Ten-year lease of the cargo shed and goods platform at quay 4, port of mossel bay

TNPA, a division of Transnet SOC Ltd, invites proposals for a 10-year lease of a cargo shed and goods platform at Quay 4 in the Port of Mossel Bay.

Premises

• Portion of ERF 12459, Port of Mossel Bay.
• Extent: 3 280 m².
• Permitted use: storage and/or workshop.
• Currently vacant; previously used as a storage facility.
• Let as is (voetstoots) per the Lease Plan in Annexure 1.

Process

• The RFP and annexures are downloadable free of charge from the National Treasury e-Tender portal (www.etenders.gov.za) and the Transnet portal (https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net).
• Addenda and clarifications are published on both portals; bidders must check before finalising their submission.
• Outcomes are published within 10 days of award being finalised; unsuccessful bidders may request reasons through the contact named in SBD 1.
• A non-compulsory briefing is held online on 19 October 2026 from 12h30 to 13h30; site viewings are arranged afterwards at a mutually agreed time.

Annexures

• Annexure 1: Lease Plan.
• Annexure 2: Draft Environmental Management Plan.
• Annexure 3: TNPA Draft Lease Agreement.
• Annexure 4: General Bid Conditions.
• Annexure 5: Non-Disclosure Agreement.
• Annexure 6: Supplier Integrity Pact.
• Annexure 7: Port Development Framework Plan.

Closing: 12 November 2026 at 16:00 (extended by Addendum 1 from 6 November 2026 at 16:00).

Clarity questions close: 6 November 2026 at 16:00 (extended by Addendum 1 from 26 October 2026 at 16:00).

Non-compulsory briefing session: 19 October 2026, 12h30 to 13h30, online via Microsoft Teams.

• Meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3894048556781690?p=eAMYSwPCkcYe7me6lR
• Meeting ID: 389 404 855 678 169 0
• Passcode: Ti6uV2x5

Site visit: not scheduled; bidders arrange a viewing at a mutually agreed time through [email protected] after the briefing.

Bid validity: 120 business days from the closing date.

Issue date: 6 October 2026.

Enquiries

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: not stated
• Contact name: not stated

Submission

• Method: electronic upload to the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal
• Portal: https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net

Property access and site inspection

• Email: [email protected]

Post-closing communication

• Email: [email protected] (the only permitted channel after closing)

Submission channel

• Electronic upload only, via the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal: https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net (use Google Chrome).
• Register on the portal, log intent to respond, then upload the proposal against the tender.
• Maximum 30 MB per upload; multiple uploads permitted.
• File names may contain only alphabetical and/or numerical characters; other characters may corrupt the upload.
• Upload at least one day before closing; Transnet accepts no liability for bidder bandwidth, file size or technical failure.
• Late or incorrectly loaded bids are not accepted.

Signing and format

• Sign and date the bottom of every page of every returnable section; the signatory must be legally authorised, with proof of authority (e.g. company resolution) attached.
• All documents listed in the Proposal Form (Section 5) must be returned.
• Any additional conditions must be set out in a covering letter; bidders may not alter the RFP documents themselves.
• Addendum 1 must be signed and submitted with the tender.

Mandatory returnable documents (non-submission disqualifies)

• Section 4: Rental Offer Price schedule, fully priced.

Returnable documents used for scoring (missing item scores zero for that criterion)

• Proof of evidence for Specific Goals claims.
• Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit per DTIC guidelines.
• Capital Expenditure Plan.
• Maintenance Expenditure Plan.
• Company Profile and supporting documents.
• Business Plan.
• Reference Letters.
• Bank Rating.

Essential returnable documents (a further deadline may be granted; continued failure may disqualify)

• SBD 1 form: bidder identification, tax compliance and CSD particulars, signed as the offer cover page.
• Section 6: Certificate of Acquaintance with the RFP, lease agreement and applicable documents.
• Section 7: RFP Declaration and Breach of Law form.
• Section 9: Specific Goals Points Claim Form (SBD 6.2).
• Section 10: Job Creation and Skills Development.
• Section 11: Protection of Personal Information.
• Section 12: Certificate of Attendance of the (non-compulsory) briefing session.

Disqualification risks

• Bid lodged after the closing time.
• Mandatory returnable documents omitted.
• Bid not signed by an authorised person.
• No priced rental offer in the Section 4 schedule.
• Collusion with another bidder, or canvassing Transnet officials between closing and award.
• Failure to register on the CSD before submitting.
• Failure to respond to a request to extend bid validity before it lapses.

