Compulsory briefing session will be held online via Microsoft Teams on 18 September 2026 at 11H00 AM (Johannesburg time). Bidders must complete their details fully to access the briefing. Link requests must be submitted by 22 September 2026, nominating one dedicated contact person. The link will be accessible 15 minutes before the session.

{"name":"EMAIL ADDRESS","email":"[email protected]","phone":null,"department":null,"address":"/2026 is before 23:55."}

Returnable Documents: Central Supplier Database (CSD) Summary Report

Bidders must submit all returnable schedules and documents as per the checklist, including Part A (Invitation to Bid), Part B (Terms and Conditions), Part C (Checklist of Compulsory Returnable Schedules), Part D (Conditions of Tendering and Undertakings), and Annexure H (breakdown of fees and work spread). Pricing proposals must be submitted in a separate folder from the methodology and approach proposal. B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit must be submitted.

Bidders must: (1) attend the compulsory briefing session; (2) submit bids in two separate folders (Folder 1: pre-qualifying and functional; Folder 2: pricing); (3) be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide a CSD summary report; (4) provide a SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN; (5) submit a B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (EMEs must submit a certificate from a registered auditor or accredited verification agency); (6) submit certified CIPC registration documents (for close corporations) or certified share certificates (for companies); (7) complete and sign all returnable documents (Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D, Annexures B, C, F, G, H, I, J, K); (8) meet company experience requirement: at least two assignments/projects with minimum enterprise/transaction/asset value of R50 billion each, where the company successfully led or advised on corporate restructuring, demerger, carve-out or unbundling transactions; (9) provide key personnel meeting specific qualifications and experience: Lead Transaction Advisor (postgraduate degree NQF Level 8, 15+ years' experience, lead advisor on at least 3 major restructuring transactions, at least one involving public entities or regulated utilities, at least two exceeding R50 billion); Corporate Restructuring Lead (Chartered Accountant or equivalent, 15+ years' experience, lead advisor on at least 3 major restructuring transactions, at least one exceeding R20 billion); Debt and Capital Markets Lead (postgraduate degree NQF Level 8, 15+ years' experience, at least 3 restructuring transactions with lender consents, at least one exceeding R20 billion).

Of bid: appointment of a transaction advisor to

Support the establishment of a fully

Independent transmission system operator soc

Limited (tso)

Bid documents 1. Electronic submissions

Electronic

Instructions: submission:

➢ Bidders are required to submit written requests for

clarification via

e-mail to [email protected] ONLY, quoting the RFP

Number

on the subject of the e-mail. This must be done three (3)

working days before submission day.

➢ Bidders will thereafter receive a OneDrive Link to upload

their submission documents electronically.

➢ Written requests for clarification will be considered up to and

including 22 September 2026 16:30 Johannesburg time.

Requests

received after this date may not be attended to.

➢ Any requests after the stipulated date and time may be

disregarded.

NB: Electronic submission is encouraged for all bidders

interested in this tender

Closing date of this 30/09/2026 is before 23:55.

No physical bids will be received or accepted at the DBSA

offices

1.1.4. Bidders must submit their pricing proposals in A SEPARATE FOLDER clearly

marked “pricing proposal”. The proposal should not be combined with any of the other

submissions, including the resource matrix, CVs, transaction reference list,

methodology and approach proposal because these qualitative and other criteria are

sought to be assessed independently of the pricing proposal.

1.1.5. Each bidder submitting proposals shall submit distinct and dedicated resources to

meet the respective eligibility and functionality requirements (in Table 3 below).

1.1.6. All communications and deliverables should be in English.

1.1.7. The submission of Company experience and resources mentioned in Table 3

below, which provides a summary of the Eligibility criteria.

1.1.8. Regarding the list of completed transactions to be submitted by the Company, as

specified under Sub-Criterion 1.1 and by relevant experts in sub criteria 2.1, 2.2 and

2.3 in Table 3 below, bidders are strongly advised to provide several transactions

exceeding the stated minimum requirement. This is to mitigate the risk of any

transaction being excluded due to incomplete information or documentation. The key

resources must be clearly identified and aligned to the specific role for which they are

being evaluated.

