Radiographic testing of rail thermite welds — TRANSNET central region, 12-Month as-and-when-required contract

Closing date: 26 November 2026

Closing time: 12:00 PM

Issue date: 06 November 2026

Bid validity: 120 business days from the closing date

Clarification deadline: 12:00 PM on 23 November 2026

Briefing session: none — no compulsory briefing will be held

Technical enquiries

• Contact: Princess Ngubo
• Telephone: 033 8972193
• Email: [email protected]

Clarifications

• Submit the RFP Clarification Request Form to Princess Ngubo before 12:00 PM on 23 November 2026.

Complaints

• Email: [email protected]

Post-closing communication

• Contact: Prudence Nkabinde (Secretariat)
• Telephone: 011 584 0821
• Email: [email protected]

Submission

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

Service delivery areas

• Isando
• Krugersdorp
• Vereeniging
• Heidelberg
• Ladysmith
• Durban

Submission method

• Electronic submission only through the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal (TDPS).
• Portal: https://esupplierportal.transnet.net/portal/ or transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net
• Register a company profile, log an intent to bid, then upload documents against the tender.
• Maximum 30 MB per upload; multiple uploads permitted.
• All pricing must be completed electronically in the eSupplier portal. No paper pricing schedule will be accepted.
• Submit at least one day before the closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Each bidder must submit through its own registered profile under the company name that will bid. Submitting through another company's profile will disqualify the bid.
• Joint ventures: any JV party may submit on behalf of the JV using its registered profile.

Returnable documents

• SBD 1: bidder details, tax compliance PIN/CSD number and B-BBEE status, signed as the offer cover page.
• RFP Declaration and Breach of Law Form (Section 7).
• RFP Clarification Request Form (Section 8) — only if clarification is sought.
• Specific Goals Points Claim Form (Section 9).
• Protection of Personal Information form (Section 10).
• Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure D).
• Proof of authority to sign, e.g. company resolution.
• B-BBEE status level verification certificate or sworn affidavit (EMEs and QSEs).
• SARS tax compliance status PIN or CSD number; each JV or consortium party must submit its own.
• Signed JV or consortium agreement stating percentage split and responsibilities, or written confirmation of intent to conclude one before award.

Signing

• Sign, stamp and date the bottom of each page before uploading.
• The signatory must be legally authorised by the bidder.

Disqualification risks

• Late submission.
• Submission through another company's profile.
• Missing or unsigned returnable documents.
• No priced offer in the TDPS.
• Material deviation from the scope or specification.
• Material deviation from Transnet's standard terms and conditions.
• Collusion with another bidder.

Evaluation stages

1. Administrative and substantive responsiveness: timely lodgement, complete and valid returnable documents, authorised signature, priced offer, material compliance with scope, and technical pre-qualification criteria.
2. Technical/functionality threshold: minimum qualifying score of 75%.
3. Price and specific goals: weighted score of 80 points for price and 20 points for specific goals.
4. Award of business, with negotiation if applicable (market-related price negotiation or best and final offer).

Technical pre-qualification criteria (Step 1)

• Technical compliance to TRIM radiography testing of thermite welds scope of works: 40%.
• Ownership of data entry software or application: 20%.
• Delivery lead time: 10%.
• Bidder experience in radiography testing within the railway industry (previous 5–10 years): 30%.

Technical evaluation criteria (Step 2, scored out of 100)

• Technical compliance to TRIM radiography testing of thermite welds scope of works: 40%.
• Signed declaration letter confirming compliance to specification, signed by a director or similar per company resolution.
• Personnel certification: at least six RT Level II certificates, one RT Level III certificate, at least one RPO certificate and at least one ARPO certificate, and at least twelve flagmen certifications (AOTP).
• Certification: ISO 17020 certificate in non-destructive testing and ISO 9001 quality management system certificate.
• Ownership of data entry software or application: 20%.
• Software or app ownership and reporting system for non-destructive testing (radiography testing) applicable to thermite welds.
• Must capture and display all weld test data, weld photos, films and result summaries via mobile application and web dashboard in real time.
• Full data ownership must remain with Transnet, with access beyond the 12-month contract in a licence-free software.
• Submit images/screenshots of a fully functional existing mobile and web platform showing real-time data capturing and synchronisation, GPS location tracking, photo capture and attachment, and an interactive dashboard.
• Delivery lead time: 10%.
• Bidder experience in radiography testing within the railway industry (previous 5–10 years): 30%.
• Four relevant and compliant project references required.
• Each reference must comprise a signed reference letter from the client and the corresponding signed project close-out certificate.

Scoring notes

• Final technical scores are rounded to two decimal places.
• Final pricing scores are rounded to two decimal places.
• The 75% technical threshold must be met or exceeded to proceed to final evaluation.
• Transnet may run evaluation stages in parallel; passing one stage does not imply passing an earlier stage.

