Appointment of a data specialist organisation for labour market research in independent schools

Rand value definition:

• Total estimated contract value in Rand, calculated at bid invitation time, including all applicable taxes.

Pricing must include:

• Total amount in Rand, including all applicable taxes.
• Less all unconditional discounts.
• For income-generating contracts, pricing follows the same rules but uses Pmax (highest acceptable tender) in the formula.

Mandatory compliance requirements:

• B-BBEE Certification: Required for all ownership and economic reconstruction claims. Certificates must be issued by SANAS-accredited verification agencies or CIPC.
• Documentation for Ownership Claims:
• B-BBEE Certificate or CIPC Affidavit.
• ID copy of Director/Owner.
• Documentation for Economic Reconstruction Claims:
• B-BBEE Certificate, Sworn Affidavit, or CIPC Certificate.
• Company registration documents.
• Proof of municipal account for location-based claims.
• Company Registration: Must be submitted for all tenderers (CIPC or relevant authority).
• Fraudulent Claims: Submitting false claims may result in disqualification, cost recovery, contract cancellation, 10-year business restriction from organs of state, or criminal prosecution.

Note: No points will be awarded if claims are not explicitly made and documented in the tender submission.

Specific goals and points (20 points max):

• Ownership (15 points):
• 100% Black owned: 8 points (B-BBEE Certificate or CIPC Affidavit + Director/Owner ID).
• ≥51% Black owned: 2 points.
• 100% Black women-owned: 4 points.
• ≥51% Black women-owned: 1 point.
• ≥51% Youth owned: 2 points.
• ≥51% Disabled-owned: 1 point.
• Economic Reconstruction (5 points):
• SMME/QSE/EME: 2 points.
• Cooperatives/NPCs/NPOs/CBOs: 2 points.
• Business in Gauteng: 2 points.
• Business in South Africa: 1 point.

Note: Tenderers must explicitly claim points and provide documentation.

Contractual terms include:

• Tenderers must certify that all information and preference points claimed are true and correct.
• The organ of state may require documentary proof of claims at any time, even post-award.
• Consequences of fraudulent claims or non-fulfillment of conditions:
• Disqualification from the tender process.
• Recovery of costs, losses, or damages incurred by the organ of state.
• Contract cancellation and damages claimed for less favorable arrangements.
• Restriction from obtaining business from any organ of state for up to 10 years (after hearing the tenderer’s side).
• Criminal prosecution if deemed necessary.

If the 80/20 or 90/10 system applicability is unclear, the organ of state will use the lowest/highest acceptable tender to determine the system and must indicate points for both systems in the tender documents.

The tender pertains to the appointment of a data specialist organisation to conduct labour market information research into independent schools. The scope is defined by the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and any Special Conditions of Contract (SCC), which will prevail in case of conflict. The document outlines general standards, inspection requirements, and compliance obligations but does not provide specific technical deliverables or methodologies for this research project.

Quality management requirements include:

• Goods and services must conform to the standards specified in the bidding documents and SCC.
• The purchaser may inspect, test, or analyze supplies or services at any stage. If non-compliant, the supplier bears the cost of inspections and must replace or repair defective items at their own expense.
• Suppliers must allow purchaser representatives to inspect their premises and records related to contract performance.
• All documents provided by the purchaser remain its property and must be returned upon request if required by the contract.

Payment terms and conditions will be specified in the Special Conditions of Contract (SCC). Key points include:

• Payment will be made in South African Rand unless otherwise stipulated in SCC.
• Payments will be processed within 30 days of invoice submission, provided all contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• The supplier must submit an invoice accompanied by a delivery note and proof of fulfillment of other obligations.
• Prices quoted in the bid must not vary unless authorized by SCC or a bid validity extension request.
• Performance security (e.g., bank guarantee or cashier’s cheque) must be furnished within 30 days of contract award, as specified in SCC. The security will be discharged within 30 days of contract completion, including warranty obligations.
• Penalties for late delivery or non-performance may be deducted from the contract price, calculated using the current prime interest rate for each day of delay.

