Public relations and strategic corporate communication services for the national lotteries commission (12-Month ad-hoc contract)

The National Lotteries Commission was established under the Lotteries Act No. ,

as amended (Lotteries Act), to regulate the National Lottery and other lotteries and societies.

The NLC aims to ensure that funds raised through the National Lottery are distributed

equitably and expeditiously across South Africa to advance the social upliftment of

communities in need, addressing poverty and reducing inequalities in line with the National

Development Plan.

The Commission is required to apply principles of openness and transparency in the

exercise of its functions assigned to it in terms of the Lotteries Act No .

The National Lotteries Commission is undergoing institutional reform, having entered a new

phase of leadership renewal, strategic repositioning, and organisational modernisation.

Following the leadership transition, the NLC has prioritised the restoration of credibility and

trust among its stakeholders.

This transformation journey is underpinned by return to core mandates, regulation and grant

funding together with concerted efforts to rebuild public confidence, restore governance

standards, and entrench a culture of integrity and ethical conduct. The organisation has

adopted a zero-tolerance stance on fraud, maladministration, and reputational misconduct.

As a result, the NLC recognises the critical importance of a robust public relations and

strategic corporate communication programme to manage its public image, engage

proactively with stakeholders, and prevent the spread of misinformation or

misrepresentation of its work. The media remains a powerful channel in shaping narratives

about the NLC’s role and progress. Therefore, strategic communication efforts must ensure

accurate, timely, and consistent messaging that supports the Commission’s ongoing

modernisation and repositioning efforts.

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In terms of Section 51(1)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), the NLC is

obligated to maintain effective, efficient, and transparent systems of financial and risk

management. This also extends to its reputation management and stakeholder

communications. To this end, the Commission seeks to appoint a suitably qualified service

provider to render professional Public Relations Management and Strategic Corporate

Communication services for a period of 12 months.

3. Objectives

The objective of this RFQ is to appoint a service provider who will:

• Restore and maintain a positive reputation for the NLC.

• Build trust with stakeholders through transparent, effective, and proactive

communication.

• Establish clear messaging that reflects progress in the transformation process and

organisational values.

• Enable responsible media engagement and crisis communication readiness.

• Ensure internal stakeholders are well-informed and aligned with organisational change.

The appointed service provider will support the execution of the NLC’s strategy across Public

Relations and Crisis Management in alignment with the organisation’s activities.

4.1 Crisis Communication Management

Key Deliverables:

• Develop and implement a 12-month Crisis Communication Management plan

aligned with the NLC’s strategic objectives and turnaround goals and these

should include holding statements for identified issues.

• Prepare a 12-month Media Engagement strategy with a clear action plan which

covers all NLC programmes, including media interviews and at least two

newsroom visits (which cover NLC strategic focus) per quarter.

• Develop Talking points/messaging for NLC Board members and Executives for

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Parliamentary engagements.

• Provide advice and coaching to Board members and executives on

messaging/handling sensitive issues prior to public engagements such as

Parliamentary engagements and media events.

• Manage and grow the NLC’s media relationships through both proactive and

reactive engagement.

• Draft, edit, and distribute – two opinion piece/thought leadership articles

per quarter,

• Plan, coordinate and manage 4x media briefings/Press conference
• Write speeches, and talking points for NLC Board chairperson and executives

during public engagements/events

• Issue at least two media statements per month aligned with the NLC’s

monthly programmes, crisis events, or stakeholder activities.

• Provide media handling training per semester for Board members, executive

managers and other senior managers.

4.3 Reporting and Communication – to the Commissioner and Stakeholder

Management, Marketing and Communications department

• Progress and Evaluation Reports: Submit monthly report and quarterly reports

as per deliverables.

• Media Responses: Ensure timely responses to media queries, aligned with the

urgency and nature of the matter.

4.4. Required Competencies and Experience

• Proven experience in high-level PR and strategic communication.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis communication.
• Strong media relations and network across platforms.
• The ability to deliver multilingual content is an advantage.
• Experience working with regulatory or public sector institutions is preferred.

5. Duration of the project

The duration of the assignment is twelve (12) months from the date of signing the service level

agreement (SLA) on an ad hoc basis. The successful bidder will be expected to commence work

from the date of appointment until the last item has been delivered, as per the delivery dates to

be communicated with the appointed bidder on an as and when required basis.

6. Section 2: notice to bidders

6.1. Terms and Conditions of Request for Quotation (RFQ)

6.1.1. This document may contain confidential information that is the property of the NLC.

6.1.2. No part of the contents may be used, copied, disclosed, or conveyed in whole or in

part to any party in any manner whatsoever other than for preparing a proposal in

response to this RFQ without prior written permission from the NLC.

