ICT research & advisory services membership subscription – 2-Year tender (national)

Closing date: 05 November 2026 at 11:00 (South African Standard Time)

Compulsory briefing: 23 October 2026 at 10:30

• Venue: 333 Grosvenor Street, Block D Hatfield Gardens, Hatfield, 0028
• Doors open at 10:00; bidders advised to arrive early.

Bid advertisement date: 15 October 2026

Validity period: 120 days from closing date.

Compulsory briefing session:

• Date and time: 23 October 2026 at 10:30.
• Venue: 333 Grosvenor Street, Block D Hatfield Gardens, Hatfield, 0028.
• Doors open at 10:00; bidders advised to arrive early.
• Attendance is mandatory; a briefing certificate must be submitted with the bid.

Bidding procedure enquiries:

• Contact: Supply Chain Management
• Telephone: 012 432 1308
• Email: [email protected]

Technical enquiries:

• Contact: Supply Chain Management
• Telephone: 012 432 1309
• Email: [email protected]

General queries:

• Email: [email protected] (before closing date)

Submission address:

• Online via e-Tender portal: https://www.etenders.gov.za/

NLC head office:

• National Lotteries Commission
• P.O Box 1556, Brooklyn Square 0083, Pretoria
• Tel: +27(12)432 1300
• Info Centre: 086 00 65383
• Web: www.nlcsa.org.za

Submission method: online via the e-Tender portal at https://www.etenders.gov.za/

• All submissions must be addressed to Supply Chain Management, NLC.
• Bids must be submitted in PDF format, protected from modifications, deletions, or additions.
• Financial/pricing information must be in a separate attachment from the technical/functional response.
• Submissions must be clearly marked with the bidder's name, tender number (NLC2026-016), and tender title.
• Late submissions will not be accepted; the NLC is not responsible for failures due to power cuts, e-Tender portal issues, or poor network coverage.
• Bids must be submitted in English.

Returnable documents (all must be completed and signed):

• 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 NLC; false declarations disqualify.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE points under the PPPFA 80/20 system.
• SBD 7 (Contract Form): successful bidder must sign a written contract.
• SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination): certifies no collusion or price disclosure.
• Company resolution proving authorised signatory delegation.
• Valid Tax Compliance System PIN.
• Proof of full CSD registration (foreign suppliers with no local entity exempt).
• Proof of accreditation from the proprietary research and advisory provider.
• Online platform demo video (max 5 minutes).
• Compulsory briefing attendance certificate.
• JV agreement (if applicable).
• Pricing schedule (Annexure A).

Disqualification risks:

• Any returnable form left unsigned or omitted.
• Bids received after the closing time.
• Failure to attend the compulsory briefing.
• Failure to provide requested hard copies of certifications within 3 working days.

Evaluation follows six phases:

• Phase 1: Tender Closing and Opening – submissions must be online, in protected PDF, with financial and technical responses separate.
• Phase 2: Administrative Compliance – all returnable documents completed, bid signed by authorised official, priced offer, tax compliance PIN, CSD registration.
• Phase 3: Mandatory Compliance – JV agreement (if applicable), SBD 4, proprietary provider accreditation, platform demo video (max 5 minutes), compulsory briefing certificate. Non-compliance disqualifies.
• Phase 4: Technical Evaluation – scored out of 100; minimum qualifying score: 70/100.
• Depth & breadth of published research library: 20 points (scored by number of functional areas covered, up to 20+).
• Advisory capability & analyst team experience: 10 points (analyst résumés must show at least 8 years ICT experience; scored by number of ICT domains covered).
• Analyst team qualifications: 10 points (bachelor's degree and relevant certifications; scored by number of analysts with both).
• Research Services: 15 points (write-up covering 5 items).
• Advisory Services: 15 points (write-up covering 8 aspects).
• Access Model and Channels: 15 points (write-up covering 5 aspects).
• Relevant past 5 years performance & references: 10 points (client reference letters on client letterhead, signed by delegated authority).
• Company experience: 5 points (company profile max 10 pages; scored by years of experience).
• Phase 5: Pricing and Specific Goals – Price: 80 points (formula Ps = Pmin/Pt × 80). Specific goals: 20 points. Total: 100.
• Phase 6: Contract and Award – negotiation and best and final offers may be requested.

Specific goals (20 points):

• Black ownership: 100% = 8 points; 51–99% = 4 points; less than 51% = 0 points.
• Women ownership: 100% = 4 points; 30–99% = 2 points; less than 30% = 0 points.
• Black youth ownership: 100% = 4 points; 30–99% = 2 points; less than 30% = 0 points.
• Disability ownership: 20% or more = 4 points; 10–20% = 2 points; less than 10% = 0 points.

Evidence for specific goals: copies of IDs, CIPC report, CSD report, B-BBEE certificate/sworn affidavit, doctor's letter (not older than 1 year from closing date) confirming disability.

The NLC requires a service provider to supply an organisational membership subscription for ICT research and advisory services over 24 months.

