Scientifically validated assessment solution – ssa open tender in gauteng

Closing date: 19 October 2026 at 11:00

Briefing session: None (no compulsory briefing).

Enquiries deadline: two days before closing date.

Bidding procedure enquiries:

• Contact: Ms. Nobantu Mogotsi
• Telephone: +27 (12) 427 4174
• Email: [email protected]

Submission address (bid box):

SSA Headquarters Reception

Musanda Complex

R50 Delmas Road

Rietvlei, Pretoria

(Joe Nhlanhla Street 377-JR, Rietvlei, Pretoria)

Submission method: sealed envelope deposited in the bid box at SSA Headquarters Reception, Musanda Complex, R50 Delmas Road, Rietvlei, Pretoria (Joe Nhlanhla Street 377-JR, Rietvlei, Pretoria).

Envelope must show the bid number, bid description and closing date.

Closing time: 11:00 on 19 October 2026.

Returnable documents (all must be completed and signed):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): cover page with bidder details and total bid price including VAT.
• SBD 2 (Application for Tax Clearance Certificate): original valid tax clearance certificate.
• SBD 3.2 (Pricing Schedule – Non-Firm Prices): detailed pricing proposal on company letterhead.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure / Declaration of Interest): discloses state employment, relationships with procuring institution, and related enterprises.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form): claims B-BBEE preference points.
• Schedule F (Qualifications and Experience): company activities, similar contracts, key personnel qualifications.
• Schedule G (Organisation Type): details of partners/members/directors.
• Schedule H (Organisational Structure): organogram and structure.
• Schedule I (Details of Supplier's Office): physical address and contact details.
• Schedule J (Financial Particulars): audited financial statements and proof of financial resources.
• Schedule K (Security Clearance Requirements): declarations and security questionnaire.
• Proof of authority to sign (e.g. company resolution).
• Detailed price quotation on company letterhead.
• B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs).
• CSD registration number or willingness to register.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to comply with any of the above particulars may render the bid invalid.
• Failure to provide detailed pricing per item/sub-item.
• Failure to achieve 80% compliance with specifications or 70 points for functionality.
• Late submission (after closing time).
• Non-cooperation with security vetting.
• False declarations (e.g. SBD 4, SBD 6.1).

Evaluation in phases:

Phase 1: Administrative compliance – bid documents checked against the required list.

Phase 2: Mandatory requirements and industrial certificates – bidders must bid for all mandatory requirements; failure disqualifies.

Phase 2(a): Specification compliance – proposals must conform at least 80% to the specifications.

Phase 2(b): Technical/functionality evaluation – minimum qualifying score of 70 points out of 100; bids below this are disqualified.

Phase 3: Price and B-BBEE evaluation under the 80/20 preference point system (Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2022).

• 80 points for price (lowest acceptable price scores 80; others proportionally).
• 20 points for B-BBEE status level of contributor.
• Bidders not submitting a B-BBEE certificate/affidavit score 0 for B-BBEE but are not disqualified.
• Total points = price points + B-BBEE points, rounded to 2 decimal places.
• Tie-break: highest B-BBEE points; if still tied, highest functionality score; if still tied, drawing of lots.
• The SSA may negotiate price with the preferred bidder.
• The SSA may invite bidders for presentations and may conduct site visits as part of due diligence.

The State Security Agency (SSA) seeks to appoint an established and experienced company to provide scientifically validated assessment solutions for a period of 5 years, renewable annually based on performance.

Scope: The bidder must provide a proposal covering:

• Assessment products/solutions for selection, development and talent management (e.g. job analysis tool, personality questionnaire, ability tests, competency-based interview dictionary, development advice pack).
• Administration platforms: paper-and-pencil, stand-alone desktop, or online.
• The proposal must specify for each item: level of compliance, non-compliance, and type/nature of offer.
• Detailed information and price for each item; failure to do so invalidates the bid.
• Cost breakdown per sub-item and subtotal for each item.

Value-added services required:

• Mapping competencies and assessment products to the SSA competency framework, including assessment matrices.
• Training on providing developmental feedback to candidates.
• Telephonic technical support.
• Psychometric research support (trend analyses, talent analytics, validation studies).
• Legal support if tools are disputed in court.
• Best practice guidelines.
• Professional support of a registered psychologist expert in occupational assessment.

Pricing must be inclusive of VAT.

Pricing schedule: SBD 3.2 (Non-Firm Prices) – price adjustments allowed at specified periods.

Bidders must provide a detailed price quotation on company letterhead.

Offer validity: 150 calendar days from closing date.

Financial particulars (Schedule J):

• Audited financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) for the last two years.
• Bank statements for all accounts for the last six months.
• Proof of financial resources from the bidder's financial institution.
• Failure to submit financial particulars in full renders the bid invalid.

No bid security or guarantee specified.

Tax compliance: Must be tax compliant with SARS at submission, during and at award. Submit original valid Tax Clearance Certificate (SBD 2).

B-BBEE: Submit original valid B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) to claim preference points. B-BBEE certificate must be renewed every 12 months.

CSD: Must be registered on the Central Supplier Database or be willing to register.

Security clearance: Successful bidder must obtain positive security clearance; company and individuals undergo vetting. Default clearance level is 'confidential'; 'secret' may be required. Cost of clearances is for the bidder's account.

Declarations: SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest) and SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form) must be signed.

No collusive bidding; bidders must not be on Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

Consortium/JV: Each party must be tax compliant, submit B-BBEE certificate, and consolidated B-BBEE certificate for preference points.