Compliance requirements include:

• Submission of a valid tax clearance certificate issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) before contract award. No contract will be concluded with bidders whose tax matters are not in order.
• Adherence to the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) if the contract is subject to NIP obligations, as administered by the Department of Trade and Industry.
• Suppliers must ensure all goods and services comply with the standards specified in the bidding documents.
• Suppliers must not disclose contract documents or information without the purchaser’s prior written consent. All documents provided by the purchaser remain its property and must be returned upon request.
• Suppliers must indemnify the purchaser against third-party claims of patent, trademark, or industrial design infringement.
• Suppliers must maintain full insurance for goods supplied under the contract, as specified in SCC.

The National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP), administered by the Department of Trade and Industry, applies to all contracts subject to NIP obligations. Compliance with NIPP is mandatory where applicable.

Contractual terms are governed by the General Conditions of Contract (GCC), which cannot be amended. Special Conditions of Contract (SCC) may apply to specific bids and will prevail over GCC in case of conflict. Key contractual terms include:

• Payment terms, prices, and adjustments are specified in SCC.
• Contract amendments require written agreement signed by all parties.
• Suppliers cannot assign obligations without the purchaser’s prior written consent.
• Subcontracts must be notified in writing to the purchaser, but this does not relieve the supplier of liability.
• Delays in performance may result in penalties, calculated using the current prime interest rate per day of delay, unless an extension is granted or force majeure applies.
• The purchaser may terminate the contract for default, insolvency, or corrupt/fraudulent practices. Termination may include a restriction penalty prohibiting the supplier from doing business with the public sector for up to 10 years.
• Disputes must first be resolved through mutual consultation, followed by mediation, and if unresolved, through South African courts.
• The contract is governed by South African law and must be written in English.
• Suppliers are liable for all taxes, duties, and levies until delivery of goods.
• The National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) applies to contracts subject to NIP obligations.

Department: Supply Chain Management (SCM) of the Education, Training and Development Practices SETA. No specific contact details (name, email, phone, or address) provided in the document.

Submit the following returnable documents as part of your bid:

• Completed and signed SBD4 (Bidder’s Disclosure) form.
• Ensure all declarations in the form are true and complete to avoid disqualification.
• Disclose any state employment, relationships with procuring institution staff, or interests in related enterprises bidding for this contract.
• Provide full particulars (names, ID numbers, state employee numbers) where applicable.
• Bids found to contain false or incomplete disclosures will be disqualified.
• Bids may be rejected or reported to the Competition Commission/NPA if collusive or corrupt practices are suspected.

Compliance requirements from the SBD4 form:

• Bidder must declare if they, their directors, trustees, shareholders, members, partners, or any person with controlling interest are employed by the state.
• Bidder must declare any relationship with employees of the procuring institution.
• Bidder must declare any interest in related enterprises bidding for this contract.
• Bidder must certify that the bid was prepared independently, without collusion with competitors.
• Bidder must confirm no prior consultations with procuring institution officials (except for clarifications) or involvement in drafting specifications.
• Bidder must acknowledge that false disclosures may lead to bid rejection, reporting to the Competition Commission/NPA, or a 10-year restriction from public sector business under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

Bidder must certify the following in the SBD4 form:

• The bidder has read and understood the disclosure contents.
• The bid will be disqualified if the disclosure is found to be false or incomplete.
• The bid was prepared independently, without consultation or agreement with competitors (joint ventures/consortia excluded).
• No collusion occurred regarding bid quality, quantity, specifications, prices, or submission decisions.
• Bid terms have not been and will not be disclosed to competitors before official opening or contract award.
• No unauthorized consultations occurred with procuring institution officials.
• Suspicious bids may be reported to the Competition Commission or NPA, and bidders may face penalties or restrictions under applicable laws.

Closing date: 04 August 2026. Closing time: 11h00.

Bidding procedure enquiries: Mr Sibusiso Kutshwa, email: [email protected]. Technical enquiries: Mrs Siphesihle Nzima, email: [email protected]. Submission email: [email protected].

