Supply, installation, configuration and commissioning of network switches, including removal of existing switches, for the council for medical schemes

Closing

• 13 November 2026 at 23:59.

Compulsory briefing session and site inspection (mandatory)

• Date: 06 November 2026
• Time: 11:00
• Venue: Block A, Eco Glades 2 Office Park, 420 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Eco Park, Centurion, 0157
• A duly authorised representative must attend and sign the official attendance register. Only bidders recorded on the register are evaluated.

Other

• Bid validity period: 90 days.

Bidding procedure enquiries

• Contact: Bokamoso Legong
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 012 431 0457 / 060 859 2020

Technical enquiries

• Contact: Ndidzulafhi Nenzhelele
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 012 431 0490

Submission

• Method: email
• Submission emails: [email protected] and [email protected]

Invoices

• Email: [email protected]

Site and delivery address

Block A

Eco Glades 2 Office Park

420 Witch-Hazel Avenue

Eco Park

Centurion, 0157

Submission method

• Email only, to [email protected] and [email protected].
• Closing: 13 November 2026 at 23:59. Late bids are not accepted.
• Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided; retyped forms are not accepted.
• Documents sent through cloud services such as WeTransfer, Google Drive or Dropbox will not be considered.
• The successful bidder must complete and sign the written contract form (SBD 7).

Returnable documents

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder identification and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses whether any director, member, shareholder or partner is employed by the state or connected to a person at CMS.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims points for specific goals; only bidders who complete and sign it are considered for preference points.
• Annexure A (Bidder's Disclosure): declares state employment or related interests of the bidder and its directors, members, shareholders or partners.
• SARS tax compliance status PIN, or a printed TCS certificate.
• National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) report, with the CSD number reflected on SBD 1.
• Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (EMEs and QSEs).
• Two testimonial letters evidencing network switch installation.
• OEM or authorised vendor reseller certificate, or letter of good standing.
• Project implementation plan.
• Supporting documents for specific goal claims: certified South African ID copies, B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, CIPC document, and a medical certificate or letter from an accredited health professional for disability ownership.
• Proof of authority to sign, such as a company resolution.

Disqualification risks

• Late submission, or submission through cloud file-sharing services.
• Failure to complete and sign SBD 1, SBD 4 and SBD 6.1.
• Missing any mandatory Phase 1 document.
• Failure to attend the compulsory briefing session and site inspection, or not being recorded on the attendance register.
• Bidders, directors or members in the service of the state.
• Listing on National Treasury's restricted bidders or tender defaulters database.

Two-phase evaluation.

Phase 1 — mandatory (pass/fail)

• Assesses eligibility and prior experience. A bid that fails this phase is not scored on price or specific goals.
• Required: two testimonial letters for network switch installation, an OEM or authorised vendor reseller certificate or letter of good standing, a project implementation plan, and recorded attendance at the compulsory briefing session and site inspection.

Phase 2 — price and specific goals (80/20 preference point system)

• Price: 80 points, based on a detailed budget breakdown.
• Specific goals: 20 points.
• Total: 100 points.

Specific goals allocation

• Historically Disadvantaged Individuals: 5 points — 80%–100% black owned 5; 50%–79.99% 4; 20%–49.99% 3; 1%–19.99% 1; below 1% 0.
• Size of the company: 3 points — EME 3; QSE 2; generic enterprise 1.
• Black woman-owned enterprise: 5 points — 75%–100% 5; 51%–74.99% 3; 1%–50.99% 1; below 1% 0.
• Ownership by people with disabilities: 3 points — 75%–100% 3; 51%–74.99% 2; 1%–50.99% 1; below 1% 0.
• Ownership by youth (under 35 years): 4 points — 75%–100% 4; 51%–74.99% 3; 20%–50.99% 2; 1%–19.99% 1; below 1% 0.

Notes

• Company-size points are allocated regardless of whether they are claimed on SBD 6.1, but a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit must be submitted.
• Goals that are not claimed or not supported by the required proof score no points.
• CMS may require a bidder to substantiate any preference claim before adjudication or at any later stage.