Sequential stages; Transnet may run steps in parallel, and progression at one stage does not confirm any earlier stage was passed.

Step 1 — Administrative responsiveness

• Bid lodged on time.
• Bid document duly signed by an authorised bidder representative.
• Must be passed to proceed.

Step 2 — Substantive responsiveness

• Bid must contain a priced rental offer in the prescribed Section 4 schedule.
• Must be passed to proceed.

Step 3 — Functionality/technical (100 points)

• Minimum qualifying score: 66.67/100. Below this the bid is not evaluated further.
• Previous experience (10): at least 2 years in the proposed use, evidenced by lease agreement, licence or similar; more than 2 years scores 3, exactly 2 years scores 2, less than 2 years scores 1, no evidence scores 0.
• Reference letters (15): minimum 2 letters not older than 5 years, showing customer name, address, contact details and email, scope of services and project duration; more than 2 qualifying letters scores 3, 2 letters scores 2, 1 letter scores 1, none or older than 5 years scores 0.
• Bank rating (15): rating issued by a financial institution confirming the entity is a going concern and not older than 3 months; A scores 3, B scores 2, C scores 1, D or below, no submission or report older than 3 months scores 0.
• Business Plan — alignment to the Port Development Framework Plan and port priority activities (10): all 3 elements plus added benefits scores 3, all 3 elements scores 2, fewer than 3 scores 1, no alignment scores 0.
• Business Plan — market analysis as a port-related commercial activity (10): covers all 5 elements in detail scores 3, only the 5 elements scores 2, fewer than 5 scores 1, not port-related scores 0. Elements: status quo of market and services, potential market or segment, gap analysis, SWOT analysis, economic spin-offs per segment.
• Business Plan — value added to port operations (10): all 4 elements with substantial detail scores 3, only 4 elements scores 2, fewer than 4 scores 1, no value scores 0. Elements: vision and mission, achievable strategic objectives, innovation, short- and medium-term value to the port.
• Business Plan — capital expenditure WBS and project schedule covering the lease term (10): concise WBS and schedule scores 3, good scores 2, average scores 1, inadequate scores 0. Schedule must link to methodology at every activity level, detail activities to level 3, be presented as calendar and Gantt, number activities, show execution sequence, run activities in parallel where practical and group activities to best practice.
• Business Plan — maintenance expenditure plan and cost for the lease term (10): concise scores 3, good scores 2, average scores 1, does not address any element scores 0. Must cover identification and prioritisation, scoping and objectives, resource allocation, timeframes and cost of works.
• Business Plan — financial viability (10): detailed cash flow projections over the lease period, signed off by a finance professional, with assumptions stated and mitigations where net cash flows are negative; detailed scores 3, high-level scores 1, not viable scores 0.

Step 4 — Final weighted scoring (100 points)

• Rental offer price: 80 or 90 points, scored on the lowest priced bid inclusive of all applicable taxes using the prescribed formula.
• Specific goals: 20 or 10 points, claimed on the SBD 6.2 form; B-BBEE Status Level Contributor 1 or 2, or Level 3 or 4 where stated in the bid documents.
• Total: 100 points.

Step 5 — Objective criteria

• Transnet may award to a bidder other than the highest scorer where objective criteria under the PPPFA justify it, including rotation of lessees to open opportunities for new entrants, specialised operations, poor past performance record with Transnet or TNPA, breach of the Integrity Pact, unmitigated probity risks, negative impact on Transnet's return on investment, restriction by Transnet or another state institution, lack of legal capacity, insolvency or business rescue, non-compliance with legal requirements, or a conflict of interest.
• A due diligence exercise may be conducted to verify qualifications, technical competence, financial resources, equipment, facilities, managerial capability, experience and personnel.

Step 6 — Post-tender negotiation

• If the rental offered is not market related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest ranked bidder, then the second, then the third, or cancel the tender.

Step 7 — Award

• Letter of Award issued, then the final lease agreement is concluded.

Property to be leased

• Portion of ERF 12459, Port of Mossel Bay: cargo shed and goods platform at Quay 4.
• Extent: 3 280 m².
• Permitted use: storage and/or workshop.
• Availability: immediately; the premises are currently vacant and were previously used as a storage facility.
• Lease term: 10 years.
• Condition: let as is (voetstoots), per the Lease Plan in Annexure 1.

