Development of a methodological framework for identifying occupations in high demand (oihd) in the education, training and development sector — etdp seta RFQ NO 16 - 2026-27

Returnable form

• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form): must be completed, signed and submitted with the bid to claim points for specific goals; goals not claimed on the form score nothing.
• Supporting proof for every claimed goal must accompany the bid.

Disqualification risk

• Preference points claimed without the required supporting documents are treated as not claimed.
• A claim found to be fraudulent or a goal not fulfilled may lead to disqualification, recovery of costs, cancellation of the contract, restriction from state business for up to 10 years, and criminal prosecution.

Preference point system

• 80/20 applies: price 80 points, specific goals 20 points, total 100.
• Points are awarded only for goals claimed on SBD 6.1; an unclaimed goal earns no points.

Goal 1 – Ownership (maximum 15 points)

• 100% Black-owned: 8 points
• 100% Black women-owned: 4 points
• At least 51% Black-owned: 2 points
• At least 51% youth-owned: 2 points
• At least 51% Black women-owned: 1 point
• At least 51% owned by persons with disabilities: 1 point

Goal 2 – Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Programmes (maximum 5 points)

• SMME, QSE or EME: 2 points
• Business located in the province where the goods or services are required: 2 points
• Business located in South Africa: 1 point

Total claimable: 20 points

Verification

• Each claimed goal must be supported by the documents listed against it; unsupported claims are not awarded.
• The organ of state may require a bidder to substantiate any preference claim before adjudication or at any later stage.

B-BBEE and ownership evidence

• B-BBEE certificate issued by a SANAS-accredited verification agency, a sworn affidavit, or a CIPC B-BBEE certificate.
• ID copy of the director or owner.
• Disability ownership claims: medical report or certificate.
• Provincial location claims: proof of municipal account.
• Cooperatives, NPCs, NPOs and CBOs: registration documents from CIPC or the Department of Social Development.

Claim substantiation

• The organ of state may call for proof of any preference claim before or after adjudication.
• Fraudulent claims or unfulfilled goals may result in disqualification, recovery of costs and losses, cancellation of the contract, restriction from obtaining state business for up to 10 years, and criminal prosecution.

Preference points for specific goals

• Points are claimed on SBD 6.1 and verified against the supporting documents submitted with the bid.
• Ownership goals (maximum 15 points): 100% Black-owned (8), 100% Black women-owned (4), at least 51% Black-owned (2), at least 51% youth-owned (2), at least 51% Black women-owned (1), at least 51% owned by persons with disabilities (1).
• Economic Reconstruction and Recovery goals (maximum 5 points): SMME/QSE/EME (2), business located in the province where the goods or services are required (2), business located in South Africa (1).
• Evidence required: B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency, sworn affidavit or CIPC B-BBEE certificate, plus an ID copy of the director or owner; medical report or certificate for disability ownership; proof of municipal account for provincial location; CIPC or Department of Social Development registration documents for cooperatives, NPCs, NPOs and CBOs.

Preference point systems

• 80/20 applies to requirements valued up to R50 000 000, all applicable taxes included.
• 90/10 applies to requirements valued above R50 000 000, all applicable taxes included.
• This tender allocates 80 points for price and 20 points for specific goals, out of a total of 100.
• Points are awarded for price and for specific goals.
• A bidder that does not submit the proof required to claim specific goals is regarded as not claiming those points.
• The organ of state may require a bidder to substantiate any preference claim before adjudication or at any time afterwards.

The ETDP SETA seeks a service provider to develop a comprehensive methodological framework for identifying Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) within the Education, Training and Development (ETD) sector. The framework must be scientifically robust, evidence-based, and sustainable, enabling the SETA to systematically identify current and future OIHD, forecast emerging demand, integrate multiple labour market intelligence sources, institutionalise an annual OIHD identification process, and improve evidence-based sector skills planning.