Scope

• Remove the existing network switches and supply, install, configure and commission new switches, including migration of the current configurations, with ongoing support.

Bill of quantities

• Enterprise core/aggregation switch, modular interface-card chassis, populated: 2
• Enterprise access switch, 48 × 1G PoE+ with 4 × 10G SFP+ uplinks: 10
• Optics, direct-attach cables and accessories: 1 lot
• Centralised network management platform: 1
• OEM technical support and software entitlement, 36 months, all switches: 1
• Implementation services (migration of the current switch configurations): 1
• Support and maintenance, 24×7×365, 4-hour on-site: 1

Core switches (2)

• Enterprise-class Layer 3 core/aggregation switch, rack-mountable, rack-mount kit included.
• Fixed chassis with at least 4 field-replaceable interface-card slots for future port expansion without chassis replacement.
• Minimum 24 × multi-rate 1/10GBASE-T RJ-45 copper ports.
• Minimum 24 × 10GE SFP+ fibre ports for access-switch uplinks.
• Minimum 4 × 100GE QSFP28 ports, backward-compatible with 40GE QSFP+ optics and direct-attach cables.
• Dedicated out-of-band Ethernet management port and RJ-45/USB console port.
• Dual (1+1) redundant hot-swappable AC power supply modules, minimum 1,200 W each, supplied populated.
• The two units must operate as a single logical switch over 40G or faster cluster links with sub-second failover.
• Multi-chassis LAG (IEEE 802.3ad/802.1AX LACP) so each access switch can dual-home to both core units.
• VRRP v2/v3 and BFD for fast failure detection.
• 4,094 IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, voice VLAN, QinQ, private/isolated VLANs.
• STP, RSTP and MSTP (IEEE 802.1D/w/s) with BPDU guard, root guard and loop protection.
• Minimum 9,000-byte jumbo frame support.
• IPv4 and IPv6 dual stack; static routing, RIP/RIPng, OSPFv2/v3, IS-IS, BGP-4/BGP4+, policy-based routing.
• VRF/VPN instances for logical separation of routing domains.
• VXLAN with BGP-EVPN control plane.
• IGMP v1/v2/v3, IGMP snooping, PIM-SM/PIM-SSM, MLD.
• DHCP server, DHCP relay (v4/v6) and DHCP snooping.
• Layer 2–4 ACLs (MAC, IPv4, IPv6) applied ingress/egress, including time-based ACLs.
• IEEE 802.1X, MAC and portal authentication; RADIUS and TACACS-compatible AAA for administrator access.
• DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, storm control, control-plane protection (CoPP) and anti-DoS.
• SSHv2, SNMPv3, HTTPS, role-based administrator accounts and command audit logging.
• CLI, web GUI, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, NETCONF/YANG and RESTful APIs.
• Native onboarding to the centralised management platform.

Access switches (10)

• Enterprise-class managed access switch, 1RU, rack-mountable, rack-mount kit included.
• Wire-speed, non-blocking switching on all ports.
• 48 × 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports, all PoE+ capable.
• Minimum 4 × 10GE SFP+ fixed uplink ports (no additional network module required), supporting 1G/10G optics and direct-attach cables.
• Minimum 2 dedicated stacking ports at 12 Gbps each, leaving all four SFP+ uplinks free for core connectivity; multiple units manageable as a single logical switch.
• RJ-45 console port with a console cable supplied per switch.
• IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+), up to 30 W per port.
• Minimum 370 W total PoE power budget per switch, with per-port power priority and scheduling.
• Perpetual/fast PoE — power maintained to endpoints during a switch software reboot.
• Built-in AC power supply, 220–240 V, 50 Hz, with South African power cord (SANS 164).
• 4,094 IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, voice VLAN, guest VLAN, MAC-based VLANs.
• IEEE 802.3ad LACP, including aggregation of uplinks across the two clustered core switches.
• STP, RSTP, MSTP with BPDU guard and loop detection.
• Static routing and RIP; IPv4 and IPv6 dual stack for management and routed uplinks.
• IGMP v1/v2/v3 snooping and MLD snooping.
• LLDP and LLDP-MED for automatic voice VLAN and PoE negotiation with IP phones.
• IEEE 802.1X, MAC and portal authentication with dynamic VLAN/ACL assignment from RADIUS.
• DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, port security (MAC limit) and storm control.
• Layer 2–4 ACLs and CPU protection.
• SSHv2, SNMPv3, HTTPS and role-based administrator access.
• Minimum 8 queues per port; SP/WRR/DRR scheduling; 802.1p/DSCP classification and remarking; rate limiting.
• CLI, web GUI, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, syslog, NTP, RMON and port mirroring.

