ESKOM panel contract for treatment, testing and supply of wood poles and cross-arms (5-Year, as-and-when-required)

Issue date: 12 October 2026

Closing date and time: 27 October 2026 at 10h00

Tender validity period: 90 days from the closing date and time

Clarification queries close: 5 working days before the tender submission deadline

Briefing or clarification meeting: not applicable

Site visit: not applicable

No clarification meeting applies to this RFQ.

No site visit or clarification meeting applies.

Eskom Representative

• Name: Kearabilwe Mokomane
• Telephone: 014 523 7140
• Email: [email protected]
• All queries and clarifications must be addressed in writing to the Eskom Representative; no query may be directed to any other Eskom official.

Fraud and corruption reporting

• Telephone: 0800 11 2722
• Email: [email protected]

Submission

• Method: Eskom E-tendering site
• URL: https://etendering.eskom.co.za/login

Submission method

• Electronic submission only, via the Eskom E-tendering site: https://etendering.eskom.co.za/login
• Closing: 27 October 2026 at 10h00. Late submissions are not accepted.
• The bidder is responsible for ensuring the submission is uploaded before the closing time.

Format and packaging

• All documents in PDF. The price list must be submitted in PDF and a copy in Excel.
• Upload the documents under the Commercial and Financial (Pricing) folder.
• Upload limit: 500 MB per document; 4 GB total submission.
• No zip or condensed files. No hard copies accepted.
• If a bid is resubmitted, only the latest version is accepted and earlier submissions become void.
• Confirm the submission status shows as complete.

Returnable documents — disqualifiable if not fully completed, signed and submitted by closing

• Annexure A (Authorisation Form): authorises the named signatory to bind the bidder; attach the relevant board, member or trust resolution, or JV power of attorney.
• Annexure B (Acknowledgement Form): confirms receipt and completeness of the tender pack.
• Annexure C (Tenderer's Particulars): records the bidder's structure, registration and contact details.
• Annexure D (Integrity Pact Declaration): commits the bidder to the Eskom Supplier Integrity Pact.
• Annexure H (SBD 1 Invitation to Bid): the offer cover page, required from all bidders including foreign suppliers.
• Annexure J (SBD 4 Declaration of Interest): discloses any state employment or connection to the department.
• E-tendering Help Manual acknowledgement form (if applicable).
• Electronic copy of the tender in PDF, with the price list in PDF and Excel.

Returnable documents — non-disqualifiable at closing

• Annexure I (SBD 6.1 Preference Points Claim Form, PPPFA 2022): claims B-BBEE preference points. If omitted or incomplete, Eskom requests it within 5 working days, failing which the bid is disqualified.
• Certified copy of a tax clearance certificate where the bidder is not on CSD or has not provided a SARS e-filing PIN.
• Employment Equity compliance proof (designated employers, South African bidders only).
• SDL&I Bidders document.
• Proof of CSD registration (CSD number or CSD Report).

Returnables scored but not disqualifying

• Proof of specific goals: failure to submit scores zero for specific goals but does not disqualify the bid.

Joint venture bids

• Letter of intent or valid JV agreement confirming each partner's rights, obligations and profit-sharing ratios.
• Written confirmation that the JV will operate as a single incorporated entity for the contract duration.
• Confirmation of a single designated JV bank account, independent of the individual partners.

Disqualifiable returnables (fully completed, signed and submitted by closing)

• Electronic copy of the tender in PDF, with the price list in PDF and a copy in Excel (upload limit 500 MB per document, 4 GB total).
• Annexure A: Authorisation Form.
• Annexure B: Acknowledgement Form.
• Annexure C: Tenderer's Particulars.
• Annexure D: Integrity Pact Declaration Form.
• Annexure H: SBD 1 Invitation to Bid (all bidders including foreign suppliers).
• Annexure J: SBD 4 Bidders Disclosure.
• E-tendering Help Manual acknowledgement form (if applicable).

Non-disqualifiable at closing (requested within 5 working days if missing or incomplete, failing which the bid is disqualified)

• Annexure I: SBD 6.1 Preference Points Claim Form (PPPFA 2022).
• Certified copy of a tax clearance certificate where applicable.
• Employment Equity compliance proof.
• SDL&I Bidders document.
• Proof of valid and current CSD registration (CSD number or CSD Report).
• Pricing schedule in PDF and Excel.

Scored but not disqualifying

• Proof of specific goals: failure to submit scores zero for specific goals.

Not applicable

• Annexure E (CPA for local goods/services), Annexure F (CPA(IG) for imported goods/services), Annexures G1-G4 (SBD 6.2 Local Production and Content), reverse e-auction training acknowledgement, CIDB proof of grading, NEC contract.

Joint venture bids

• Letter of intent or valid JV agreement confirming each partner's rights, obligations and profit-sharing ratios.
• Written confirmation that the JV will operate as a single incorporated entity for the contract duration.
• Confirmation of a single designated JV bank account, independent of the individual partners.