Scope of services

• Radiographic testing (RT) of newly cast and in-service thermite welds on Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager's Central Region network.
• Evaluation and classification of weld defects using internationally recognised acceptance criteria.
• Marking and traceability of all welds tested.
• Provision of a mobile darkroom and digital image scanning system.
• Provision of labourers: flagmen and data capturers, as and when required.
• Secure digital data capture and reporting via cloud-based software.
• Management of radiation safety, equipment handling and documentation in line with National Nuclear Regulator requirements.
• Training and supervision of TRIM depot personnel.

Locations

• All yards, closure rails and mainline maintained by the Central Region depots: Isando, Krugersdorp, Vereeniging, Heidelberg, Ladysmith and Durban.
• Region covers 7,800 single-track kilometres.

Personnel requirements (as and when required)

• Certified and authorised Level III RT technician: 1.
• Certified and authorised Level II RT technicians: 6.
• Radiation Protection Officer (RPO): 1.
• Assistant Radiation Protection Officer (ARPO): 1.
• First aider: 6.
• Certified flagmen/women: 12.

Minimum technical requirements

• Compliance with DMRE and SAHPRA requirements for industrial radiography, including use, transport and storage of radioactive isotopes.
• Personnel certified to ISO 9712 and/or ASNT-TC-1A; flagmen must hold AOTP certificates from an accredited institute.
• ISO 17020 accreditation in the context of NDT.
• Ownership and maintenance of specialised NDT equipment for RT, with a proven track record in rail testing.
• Access to a cloud-based mobile application and web dashboard for capturing, storing and analysing NDT raw data.

Data entry software requirements

• Real-time upload of test results, or immediately once connectivity is restored.
• TRIM personnel must be able to log in and view live status updates and test results at any time.
• Each test record must include GPS coordinates, date and time, photograph of the weld, weld identifier, test method, inspector name, and result summary (pass/fail, defect type and severity C1–C3).
• Interactive dashboard for TRIM to view overall weld condition, filter by location, weld stencil, date, result or inspector, and generate and download custom reports.
• All test data remains the property of TRIM.
• TRIM must retain full and unrestricted access during and after contract expiry; where licensed, the supplier must ensure continued access for a defined transition period and provide complete data exports in standard formats.
• Role-based access with full administrative rights for TRIM for the 12-month contract and any agreed transition period.
• Digital-only reporting: no hard-copy reports; all records stored digitally and exportable in PDF or Excel on request.

Service levels

• 95% service level on random checks of compliance with quality/quantity/specifications and on on-time delivery.
• Failure constitutes a material breach and grounds for cancellation.

Environmental

• Bidders must submit details of their environmental policies, including waste disposal, recycling and energy conservation.

Experience

• Proven track record in radiography testing within the railway industry, covering the previous 5 to 10 years.
• Four relevant and compliant project references required.
• Each reference must comprise a signed reference letter from the client and the corresponding signed project close-out certificate.

Personnel qualifications

• At least six RT Level II certificates.
• At least one RT Level III certificate.
• At least one RPO certificate and at least one ARPO certificate.
• At least twelve flagmen certifications (AOTP).
• Personnel certified to ISO 9712 and/or ASNT-TC-1A.

Company accreditation

• ISO 17020 accreditation in the context of NDT.
• ISO 9001 quality management system certification.
• DMRE and SAHPRA compliance for industrial radiography.

Account management

• An experienced national account representative must work with Transnet's procurement department.
• Quarterly reviews with the service provider's account representative.

Quality assurance is delivered through radiographic testing (RT) of thermite welds, with defect evaluation and classification against internationally recognised acceptance criteria.

Accreditation and certification

• ISO 17020 accreditation in the context of NDT.
• ISO 9001 quality management system certification for NDT services.
• DMRE and SAHPRA compliance for industrial radiography.
• Personnel certified to ISO 9712 and/or ASNT-TC-1A.
• Flagmen to hold AOTP certificates from an accredited institute.

Data and reporting

• Secure cloud-based mobile application and web dashboard for capturing, storing and analysing NDT raw data.
• Real-time upload, weld-specific data presentation, interactive dashboard, and full data ownership and access for TRIM.
• Digital-only reporting; no hard-copy reports.
• All records exportable in PDF or Excel on request.

Service level

• 95% service level on quality/quantity/specification compliance and on-time delivery.

Pricing format

• Electronic pricing schedule completed in the Transnet eSupplier portal (TDPS). No paper pricing schedule will be accepted.
• Prices in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT.
• Pricing must follow the prescribed schedule exactly; deviation may render the bid non-responsive.
• Any disbursement not specifically priced for will not be accepted.

Market-related price

• If the highest-scoring bid is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second-highest, then third-highest scorer, or cancel the RFP.
• If no market-related price is agreed with the third-highest scorer, Transnet must cancel the RFP.

Delivery

• Delivery lead time is scored (10%).
• If delivery is subject to a maximum monthly production capacity, full particulars must be provided.
• Bidders must state their annual holiday closedown period and whether it is included in the lead time, and the action proposed to ensure continuity of supply during non-working days or holidays.
• Early delivery may not be paid for or may be returned at the supplier's cost.