Cables and accessories

• 10GE SFP+ SR optic: 10GBASE-SR, 850 nm multimode, 300 m, duplex LC.
• 40GE QSFP+ eSR4 optic: 40GBASE-eSR4, 850 nm multimode, 300 m (OM4), MPO; breakout-capable to 4 × 10G.
• 40GE QSFP+ DAC, 3 m: passive direct-attach copper, QSFP+ to QSFP+.
• 10GE SFP+ DAC, 3 m: passive direct-attach copper, SFP+ to SFP+.
• Patch leads: LC-LC OM3/OM4 duplex fibre and Cat6.

Support and maintenance

• Comprehensive support and maintenance for 24 months from successful implementation and acceptance of the solution.
• 24×7×365 access to the OEM technical assistance centre for fault diagnosis and escalation.
• 4-hour on-site response.

Site inspection

• Bidders must inspect switch locations, rack space, power circuits and sockets, fibre types and patching, and existing optics.

Phase 1 mandatory criteria assess eligibility and prior experience; bidders who fail do not proceed to Phase 2.

• Two testimonial letters evidencing delivery and installation of network switches. Each must be on the client's official letterhead, state that the work related to implementation of network switch equipment, and give the organisation name, the contact person's full name and designation, contact details (email and/or telephone) and a brief description of the services rendered.
• Testimonial letters that do not specifically reference implementation or installation of network switch equipment are not accepted.
• A valid accredited reseller certificate, or an official letter of good standing, from the OEM or authorised vendor of the proposed equipment, confirming authorised reseller status and showing the expiry date or validity period. CMS may verify it with the OEM.
• A comprehensive project implementation plan covering methodology, activities, resources and timelines for installation, configuration and migration.

Testing and acceptance (project implementation plan)

• Bidders must describe the testing methodology: system and integration testing, user acceptance testing, defect resolution and validation before go-live.
• The plan must cover changeover and go-live, including cutover activities and measures to minimise service disruption.
• Deliverables and acceptance criteria must be identified for each major implementation phase.
• Training and knowledge transfer must be provided to users and technical personnel.
• Post-implementation support arrangements must cover stabilisation, issue resolution and handover.

Inspection and testing (GCC)

• Pre-bid testing is for the bidder's account.
• Where inspection is a bid condition, the bidder's premises must be open at reasonable hours for inspection by the department or its representative.
• Supplies that fail inspection, tests or analyses may be rejected; the supplier bears the cost of the tests and must remove and replace rejected supplies at its own cost.
• Where supplies pass inspection, the purchaser bears the cost of the tests.

Price must be quoted as a detailed budget breakdown, amounts including VAT, in three components:

1. Removal of the current switches — removal, safe handling and disposal where applicable.
2. Installation of the new solution — supply and delivery of new switches, including all required hardware, accessories and components per the bill of quantities.
3. Support and maintenance — 24 months, including OEM technical assistance.

Price carries 80 of the 100 evaluation points.

Pricing

• Quote a detailed budget breakdown, amounts including VAT, in three components:

1. Removal of the current switches, including safe handling and disposal where applicable.
2. Installation of the new solution — supply and delivery of new switches, including all required hardware, accessories and components per the bill of quantities.
3. Support and maintenance for 24 months, including OEM technical assistance.

• Price carries 80 of the 100 evaluation points.

Payment

• CMS pays in full within 30 days of receiving an original tax invoice for work done to its satisfaction, on presentation of a substantiated claim or invoice.
• Payment is made only for completed work (milestones/deliverables) in the project implementation plan agreed at project inception.
• Invoices must be emailed to [email protected].
• The CMS purchase order number must be quoted on every invoice.
• No goods or services may be delivered without an official purchase order from the CMS Supply Chain Management Unit or representative.