Use restrictions

• Handling and storage of hazardous chemicals is excluded.
• No dust-producing minerals may be stored in open areas.
• Use must comply with all applicable laws.

Bidder obligations

• The successful bidder must carry out all refurbishment, repairs, upgrades and capital improvements needed to make the premises fit for purpose, at its own cost, unless otherwise negotiated and agreed with TNPA.
• The bidder is fully responsible to Transnet for the acts and omissions of anyone it employs directly or indirectly.
• Bidders must inspect the property before submitting; TNPA accepts no liability for a bidder's failure or refusal to do so.
• Beneficial occupation may be negotiated depending on the extent of works; it must be motivated and justified in the Business Plan and approved by TNPA governance structures, and the bidder carries all property holding costs during that period.
• Subletting is considered case by case only; business plans, financial models and revenue projections must not depend on obtaining subletting approval, and approval does not reduce the bidder's lease obligations.

Business Plan content required

• Use of the premises and proof that the use is port related and supports port business, aligned to the Port Development Framework Plan (Annexure 7).
• Market analysis: status quo, potential market or segment, gap analysis, SWOT analysis, economic spin-offs per segment.
• Value added to port operations: vision and mission, achievable strategic objectives, innovation, short- and medium-term value.
• Capital expenditure work breakdown structure and project schedule covering the lease term.
• Maintenance expenditure plan and cost covering the lease term.
• Cash flow projections over the lease period, signed off by a finance professional.

Environmental

• Bidders must set out the company's position on environmental commitments, including waste disposal, recycling and energy conservation; a draft Environmental Management Plan is provided as Annexure 2.

Security

• Acceptance may be conditional on the successful bidder and its personnel obtaining security clearance up to CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET or TOP SECRET level, at the bidder's responsibility, and implementing all security measures the safe performance of the lease requires.

Evaluation runs through seven steps, normally in sequence; Transnet may run steps in parallel, and reaching a later stage does not confirm that an earlier stage was passed.

• Step 1: administrative responsiveness — bid lodged on time and signed by an authorised representative.
• Step 2: substantive responsiveness — a priced rental offer in the prescribed Section 4 schedule.
• Step 3: functionality/technical evaluation against the weighted criteria, with a minimum qualifying score of 66.67 out of 100.
• Step 4: final weighted scoring — rental offer price at 80 or 90 points plus specific goals at 20 or 10 points, totalling 100.
• Step 5: objective criteria applied under the PPPFA, including rotation of lessees and specialised operations, plus due diligence verification.
• Step 6: post-tender negotiation where the rental offered is not market related, taken in rank order or the tender is cancelled.
• Step 7: award by Letter of Award and conclusion of the lease agreement.

Technical proposal expectations

• The capital and maintenance cost schedule must link to the methodology at every activity level, detail activities to level 3, be presented as calendar and Gantt, number the activities, show the execution sequence, run activities in parallel where practical and group activities to best practice.
• Cash flow assumptions must be stated with the rationale for variable values, and negative net cash flows must carry clear mitigations.

Minimum experience

• At least 2 years' experience in the proposed use of the premises.
• Evidence: company profile plus a lease agreement, licence or other verifiable document confirming the number of years in the proposed operations.
• Scoring: more than 2 years with supporting evidence scores 3; 2 years with supporting evidence scores 2; less than 2 years scores 1; no submission or a profile without supporting evidence scores 0.

Reference letters

• Minimum of 2 reference letters relating to the proposed operations, none older than 5 years.
• Each letter must show customer or company name, address, contact details and email address, the scope of services provided, and the project duration.
• Scoring: more than 2 qualifying letters scores 3; 2 letters scores 2; 1 letter scores 1; no letters or letters older than 5 years scores 0.

Track record

• A bank rating issued by a financial institution confirming the entity is a going concern, not older than 3 months.
• Scoring: A scores 3; B scores 2; C scores 1; D or below, no submission, or a report older than 3 months scores 0.

Financial capability

• Cash flow projections across the lease period, signed off by a finance professional, demonstrating the entity can remain a going concern.
• Assumptions must be stated with the rationale for variable values, and negative net cash flows must be mitigated.

Rental offer summary (Section 4)

• Rate per square metre.
• Monthly rental offer excluding VAT.
• VAT at 15%.
• Monthly rental offer including VAT.
• Land portion and building portion shown separately where applicable; the building portion is 3 280 m².
• Total monthly rental offer.

