Session management software licences and support for ibm z-series mainframe (3 years)

Closing: 28 August 2026 at 12:00. No briefing session is scheduled. Enquiries must be emailed three days before closing.

Queries: Mlondolozi Mdingi, [email protected]. Submissions: [email protected].

Submissions must be emailed to [email protected] before the closing time. The email subject line must carry the RFQ number and bidder's name. The PDF must be protected from modification, and financial information must be in a separate attachment from the technical response. Bidders should send submissions at least 30 minutes early; late emails are rejected. Returnable forms: Annexure A (Declaration of Interest), Annexure B (SBD 6.1 Preference Points Claim), Annexure C (Consortium/JV/Subcontracting), Annexure D (Previous/Current Projects), Annexure E (Bidder's Disclosure), and Annexure F (Pricing Schedule).

The 80/20 preference point system applies. Award is based on functionality, then price and B-BBEE specific goals. Functionality is scored out of 100; bidders must score at least 90 to be responsive. Functionality areas: compliance with requirements (50 points), company experience (10 points), support base (20 points), contract flexibility (10 points), and support/maintenance availability (10 points). Specific goals: EME/SME 51% Black-owned (10 points), 51% Black-owned (5 points), 51% Black women-owned (3 points), Black Youth (2 points). Bidders not meeting specific goals score zero but are not disqualified. Highest total points win; ties decided by drawing of lots.

The SABC requires licensing for session management software for its IBM z-Series mainframe, which currently runs legacy software that does not support multi-factor authentication (MFA). The proposed product must fully support MFA, integrate with ACF2, provide full Pass Ticket support, and include 24/7/365 support and maintenance. The contract runs three years at SABC Auckland Park. The bid remains valid for 90 days from closing.

Bidders must submit contactable references for similar services: one letter (5 points) or two or more (10 points). They must detail their support base, including number of engineers (one: 5 points; two or more: 10 points) and years of experience with the proposed software (two to five years: 5 points; five years and above: 10 points). Annexure D requires details of previous and current projects, including client contacts, values, and dates.

Annexure F requires a detailed cost breakdown for a three-year period, covering software licensing and maintenance and support for each year, with VAT and annual and estimated contract values.

Payment is made 60 days after service delivery and invoice submission. The pricing schedule (Annexure F) requires a detailed cost breakdown for software licensing and maintenance/support for each of the three years, including VAT.

Bidders must be registered on the CSD and provide proof. A valid Tax Clearance Certificate or SARS PIN is required. The company and all active directors and shareholders must hold valid TV Licences. A valid B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited agency (or affidavit for EMEs) is required. Certified copies of company registration, shareholder certificates, and directors' ID documents are needed. Bidders must complete Annexure A (Declaration of Interest), Annexure B (SBD 6.1), Annexure C (Consortium/JV/Subcontracting), Annexure D (Previous/Current Projects), Annexure E (Bidder's Disclosure), and Annexure F (Pricing Schedule).

The SABC may reject any bid, does not bind itself to the lowest or any tender, and may cancel the RFQ at any time. No contract is formed until a formal letter of award is signed. The SABC may negotiate with preferred bidders and contact bidders for clarification. Bidders with a poor track record, blacklisting, fraud, or misrepresentation may be excluded. Former SABC employees and board members face cooling-off periods of 12 months (resignation/retirement) or 5 years (dismissal). The SABC will not procure from board members or their businesses. Ties are decided by drawing of lots.

Functionality is scored out of 100 with a minimum threshold of 90. Points: compliance with requirements (50), company experience (10), support base (20), contract flexibility (10), and support/maintenance availability (10). The 80/20 preference point system applies, with 80 points for price and 20 for specific goals.