1.1.9. Company experience mentioned in sub criteria 1.1 in Table 3 must be accompanied

by contactable references from previous clients who can confirm that each transaction

was successfully completed. Bidders are encouraged to utilise the standard template

provided in Appendix B as a guideline or reproduce a form that has all the details in

projects, role, tenor (indicating the dates of commencement and

departure) and responsibilities should be provided to support the

number of years of professional experience.

C In addition to the relevant experience under (b), the expert must

possess the following project experience:

• At least 3 corporate restructuring, demerger, carve-out,

unbundling or debt restructuring transactions where

consent from lenders had to be obtained;

• At least one of the three transactions must exceed R20

billion enterprise, transaction or asset value each

STEP 2: Functionality Criteria

1.1.11. Only bidders who meet and pass all eligibility requirements above (Step 1) will

proceed to this phase: the functionality evaluation stage.

1.1.12. At this stage, bidders will be assessed on the company track record and institutional

capability, proposed methodology and approach and team composition as outlined in

Table 4 below.

1.1.13. Each bidder submitting proposals shall submit distinct and dedicated resources to

meet the respective functionality requirements (in Table 4 below).

1.1.14. To pass the Functionality criteria, a bidder must obtain a minimum score of 70

points out of a total of 100 points. Bidders who fail to meet the minimum threshold

will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered further.

1.1.15. Only bidders who meet or exceed the prescribed functionality threshold will have

their financial proposals opened and subjected to a comprehensive price and

preference evaluation (Step 3 and 4).

1.1.16. Preference will be given to bidders who demonstrate successful completion of at

least 3 assignments of comparable size involving corporate restructuring, preferably of

electricity sector, regulated utilities or SOEs involving complex lender consent and debt

restructuring processes in South Africa and internationally.

1.1.17. Track record / Bidder’s experience must be submitted as per requirements in Table

2.1 Lead Transaction Advisor

A Minimum of a post graduate degree (NQF Level 8) in accounting,

finance, economics, commerce, law or business management or

any quantitative degree. The proposed resource may be registered

as a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, or

equivalent or have a Masters in Finance or MBA (Finance

specialisation) or similar, LLM or equivalent postgraduate degree

in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Tax Law, Banking Law or

Public Law or similar.

*Submit membership certificate and/or mentioned qualifications as

proof of registration

B Minimum 15 years' experience leading on corporate restructuring,

demerger, carve-out or unbundling transactions in South Africa and

internationally.

Submit a detailed work history which includes the organisation,

transactions, role, tenor (indicating the dates of commencement

and departure) and responsibilities should be provided to support

the number of years of professional experience.

C In addition to relevant experience under (b), the expert must

possess the following transaction experience:

• Lead advisor on at least three major corporate

restructuring, demerger, carve-out or unbundling

transactions;

• Of these three, at least one must be a transaction involving

public entities or regulated utilities, preferably in the

electricity sector; and

• At least two of the three transactions must exceed R50

billion enterprise, transaction or asset value each

The project experience submitted must demonstrate direct

relevance to the proposed role and include project description,

client, project or transaction value, duration, specific role

undertaken by the specialist, key outputs and contactable client

references.

2.2 Corporate Restructuring Lead

A A registered Chartered Accountant or equivalent professional

registration or Chartered Financial Analyst or alternatively, the

proposed resource must possess a Masters in Finance or MBA

(Finance specialisation) or similar NQF level 9 or above

qualification.

*Submit membership certificate and/or mentioned qualifications as

proof of registration

B Minimum 15 years' experience leading on corporate finance for

restructuring, demerger, carve-out or unbundling transactions in

South Africa and/or internationally.

Submit a detailed work history which includes the organisation,

transactions, role, tenor (indicating the dates of commencement

and departure) and responsibilities should be provided to support

the number of years of professional experience.