6.1.3. All copyright and intellectual property herein vests with the NLC.

6.1.4. Late and incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

6.1.5. No services must be rendered or goods delivered before an official NLC Purchase

Order form has been received.

6.1.6. This RFQ will be evaluated in terms of the 80/20 preference point system.

6.1.7. Suppliers are required to register on the Central Supplier Database at

www.csd.gov.za.

6.1.8. Suppliers must provide their CSD registration number (and attach a CSD

Registration report) and ensure that their tax matters are compliant.

6.1.9. All questions regarding this RFQ must be forwarded to [email protected].

6.1.10. Any supplier who has reasons to believe that the RFQ specification is based

on a specific brand must inform the NLC via the email address in 1.9 as listed

above

6.2. General rules and instructions

6.2.1. News and press releases

6.2.1.1. Bidders or their agents shall not make any news releases concerning

this RFQ or the awarding of the same or any resulting agreement(s)

without the consent of, and then only in coordination with, the NLC.

6.2.2. Precedence of documents

6.2.2.1. This RFQ consists of several sections. Where there is a contradiction in

terms between the clauses, phrases, words, stipulations, or terms and

herein referred to generally as stipulations in this RFQ and the

stipulations in any other document attached hereto, or the RFQ

submitted hereto, the relevant stipulations in this RFQ shall take

precedence.

6.2.2.2. Where this RFQ is silent on any matter, the relevant stipulations

addressing such matter, and which appear in section 217 of the

constitution of the republic, shall take precedence. Bidders shall refrain

from incorporating any additional stipulations in their proposal submitted

in terms hereof other than in the form of a clearly marked

recommendation that the NLC may, in its sole discretion, elect to import

or to ignore. Any such inclusion shall not be used for any purpose of

interpretation unless it has been so imported or acknowledged by the

NLC.

6.2.2.3. It remains the exclusive domain and election of the NLC as to which of

these stipulations are applicable and to what extent. Bidders hereby

acknowledge that the decision of the commission in this regard is final

and binding. The onus to enquire and obtain clarity in this regard rests

with the Bidder(s). The Bidder(s) shall take care to restrict their

enquiries in this regard to the most reasonable interpretations required

to ensure the necessary consensus.

6.2.3. Preferential procurement reform

6.2.3.1. The commission supports B-BBEE as an essential ingredient of its

business. In accordance with government policy, the NLC insists that

the private sector demonstrates its commitment and track record to B-

BBEE in the areas of ownership (shareholding), skills transfer,

employment equity and procurement practices (SMME Development),

etc.

6.2.4. National Industrial Participation Programme

6.2.4.1. The Industrial Participation policy, which was endorsed by the Cabinet

on 30 April 1997, applies to contracts that have imported content. The

NIP is obligatory and therefore must be complied with. Bidders are

required to sign and submit the Standard Bidding Document (SBD).

6.2.5. Language

6.2.5.1. Bids shall be submitted in English.

6.2.6. Gender

6.2.6.1. Any word implying any gender shall be interpreted to imply all other genders.

6.2.7. Headings

6.2.7.1. Headings are incorporated into this RFQ document and submitted in

response thereto, for ease of reference only and shall not form thereof

for any purpose of interpretation or any other purpose.

6.2.8. Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act

6.2.8.1. The Bidder warrants that all its employees (including the employees of

any subcontractor that may be appointed) are covered in terms of the

Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act

and that the cover shall remain in force for the duration of the

adjudication of this RFQ and/ or subsequent agreement. The

commission reserves the right to request the Bidder to submit

documentary proof of the Bidder’s registration and “good standing” with

the Compensation Fund, or similar proof acceptable to the commission.

6.2.9. Processing of the Bidder’s Personal Information

6.2.9.1. All Personal Information of the Bidder, its employees, representatives,

associates and sub-contractors (“Bidder Personal Information”)

required under this RFQ is collected and processed for the purpose of

assessing the content of its tender proposal and awarding the bid. The

Bidder is advised that Bidder Personal Information may be passed on

to third parties to whom the commission is compelled by law to provide

such information. For example, where appropriate, the commission is

compelled to submit information to the National Treasury’s Database of

Restricted Suppliers.

6.2.9.2. All Personal Information collected will be processed in accordance with

POPIA and with the Commission's Data Privacy Policy.

6.2.9.3. The following persons will have access to the Personal Information

collected:

6.2.9.3.1. The commission personnel participating in

procurement/award procedures.

6.2.9.3.2. Members of the public: within seven working days from the

time the bid is awarded, the following information will have to

be made available on the National Treasury’s e-Tender

portal.

6.2.9.3.3. contract description and bid number.