Preference point system

• 80/20 system (applies to tenders with a rand value equal to or below R50 million).
• Price: 80 points.
• Specific goals: 20 points.
• No functionality or technical evaluation applies.

Price evaluation

• Prices are evaluated inclusive of VAT.
• Corrected for arithmetical errors.
• Contingencies in any bill of quantities or activity schedule are excluded.
• Adjusted for acceptable variations, deviations or alternative tenders.
• Net Present Value comparison of each adjusted tender based on the tendered programme and prices, the estimated effect of Price Adjustment Factors and exchange rate fluctuations, and other uncertainty and risk parameters.
• Unconditional discounts are taken into account; conditional discounts are not, but are applied at payment.

Specific goals (B-BBEE) points

• Level 1: 20 points
• Level 2: 18 points
• Level 3: 14 points
• Level 4: 12 points
• Level 5: 8 points
• Level 6: 6 points
• Level 7: 4 points
• Level 8: 2 points
• Non-compliant contributor: 0 points
• Price and specific goal points are added and the total rounded to two decimal places.
• A bidder that fails to submit evidence of its specific goals claim is not disqualified but scores zero for that goal.

Ranking and award

• Bidders are ranked from highest to lowest combined score.
• Subject to section 2(1)(f) of the PPPFA, the contract is awarded to the highest-scoring bidder.
• Eskom reserves the right to award to a bidder who is not the highest ranked, in line with section 2(1)(f) of the PPPFA.
• Objective criteria: the SDL&I Objectives; the SDL&I Undertaking must be completed and submitted before contract award.
• Eskom may negotiate the SDL&I requirements, and the outcome forms part of the contract obligations.

Tender opening

• No public opening for e-tendering; tenders are downloaded electronically and prices are not read out.

Scope

• Treatment, testing and supply of various wood poles and cross-arms.
• Supplied on an as-and-when-required basis.
• The tender is for the whole of the contract (multiple source).
• A Scope of Work is attached to the RFQ.
• A Pricing Schedule/BOQ is attached in PDF and Excel format.

A Pricing Schedule/BOQ is attached in PDF and Excel format.

• For e-tendering, the price schedule must be submitted in PDF and a copy in Excel.
• Upload limit: 500 MB per document; 4 GB total submission.

Pricing

• A Pricing Schedule/BOQ is attached in PDF and Excel format.
• The price list must be submitted in PDF and a copy in Excel.
• Prices are evaluated inclusive of VAT.

Payment terms

• Contracts valued below R50 000 000 (including VAT): payment within 30 days of receipt of undisputed invoices.
• Contracts valued above R50 000 000 (including VAT): payment within 60 days of receipt of undisputed invoices.

Other

• No provision of security for performance applies.
• Eskom reserves the right to negotiate with the supplier after the bidding process or price quotations if tendered prices are not market related.

Eligibility

• Bidders (single companies or incorporated/unincorporated JVs or consortia) must meet the eligibility criteria in the Tender Data.
• The bidder, or any of its principals, must not be restricted from doing business with Eskom or State-Owned Companies.
• Ineligible: bidders with the nationality of a country on an international sanctions list (applies to proposed subcontractors and suppliers too).
• Ineligible: bidders submitting more than one tender, individually or as a JV/consortium partner.
• Ineligible: JV/consortium agreements that do not state the parties are jointly and severally liable for contract execution.
• Ineligible: bidders with a conflict of interest (common controlling partner or majority shareholder, or a relationship giving access to or influence over another tender or the Employer's decisions).
• Ineligible: tenders signed by non-authorised persons.
• Ineligible: bidders restricted by National Treasury or on the Tender Defaulters list.
• Eskom disqualifies bidders that do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Basic compliance

• Meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete tender with commercial and financial information.
• Failure to upload the tender documents renders the tender non-responsive.

Registration and tax

• CSD registration is mandatory before contract award (not required at bid stage). Register at www.treasury.gov.za.
• Provide the CSD supplier registration number and, if registered on SARS e-filing, the tax PIN for verification.
• A certified copy of a tax clearance certificate is required from foreign bidders with a South African footprint that are not on CSD and have no SARS PIN, and from local bidders that have not provided a SARS e-filing PIN or CSD profile/number.
• Foreign suppliers with no South African footprint must complete SBD 1 but need no proof of tax compliance.

B-bbee

• Evidence to claim preference points: valid B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency, or a sworn affidavit, or a CIPC affidavit.
• Also required: proof of ownership/shareholding (preferably CIPC documentation) with shareholding breakdown; ID copies of shareholders; proof of disability where applicable (not older than a year).

Employment Equity

• Bidders that are designated employers under the Employment Equity Act must provide proof of compliance, including proof of submission of the Employment Equity report to the Department of Labour (South African bidders only).

Other

• CIDB requirements: not applicable.
• Contract Skills Development Goals and Contract Participation Goals: not applicable.
• Local production and content (SBD 6.2, Annexures G1-G4): not applicable.
• Main contractors are discouraged from subcontracting with their own subsidiaries (fronting risk); any such subcontracting must be declared in the tender.