C In addition to relevant experience under (b), the expert must

possess the following transaction experience:

• Lead advisor on at least three major corporate

restructuring, demerger, carve-out, or unbundling

transactions;

• At least one of the three transactions must exceed R20

billion enterprise, transaction or asset value each

The project experience submitted must demonstrate direct

relevance to the proposed role and include project description,

client, project or transaction value, duration, specific role

undertaken by the specialist, key outputs and contactable client

references.

2.3 Debt and Capital Markets Lead

A Minimum of a postgraduate degree (NQF Level 8) in accounting,

finance, economics, commerce, or business management or any

quantitative degree.

*Submit proof of qualification(s)

B Minimum 15 years’ experience leading on debt and capital

markets, engagement with lenders and securing consents to effect

on corporate restructuring, demerger, carve-out unbundling or debt

restructuring transactions in South Africa and internationally.

Experience in dealing with the full range of South African and

international bondholders and other lenders.

Submit a detailed work history which includes the organisation,

projects, role, tenor (indicating the dates of commencement and

departure) and responsibilities should be provided to support the

number of years of professional experience.

C In addition to the relevant experience under (b), the expert must

possess the following project experience:

• At least 3 corporate restructuring, demerger, carve-out,

unbundling or debt restructuring transactions where

consent from lenders had to be obtained;

• At least one of the three transactions must exceed R20

billion enterprise, transaction or asset value each

STEP 2: Functionality Criteria

1.1.11. Only bidders who meet and pass all eligibility requirements above (Step 1) will

proceed to this phase: the functionality evaluation stage.

1.1.12. At this stage, bidders will be assessed on the company track record and institutional

capability, proposed methodology and approach and team composition as outlined in

Table 4 below.

1.1.13. Each bidder submitting proposals shall submit distinct and dedicated resources to

meet the respective functionality requirements (in Table 4 below).

1.1.14. To pass the Functionality criteria, a bidder must obtain a minimum score of 70

points out of a total of 100 points. Bidders who fail to meet the minimum threshold

will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered further.

1.1.15. Only bidders who meet or exceed the prescribed functionality threshold will have

their financial proposals opened and subjected to a comprehensive price and

preference evaluation (Step 3 and 4).

1.1.16. Preference will be given to bidders who demonstrate successful completion of at

least 3 assignments of comparable size involving corporate restructuring, preferably of

electricity sector, regulated utilities or SOEs involving complex lender consent and debt

restructuring processes in South Africa and internationally.

1.1.17. Track record / Bidder’s experience must be submitted as per requirements in Table

4. Bidders are encouraged to utilise the standard template provided in Appendix B as

a guideline or reproduce a form that has all the details in Appendix B to ensure that all

required information is submitted in a clear and consistent manner.

1.1.18. Projects with values denominated in foreign currencies must be converted into

South African Rand (ZAR). The conversion must be calculated using the applicable

exchange rate on the tender issue date.

1.1.19. Proposed team and key personnel

a) Bidders must submit:

i. A project organogram clearly illustrating reporting lines, governance

arrangements, and resource allocation.

ii. The names of all key personnel nominated for the Project.

iii. Detailed CVs of key personnel.

iv. A description of the roles and responsibilities of each proposed resource.

v. The percentage allocation/availability of key resources for the duration of

the Project.

vi. Evidence of relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience.

b) Bidders are encouraged to utilise the Curriculum Vitae (CV) standard template

provided in Appendix A (Part 1 & 2) as a guideline to ensure that all required

information is submitted in a clear and consistent format.

Table 2: Functional Criteria

Criteria Maximum Score

Points

A. Track record and institutional capability

Demonstrate detailed organisational experience and capability in delivery of transactions of

a similar scale, complexity and nature both internationally and in South Africa.

Transaction history should collectively demonstrate experience in corporate restructuring,

demerger, carve-out or unbundling transactions, preferably of electricity sector, regulated

utilities or SOEs.

