Concessioning of TRANSNET rail infrastructure manager b-network rosemead-klipplaat-uitenhage line (25-Year minimum term)

Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 23:00. Non-compulsory briefing session: 27 May 2026 at 10:00 via Microsoft Teams (email [email protected] for invitation). Clarification queries must be submitted by 10 August 2026 at 23:00. Validity period: 365 calendar days from the closing date. Site visits are non-compulsory; dates will be communicated during the briefing session. Bidders must confirm attendance for site visits by emailing [email protected] at least 3 days prior.

Primary contact: Sinazo Dome. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 083 286 1746. Address: Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, 21 Wellington Road, Inyanda House 1, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193. For technical and bidding procedure enquiries, use the same contact details. Post-award communication must be directed to the Chairperson of the Bid Preparation and Evaluation Committee.

Submit bids exclusively via the Transnet eTenders Portal (www.etenders.gov.za) by the closing date and time. Late submissions will not be considered. Use only official bid forms provided; non-compliance may result in disqualification. All returnable documents listed in the RFP must be submitted. Failure to submit mandatory documents will lead to disqualification. Bids must be priced in South African Rand (ZAR). Prices quoted subject to confirmation will be rejected. Any alterations to bid prices must be initialled by the signatory. Foreign bidders must comply with South African exchange control regulations and provide full details of overseas payments. Bidders must adhere to the Integrity Pact and Non-Disclosure Agreement. If samples are required, they must be submitted by the closing date, marked with the bidder’s name, address, bid number, and item number. Post-award, successful bidders may be required to provide security (e.g., performance bond or bank guarantee) within 30 days of acceptance. Ensure all documents are signed, stamped, and dated before upload.

Evaluation consists of three stages: Stage One - Prequalification to assess eligibility, compliance with mandatory requirements, and submission of all returnable documents. Stage Two - Functional Evaluation with a minimum threshold of 70%, focusing on technical and operational capability, including experience, track record, safety/health/environment/risk plans, financial capacity, and business case. Stage Three - Price and Preference Evaluation (80/10 or 90/10 weighting) to assess financial proposals and B-BBEE compliance. Preference points are awarded for B-BBEE levels, job creation, local content, and socio-economic development. Bids are ranked based on Net Present Value (NPV), price adjustments, and risk parameters. Failure to meet the 70% threshold in Stage Two will result in disqualification.

Scope: Concessioning of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) B-Network Rosemead-Klipplaat-Uitenhage line for a minimum of 25 years. The line spans 442 km from Rosemead (Great Karoo, Eastern Cape) to Swartkop (11 km from Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay). The corridor is divided into sections based on annual gross tonnage. The Swartkops-Uitenhage segment is currently operational. Bidders must conduct their own due diligence on infrastructure condition. Purpose: Revitalise and rehabilitate the line to ensure sustainable operations, unlock private-sector investment, and support regional economic development. Bidders must submit: a high-level operational model demonstrating how station assets will be developed and managed; consolidated maintenance plans aligned to standard rail operating practices; a security management plan (including emergency response); and a detailed investment plan covering rail line refurbishments, land/building upgrades, and security upgrades. Capacity is determined by the bidder’s operational solution and investment commitments.

Pricing must be in South African Rand (ZAR) and inclusive of VAT (shown separately on tax invoices). Bidders must provide a detailed pricing schedule, including capital costs (e.g., rail line refurbishments, land/building upgrades) and sustaining capital. Financial statements (audited or reviewed) for the past 2 years must be submitted. Proof of funding (e.g., letter from a financial institution) is required. Bidders must demonstrate financial capacity to meet investment and operational commitments. Conditional discounts (if applicable) will not be considered during evaluation but may apply during payment. Payment terms and methods must align with Transnet’s Terms and Conditions of Contract. Advance payments may require a guarantee. Bidders must submit a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) forecast and investment projections for the concession period.

Mandatory compliance requirements: Registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) via https://secure.csd.gov.za/. Valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN from SARS (apply via www.sars.gov.za). Valid B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency or sworn affidavit: EMEs (turnover < R10M) must submit a sworn affidavit confirming turnover and black ownership; QSEs (turnover R10M–R50M) must submit a SANAS certificate or sworn affidavit (for >51% black-owned QSEs); Large enterprises (turnover > R50M) must submit a SANAS certificate. Foreign bidders must provide a Power of Attorney (complying with Rule 63 of the Uniform Rules of Court) and disclose local agents/representatives. Bidders must sign the Integrity Pact and Non-Disclosure Agreement. Proof of compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, environmental regulations, and other applicable legislation is required. Subcontracting must be declared; fronting is prohibited. Bidders must confirm they are not on the National Treasury’s Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

Evaluation methodology consists of three stages: Stage One - Prequalification to assess eligibility, compliance with mandatory requirements, and completeness of returnable documents. Stage Two - Functional Evaluation with a minimum threshold of 70%, focusing on technical and operational capability. This includes: expertise and experience in logistics, rail infrastructure projects, and supply chain management; submission of a portfolio of evidence (project size, value, duration, completion certificates, and scope of involvement); Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan; Environmental Management Program; Risk Management Plan; financial capacity (official letter from funding institution, audited/reviewed financial statements, profitability, solvency ratio, current ratio); and business case (operational model, maintenance plans, security management plan, investment plans). Stage Three - Price and Preference Evaluation (80/10 or 90/10 weighting) to assess financial proposals, B-BBEE compliance, job creation, local content, and socio-economic development. Preference points are awarded for B-BBEE levels, ownership by black people/local communities, management control, skills development, and enterprise/supplier development. Bids are ranked based on Net Present Value (NPV), price adjustments, and risk parameters.