Closing date: 28 October 2026 at 11:00

Briefing session (non-compulsory, virtual):

• Date: 16 October 2026
• Time: 10:00 – 12:00
• Access details available on www.etdpseta.org.za from 12:00 on 13 October 2026

Question deadline: 17 October 2026 (no questions accepted after this date)

Bid documents available from: 12:00 on 09 October 2026 on the ETDP SETA website (www.etdpseta.org.za, Main Menu > Supply Chain Management > Open RFQs)

Non-compulsory virtual briefing session:

• Date: 16 October 2026
• Time: 10:00 – 12:00
• Access details available on www.etdpseta.org.za from 12:00 on 13 October 2026

Questions may be submitted until 17 October 2026. No questions accepted after this date.

Enquiries (written only):

• Contact: Supply Chain Management
• Email: [email protected]

Submission email: [email protected]

General SETA contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.etdpseta.org.za
• Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 204 937
• Sms: 49017
• Tip-offs email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Note: No telephonic or other communication with any ETDP SETA staff other than the named SCM contact is permitted. Attempting to influence the adjudication process results in immediate disqualification.

Submission method: email only, to [email protected]

Three folders required:

• Folder A: Stage 1 – Administrative Requirements
• Folder B: Stage 2 – Functionality Evaluation Requirements
• Folder C: Stage 3 – Price and Specific Goals

Returnable forms (all must be completed, signed, and included):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses whether any director or shareholder is employed by the state or connected to anyone at the SETA.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE points under the 80/20 system.
• General Conditions of Contract (GCC): completed in full.
• SARS tax PIN: a unique security PIN issued by SARS, used to verify tax matters before award.
• Costing Model: final price, VAT included, signed.

Disqualification risks:

• Late, incomplete, or unsigned bids.
• Missing any required document in the correct folder.
• Attempting to influence the adjudication process or contacting any ETDP SETA staff other than the named SCM contact.

Evaluation stages:

• Stage 1 – Administrative Compliance (Folder A): all SBD forms, GCC, and SARS PIN must be submitted fully completed and signed.
• Stage 2 – Functionality (Folder B): minimum qualifying score 70/100. Bids below 70 are disqualified.
• Stage 3 – Price and Specific Goals (Folder C): only bids that pass Stage 2 are evaluated, using the 80/20 preference point system (Price 80, Specific Goals 20).

Functionality scoring (total 100 points):

• Company experience in labour market intelligence and skills planning (15 points):
• 4 or more samples of work with reference letters: 15
• 3 samples: 10
• 2 samples: 5
• Less than 2 samples: 0
• Each sample must be accompanied by a reference letter confirming authorship, quoting the report title, with client contact details, signed and dated. Reports without reference letters are not considered.
• Project Team Structure (20 points):
• Project Manager (4), Labour Market Specialist (3), Data Scientist/Statistician (3), Econometrist (2), Skills Planning Specialist (2), minimum 2 Researchers (2), minimum 2 Data Collectors (2), Administrator (2).
• Team structure must include names and roles; one person cannot hold more than 2 roles; changes require prior approval.
• Project Manager Qualifications & Experience (15 points):
• Master's degree or above: 10; below Master's: 0.
• 4+ years managing similar projects: 5; below 4 years: 0.
• Attach certified copies of qualifications and CV; foreign qualifications need SAQA confirmation.
• Project Plan (40 points):
• Methodological Approach (8 points)
• Data Collection and Data Sources Plan (8 points)
• Skills Transfer Plan (8 points)
• Consultation Plan (8 points)
• Risk & Mitigation Plan (8 points)
• Timelines and Budget (10 points):
• Timelines within 12 months and frequency of data provision: 5
• All-inclusive (VAT) detailed budget: 5

The ETDP SETA requires a service provider to develop a scientifically robust, evidence-based methodological framework for identifying Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) within the Education, Training and Development (ETD) sector.

