Establishment of a panel of nrw pbc contractors – government tender in national

Compulsory briefing: 14 August 2026 at 10:00AM Johannesburg time, held online via Microsoft Teams. Attendance is a pre-qualifier; bidders must sign the electronic attendance list.

• Closing date: 18 September 2026 at 23:55PM Johannesburg time.
• Deadline for clarification and submission link requests: 31 August 2026 at 16:30 Johannesburg time.
• Tender published: 28 July 2026.
• Tender document available from 29 July 2026 on DBSA tender website and NT e-tender portal.

Compulsory briefing: 14 August 2026 at 10:00AM Johannesburg time, held online via Microsoft Teams.

• Bidders must complete their details fully to access the briefing session; the link is accessible 15 minutes before the meeting.
• Attendance must be signed on the electronic attendance list in the name of the tendering entity.
• Attendance is a pre-qualifier; failure to attend leads to disqualification.
• Addenda will be issued to all tenderers on the attendance list.

Employer's agent: Mr. Vusi Kunene, 1258 Lever Road, Headway Hill, Midrand, Gauteng Province, tel (011) 313 3518, email [email protected].

• Submission link requests and clarifications must be emailed to [email protected] only, quoting the RFR number in the subject line.

Submission is electronic only, via a OneDrive link issued by the DBSA SCM unit.

• Bidders must email a written request for the submission link to [email protected], quoting the RFR number in the subject line, at least three working days before submission.
• The OneDrive link is used to upload the complete submission as one electronic folder.
• Telegraphic, telephonic, telex, facsimile, email and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
• Proof of posting is not proof of delivery.
• Returnable documents include: cover page, declaration of briefing attendance (Schedule E2.2.0), record of addenda (E2.2.1), compulsory enterprise questionnaire (E2.2.2), JV/consortium agreement (E2.2.3), valid tax compliance status PIN (E2.2.4), audited financial statements for three years (E2.2.5), and proof of CIDB registration or application.
• Bidders must acknowledge receipt of any addenda and may need to apply for an extension to consider them.
• Clarification requests must be submitted at least five working days before closing.
• Requests for clarification and submission links are considered up to 31 August 2026 at 16:30 Johannesburg time; later requests may be disregarded.
• Bidders must continue to check the DBSA tender website and NT e-tender portal for updates.
• Failure to respond to employer clarification requests within 48 hours renders the submission non-responsive.
• The RFR is not an offer; DBSA may make no award, cancel the process, or change requirements.
• Bidders bear all preparation costs; DBSA is not liable for any costs or damages.
• Any conflict of interest must be disclosed immediately; failure may lead to disqualification.
• Confidentiality obligations apply; unauthorised disclosure may lead to disqualification and civil action.
• Bidders on the National Treasury Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers are excluded.
• Screening and vetting of the contracting firm and personnel may be required, including PEP and ProcureCheck.
• Fraudulent or misrepresented documents lead to immediate removal from the panel.
• Written notice of non-performance leads to exclusion until remedied to DBSA's satisfaction.
• Changes to the entity's legal structure or dissolution result in removal from the panel.

Returnable documents include:

• Cover page to returnable documents.
• Declaration of Attendance of Briefing Session (Schedule E2.2.0).
• Record of Addenda to tender documents (Schedule E2.2.1).
• Compulsory Enterprise Questionnaire with company registration documentation (Schedule E2.2.2).
• Copy of Joint Venture, Association or Consortium Agreement with company profiles (Schedule E2.2.3).
• Valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN issued by SARS, or proof of application (Schedule E2.2.4).
• Audited financial statements for preceding three years (Schedule E2.2.5).
• Proof of CIDB registration in required grading, or proof of capability of being registered within 12 months (proof of submission via CIDB Register of Contractors).
• All documents must be completed and signed; failure to respond to clarification requests within 48 hours renders the submission non-responsive.

Scoring is out of 100 points; a minimum of 70 points is required for admission to the panel.

• Proposed Methodology and Approach: max 20 points, min 14.
• Experience of the Tenderer in NRW reduction or WCWDM projects: max 25 points, min 17.5.
• Experience of the Lead Tenderer as a Contractor in water supply distribution systems: max 20 points, min 14.
• Experience of Proposed Key Resources/Experts: max 10 points, min 7.
• Lead Tenderer's Quality Management Policies: max 5 points, min 3.5.
• Lead Tenderer's Access to Financial Resources: max 20 points, min 14.
• A limited number of the highest-ranked responsive tenderers scoring at least 70 points will be admitted.
• Pre-qualifiers (disqualification if not met): attendance at the compulsory briefing and proof of registration of key experts.
• Non-responsive if clarification requests are not answered within 48 hours.
• Methodology scoring is based on coverage of seven critical aspects listed in Schedule E2.2.8, with ratings from 0 to 20 points.
• Experience scoring is based on combined project values over the past seven years, with thresholds at R200m, R300m, R400m and R500m.
• Key resource experience is scored on post-registration years: Project Manager (15+ years), Civil Engineer (10+), Infrastructure Finance Expert (10+).
• Quality management scoring is based on coverage of 10 critical aspects in Schedule E2.2.12, with SANS 9000/ISO 9001 certification or advanced certification process required for higher scores.