6.2.9.3.4. names of the successful bidder(s) and preference points

claimed.

6.2.9.3.5. the contract price(s) (if possible).

6.2.9.3.6. contract period.

6.2.9.3.7. names of directors, and

6.2.9.3.8. date of completion/award.

6.2.10. The commission will ensure that the rights of the Bidder and of its employees and

representatives (i.e., the right of access and the right to rectify) are effectively

guaranteed in accordance with the procedures as specified in the commission’s

PAIA manual.

6.2.11. In signing this document, the Bidder consents to the use of its Personal

Information for the purposes as specified in section 2.9.1 above.

7. Supplier Performance

7.1. The National Lotteries Commission conducts regular performance reviews in accordance

with the requirements for the classification of the contract and or stakeholder by making

use of supplier evaluation forms. The evaluation is conducted against the deliverables or

scope of the contract, with a minimum of an annual review done for contracts longer than

a year and a review at completion of the contract for those contracts less than a year.

7.2. Ad-hoc performance reviews shall be conducted where non-performance is identified

outside the review period.

7.3. Non-performance will be addressed with at least a formal letter advising on specific areas

and stating remedial action/s required within specific time frames. Non-adherence to

remedial actions shall lead to escalating performance management actions.

7.4. Any party to this agreement may request to participate in a joint performance review

where appropriate and seek continuous improvement opportunities.

8. Formal Briefing Session

There would be no briefing session.

9. Validity Period

9.1. The Commission requires a validity period of 120 Days against this RFQ.

9.2. Bidders are to note that they may be requested to extend the validity period of their bids,

on the same terms and conditions, if the internal evaluation process are not finalized within

the validity period.

10. National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database

10.1. Bidders are required to self-register on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database

(CSD), which has been established to centrally administer supplier information for all

organs of state and facilitate the verification of certain key supplier information.

10.2. The Commission may not award business to a bidder who has failed to register on the CSD.

10.3. Only foreign suppliers with no local registered entity need not register on the CSD.

10.4. The CSD can be accessed at https://secure.csd.gov.za/

11. Confidentiality

11.1. Bids submitted for this Request for Proposals will not be revealed to any other bidders

and will be treated as contractually binding.

11.2. The Commission reserves all the rights afforded to it by POPIA in the processing of any

of its information as contained in RFQ.

11.3. The Bidder acknowledges that it will obtain and have access to personal information the

NLC and agrees that it shall only process the information disclosed by the NLC in terms

of this bid award and only for the purposes as detailed in this RFQ and in accordance with

any applicable law.

11.4. The Bidder shall notify the NLC in writing of any unauthorized access to personal

information and the information of a third party, through cybercrimes or suspected

cybercrimes, in its knowledge and report such crimes or suspected crimes to the

relevant authorities in accordance with applicable laws, after becoming aware of such.

12. Communication

12.1. Specific queries relating to this RFQ should be submitted [email protected],

before the closing date.

12.2. In the interest of fairness and transparency the NL C’s response to such a query may

be made available to other bidders.

12.3. It is prohibited for bidders to attempt, either directly or indirectly, to canvass any officer or

employee of the NLC in respect of this RFQ between the closing date and the date of the

award of the business.

12.4. Bidders found to be in collusion with one another will be automatically disqualified and

restricted from doing business with organs of the state for a specified period.

13. Section 3: evaluation criteria

The six (6) phases evaluation criteria will be considered in evaluating the proposals, being:

Stage 1: closing tender and opening

13.1. Tender closing details

The closing is 09 June 2026 @ 11:00 Standard South African Time. late tenders will not

be accepted.

13.2. Bid Formats

13.2.1. Bid submissions must be submitted in a PDF format that is protected from any

modifications, deletions, or additions.

13.2.2. Financial/pricing information must be presented in a separate folder from the

Technical/Functional Response information.

13.2.3. Tender submissions received after the submission date and time will be declared

late and will not be accepted for consideration by the NLC.

13.2.4. The NLC will not be responsible for any failure or delay in the submission or receipt

of the bid, including but not limited to:

• Traffic.

• Struggling to find parking.

• The courier is arriving late

Stage 2: administrative compliance

All bid respondents must submit the relevant documents that comply with administrative

compliance, which will include the following:

Supporting

Document

Whether all Returnable Documents and/or

schedules [where applicable] were Bid Proposal, SBD 1,

completed and returned by the closing date SBD 6.1

and time

Company resolution as

Whether the bid document has been duly

proof of authorised

signed by the authorised bidder official

individuals’ delegation

B-BBEE Certificate or

B-BBEE Certificate or B-BBEE Sworn

Sworn Affidavit –

Affidavit in the case of Exempted Micro

B-bbee eme mac

Enterprise (EME). In the case of a Joint

Marketing, Advertising,

Venture a consolidated B-BBEE Certificate /

and Communications

Affidavit must be submitted.