Purpose and objectives:

• Identify current and future OIHD in the ETD sector.
• Forecast emerging occupational demand.
• Integrate multiple labour market intelligence sources.
• Institutionalise an annual OIHD identification process.
• Improve evidence-based sector skills planning.

Scope of work:

• Inception: conduct inception meetings, develop an Inception Report, logical framework/theory of change, project implementation plan, and stakeholder engagement plan.
• Desktop Review: review national frameworks and international best practice, covering data sources, indicators, forecasting techniques, statistical methods, governance arrangements, validation mechanisms, and reporting models.
• Situational Analysis: assess existing ETD data systems for data quality, availability, reliability, timeliness, accessibility, and suitability.
• Development of the Methodological Framework: conceptual framework, analytical framework, indicators, statistical methodologies, and validation methodology.
• Pilot Testing: consultations with ETD stakeholders, user manuals, implementation guidelines, standard operating procedures, templates, analytical tools, and data collection instruments.
• Practical Implementation: demonstrate data collection, indicator calculations, occupation ranking, validation process, final OIHD list, lessons learnt, and recommendations.

Key deliverables:

• Final List of OIHD per ETD subsector
• Validated methodological framework
• OIHD analytical model
• Forecasting model
• Indicator framework
• Evidence triangulation model
• Annual implementation guide
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Framework Consultations Report

Project duration: 12 months from the last signature of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

The appointed service provider will work closely with the Research and Skills Planning Unit. Milestone meetings will be held regularly for progress monitoring.

The service provider must submit a detailed methodological approach covering:

• Research design explaining each project phase.
• Analytical methods, forecasting techniques, evidence triangulation, and validation processes.
• Quality assurance measures.
• Stakeholder engagement and implementation roadmap.
• Data collection plan considering all 14 ETDP SETA subsectors, with data sources, collection methods, validation, storage, analysis, and protection, including POPIA compliance.
• Skills transfer plan to build ETDP SETA capacity, including training sessions, workshops, mentoring, user manuals, implementation guidelines, standard operating procedures, templates, and practical demonstrations.
• Consultation plan engaging stakeholders in all nine provinces, with engagement strategy, schedule, communication methods, validation workshops, and feedback mechanisms.
• Risk and mitigation plan covering technical, operational, stakeholder, governance, scheduling, data, and resource risks, with mitigation measures, contingency plans, monitoring, and reporting.

Company experience (15 points):

• 4 or more samples of work with reference letters: 15 points
• 3 samples: 10 points
• 2 samples: 5 points
• Less than 2 samples: 0 points

Samples must demonstrate labour market intelligence studies, skills forecasting, occupational demand analysis, labour market modelling, skills planning research, human capital forecasting, workforce planning, or labour economics research.

Each sample must be accompanied by a reference letter confirming authorship, quoting the report title, with client contact details (phone and email), signed and dated. Reports without reference letters are not considered.

Project Manager (15 points):

• Master's degree or above: 10 points; below Master's: 0 points.
• 4+ years managing similar projects: 5 points; below 4 years: 0 points.
• Attach certified copies of qualifications and CV; foreign qualifications need SAQA confirmation.

The methodological framework must include a validation methodology and quality assurance measures.

Pilot testing must produce user manuals, implementation guidelines, standard operating procedures, templates, analytical tools, and data collection instruments.

The methodology must demonstrate a coherent, logical, and detailed research design with no significant weaknesses or omissions.

Costing model must not be modified; all line items in order:

• Final List of OIHD per ETD Subsector
• A validated Methodological Framework
• OIHD analytical model & Forecasting model
• Framework Pilot Report
• Sub-total
• VAT @ 15%
• Total costs VAT inclusive

All pricing in South African Rand. All project milestones with costing must be listed. The costing model must detail all possible activities and total cost per item.

Price must be final, include VAT, and be signed.

Pricing format: fixed, all-inclusive budget in South African Rand (ZAR). No additional fees will be considered.