A Sub criteria Sub points: 60

1. Experience in complex, Experience related to

• Demonstrable experience in a 50

large-scale projects corporate restructuring, minimum of three (3) projects

carve-out, demerger or that address both sub criteria

unbundling transactions of (A1 and A2) and have an

a similar scale and individual transaction, asset or

complexity. enterprise value of R50 billion

or more both internationally

and in South Africa. 50 points

• Demonstrable experience in a

minimum of three (3) projects

that address both sub criteria

(A1 and A2), and have an

individual transaction, asset or

enterprise value of R50 billion

or more internationally and/or

in South Africa. 35 points

• Demonstrable experience in a

minimum of two (2) projects

that address both sub criteria

(A1 and A2), and have an

individual transaction, asset or

enterprise value of R50 billion

or more internationally and/or

in South Africa. 25 points

Submit at least two (2) assignments or projects with a minimum enterprise value, 1.1

transaction value or asset value of R50 billion (each) where the company

successfully led or advised on corporate restructuring, demerger, carve-out or

unbundling transactions both internationally and in South Africa, obtained lender

consents, and developed scenario-based financial models to test the financial

implications, and financing options for the transaction.

This track record should emphasize the company’s ability to

manage high-value projects, navigate complex regulatory and

policy frameworks, and provide actionable insights that strengthen

institutional stability and facilitate restructurings that ensure long-

term financial sustainability.

6 key personnel

2.1 Lead Transaction Advisor

A Minimum of a post graduate degree (NQF Level 8) in accounting,

finance, economics, commerce, law or business management or

any quantitative degree. The proposed resource may be registered

as a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, or

equivalent or have a Masters in Finance or MBA (Finance

specialisation) or similar, LLM or equivalent postgraduate degree

in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Tax Law, Banking Law or

*Submit membership certificate and/or mentioned qualifications as

proof of registration

B Minimum 15 years' experience leading on corporate restructuring,

demerger, carve-out or unbundling transactions in South Africa and

internationally.

transactions, role, tenor (indicating the dates of commencement

and departure) and responsibilities should be provided to support

the number of years of professional experience.

C In addition to relevant experience under (b), the expert must

possess the following transaction experience:

• Lead advisor on at least three major corporate

restructuring, demerger, carve-out or unbundling

transactions;

• Of these three, at least one must be a transaction involving

public entities or regulated utilities, preferably in the

electricity sector; and

• At least two of the three transactions must exceed R50

billion enterprise, transaction or asset value each

registration or Chartered Financial Analyst or alternatively, the

proposed resource must possess a Masters in Finance or MBA

(Finance specialisation) or similar NQF level 9 or above

qualification.

*Submit membership certificate and/or mentioned qualifications as

proof of registration

B Minimum 15 years' experience leading on corporate finance for

restructuring, demerger, carve-out or unbundling transactions in

transactions, role, tenor (indicating the dates of commencement

and departure) and responsibilities should be provided to support

the number of years of professional experience.

C In addition to relevant experience under (b), the expert must

possess the following transaction experience:

• Lead advisor on at least three major corporate

restructuring, demerger, carve-out, or unbundling

transactions;

• At least one of the three transactions must exceed R20

billion enterprise, transaction or asset value each

relevance to the proposed role and include project description,

client, project or transaction value, duration, specific role

undertaken by the specialist, key outputs and contactable client

references.

2.3 Debt and Capital Markets Lead

A Minimum of a postgraduate degree (NQF Level 8) in accounting,

finance, economics, commerce, or business management or any

quantitative degree.

*Submit proof of qualification(s)

B Minimum 15 years’ experience leading on debt and capital

markets, engagement with lenders and securing consents to effect

on corporate restructuring, demerger, carve-out unbundling or debt

restructuring transactions in South Africa and internationally.

a guideline or reproduce a form that has all the details in Appendix B to ensure that all

required information is submitted in a clear and consistent manner.

1.1.18. Projects with values denominated in foreign currencies must be converted into

South African Rand (ZAR). The conversion must be calculated using the applicable

exchange rate on the tender issue date.