Research Industry

Proof of Central

Whether Bidders have failed to register on

Supplier Database

the CSD. Only foreign suppliers with no local

(CSD) registration

registered entity need not register on the

reflecting Tax compliant

Csd

status

Stage 3: mandatory compliance

All bid respondents must submit mandatory documents that comply with all the requirements of

the bid. Quotations/proposals that do not fully comply with the mandatory requirements will be

disqualified and will not be considered for further evaluation. The Mandatory Compliance

Evaluation will include the following:

Evaluation Criteria Supporting Document

Signed and completed SBD4 Signed Returnable Bidding Document

Bidders must be affiliated with: Industry Affiliations

PRISA – Public Relations Institute of

Bidders must demonstrate affiliation with at least one

Southern Africa.

recognised South African professional

Valid certified certificate of affiliation with

body relevant to the Public Relations and

PRISA must be submitted

communications industry. Copies of valid affiliation

certificates acceptable for:

Fully completed Pricing Schedule with Bidder must submit price proposal according to the NLC

proposed fees. Pricing Schedule

See Annexure B

Note: Only bidders who comply with this stage’s requirements will proceed to stage 4.

Failure to comply with the above mandatory requirements will render your submission

non-responsive and unacceptable

Stage 4: technical evaluation

The following rating scale will be used to evaluate proposals:

The evaluation for the Technical and Functional threshold will include the following:

A rating scale of 0 – 5 is to be applied. Ensure that the proposal clearly designates who

the proposed team will be for scoring purposes below.

Criteria requirements score (0–5) weight

Section 1: company experience and reference letters

The bidder must demonstrate

• Five (5) points – Five

experience in public relations (5) years or more

and strategic communication experience

projects undertaken for large

• Four (4) points – Four

and reputable organisations (4) years or more but

within the past five (5) years from less than five (5) years

the closing date of the RFQ. experience

• Three (3) points –

Large and reputable Three (3) years or more

organisations are: but less than four (4)

• Public sector entities, years experience

Company

including local and

• Two (2) points – Two 15%

• Five (5) points – Very

clear: A detailed and

The bidder must submit a

well-structured plan and

detailed project plan and

methodology that

methodology that clearly

clearly outlines all

explains:

activities, timelines,

milestones,

• What activities will be

deliverables, and

undertaken

responsible persons,

• How the work will be carried

Methodology with a strong

out

and Project understanding of the 15%

• When each activity will take

Plan project requirements

place (timelines)

• Four (4) points –
• Key milestones and

Clear: A good plan and

deliverables

methodology with clear

• Roles and responsibilities for

activities, timelines, and

each task

responsibilities, with

• Understanding of the scope

only minor gaps

of work

• Three (3) points –

Basic: An acceptable

plan and methodology,

but lacking detail in

timelines,

responsibilities, or

understanding of the

work

• Two (2) points – Poor:

A weak plan and

methodology with

vague activities, unclear

timelines, and limited

detail

• One (1) point – Very

poor: An unclear or

incomplete plan and

methodology with major

gaps in structure and

planning

• Zero (0) points – No

submission provided

Minimum qualifying technical score 75

Total points 100

Bidders must score minimum of 75 technical points to be considered for the next evaluation on

price and specific goals.

Note to Bidders:

Bidders may be requested, at the behest of the NLC, to submit via courier services to the

SCM unit of the NLC, within a minimum of 3 working days from date of request hard copy

certified qualifications, memberships certificates, etc., which may have been requested

for functionality assessment. Failure to submit the information within the requested

period may render the bidder non-responsive.

Stage 5: pricing and specific goals

Pricing Schedule: Please refer to Annexure A: The evaluation for Pricing and Specific

Goals will include the following:

Evaluation Criteria Final Weighted Scores

Price 80

The following formula will be used to calculate the points

out of 80 for price in respect of a tender with a Rand value

equal to or above R30 000 and up to a Rand value of R50

million, inclusive of all applicable taxes:

Where:

Ps = Score for the Bid under consideration Pt

= Price of Bid under consideration P min

= Price of lowest acceptable Bid

Specific goals 20

In terms of Regulation 4(2); 5(2); 6(2) and 7(2) of the

Preferential Procurement Regulations, preference

points must be awarded for specific goals.

Total score: 100

A maximum of 20 points to be awarded to a tenderer for the specific goals specified for this bid is as

follows: -

The points scored for the specific goal must be added to the points scored for price and the total

must be rounded off to the nearest two decimal places. The final appointment to be awarded to the

bidder scoring the highest points.