Scope: establishment of a panel of pre-qualified Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Performance-Based Contract (PBC) contractors for NRW reduction projects in various beneficiary municipalities.

• Services cover operations and maintenance for NRW reduction, including active leak detection and repair, pressure management, flow and pressure logging, installation of bulk water meters, water meter management, water pipe replacement or installation, inspection and replacement of domestic and non-domestic water meters, and development (social) facilitation.
• The panel is for a period of five years; there is no guarantee of work or number of municipalities using the panel.
• Panel members will be approached via a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for specific works, with scope provided case-by-case.
• Panel utilisation follows rotation principles based on alphabetical order and CIDB level; DBSA may apply concentration risk.
• Contractors must support and develop SMMEs through subcontracting at least 30% of works (if requested), with SMMEs from the local area (province of project location) and approved by DBSA.
• Local content as per DTIC applies if requested.
• Contractors must provide a performance or construction guarantee of 10% of the contract sum for each task order.
• Valid regulatory documents required: COIDA, professional liability and/or indemnity insurance covering all disciplines.

Proposed Methodology and Approach is evaluated out of 20 points.

• The methodology must cover seven critical aspects listed in Schedule E2.2.8, including active leak detection and repair, pressure management, flow and pressure logging, installation of bulk water meters, water meter management, pipe replacement, and social facilitation.
• Poor (8 points): covers less than three aspects; approach unlikely to satisfy project objectives.
• Satisfactory (14 points): covers up to five aspects; approach acceptable but generic.
• Good (18 points): covers up to six aspects; approach tailored to project objectives and flexible.
• Very good (20 points): covers all seven aspects; innovative and efficient approach demonstrating outstanding knowledge.

Experience requirements:

• Tenderer must have successfully provided NRW reduction or WCWDM services with combined value of at least R200 million in the past seven years.
• Lead Tenderer must have experience as a Contractor in construction of water supply distribution systems with combined value of at least R300 million in the past seven years.
• Key resources must have specified professional registrations and experience:
• Project Manager and Team Leader: Professional Engineer or Chartered Civil Engineer, at least 15 years post-registration experience in WC&WDM or NRW PBC projects.
• Civil Engineer (NRW Expert): Professional Engineer or Chartered Civil Engineer, at least 10 years post-registration experience.
• Infrastructure Finance Expert: Chartered Accountant or equivalent, at least 10 years post-registration experience in financial management, investment analysis, project finance, financial planning or financial analysis.
• Master Plumber: registered with PIRB (SAQA Recognition Number PIRB831), at least 10 years post-registration experience.
• Environmental Scientist: registered as Professional Natural Scientist, at least 10 years post-qualification experience.
• Development/Social Facilitation Expert: registered with SACSSP, at least 10 years post-registration experience.
• Contracts Manager: Attorney registered with Legal Practice Council, or Professional Engineer, or member of arbitration bodies, at least 10 years post-registration experience.
• Geo-Information Science Expert: registered as Professional GISc Practitioner (PrGISc), at least 10 years post-registration experience.
• Experience scoring for NRW projects: Poor (10 points) for less than R200m, Satisfactory (17.5) for R200m-R300m, Good (22.5) for R300m-R400m, Very good (25) for R400m or more.
• Experience scoring for construction: Poor (8 points) for less than R300m, Satisfactory (14) for R300m-R400m, Good (18) for R400m-R500m, Very good (20) for R500m or more.
• Key resource experience scoring: Project Manager (max 4 points), Civil Engineer (max 3), Infrastructure Finance Expert (max 3), based on post-registration years.

Quality Management Policies are evaluated out of 5 points.

• Scoring is based on coverage of 10 critical aspects listed in Schedule E2.2.12.
• Poor (2 points): basic but workable policy covering less than six aspects.
• Satisfactory (3.5 points): adequate policy covering six or seven aspects, with organogram of internal QM team and CVs, and proof of implementation of internal norms.
• Good (4.5 points): comprehensive policy covering eight or nine aspects, with SANS 9000/ISO 9001 certification process commenced and in advanced stage (letter of external auditor required).
• Very good (5 points): comprehensive policy covering all 10 aspects, with SANS 9000/ISO 9001 certification held and proof submitted.

No pricing is included in this RFR; tender validity is not applicable and proposals remain valid until process conclusion.