Submit bids by the closing date and time (04 August 2026, 11h00) via email to [email protected] or courier to the bid box at the specified street address. Bids must use the official forms provided (do not re-type). Late bids will not be accepted. The successful bidder must sign a written contract form (SBD7).

Tax Compliance: Submit a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN (via SARS e-filing at www.sars.gov.za) or a printed TCS certificate. If no TCS PIN is available but the bidder is registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), provide the CSD number. Consortia/joint ventures/sub-contractors must each submit separate TCS certificates/PINs/CSD numbers. Foreign suppliers not resident in RSA or without a branch/permanent establishment/source of income/tax liability in RSA are exempt from TCS PIN registration. B-BBEE: Submit a B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) to qualify for preference points. VAT registration number required. Proof of authority (e.g., company resolution) must accompany the bid.

• Virtual Briefing Session (Non-compulsory): 27 July 2026, 11h00 – 13h00. Join via Microsoft Teams link provided.
• Deadline for Submission of Questions: 28 July 2026 at 12h00.
• Bid Closing Date and Time: 04 August 2026 at 11h00.
• Bid Documents Available: From 16 July 2026 on the National Treasury e-portal.

A non-compulsory virtual briefing session will be held on 27 July 2026 from 11h00 to 13h00 via Microsoft Teams. Join using the provided link, Meeting ID, and passcode. Questions must be submitted by 28 July 2026 at 12h00.

• For all bid enquiries, communicate in writing only to: Supply Chain Management, Email: [email protected]
• No telephonic or other communication with any other ETDP SETA staff is permitted.
• General organisation contacts: Email: [email protected], Website: www.etdpseta.org.za, Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 204 937.

Submit your proposal electronically via email to [email protected] by 11h00 on 04 August 2026. No late submissions will be accepted.

• Organise your submission into three separate folders:
• Folder A: Stage 1 Administrative Requirements (SBD forms, GCC, SARS PIN).
• Folder B: Stage 2 Functionality Evaluation Requirements (methodology, team structure, samples).
• Folder C: Stage 3 Price and Specific Goal (costing model, SBD 6.1).
• Ensure all documents are fully completed, signed, and include all required returnables. Incomplete or unsigned bids will be rejected.
• Bids must remain valid for 90 days.
• Any attempt to influence the adjudication process will result in immediate disqualification.
• Blacklisted companies on the National Treasury database will be disqualified.

Key deliverables that must be provided:

• A Microsoft Excel database containing all labour market variables as defined in Table 1.
• A Microsoft Excel database for Job Advert Data from Independent Schools.
• Infographic data insights reports highlighting key trends.

Valid B-BBEE Certificate (SANAS/CIPC) or Sworn Affidavit (for empowerment points).

Registration on Central Supplier Database (mandatory).

No deregistration/blacklisting (CIPC/National Treasury).

Compliance with POPIA/PAIA and ETDP SETA’s data privacy policies.

Joint ventures must submit consolidated B-BBEE certificates.

The service provider must deliver labour market research for the Independent Schools subsector.

Key Deliverables:

1. Labour Market Information Database (Microsoft Excel): Must include variables such as:

• Organisation name, provincial and district location, employee count.
• OFO occupational titles, gender, race, disability status, age group, emerging occupations.

2. Job Advert Data Database (Microsoft Excel): Must extract and include variables from job advertisements, such as:

• Positions advertised, advertiser details, re-advertisement flags.
• Dates, location, required qualifications, years of experience, salary (if provided).
• Required skills, contract type, EE/AA flags, OFO mapping, work-from-home flags, job content.

3. Infographic Data Insights Reports: Visually engaging reports highlighting key trends from the data.

Project Profile:

• The appointed partner will collaborate with the ETDP SETA Research Unit to finalise methodology and timelines.
• The service provider must have expertise in mining and developing labour market databases.
• The project duration is 12 consecutive months from the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.