Maximum

Sub - points for points for

Specific Goals Relevant Evidence

specific goals specific

goals

Copies of ID’s/ CIPC Report CSD

1. Procurement from entities who are black Owned

Recent Report

Tenderer who have 100% black

Ownership

Tenderer who have 51% to 99%

black ownership 8

Tenderer who have less than 51%

black ownership

B-BBEE Certificate or Sworn

Affidavit – B-BBEE EME MAC

Marketing, Advertising, and2. Procurement from entities who are women Owned

Communications Research

Industry

Tenderer who have 100% women

ownership

Tenderer who have 30% to 99%

2women ownership 4

Tenderer who have less than 30%

women ownership

Tenderer who have 100% black

youth ownership

Tenderer who have 30% to 99%

2 4

black youth ownership

Tenderer who have less than 30%

black youth ownership

Letter from the Doctor not older

than 1 year from closing of the

4.Procurement from Disabilities

RFQ confirming disability and

CSD report

Tenderer who have 20% or more

4 4

owners with disability

Maximum

Sub - points for points for

Specific Goals Relevant Evidence

specific goals specific

goals

Tenderer who have less than 20%

but more than 10% owners with 2

disability

Tenderer who have less than 10%

owners with disability

Total points for specific goals 20

Stage 6: due diligence, contract and award

The NLC reserves the right to conduct supplier due diligence before final award or at any time during

the contract period. This may include site visits and requests for additional information.

The stage is for negotiation after receipt of formal tenders and before the conclusion of contracts with

suppliers/contractors submitting the lowest acceptable tender with a view to obtaining an

improvement in price, delivery or content, in circumstances which do not put other tenderers at a

disadvantage or affect adversely their confidence or trust in the competitive system. Bidders may be

requested to provide their best and final offers based on contract negotiation.

Sbd1

You are hereby invited to bid for requirements

Bid number: RFQ issu clos closin 11h00

E i ng g time:

Date date

:

Descriptio

N

Bid response documents may be deposited in the bid box situated at (street

Address)

Bidding procedure enquiries technical enquiries may be

May bedirectedto directed to:

Contactperson SCM contact person SCM

Telephonenumber 012 432 1309 telephone 012 432 1414

Number

N/afacsimilenumber facsimile number

E-mail address e-mail address

Supplier information

Name of bidder

Postal address

Street address

Telephonenumber code number

Cellphonenumber

Facsimilenumber code number

E-mail address

VAT

Registration

Number

Tax compliance centra l suppliersupplier compliance o

System pin:status r database number:

Maaa

B-bbee [tick applicable box] b-bbee [tick ap

STATUSLEVE STATUS Yes No PLICABLEBOX]

L levelsworn

Yes NoVERIFICATIO AFFIDAVIT

N

Pt−P min

Ps = 80 (1 − )

P min

Where

Ps = Points scored for price of tender under consideration

Pt = Price of tender under consideration

Pmin = Price of lowest acceptable tender

Points awarded for specific goals

In terms of Regulation 4(2); 5(2); 6(2) and 7(2) of the Preferential Procurement

Regulations, preference points must be awarded for specific goals stated in the

tender. For the purposes of this tender the tenderer will be allocated points based on

the goals stated in table 1 below as may be supported by proof/ documentation stated

in the conditions of this tender:

In cases where organs of state intend to use Regulation 3(2) of the Regulations,

whichstates that, if it is unclear whether the 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system

applies,an organ of state must, in the tender documents, stipulate in the case of—

(a) an invitation for tender for income-generating contracts, that either the 80/20 or

90/10 preference point system will apply and that the highest acceptable tender

will be used to determine the applicable preference point system; or

(b) any other invitation for tender, that either the 80/20 or 90/10 preference point

system will apply and that the lowest acceptable tender will be used to determine

the applicable preference point system, then the organ of state must indicate the

points allocated for specific goals for the 80/20 preference point system.

Table 1: Specific goals for the tender and points claimed are indicated per the table

below.

(Note to organs of state: Where the 80/20 preference point system is applicable,

corresponding points must also be indicated as such. Note to tenderers: The tenderer

must indicate how they claim points for eachpreference point system.) Please

complete this table for claiming of points.

Number of

points

Sub - Maximum claimed

points for points for Relevant (80/20

The duration of the assignment is twelve (12) months from the date of signing the service level

agreement (SLA) on an ad hoc basis. The successful bidder will be expected to commence work

from the date of appointment until the last item has been delivered, as per the delivery dates to

be communicated with the appointed bidder on an as and when required basis.