• Lead Tenderer must have financial resources or access to at least R100 million from own sources or financial institutions, usable as investment in financially viable NRW PBC projects.
• Financial statements for the preceding three financial years must be submitted, signed off as required in Schedule E2.2.5.
• For JVs, consortia or associations, the Lead Tenderer and each company providing services must submit signed financial statements for three years.
• Proof of all-risk insurance of at least R100 million, without limit to number of claims, issued by a reputable insurer and enforceable in South Africa, is required.
• A performance or construction guarantee of 10% of the contract sum is required for each task order appointment.

CIDB registration: Lead Tenderer or any partner must hold a contractor grading designation of 7CE or higher at closing date, or be capable of being registered within 21 working days of closing (proof of submission via CIDB Register of Contractors required).

• Tax: valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN issued by SARS, or proof of application for tax registration (Schedule E2.2.4).
• CSD: submission of National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) summary report or MAAA number, verified online.
• Tender defaulters: no award to bidders on the Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Compulsory enterprise questionnaire (Schedule E2.2.2) with company registration documentation.
• Joint venture, association or consortium agreement with company profiles (Schedule E2.2.3).
• Proof of registration of key experts by recognised professional bodies is a pre-qualifier.
• Screening and vetting of the contracting firm and personnel may be required, including PEP and ProcureCheck.

An Environmental Scientist is required as a key resource, registered as a Professional Natural Scientist under the National Scientific Professions Act, 2003, with at least 10 years post-qualification experience in environmental compliance and management of civil engineering projects such as municipal water supply distribution and networks.

The RFR is not an offer; DBSA may make no award, withdraw or cancel the process, change requirements, or re-advertise.

• Bidders bear all preparation costs; DBSA is not liable for any costs or damages.
• Conflict of interest must be disclosed immediately; failure may lead to disqualification.
• Confidentiality obligations apply; unauthorised disclosure may lead to disqualification and civil action.
• Bidders on the National Treasury Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers are excluded.
• Screening and vetting of the contracting firm and personnel may be required.
• Contractors must support and develop SMMEs through subcontracting at least 30% of works (if requested), with SMMEs from the local area and approved by DBSA.
• Local content as per DTIC applies if requested.
• Performance or construction guarantee of 10% of contract sum required for each task order.
• Valid regulatory documents required: COIDA, professional liability and/or indemnity insurance.
• Fraudulent or misrepresented documents lead to immediate removal from the panel.
• Written notice of non-performance leads to exclusion until remedied to DBSA's satisfaction.
• DBSA may add new contractors to the panel; additions retain the original panel expiry date.
• Tender invitations are made to the registered entity name; changes to legal structure or dissolution result in removal from the panel.

Additional conditions:

• Contractors must support and develop SMMEs through subcontracting at least 30% of works (if requested).
• SMMEs must be from the local area (province of project location) and approved by DBSA.
• SMME locality prioritised from immediate locality (ward/village) to local municipality, district, then province.
• Contractors must adhere to Local Content as per DTIC (if requested).
• Performance or Construction Guarantee of 10% of Contract Sum for each Task Order.
• Valid regulatory documents required: COIDA, Professional Liability and/or Indemnity Insurance.
• DBSA reserves the right to include additional conditions.
• Fraudulent or misrepresented documents lead to removal from panel.
• Non-performance notices lead to exclusion until remedied.
• DBSA may add new contractors to the panel; additions retain original panel expiry date.
• Tender invitations are made to the registered entity name; changes to legal structure or dissolution result in removal from panel.

Eligibility criteria:

• CIDB contractor grading designation of 7CE or higher at closing date, or capable of being registered within 21 working days.
• Successfully provided NRW reduction or WCWDM services with combined value of at least R200 million in past seven years.
• Successfully provided construction services for water supply distribution systems with combined value of at least R300 million in past seven years.
• Financial resources or access to at least R100 million.
• Submit financial statements for preceding three years.
• Employ professionally registered persons in specified categories.
• Provide all-risk insurance of not less than R100 million.
• Not on tender defaulters lists.
• Attendance at compulsory briefing is a pre-qualifier.
• Proof of registration of key experts is a pre-qualifier.

Evaluation criteria and scoring:

• Proposed Methodology and Approach: max 20 points, min 14.
• Experience of the Tenderer on NRW reduction projects: max 25, min 17.5.
• Experience of Lead Tenderer as Contractor in water supply distribution systems: max 20, min 14.
• Experience of Proposed Key Resources/Experts: max 10, min 7.
• Lead Tenderer's Quality Management Policies: max 5, min 3.5.
• Lead Tenderer's Access to Financial Resources: max 20, min 14.
• Maximum possible score is 100; minimum threshold for admission is 70 points.
• Responsiveness criteria include attendance of compulsory briefing and proof of registration of key experts.
• Non-responsive if clarification requests not answered within 48 hours.