• The data collection methodology must be comprehensive, covering:
• Quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
• Full population coverage of Independent Schools across all provinces.
• Geographical coverage and specific data collection tools.
• Identification and mitigation of risks associated with the methodology.
• The job advert data methodology must specify:
• Data sources (e.g., online job portals, employer websites, recruitment agencies).
• Data extraction frequency and timelines.
• Tools and techniques for extraction (e.g., web-scraping, AI-enabled solutions, data mining).

• Project Team: Must include a Project Manager, Senior Researcher, Data Analysts/Statistical Analyst, and a minimum of two Field Workers (junior researchers/data collectors). Provide names and roles.
• Project Manager: Minimum Master’s degree and at least 4 years of experience managing similar projects. Submit certified copies of qualifications, CV, and SAQA letter for foreign qualifications.
• Samples of Work: Submit previous labour market analysis reports with reference letters from clients to demonstrate experience.

• The Project Manager must hold a minimum of a Master’s degree.
• For foreign qualifications, attach a confirmation letter from SAQA.
• Certified copies of qualifications and a detailed CV for the Project Manager must be submitted.

• Use the exact Costing Model provided in the document. Do not modify line items or their order.
• The model must include pricing for:
• Labour Market Database.
• Job Advert Dataset.
• Infographic Data Insights Reports.
• Include a subtotal, VAT at 15%, and a final total cost inclusive of VAT.
• All pricing must be in South African Rand (ZAR) and detail all possible activities and total cost per year.

• All pricing must be in South African Rand (ZAR) and include VAT.
• Submit a detailed, all-inclusive budget as part of your proposal. No additional fees will be entertained later.
• Use the provided Costing Model exactly as stated. Do not modify the line items or order.
• The Costing Model must detail all possible activities and the total cost per year.
• Payment will follow an agreed schedule in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

• Mandatory Registrations & Certificates:
• All bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). No award will be made to unregistered suppliers.
• Submit a valid, certified B-BBEE Certificate from a SANAS Accredited Verification Agency or issued by CIPC, or a signed Sworn Affidavit to claim specific goal points.
• Joint ventures must submit a consolidated B-BBEE certificate prepared specifically for this bid.
• Tax Compliance: Provide a unique SARS Personal Identification Number (PIN) for tax verification.
• Disqualification Risks:
• Deregistered, blacklisted companies, or those in the process of CIPC de-registration will not be considered.
• Directors/owners linked to blacklisted companies will also be excluded.
• Ownership of Outputs: All project content and materials remain the sole property of ETDP SETA and must be handed over upon project completion.

To claim specific goal points, bidders must submit:

• A valid, certified B-BBEE Certificate from a SANAS Accredited Verification Agency or issued by CIPC, or a signed Sworn Affidavit.
• Joint ventures must submit a consolidated B-BBEE certificate prepared specifically for this bid.
• Failure to submit proof of B-BBEE status will result in no points being awarded for specific goals.

• The project duration is 12 consecutive months, starting from the last signature of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
• Milestone meetings will be held regularly to monitor progress.
• All project content, materials, and developments are the sole property of ETDP SETA. The service provider must hand over all materials upon completion.
• The service provider cannot share any project information without prior written permission from ETDP SETA.

• ETDP SETA does not bind itself to appoint the highest-scoring bidder and reserves the right to negotiate price or cancel the bid.
• Bids that are late, incomplete, or unsigned will not be accepted.
• A penalty fee may be imposed if the project is not completed as per the service level agreement.
• Any attempt to influence the adjudication will result in immediate disqualification of the entire bid.

Stage 1 requires submission of fully completed and signed administrative documents:

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid) and SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest).
• Completed General Conditions of Contract (GCC).
• A unique SARS PIN for tax verification.

The evaluation follows a three-stage process: Stage 1 (Administrative Compliance), Stage 2 (Functionality Scoring with a 70-point threshold), and Stage 3 (80/20 preference point system for Price and Specific Goals). Detailed functionality scoring criteria are provided for samples, team structure, project manager qualifications, methodology, and project plan.