Costing model (must not be modified; line items in order):

• Final List of OIHD per ETD Subsector
• A validated Methodological Framework
• OIHD analytical model & Forecasting model
• Framework Pilot Report
• Sub-total
• VAT @ 15%
• Total costs VAT inclusive

All project milestones with costing must be listed on the pricing schedule. The costing model must detail all possible activities and the total cost per item.

Payment: follows the agreed payment schedule in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

Bids must remain valid for 90 days.

Mandatory registrations:

• Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration – no award without it.
• SARS tax PIN for verification.
• CIPC registration – companies in the process of de-registration will not be considered.

B-BBEE requirements:

• To claim specific goals points, submit a valid certified B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency, or issued by CIPC, or a signed sworn affidavit.
• Failure to submit proof of B-BBEE status means no specific goals points are claimed.
• Joint ventures must submit a consolidated B-BBEE certificate prepared for this bid only, from a SANAS-accredited agency, and each partner must provide an accreditation certificate.

Disqualification:

• Blacklisted companies on the National Treasury database, or prohibited from doing business with public entities.
• Deregistered or blacklisted companies, including directors/owners/individuals linked to the company.
• Attempting to influence the adjudication process.

Intellectual property:

• ETDP SETA remains sole owner and custodian of all content and material developed. The service provider must hand over all material and may not share any information during or after the project. Permission is required to use ETDP SETA as a referral.

Project duration: 12 months from the last signature of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

ETDP SETA reserves the right to include a penalty fee if the training programme is not completed as per the service level agreement.

ETDP SETA does not bind itself to appoint the bidder with the highest points, reserves the right to negotiate the bidder's price, and may cancel the bid without awarding to any bidder.

The appointed service provider will work closely with the Research and Skills Planning Unit. Expertise required in: labour market intelligence, skills planning, occupational forecasting, labour economics, statistics, econometrics, data science, ETD sector research, and public sector research.

Payment follows the agreed schedule in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), denominated in ZAR. A detailed all-inclusive budget must be submitted; no additional fees will be considered.

Milestone meetings will be held regularly for progress monitoring.

ETDP SETA reserves the right to include a penalty fee if the training programme is not completed as per the service level agreement.

Evaluation is in three stages:

• Stage 1 – Administrative Compliance: all SBD forms (SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1), GCC, and SARS PIN must be fully completed and signed.
• Stage 2 – Functionality: minimum qualifying score 70/100. Bids below 70 are disqualified.
• Stage 3 – Price and Specific Goals: 80/20 preference point system (Price 80, Specific Goals 20).

Functionality criteria (total 100 points):

• Company experience (15)
• Project Team Structure (20)
• Project Manager Qualifications & Experience (15)
• Project Plan (40) – Methodological Approach, Data Collection Plan, Skills Transfer Plan, Consultation Plan, Risk & Mitigation Plan
• Timelines and Budget (10)

The appointed service provider must develop a methodological framework for identifying occupations in high demand (OIHD) within the education, training and development (ETD) sector.

Closing date: 28 October 2026

Closing time: 11:00

Bidding procedure enquiries:

• Contact: Mr Sibusiso Kutshwa
• Email: [email protected]

Technical enquiries:

• Contact: Mrs Siphesihle Nzima
• Email: [email protected]

Submission email: [email protected]

Bid box address: as stated in the bid document (street address not provided in the extracted text).

Submission method: email to [email protected], or courier to the bid box at the street address given in the bid document.

Closing time: 28 October 2026 at 11:00.

Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided (not re-typed).

Late bids will not be accepted.

Returnable forms and documents:

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): signed as the offer cover page, including supplier details, tax compliance PIN or CSD number, and B-BBEE status.
• SBD 7 (Contract Form): the successful bidder must complete and sign this.
• Proof of authority (e.g. company resolution) for the signatory.
• B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) to claim preference points.
• SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN or CSD number.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to provide or comply with any required particulars may render the bid invalid.
• Bids from persons in the service of the state, or companies/close corporations with directors/members in the service of the state, will not be considered.