Escalation and term schedule

• State the proposed annual escalation rate.
• Provide a year-by-year table with monthly rental excluding VAT, number of months (12 per year) and annual rental excluding VAT.
• Show the total excluding VAT, add VAT at 15%, and show the total including VAT.

Rules

• The proposed annual escalation must be included in the overall rental offer.
• TNPA will verify the calculations and may use the verified figures when awarding the lease.
• No changes to the rental offer are accepted after the closing date or after award.
• If the highest scoring rental is not market related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder, or cancel the RFP.

Pricing format

• Complete the Rental Offer Summary in Section 4: rate per square metre, monthly rental offer excluding VAT, VAT at 15%, and monthly rental offer including VAT, for the 3 280 m² building portion (and land portion if applicable).
• Provide an escalation rate and a year-by-year rental table (12 months per year) with annual rental excluding VAT, total excluding VAT, VAT at 15% and total including VAT.
• The proposed annual escalation must be built into the overall rental offer.
• TNPA will verify the calculations and may use the verified figures in awarding the lease.
• No changes to the rental offer are accepted after the closing date or after award.

Market-related test

• If the highest scoring bid is not market related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder, or cancel the RFP.
• Transnet may not enter into a lease where the rental offered is not market related.

Financial evidence required

• Bank rating confirming the entity is a going concern, not older than 3 months (scored).
• Cash flow projections over the lease period, signed by a finance professional, with stated assumptions and mitigations for negative net cash flows (scored).
• Capital expenditure plan and maintenance expenditure plan for the lease term (scored).
• Audited financial statements or other documentation may be requested for due diligence.

Costs carried by the bidder

• All refurbishment, repairs, upgrades and capital improvements to make the premises fit for purpose.
• All property holding costs during any beneficial occupation period.
• All bid preparation costs; Transnet does not reimburse any bidder.

No bid security, performance guarantee or retention percentage is stated.

Registration and tax

• Register on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) before submitting; no award may be made to an unregistered bidder. Only foreign bidders with no local entity are exempt, and they must incorporate a South African company before concluding the lease.
• Submit a SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN or a printed TCS certificate; a CSD number may be provided where no TCS is available. Tax compliance must continue for the full lease term.
• Joint ventures, consortia and subcontractors: each party must be separately registered on the CSD and provide its own TCS PIN or certificate and CSD number.

B-bbee

• Submit a valid B-BBEE status level verification certificate or a sworn affidavit per DTIC guidelines (EMEs and QSEs may use an affidavit).
• A joint venture is evaluated on one consolidated B-BBEE scorecard.
• Preference points for specific goals are claimed on the SBD 6.2 form.

Legal and statutory

• Full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Compliance with the Employment Equity Act, including section 53.
• Disclosure of any commercial relationship with a Domestic Prominent Influential Person or Foreign Prominent Public Official as defined in Transnet's policy.
• Sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure 5) and comply with the Supplier Integrity Pact (Annexure 6).
• Security clearance for the successful bidder and personnel may be required.

Joint ventures and consortia

• State the intention to bid as a JV or consortium in the submission.
• Submit a signed JV or consortium agreement showing the percentage split of business and each party's responsibilities; if not yet concluded, submit written confirmation of intent with the same detail. Award follows only once a signed agreement is provided.

Grounds for exclusion

• Restriction under the Integrity Pact or by Transnet or another state institution.
• Poor track record with Transnet or TNPA.
• Insolvency, receivership, business rescue, winding up, cessation of business or related legal proceedings.
• No legal capacity to contract, or an unmanageable conflict of interest.
• Collusion with another bidder, or canvassing Transnet officials between closing and award.
• Submission of incorrect information, which may lead to cancellation and listing on the National Treasury Database of Restricted Bidders for up to 10 years.

Environmental commitments

• Bidders must state the company's position on environmental commitments, covering waste disposal, recycling and energy conservation.
• A draft Environmental Management Plan is provided as Annexure 2 and applies to the leased premises.
• Use restrictions with environmental effect: no handling or storage of hazardous chemicals, and no dust-producing minerals stored in open areas.
• The premises must be used in compliance with all relevant environmental and other applicable legislation.

