RFI for steep area extraction solutions for forestry clearfell and thinning operations

Publication date: 28 August 2026. Due date for questions and answers: 15 September 2026. Closing date: 17 September 2026 at 12:00 pm.

SCM inquiries: Ms. Lungile Moeketsi ([email protected]). Bidding-related enquiries: Ms. Bekazi Mongwe. Technical enquiries: Ernst Nolte ([email protected]).

Submit responses by email to [email protected] before the closing time. Late bids will not be accepted. Bids must be on official forms (not retyped) and signed in black ink. Submit an original and a copy. Required returnable forms: SBD 1 (Invitation to Tender), SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule), SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure), SBD 6.1 (Preference Point Claim Form). Also submit certified CIPC registration documents (or share certificates) and, for consortia/JVs, a breakdown of fee/work distribution. Bidders must be registered on the CSD; provide a SARS TCS PIN or CSD number. B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit required. Bids must be in English. Disqualification risks: late submission, missing or unsigned forms, retyped forms, missing pages.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) — no award will emanate from this process. Responses will be used to gather market intelligence and inform future procurement. SAFCOL reserves the right not to accept any proposal and to cancel the RFI. The lowest or any proposal may not necessarily be accepted. Preference points may apply under the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022 (SBD 6.1).

SAFCOL seeks information on steep area extraction solutions for forestry clearfell and thinning operations across 15 plantations in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. Solutions of interest include excavator-based shovel and grapple yarders, cable yarding systems, winch-assisted harvesting, tethered machines, skyline systems, and other steep terrain extraction technologies. The RFI covers average annual difficult terrain volumes (clearfell: ~192,624 m³; thinning: ~42,725 m³) and tree size data (average DBH ~36 cm for clearfell, ~20 cm for thinning). Respondents should provide details on equipment availability, local support (maintenance, spares, training), performance metrics (productivity m³/hour, safety, operating costs, environmental impact), case studies, and implementation methodology.

Respondents should describe their implementation methodology, including how they would deploy steep area extraction solutions. The RFI asks: What differentiates your offering? What experience do you have? What implementation methodology do you recommend? What project risks should be considered? Respondents should indicate their type (OEM, dealer/distributor/agent, contractor/service provider, manufacturer, other). The scope includes identifying suitable carriers for excavator-based shovel and grapple yarders, establishing supplier experience, determining implementation approaches, and obtaining indicative budget estimates.

Respondents should provide company profile, relevant experience, and references. Provide details of similar projects and case studies, including outside South Africa. Indicate whether you have supplied steep area extraction clearfell or thinning solutions outside SA and how many. Attach company profile, technical brochures/specifications, case studies, references, pricing schedule, and compliance documents. B-BBEE commitment is required in areas of ownership, skills transfer, employment equity, and SMME development.

SAFCOL reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, cancel the RFI, amend specifications, and conduct inspections. The RFI does not constitute an offer. The lowest or any proposal may not be accepted. No expectations are created regarding the outcome. Bidders should provide information on quality aspects such as equipment reliability, safety performance, and environmental impact as part of their response.

Provide budgetary pricing and total cost of ownership (including training, maintenance, support). Indicate availability of leasing, rental, or contract-based solutions. The pricing schedule (SBD 3.1) is a required returnable form. No specific pricing format beyond the official form is stated.

Provide budgetary pricing and total cost of ownership (including training, maintenance, support). Indicate availability of leasing, rental, or contract-based solutions. No specific bonds or guarantees are stated for this RFI.

CSD registration required (or provide CSD number). SARS tax compliance status (TCS PIN) required; each JV/consortium/subcontractor party must submit separate proof. B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) required to qualify for preference points. CIPC registration documents (certified copies) required. Bids must be in English. No bids from persons in service of the state or companies with directors in state service.

The RFI emphasises reducing exposure to high-risk manual or motor-manual operations in difficult terrain. Bidders should propose solutions that promote safer, more controlled extraction methods. Employees and subcontractors may require security clearances (cost for bidder) and must sign non-disclosure agreements. All employees must be covered under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. Safety performance metrics (e.g., safety records) are part of the information requested.

Bids must be on official forms, not retyped; photocopies allowed but original signature in black ink required. Bidders must check page numbers; SAFCOL accepts no liability for missing/duplicated pages. The offer remains binding for the validity period. South African law governs the contract. Bidders confirm prices cover all obligations; mistakes are at bidder's risk. Confidentiality obligations apply to all information disclosed; bidders must protect SAFCOL's confidential information and return it on demand. No news releases without SAFCOL consent. In case of contradiction, the RFI takes precedence; where silent, PPPFA applies. Bidders must not include additional stipulations unless clearly marked as recommendations. Security clearances may be required for personnel; costs are for the bidder. Employees must be covered under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

This is an RFI, not a formal tender. No award will be made. Responses will be evaluated to gather market intelligence. SAFCOL may use the information to inform future procurement. Preference points may apply under the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022 (SBD 6.1). B-BBEE status level certificate or sworn affidavit required to qualify for preference points on specific goals.