidders must uphold the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in the fields of Human Rights, Labour, Anti-Corruption and the Environment, including:

• Support and respect for internationally proclaimed human rights.
• Not being complicit in human rights abuses.
• Upholding freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• Eliminating forced and compulsory labour.
• Abolishing child labour.
• Eliminating discrimination in employment and occupation.
• Supporting a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
• Promoting greater environmental responsibility.
• Encouraging the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
• Working against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Dispute resolution:

• Parties should use best endeavours to resolve disputes amicably.
• Transnet will not do business with a company that litigates against it in bad faith, including vexatious proceedings, perjury, scurrilous allegations, or abuse of court process.

General provisions:

• The Integrity Pact is governed by South African law.
• The pact covers all bidding processes and is valid for an indefinite period unless cancelled by either party.
• If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains valid.
• Bidders must report dishonest, fraudulent, or corrupt behaviour by Transnet employees to a senior official or via the Tip-Off Anonymous hotline 0800 003 056.

Restriction and exclusion:

• Transnet may exclude a bidder from future bidding for up to 10 years, or longer depending on the gravity of misconduct.
• Transnet may terminate existing contracts and recover sums paid.
• Bidders may not subcontract to a restricted company.
• Grounds for restriction include withdrawing a bid in bad faith, refusing to sign a contract, unsatisfactory contract performance, bribery, fraud, incorrect statements on local content or B-BBEE status, and litigation in bad faith.

The Integrity Pact (Annexure B) is a mandatory condition of the bid. Bidders must read, agree with, and certify in the RFQ Declaration Form that they have acquainted themselves with the content. The contract with the successful bidder will automatically incorporate this Integrity Pact as part of the final concluded contract.

Bidders must not collude with other parties to preclude a competitive bid price or impair transparency and fairness. Bids that are suspicious will be reported to the Competition Commission and/or the National Prosecuting Authority.