1.1.19. Proposed team and key personnel

a) Bidders must submit:

i. A project organogram clearly illustrating reporting lines, governance

arrangements, and resource allocation.

ii. The names of all key personnel nominated for the Project.

iii. Detailed CVs of key personnel.

iv. A description of the roles and responsibilities of each proposed resource.

v. The percentage allocation/availability of key resources for the duration of

the Project.

vi. Evidence of relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience.

b) Bidders are encouraged to utilise the Curriculum Vitae (CV) standard template

provided in Appendix A (Part 1 & 2) as a guideline to ensure that all required

information is submitted in a clear and consistent format.

Table 2: Functional Criteria

Criteria Maximum Score

demerger, carve-out or unbundling transactions, preferably of electricity sector, regulated

utilities or SOEs.

A Sub criteria Sub points: 60

1. Experience in complex, Experience related to

• Demonstrable experience in a 50

large-scale projects corporate restructuring, minimum of three (3) projects

carve-out, demerger or that address both sub criteria

unbundling transactions of (A1 and A2) and have an

a similar scale and individual transaction, asset or

complexity. enterprise value of R50 billion

or more both internationally

and in South Africa. 50 points

• Demonstrable experience in a

minimum of three (3) projects

that address both sub criteria

(A1 and A2), and have an

individual transaction, asset or

enterprise value of R50 billion

or more internationally and/or

in South Africa. 35 points

• Demonstrable experience in a

minimum of two (2) projects

that address both sub criteria

(A1 and A2), and have an

individual transaction, asset or

enterprise value of R50 billion

or more internationally and/or

in South Africa. 25 points

7.1 Whilst all due care has been taken in connection with the preparation of this RFP, the DBSA

makes no representations or warranties that the content in this RFP or any information

communicated to or provided to Bidders during the Tendering Process is, or will be, accurate,

current or complete. The DBSA, and its officers, employees and advisors will not be liable

with respect to any information communicated which is not accurate, current or complete.

7.2 If a Bidder finds or reasonably believes it has found any discrepancy, ambiguity, error or

inconsistency in this RFP or any other information provided by the DBSA (other than minor

clerical matters), the Bidder must promptly notify the DBSA in writing of such discrepancy,

ambiguity, error or inconsistency in order to afford the DBSA an opportunity to consider what

corrective action is necessary (if any).

7.3 Any actual discrepancy, ambiguity, error or inconsistency in this RFP or any other information

provided by the DBSA will, if possible, be corrected and provided to all Bidders without

attribution to the Bidder who provided the written notice.

If, after a Bidder’s Response has been submitted, the Bidder becomes aware of an error in

the Bidders Response (including an error in pricing but excluding clerical errors which would

have no bearing on the evaluation of the Bid), the Bidder must promptly notify the DBSA of

such error.

folder tender.

Folder 1: Functionality and returnable Pre-Qualifier Y 1

submission separate from

Folder 2: Pricing proposal submission

Attendance of the compulsory briefing session Pre-Qualifier Y 2

Minimum functionality/qualifying score: 70%

minimum score of 70

Tax compliance status

Tax compliance status must be submitted with the bid documentation

Tax compliance requirements

Tax compliance status (tcs) or pin may also be

Tax compliance) in accordance

Tax compliance status / tax compliance system pin code from the south african revenue

Tax Compliance Status and Registration Requirements Report

Csd registration

Csd number (tax compliance) in accordance

Csd number must be provided

Central supplier database (csd)

Central supplier database (csd), a csd number must be provided

Central Supplier Database (CSD) Summary Report

Or VAT registration

B-BBEE Minimum Level: 8

B-BBEE Details: STATUS

Pin (tcs) number issued

By SARS

Part b

Terms and conditions for bidding

1. Bid submission:

1.1. Bids must be submitted electronically by the stipulated time to the link

Provided. Late bids will not be accepted for consideration.

1.2. All bids must be submitted on the official forms provided – (not to be re-

Typed)

1.3. South african bidders must register on the central supplier database (csd)

To upload mandatory information namely: (business registration/

Directorship/ membership/identity numbers; tax compliance status; and

Banking information for verification purposes). B-bbee certificate or sworn

Affidavit for b-bbee must be submitted by bidding institution.