Pricing

• All pricing must be completed electronically in the Transnet eSupplier portal (TDPS). No paper pricing schedule will be accepted.
• Prices must be quoted in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT.
• Pricing must follow the prescribed pricing schedule exactly; deviation may render the bid non-responsive.
• Any disbursement not specifically priced for will not be accepted.
• Pricing scores are rounded to two decimal places.

Market-related price

• If the highest-scoring bid is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second-highest, then third-highest scorer, or cancel the RFP.
• If no market-related price is agreed with the third-highest scorer, Transnet must cancel the RFP.

Delivery

• Delivery lead time is a scored criterion (10%).
• If delivery is subject to a maximum monthly production capacity, full particulars must be provided.
• Bidders must state their annual holiday closedown period and whether it is included in the lead time, and the action proposed to ensure continuity of supply during non-working days or holidays.
• Material supplied earlier than specified may not be paid for or may be returned at the supplier's cost.

Contract

• The contract is on an "as and when required" basis for 12 months.
• No reimbursement of bid preparation costs.

Statutory and registration

• CSD registration with National Treasury; only foreign suppliers with no local registered entity are exempt.
• Valid SARS tax compliance status PIN or CSD number; each JV or consortium party must submit its own.
• B-BBEE status level verification certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs and QSEs) must be submitted.
• Compliance with the Employment Equity Act, including Section 53.
• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Compliance with the National Railway Safety Regulator Act and railway safety requirements.
• Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Security clearance at CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level may be required for the successful bidder, its personnel and subcontractors.

Technical accreditation

• ISO 17020 accreditation in the context of NDT.
• ISO 9001 quality management system certification for NDT services.
• DMRE and SAHPRA compliance for industrial radiography.
• Personnel certified to ISO 9712 and/or ASNT-TC-1A; flagmen to hold AOTP certificates.

B-bbee

• B-BBEE status level verification certificate or sworn affidavit required.
• Specific goals points form part of the 20-point preference allocation.

Joint ventures and consortia

• Signed JV or consortium agreement stating percentage split and responsibilities, or written confirmation of intent to conclude one before award.
• A JV is evaluated on one consolidated B-BBEE scorecard.

Other

• Disclosure of any commercial relationship with a Domestic Prominent Influential Person (DPIP) or Foreign Prominent Public Official (FPPO).
• Bidders must certify acquaintance with the Non-Disclosure Agreement.
• Bidders must submit details of environmental policies.

Radiation safety

• Management of radiation safety, equipment handling and documentation in line with National Nuclear Regulator requirements.
• Compliance with DMRE and SAHPRA requirements for the use, transport and storage of radioactive isotopes.

Railway safety

• Compliance with the National Railway Safety Regulator Act and applicable railway safety requirements.
• Subcontractor engagement is subject to review of the subcontractor's capability to comply with railway safety requirements.
• The supplier and its subcontractors must grant Transnet access to review safety-related activities during the contract.

Occupational health and safety

• Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Personnel

• Flagmen must hold AOTP certificates.
• First aiders: six, as and when required.

Bidders must submit details of their environmental policies, covering waste disposal, recycling and energy conservation.

Contract duration: 12 months, as and when required.

Service levels

• 95% service level on random checks of compliance with quality/quantity/specifications and on on-time delivery.
• Failure constitutes a material breach and grounds for cancellation.

Delivery

• Scheduled delivery periods must be strictly complied with unless Transnet requests otherwise.
• Early delivery may not be paid for or may be returned at the supplier's cost.
• Bidders must state holiday closedown periods and continuity plans for non-working days.

Legal review

• Proposals are subject to legal review; material deviation from standard terms may disqualify.

Security

• Acceptance may be subject to security clearance at CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level for the bidder, personnel and subcontractors.

Transnet's rights

• Transnet may modify the scope, award part or all of the contract, split the award, cancel the process, validate information, request audited financial statements, and place a bidder on the Database of Restricted Suppliers for up to 10 years for incorrect information.
• Transnet may award to the next ranked bidder if the preferred bidder fails to sign or commence.
• Transnet may request ESG information and conduct due diligence on subcontractors to detect fronting.

Prohibited conduct

• Canvassing Transnet officers between closing and award.
• Collusion with other bidders.
• Changes to bid rates after closing or award unless the contract provides for it.

Evaluation is sequential but Transnet may run stages in parallel.

Step 1 — administrative and substantive responsiveness

• Timely lodgement.
• Complete and valid returnable documents.
• Authorised signature on all sections.
• Priced offer in the TDPS.
• Material compliance with scope and specification.
• Technical pre-qualification criteria: technical compliance 40%, ownership of data entry software 20%, delivery lead time 10%, railway radiography experience 30%.

Step 2 — technical/functionality threshold

• Minimum qualifying score: 75%.
• Technical scores rounded to two decimal places.
• Must be met or exceeded to proceed to final evaluation.

Step 3 — price and specific goals

• Price: 80 points.
• Specific goals: 20 points.
• Pricing scores rounded to two decimal places.

Step 4 — award, with negotiation if applicable (market-related price negotiation or best and final offer).