Specific goals scoring (20 points under the PPPFA 80/20 system)

• Level 1: 20 points
• Level 2: 18 points
• Level 3: 14 points
• Level 4: 12 points
• Level 5: 8 points
• Level 6: 6 points
• Level 7: 4 points
• Level 8: 2 points
• Non-compliant contributor: 0 points

Evidence to claim preference points

• Valid B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency, or a sworn affidavit, or a CIPC affidavit.
• Proof of ownership/shareholding (preferably CIPC documentation) with shareholding breakdown.
• ID copies of shareholders.
• Proof of disability where applicable (not older than a year).
• Failure to submit evidence of a specific goals claim does not disqualify but scores zero for that goal.

Subcontracting

• Main contractors are discouraged from subcontracting with their own subsidiaries (fronting risk); any such subcontracting must be declared in the tender.

Contract conditions

• The conditions of the signed Term Supply Contract (TSC) apply.
• Submitting a tender is deemed acceptance of the Eskom Standard Conditions of Tender, available at www.eskom.co.za.
• The Tender Data takes precedence over the Standard Conditions of Tender in the event of ambiguity or inconsistency.

Payment terms

• Contracts below R50 000 000 (including VAT): payment within 30 days of receipt of undisputed invoices.
• Contracts above R50 000 000 (including VAT): payment within 60 days of receipt of undisputed invoices.

Negotiation

• Eskom reserves the right to negotiate with the supplier after the bidding process or price quotations if tendered prices are not market related.

Eligibility

• Bidders (single companies or incorporated/unincorporated JVs or consortia) must meet the eligibility criteria in the Tender Data.
• The bidder, or any of its principals, must not be restricted from doing business with Eskom or State-Owned Companies.
• Ineligible: bidders with the nationality of a country on an international sanctions list (applies to proposed subcontractors and suppliers).
• Ineligible: bidders submitting more than one tender, individually or as a JV/consortium partner (E-tendering upload limit: 500 MB per document, 4 GB total).
• Ineligible: JV/consortium agreements that do not state the parties are jointly and severally liable for contract execution.
• Ineligible: bidders with a conflict of interest (common controlling partner or majority shareholder, or a relationship giving access to or influence over another tender or the Employer's decisions).
• Ineligible: tenders signed by non-authorised persons.
• Ineligible: bidders restricted by National Treasury or on the Tender Defaulters list.
• Eskom disqualifies bidders that do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Basic compliance

• Meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete tender with commercial and financial information.
• Failure to upload the tender documents renders the tender non-responsive.

Registration and tax

• CSD registration is mandatory before contract award (not required at bid stage).
• Provide the CSD supplier registration number and, if registered on SARS e-filing, the tax PIN for verification.
• A certified copy of a tax clearance certificate is required from foreign bidders with a South African footprint that are not on CSD and have no SARS PIN, and from local bidders that have not provided a SARS e-filing PIN or CSD profile/number.
• Foreign suppliers with no South African footprint must complete SBD 1 but need no proof of tax compliance.

Employment Equity

• Designated employers under the Employment Equity Act must provide proof of compliance, including proof of submission of the Employment Equity report to the Department of Labour (South African bidders only).

Financial due diligence

• Audited financial statements for the previous 18 months, or the last year where those are unavailable.
• For a JV or SPV formed for this tender, audited statements for each participant.
• Start-up enterprises formed within the last 12 months are exempt but must furnish first-year statements once available.

Not applicable to this RFQ

• Mandatory tender returnables, functionality requirements, CIDB requirements, Contract Skills Development Goals, Contract Participation Goals, alternative tenders, cataloguing, provision of security for performance and reverse e-auction.

Price evaluation

• Inclusive of VAT; corrected for arithmetical errors; contingencies in any bill of quantities or activity schedule excluded; adjusted for acceptable variations, deviations or alternative tenders.
• Net Present Value comparison based on the tendered programme and prices, Price Adjustment Factors, exchange rate fluctuations and other uncertainty and risk parameters.
• Unconditional discounts count for evaluation; conditional discounts do not, but apply at payment.
• Price: 80 points.

Specific goals

• 20 points under the PPPFA; added to the price score and rounded to two decimal places.
• Subject to section 2(1)(f) of the PPPFA, the contract is awarded to the highest-scoring bidder.

Ranking and award

• 80/20 system for tenders with a rand value equal to or below R50 million.
• Bidders are ranked from highest to lowest combined score.
• Eskom may award to a bidder who is not the highest ranked, in line with section 2(1)(f) of the PPPFA.
• Objective criteria: the SDL&I Objectives; the SDL&I Undertaking is a returnable to be completed and submitted before contract award.
• Eskom may negotiate the SDL&I requirements, and the outcome forms part of the contract obligations.

Tender opening

• No public opening for e-tendering; tenders are downloaded electronically and prices are not read out.