1.4. Where a bidder is not registered on the csd, mandatory information namely:

(Business registration/ directorship/ membership/identity numbers; tax

Compliance status must be submitted with the bid documentation. B-bbee

Certificate or sworn affidavit for b-bbee must be submitted to bidding

Institution.

2. Tax compliance requirements

2.1 All bidders must ensure compliance with their tax obligations in their country of

Residence.

2.2 South african bidders are required to submit their unique personal identification

Number (pin) issued by SARS to enable the organ of state to view the taxpayer’s profile

And tax status.

2.3 South african bidders can apply for tax compliance status (tcs) or pin may also be

Made via e-filing. In order to use this provision, taxpayers will need to register with

SARS as e-filers through the website www.SARS.GOV.ZA.

2.4 SA bidders’ may also submit a printed tcs together with the bid.

2.5 In bids where consortia / joint ventures / sub-contractors are involved; each party

Must submit a separate proof of tcs / pin / csd number (tax compliance) in a

The following particulars must be furnished (failure to do so may result in

Your bid being disqualified).

instructions and guidelines issued by National Treasury and be in accordance with the

applicable notices published by the Department of Trade and Industry in the Government

19.1 Bidders must ensure that:

19.1.1 their Bid is submitted in the required format as stipulated in this RFP; and

19.1.2 all the required information fields in the Bid are completed in full and contain the

information requested by the DBSA.

19.2 The DBSA may in its absolute discretion reject a Bid that does not include the information

requested or is not in the format required.

19.3 Unnecessarily elaborate responses or other representations beyond that which is sufficient to

present a complete and effective tender proposal are not desired or required. Elaborate and

expensive visual and other presentation aids are not necessary.

19.4 Where the Bidder is unwilling to accept a specified condition, the non-acceptance must be

clearly and expressly stated. Prominence must be given to the statement detailing the non-

acceptance. It is not sufficient that the statement appears only as part of an attachment to

the Bid or be included in a general statement of the Bidders usual operating conditions.

19.5 An incomplete Bid may be disqualified or assessed solely on the information completed or

received with the Bid.

in the Tendering Process further. Bids which do not satisfy all the Pre-Qualifying Criteria

will not be evaluated further. Please refer to the table above

Note: A tender that fails to meet any Pre-Qualifying Criteria stipulated herein in the

tender documents is an unacceptable tender. Please refer to the table above

26.4 Second Stage: Functional Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation of bidders’ submissions will be conducted in accordance with the National Treasury

prescripts, DBSA policies and bid conditions, and will encompass the following five key evaluation

phases:

• Step 1: Eligibility Criteria – to determine compliance with the mandatory

administrative and statutory requirements. This criterion should be met for the

evaluation to proceed to Step 2: Functional Criteria.

• Step 2: Functionality Criteria – to assess the bidder’s technical capability and

capacity to deliver the required services. This criterion should be met with the

minimum score stipulated for the evaluation to proceed to Step 3: Price.

• Step 3: Price – assess the reasonableness of the price offered, seek clarification

and negotiation where possible.

• Step 4: Preference – to evaluate the final financial proposal in line with the 80/20

preference-point system where 80 represents price and 20 BBBEE points.

• Step 5: Objective Criteria & Risk Analysis: To assess employer’s appetite to risks

and other considerations.

STEP 1: Eligibility Criteria

1.1.1. All Bidders shall attend a compulsory Tender Briefing and complete an attendance

register to record their attendance. Only Bidders whose attendance was recorded at

the time of the compulsory Tender Briefing will be considered and evaluated when the

tender closes and tender submissions are received.

1.1.2. The compulsory briefing session will be conducted on a virtual platform (MS

Teams). The briefing session will start punctually, and information will not be repeated

for the benefit of Respondents arriving late.

1.1.3. Bidders are expected to return the bid documents in the manner described in these

Assessment (where applicable).