6. Section 2: notice to bidders

6.1. Terms and Conditions of Request for Quotation (RFQ)

6.1.1. This document may contain confidential information that is the property of the NLC.

6.1.2. No part of the contents may be used, copied, disclosed, or conveyed in whole or in

part to any party in any manner whatsoever other than for preparing a proposal in

response to this RFQ without prior written permission from the NLC.

6.1.3. All copyright and intellectual property herein vests with the NLC.

6.1.4. Late and incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

6.1.5. No services must be rendered or goods delivered before an official NLC Purchase

6.2.9.3. The following persons will have access to the Personal Information

collected:

6.2.9.3.1. The commission personnel participating in

procurement/award procedures.

6.2.9.3.2. Members of the public: within seven working days from the

time the bid is awarded, the following information will have to

be made available on the National Treasury’s e-Tender

portal.

6.2.9.3.3. contract description and bid number.

6.2.9.3.4. names of the successful bidder(s) and preference points

claimed.

6.2.9.3.5. the contract price(s) (if possible).

6.2.9.3.6. contract period.

6.2.9.3.7. names of directors, and

6.2.9.3.8. date of completion/award.

6.2.10. The commission will ensure that the rights of the Bidder and of its employees and

representatives (i.e., the right of access and the right to rectify) are effectively

guaranteed in accordance with the procedures as specified in the commission’s

6.1.6. This RFQ will be evaluated in terms of the 80/20 preference point system.

6.1.7. Suppliers are required to register on the Central Supplier Database at

www.csd.gov.za.

6.1.8. Suppliers must provide their CSD registration number (and attach a CSD

Registration report) and ensure that their tax matters are compliant.

6.1.9. All questions regarding this RFQ must be forwarded to [email protected].

6.1.10. Any supplier who has reasons to believe that the RFQ specification is based

on a specific brand must inform the NLC via the email address in 1.9 as listed

above

6.2. General rules and instructions

6.2.1. News and press releases

6.2.1.1. Bidders or their agents shall not make any news releases concerning

this RFQ or the awarding of the same or any resulting agreement(s)

without the consent of, and then only in coordination with, the NLC.

6.2.2. Precedence of documents

6.2.2.1. This RFQ consists of several sections. Where there is a contradiction in

terms between the clauses, phrases, words, stipulations, or terms and

herein referred to generally as stipulations in this RFQ and the

stipulations in any other document attached hereto, or the RFQ

submitted hereto, the relevant stipulations in this RFQ shall take

precedence.

6.2.2.2. Where this RFQ is silent on any matter, the relevant stipulations

addressing such matter, and which appear in section 217 of the

constitution of the republic, shall take precedence. Bidders shall refrain

from incorporating any additional stipulations in their proposal submitted

in terms hereof other than in the form of a clearly marked

recommendation that the NLC may, in its sole discretion, elect to import

or to ignore. Any such inclusion shall not be used for any purpose of

interpretation unless it has been so imported or acknowledged by the

9.1. The Commission requires a validity period of 120 Days against this RFQ.

9.2. Bidders are to note that they may be requested to extend the validity period of their bids,

on the same terms and conditions, if the internal evaluation process are not finalized within

the validity period.

10. National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database

10.1. Bidders are required to self-register on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database

(CSD), which has been established to centrally administer supplier information for all

organs of state and facilitate the verification of certain key supplier information.

10.2. The Commission may not award business to a bidder who has failed to register on the CSD.

10.3. Only foreign suppliers with no local registered entity need not register on the CSD.

10.4. The CSD can be accessed at https://secure.csd.gov.za/

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION FURNISHED IN PARAGRAPHS 1, 2 and 3

• Zero (0) points – No

relevant qualification

Section 3: project plan and methodology

Scoring:

• Five (5) points – Very

clear: A detailed and

well-structured plan and

detailed project plan and

methodology that

methodology that clearly

clearly outlines all

explains:

activities, timelines,

milestones,

• What activities will be

deliverables, and

undertaken

responsible persons,

• How the work will be carried

place (timelines)

• Four (4) points –
• Key milestones and

Clear: A good plan and

deliverables

methodology with clear

• Roles and responsibilities for

activities, timelines, and

each task

responsibilities, with

• Understanding of the scope

only minor gaps

of work

• Three (3) points –

Basic: An acceptable

plan and methodology,

but lacking detail in

timelines,

responsibilities, or

understanding of the

work

• Two (2) points – Poor:

methodology with

vague activities, unclear

timelines, and limited

detail

• One (1) point – Very

poor: An unclear or

incomplete plan and

methodology with major

gaps in structure and

planning

• Zero (0) points – No

submission provided

Minimum qualifying technical score 75

Total points 100

Bidders must score minimum of 75 technical points to be considered for the next evaluation on

price and specific goals.