Other

• Bid validity period: 90 days.
• CMS does not reimburse bidders' costs of preparing and submitting a bid, including briefing session and site visit costs.

Registration and tax

• Registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD), with the CSD number reflected on SBD 1.
• A unique SARS tax compliance status PIN, or a printed TCS certificate submitted with the bid.
• Consortia, joint ventures and subcontractors must each submit a separate TCS certificate, PIN or CSD number.
• Where no TCS is available but the bidder is registered on the CSD, the CSD number must be provided.
• CMS will not award to a bidder that is not tax compliant. A recommended bidder has 7 working days to submit proof of compliance or of arrangements to meet outstanding tax obligations; failing that, the bid is rejected.
• CMS may withdraw an award or cancel a contract if the bidder was not tax compliant at award, submitted a fraudulent tax clearance certificate, or fails CSD verification.

B-bbee

• A valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (EMEs and QSEs) must be submitted to claim preference points.
• Company-size points are allocated regardless of whether they are claimed on SBD 6.1, but the certificate or affidavit must be submitted.

Mandatory forms

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder details and signed offer.
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses state employment or relationships with CMS staff.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims specific-goal points.
• Annexure A (Bidder's Disclosure): declares state employment or related interests.
• Proof of authority to sign, such as a company resolution.

Exclusions

• No bids from persons in the service of the state, companies with such directors, or close corporations with such members.
• Bidders on National Treasury's restricted bidders or tender defaulters list are disqualified.
• Conviction of fraud, corruption, collusion or a related offence in the past 5 years, or submission of false or misleading information in any procurement process, disqualifies the bidder.

Governing terms

• The bid is subject to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 and the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2022, the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and any special conditions of contract.
• The successful bidder must complete and sign the written contract form (SBD 7).
• Where special conditions conflict with the GCC, the special conditions apply.

Validity and changes

• Bid validity period: 90 days; CMS may request an extension from bidders who responded.
• CMS may amend the RFQ; changes are communicated only to bidders who responded.

CMS rights

• CMS may extend the closing date in exceptional circumstances.
• CMS is not bound to accept any bid and may cancel the process without incurring liability.
• CMS may validate any claim made in a proposal.
• CMS may cancel an award if the recommended bidder engaged in corrupt or fraudulent practices, including collusive pricing.
• Submitted proposals and information are not returned.

Bidder obligations

• The successful bidder works under the supervision of a CMS representative and must follow the CMS Code of Conduct and organisational guidelines.
• Signing the RFQ warrants that the bidder has read, understands and accepts its terms.
• Submissions are treated in strict confidence.

Rejection grounds

• Conviction of fraud, corruption, collusion or a related offence in the past 5 years.
• False or misleading information in any procurement process, with CMS or any other public entity.
• Listing on National Treasury's restricted bidders or tender defaulters database.
• Past conduct posing a significant reputational or operational risk, even where technical and price criteria are met.
• Non-compliance with tax obligations.

Evaluation runs in two phases.

• Phase 1: mandatory criteria assessing eligibility and prior experience; failure ends the evaluation.
• Phase 2: price and specific goals, scored on the 80/20 preference point system.

Specific goals (20 points)

• Historically Disadvantaged Individuals: 5 points — 80%–100% black owned 5; 50%–79.99% 4; 20%–49.99% 3; 1%–19.99% 1; below 1% 0.
• Size of the company: 3 points — EME 3; QSE 2; generic enterprise 1.
• Black woman-owned enterprise: 5 points — 75%–100% 5; 51%–74.99% 3; 1%–50.99% 1; below 1% 0.
• Ownership by people with disabilities: 3 points — 75%–100% 3; 51%–74.99% 2; 1%–50.99% 1; below 1% 0.
• Ownership by youth (under 35 years): 4 points — 75%–100% 4; 51%–74.99% 3; 20%–50.99% 2; 1%–19.99% 1; below 1% 0.

Price: 80 points. Total: 100 points.