1.13 Functional Criteria means the criteria set out in clause 27 of this Part C.

1.14 Intellectual Property Rights includes copyright and neighbouring rights, and all proprietary

rights in relation to inventions (including patents) registered and unregistered trademarks

(including service marks), registered designs, confidential information (including trade secrets

and know how) and circuit layouts, and all other proprietary rights resulting from intellectual

activity in the industrial, scientific, literary or artistic fields.

1.15 PFMA means the Public Finance Management Act, 1999.

1.16 PPPFA means the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000.

1.17 PPPFA Regulations means the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2022 published in terms

of the PPPFA.

1.18 Pre-Qualifying Criteria means the criteria set out in clause 26.3 of this Part C.

1.19 Price and Preferential Points Assessment means the process described in clause 26.5 of this

1.20 Proposed Contract means the agreement including any other terms and conditions contained

in or referred to in this RFP that may be executed between the DBSA and the successful Bidder.

1.21 Request for Proposal or RFP means this document (comprising each of the parts identified

under Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D) including all annexures and any other documents so

designated by the DBSA.

1.22 SARS means the South African Revenue Service.

1.23 Services means the services required by the DBSA, as specified in this RFP Part D.

1.24 SLA means Service Level Agreement.

1.25 SOE means State Owned Enterprise, as defined by the Companies’ Act.

1.26 Specification means the conditions of tender set and any specification or description of the

DBSA’s requirements contained in this RFP.

1.27 State means the Republic of South Africa.

1.28 Statement of Compliance means the statement forming part of a Tender indicating the Bidders

compliance with the Specification.

1.29 Tendering Process means the process commenced by the issuing of this Request for Proposals

and concluding upon formal announcement by the DBSA of the selection of a successful

Bidder(s) or upon the earlier termination of the process.

1.30 Website means a website administered by DBSA under its name with web address

www.dbsa.org

17.1 Bids must be delivered by the Closing Time. The Closing Time may be extended by the DBSA

in its absolute discretion by providing written notice to Bidders.

17.2 Bids delivered after the Closing Time or lodged at a location or in a manner that is contrary to

that specified in this RFP will be disqualified from the Tendering Process and will be ineligible

for consideration. However, a late Bid may be accepted where the Bidder can clearly

demonstrate (to the satisfaction of the DBSA, in its sole discretion) that late lodgement of the

Bid was caused by the DBSA; that access was denied or hindered in relation to the physical

tender box; or that a major/critical incident hindered the delivery of the Bid and, in all cases,

that the integrity of the Tendering Process will not be compromised by accepting a Bid after

the Closing Time.

17.3 The determination of the DBSA as to the actual time that a Bid is lodged is final. Subject to

clause 17.2, all Bids lodged after the Closing Time will be recorded by the DBSA and will only

be opened for the purposes of identifying a business name and address of the Bidder. The

consideration. The general operating practice is for the late Bid to be returned within 5 (five)

working days of receipt or within 5 (five) working days after determination not to accept a late

any intellectual property contained in the Bids.

24.2 Each Bidder, by submission of their Bid, is deemed to have licensed the DBSA to reproduce

the whole, or any portion, of their Bid for the sole purposes of enabling the DBSA to evaluate

the Bid.

Bids must be submitted electronically via the provided link only; faxed or emailed bids will not be accepted. Bids must remain valid for 120 calendar days from closing time. Non-acceptance of validity extensions will result in exclusion. Bidders must submit distinct and dedicated resources to meet eligibility and functionality requirements.

Eligibility criteria include attendance of the compulsory briefing session, submission of returnable documents, and specific company and key personnel experience requirements. Bidders must meet all pre-qualifying criteria and achieve a minimum functionality score of 70% to proceed. Key personnel must have specified years of professional experience and transaction experience, including at least one transaction involving a fully independent transmission system operator. A project organogram and names of all key personnel must be submitted.

Stage 1 – Administrative responsiveness: verification of compulsory briefing attendance, submission of all returnable documents, and eligibility criteria (company and key personnel experience). Bids failing this stage are not evaluated further.

Stage 2 – Functional evaluation: assessment against functional criteria; minimum threshold of 70% required to proceed.

Stage 3 – Price and preference points (not detailed in the extract).