Lease term and condition

• 10-year lease of the cargo shed and goods platform at Quay 4, Port of Mossel Bay, let as is (voetstoots).
• The successful bidder must undertake all refurbishment, repairs, upgrades and capital improvements needed to make the premises fit for purpose, at its own cost, unless otherwise negotiated and agreed with TNPA.
• Beneficial occupation may be negotiated where substantial works are required; it must be justified in the Business Plan, approved by TNPA governance structures, and the bidder bears all property holding costs during that period.
• Subletting is considered case by case; approval does not reduce the bidder's obligations and is subject to TNPA conditions.

Contract documents

• The draft lease agreement is Annexure 3; the General Bid Conditions are Annexure 4; the Non-Disclosure Agreement is Annexure 5; the Supplier Integrity Pact is Annexure 6.
• Any changes to Transnet's standard lease terms are subject to review and acceptance by Transnet's Legal Counsel before award.
• The successful bidder must comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations and with the Employment Equity Act, including section 53.

Transnet's reservations

• Transnet may modify the RFP and call for re-bids, reject non-conforming proposals, award only part of the premises, split the award between bidders, cancel the process, verify any information submitted, and request audited financial statements for due diligence.
• Transnet may award to the next ranked bidder if the preferred bidder fails to sign or commence within a reasonable period.
• Award on the basis of incorrect information may lead to cancellation and listing on the National Treasury Database of Restricted Bidders for up to 10 years.
• No bidder is reimbursed for bid preparation costs.

Confidentiality and conduct

• All RFP information and the subsequent agreement must be treated as strictly confidential; disclosure requires Transnet's written approval.
• Bidders may not canvass any Transnet officer or employee between the closing date and award.
• Colluding bidders are disqualified and restricted from doing business with organs of state for a specified period.
• After closing, communication is permitted only through [email protected], and no changes to a submission are accepted.

Security

• The successful bidder and its personnel may be required to obtain security clearance up to CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET or TOP SECRET level and to implement all security measures the safe performance of the lease requires.

Functionality scoring detail (100 points, minimum 66.67 to progress)

• Previous experience (10): at least 2 years in the proposed use, evidenced by lease agreement, licence or other verifiable document; more than 2 years scores 3, 2 years scores 2, less than 2 years scores 1, no supporting evidence scores 0.
• Reference letters (15): at least 2 letters not older than 5 years, each showing customer name, address, contact details and email, scope of services and project duration; more than 2 qualifying letters scores 3, 2 scores 2, 1 scores 1, none or older than 5 years scores 0.
• Bank rating (15): issued by a financial institution, confirming the entity is a going concern, not older than 3 months; A scores 3, B scores 2, C scores 1, D or below, no submission or an older report scores 0.
• Business Plan alignment to the Port Development Framework Plan and port priority activities (10): all 3 elements plus additional benefits scores 3, all 3 elements scores 2, fewer than 3 scores 1, no alignment scores 0.
• Market analysis as a port-related commercial activity (10): all 5 elements in substantial detail scores 3, only the 5 elements scores 2, fewer than 5 scores 1, not port related scores 0.
• Value added to port operations (10): all 4 elements with substantial detail scores 3, only 4 elements scores 2, fewer than 4 scores 1, no value scores 0.
• Capital expenditure WBS and project schedule for the lease term (10): concise scores 3, good scores 2, average scores 1, inadequate scores 0.
• Maintenance expenditure plan and cost for the lease term (10): concise scores 3, good scores 2, average scores 1, does not address any element scores 0.
• Financial viability (10): detailed cash flow projections signed by a finance professional scores 3, high-level or summarised cash flow scores 1, not viable scores 0.

Weighted scoring

• Rental offer price: 80 or 90 points, based on the lowest priced bid inclusive of all applicable taxes.
• Specific goals: 20 or 10 points, claimed on the SBD 6.2 form; B-BBEE Status Level Contributor 1 or 2, or Level 3 or 4 where stated in the bid documents.
• Total: 100 points.

Objective criteria that may override the highest score

• Rotation of lessees to create opportunities for new entrants and avoid inequitable allocation of business.
• Operations regarded as specialised.
• Poor past performance record with Transnet or TNPA.
• Breach of the Integrity Pact.
• Unmitigated probity risks identified by TNPA.
• Negative impact on Transnet's return on investment.
• Restriction by Transnet or another state institution.
• No legal capacity, insolvency, business rescue, winding up or suspended business activity.
• Non-compliance with legal requirements in the tender data.
• Inability to perform free of conflicts of interest.

Post-tender negotiation

• Where the rental is not market related, Transnet negotiates with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder, or cancels the tender. Bids and any best and final offers remain valid throughout the negotiation period.