provincial government, (2) years or more but

national departments, less than three (3)

and state-owned years experience

entities,

• One (1) point – One (1)
• Private sector year or more but less

organisations which are than two (2) years

large and reputable experience

• Zero (0) points – Less

Important: than one (1) year

• All experience must be experience or no proof

clearly shown in the provided

• The same experience

must be supported by

reference letters

• Only public relations

and strategic

communication projects

will be considered

• If this is not clearly

demonstrated in both

documents, a score of

zero (0) will be allocated

Bidders must submit reference

letters from large and

• Five (5) points – Five

reputable organisations, as

(5) valid reference

indicated above.

letters submitted

Each reference letter must:

• Four (4) points Four
• Be on company letterhead

(4) valid reference

• Be signed and dated

letters submitted

• Include email and phone
• Three (3) points Three

number

(3) valid reference

• Clearly confirm public

letters submitted

Reference relations and strategic

• Two (2) points – Two 30%

Letters communication work done

(2) valid reference

letters submitted

Important:

• One (1) point – One (1)
• The organisations in the

valid reference letter

reference letters must meet

submitted

the definition of large and

• Zero (0) points – No

reputable organisations

valid reference letters

above

submitted, or letters do

• The work stated in the

not meet the

reference letters must match

• Four (4) points Four

(4) years or more but

The Project Manager must

less than five (5) years

demonstrate experience within

public relations and strategic

• Three (3) points Three

communication projects.

(3) years or more but

less than four (4) years

This experience must reflect

Project experience

work undertaken in public

Manager –

• Two (2) points – Two 10%

relations and strategic

Experience (2) years or more but

communication projects for large

less than three (3)

and reputable organisations

years experience

(as indicated above on section

• One (1) point – One (1)

1 of this Evaluation Criteria)

year or more but less

within the past five (5) years.

than two (2) years

• Zero (0) points – Less

than one (1) year

experience or no proof

provided

• (5) points – Honours
• Four (4) points –

Qualification in:

Bachelor degree

Public Relations, Corporate

Project

• Three (3) points –

Communications, Media

Manager – National Diploma 10%

Studies, Communication

Qualifications

• Two (2) points –

Science, Communications,

Higher certificate

and Journalism

• Zero (0) points – No

relevant qualification

• Five (5) points – Five

(5) years or more

The Team Leader must

• Four (4) points-Four

demonstrate hands-on

(4) years or more but

experience within public relations

less than five (5) years

and strategic communication

work.

• Three (3) points –

Three (3) years or more

This experience must reflect

but less than four (4)

work undertaken in public

years experience

Team Leader relations and strategic

• Two (2) points – Two 10%

– Experience communication projects for large

(2) years or more but

and reputable organisations

less than three (3)

large and reputable

years experience

organisations (as indicated

• One (1) point – One (1)

above on section 1 of this

year or more but less

Evaluation Criteria) within the

than two (2) years

past five (5) years from closing

date of the RFQ..

• Zero (0) points – Less

than one (1) year

experience or no proof

provided

Team Leader Qualification in

• Five (5) points –

– Communications, Corporate 10%

Honours degree

Qualifications Communications, Public

Relations, Media Studies,

• Four (4) points –

Communication Science, and Bachelor’s degree

Journalism

• Three (3) points –

National Diploma

• Two (2) points –

Higher Certificate

• Zero (0) points – No

relevant qualification

Section 3: project plan and methodology

• Progress and Evaluation Reports: Submit monthly report and quarterly reports

as per deliverables.

• Media Responses: Ensure timely responses to media queries, aligned with the

urgency and nature of the matter.

4.4. Required Competencies and Experience

• Proven experience in high-level PR and strategic communication.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis communication.
• Strong media relations and network across platforms.
• The ability to deliver multilingual content is an advantage.
• Experience working with regulatory or public sector institutions is preferred.

6.2.2.3. It remains the exclusive domain and election of the NLC as to which of

these stipulations are applicable and to what extent. Bidders hereby

acknowledge that the decision of the commission in this regard is final

and binding. The onus to enquire and obtain clarity in this regard rests

with the Bidder(s). The Bidder(s) shall take care to restrict their

enquiries in this regard to the most reasonable interpretations required

to ensure the necessary consensus.

6.2.3. Preferential procurement reform

6.2.3.1. The commission supports B-BBEE as an essential ingredient of its

business. In accordance with government policy, the NLC insists that

the private sector demonstrates its commitment and track record to B-

BBEE in the areas of ownership (shareholding), skills transfer,

employment equity and procurement practices (SMME Development),

etc.