Preference point system: PPPFA and Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2017 apply (80/20 or 90/10 system – not specified in this document).

B-BBEE points: awarded only if a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) is submitted.

Tax compliance: bidders must be tax compliant and provide a SARS PIN or CSD number.

No minimum qualifying score is stated.

The service provider will develop a methodological framework for the identification of occupations in high demand (OIHD) in the education, training and development (ETD) sector.

Scope: design a methodology to identify which occupations are in high demand within the ETD sector.

Deliverables: a framework document that can be used to guide the identification of OIHD.

No further technical details (quantities, standards, or service levels) are provided in the available document.

Tax compliance:

• Bidders must be tax compliant and submit a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN.
• If no TCS PIN is available, provide a CSD number (if registered on the Central Supplier Database).
• A printed TCS certificate may be submitted with the bid.
• For consortia/JVs/sub-contractors, each party must submit a separate TCS PIN/certificate/CSD number.
• TCS PIN can be obtained via e-filing at www.sars.gov.za.

B-bbee:

• A B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) must be submitted to qualify for preference points.

State employment:

• Bids from persons in the service of the state, or companies/close corporations with directors/members in the service of the state, will not be considered.

Foreign suppliers:

• Foreign suppliers must complete the questionnaire in SBD 1 regarding residency, branch, permanent establishment, source of income, and tax liability in South Africa.

A B-BBEE status level verification certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) must be submitted in order to qualify for preference points for B-BBEE.

Bids must be delivered by the stipulated time to the correct address; late bids will not be accepted. All bids must be submitted on the official forms provided. The successful bidder will be required to fill in and sign a written contract form (SBD7). Bidders must ensure compliance with tax obligations and submit a SARS PIN or CSD number. No bids will be considered from persons in the service of the state or companies with directors who are persons in the service of the state.

Bidding procedure enquiries: Mr Sibusiso Kutshwa, email [email protected]. Technical enquiries: Mrs Siphesihle Nzima, email [email protected]. Bids may be couriered to the bid box or sent via email to [email protected].

Returnable documents:

• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure): declares whether the bidder or any director, trustee, shareholder, member, partner, or controlling-interest holder is employed by the state; discloses any relationship with a person employed by the procuring institution; discloses any interest in a related enterprise; certifies that the bid was prepared independently, without collusion or disclosure to competitors, and that the bidder had no role in drafting the specifications. A false declaration leads to disqualification.

Disqualification risks:

• Being listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Submitting a declaration found to be false or incomplete.

No evaluation criteria beyond the mandatory SBD 4 disclosure are stated in the available document.

Closing date: 28 October 2026 at 11:00 (from tender record). No other dates are stated in the document.

Returnable documents: the completed and signed Sworn Affidavit – B-BBEE Exempted Micro Enterprise – General must be submitted with the quotation. No other returnable forms are specified in the document.

Eligibility: bidders must be a B-BBEE Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) with annual total revenue of R10,000,000.00 or less. The bidder must complete and submit the Sworn Affidavit – B-BBEE Exempted Micro Enterprise – General, which includes declarations of black ownership, black female ownership, and black designated group ownership percentages. The affidavit must be signed by a commissioner of oaths and is valid for 12 months from the date signed.

Annual total revenue must be R10,000,000.00 or less to qualify as an EME. No other financial requirements are stated.

B-BBEE: bidders must be an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) with annual total revenue of R10,000,000.00 or less. The Sworn Affidavit – B-BBEE Exempted Micro Enterprise – General must be completed, signed by a commissioner of oaths, and is valid for 12 months from the date signed. The affidavit must declare the enterprise's black ownership, black female ownership, and black designated group ownership percentages, and confirm the applicable B-BBEE level (Level One for 100% black owned, Level Two for at least 51% black owned, or Level Four for less than 51% black owned).