6.2.4. National Industrial Participation Programme

6.2.4.1. The Industrial Participation policy, which was endorsed by the Cabinet

on 30 April 1997, applies to contracts that have imported content. The

A rating scale of 0 – 5 is to be applied. Ensure that the proposal clearly designates who

the proposed team will be for scoring purposes below.

Criteria requirements score (0–5) weight

Section 1: company experience and reference letters

The bidder must demonstrate

• Five (5) points – Five

experience in public relations (5) years or more

and strategic communication experience

projects undertaken for large

• Four (4) points – Four

and reputable organisations (4) years or more but

within the past five (5) years from less than five (5) years

the closing date of the RFQ. experience

• Three (3) points –

Large and reputable Three (3) years or more

organisations are: but less than four (4)

• Public sector entities, years experience

including local and

• Two (2) points – Two 15%

Experience

provincial government, (2) years or more but

national departments, less than three (3)

and state-owned years experience

entities,

• One (1) point – One (1)
• Private sector year or more but less

organisations which are than two (2) years

large and reputable experience

• Zero (0) points – Less

Important: than one (1) year

• All experience must be experience or no proof

clearly shown in the provided

company profile

• The same experience

must be supported by

reference letters

• Only public relations

and strategic

communication projects

will be considered

• If this is not clearly

demonstrated in both

documents, a score of

zero (0) will be allocated

• One (1) point – One (1)
• The organisations in the

valid reference letter

reference letters must meet

submitted

the definition of large and

• Zero (0) points – No

reputable organisations

valid reference letters

above

submitted, or letters do

• The work stated in the

not meet the

reference letters must match

requirements

the company profile

• If the organisation does not

meet the definition, or the

information does not match,

the letter will not be counted

Section 2: project manager and team leader experience

the execution and oversight of the project. A clear organisational structure (organogram)

must be submitted, indicating reporting lines and roles within the project team to

demonstrate accountability, coordination, and effective project governance.

• Five (5) points – Five

(5) years or more

experience

• Four (4) points Four

(4) years or more but

less than five (5) years

demonstrate experience within

experience

public relations and strategic

• Three (3) points Three

communication projects.

(3) years or more but

less than four (4) years

work undertaken in public

Manager –

• Two (2) points – Two 10%

relations and strategic

Experience (2) years or more but

communication projects for large

less than three (3)

and reputable organisations

years experience

(as indicated above on section

• One (1) point – One (1)

1 of this Evaluation Criteria)

year or more but less

within the past five (5) years.

than two (2) years

experience

• Zero (0) points – Less

than one (1) year

experience or no proof

provided

• (5) points – Honours
• Four (4) points –

Qualifications

• Two (2) points –

and Journalism

• Zero (0) points – No

relevant qualification

• Five (5) points – Five

(5) years or more

experience

• Four (4) points-Four

demonstrate hands-on

(4) years or more but

experience within public relations

less than five (5) years

and strategic communication

experience

work.

• Three (3) points –

Three (3) years or more

but less than four (4)

work undertaken in public

years experience

• Two (2) points – Two 10%

– Experience communication projects for large

(2) years or more but

and reputable organisations

less than three (3)

large and reputable

years experience

organisations (as indicated

• One (1) point – One (1)

above on section 1 of this

year or more but less

Evaluation Criteria) within the

than two (2) years

past five (5) years from closing

experience

date of the RFQ..

• Zero (0) points – Less

than one (1) year

experience or no proof

provided

SCM unit of the NLC, within a minimum of 3 working days from date of request hard copy

certified qualifications, memberships certificates, etc., which may have been requested

for functionality assessment. Failure to submit the information within the requested

period may render the bidder non-responsive.

Stage 5: pricing and specific goals

Pricing Schedule: Please refer to Annexure A: The evaluation for Pricing and Specific

12.1. Specific queries relating to this RFQ should be submitted [email protected],

before the closing date.

12.2. In the interest of fairness and transparency the NL C’s response to such a query may

be made available to other bidders.

12.3. It is prohibited for bidders to attempt, either directly or indirectly, to canvass any officer or

employee of the NLC in respect of this RFQ between the closing date and the date of the

award of the business.

12.4. Bidders found to be in collusion with one another will be automatically disqualified and

restricted from doing business with organs of the state for a specified period.

13. Section 3: evaluation criteria

The six (6) phases evaluation criteria will be considered in evaluating the proposals, being:

Stage 1: closing tender and opening

13.1. Tender closing details

The closing is 09 June 2026 @ 11:00 Standard South African Time. late tenders will not

be accepted.

13.2. Bid Formats

13.2.1. Bid submissions must be submitted in a PDF format that is protected from any

modifications, deletions, or additions.

13.2.2. Financial/pricing information must be presented in a separate folder from the

proposed fees. Pricing Schedule