Scope of work:

• Membership and subscription to research services: access to on-demand research notes and briefs on ICT topics (cybersecurity, cloud, data & analytics, AI, enterprise architecture, network & infrastructure, application platforms, end-user computing); market guides and vendor landscapes; best-practice frameworks and toolkits; benchmarking against public-sector and industry peers; regulatory watch (POPIA, records management, data sovereignty).
• Advisory services: ICT strategy and roadmap development and review; business cases and benefits models (TCO, ROI, value realisation); sourcing and procurement support; risk and security advice; service management (ITIL-aligned operating model, SLAs/OLAs, service catalogue); architecture governance; project assurance; licensing and cost optimisation.
• Access model and channels: research portal access for named users (number of seats to be specified); bank of advisory hours per month/quarter; briefings and webinars; workshops; rapid response SLA (e.g., 48 hours for priority requests).

Deliverables:

• Annual Research Plan aligned to organisational priorities (updated quarterly).
• Monthly Insights Pack (trends, risks, opportunities, actions).
• Ad-hoc research notes / rapid response memos.
• Benchmarking reports with commentary and recommendations.
• Advisory outputs: strategy/roadmap inputs, review reports, sourcing support artefacts, board-ready slides.
• Quarterly Executive Briefing.
• Year-end Value Report (outcomes realised, savings/opportunities).
• Quarterly utilisation analytics.

Governance and reporting:

• Report to the ICT Division and operate within NLC's approved governance structures.
• Establish a formal delivery governance framework at inception (decision-making forums, escalation paths, approval thresholds).
• Provide a dedicated account manager.
• Regular delivery reviews in agreed formats.
• All governance and reporting must be auditable, traceable, and compliant with applicable ICT governance standards.

The service provider must demonstrate a recognised and fit-for-purpose delivery methodology for ICT research platform and advisory services.

Scope of work:

• Membership and subscription to research services: on-demand research notes, market guides, best-practice frameworks, benchmarking, regulatory watch.
• Advisory services: ICT strategy, business cases, sourcing, risk and security, service management, architecture governance, project assurance, licensing and cost optimisation.
• Access model and channels: research portal access, inquiry hours, briefings & webinars, workshops, rapid response SLA.

Deliverables:

• Annual Research Plan (updated quarterly).
• Monthly Insights Pack.
• Ad-hoc research notes / rapid response memos.
• Benchmarking reports.
• Advisory outputs (strategy/roadmap inputs, review reports, sourcing support artefacts, board-ready slides).
• Quarterly Executive Briefing.
• Year-end Value Report.
• Quarterly utilisation analytics.

Analyst team experience:

• All submitted analyst résumés must have at least 8 years ICT experience to count.
• Résumés must be no longer than one page each, indicating areas of specialisation, qualifications, experience, and major achievements.
• Scoring is based on the number of ICT domains covered by the combined experience of the analysts in five domains: ICT strategy and governance, ICT infrastructure and operations, ICT service management, Enterprise Architecture, ICT Project management.

Analyst qualifications:

• Analysts must possess a bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a related field.
• Relevant certifications in their field of specialisation (e.g., ITIL, COBIT 2019, PRINCE2/PMP, CGEIT, ISO/IEC 38500, TOGAF, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, ISO/IEC 27001, SABSA, AgilePM, CSM, DAMA CDMP, CBAP, CIPS, etc.).

Company experience:

• Provide a company profile of not more than 10 pages demonstrating services, achievements, key clients/industries.
• Scoring based on years of company experience (1 year = 1 point, up to 5 years = 5 points).

Past performance:

• Provide client reference letters covering the scope, service duration/period, and client experience.
• Letters must be on the client's letterhead and signed by the delegated authority.
• Scoring based on number of reference letters (1 letter = 1 point, up to 5 letters = 5 points).

Annexure A – Pricing Schedule:

• Item 1: ICT Team level annual subscription – 4 seats. Includes tools and templates library, research library access, LIVE events attendance, software reviews, research advisory.
• Item 2: CIO/ICT Executive level advisory membership – 1 seat. Includes executive coaching, research library access, research advisory, software reviews, contract reviews, LIVE events attendance.
• Provide total price (VAT exclusive), VAT amount, and total price (VAT inclusive).
• Pricing must be submitted as a separate attachment from the technical/functional response.

Pricing format: Annexure A – Pricing Schedule (VAT exclusive, VAT, VAT inclusive).

• Item 1: ICT Team level annual subscription – 4 seats. Includes tools and templates library, research library access, LIVE events attendance, software reviews, research advisory.
• Item 2: CIO/ICT Executive level advisory membership – 1 seat. Includes executive coaching, research library access, research advisory, software reviews, contract reviews, LIVE events attendance.

No bid security, bonds, or guarantees are stated.

No payment terms are stated.

No turnover requirements are stated.

CSD registration:

• Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) at www.csd.gov.za.
• Provide CSD registration number and attach a CSD registration report.
• The NLC may not award business to a bidder not registered on the CSD.
• Foreign suppliers with no local registered entity are exempt.

Tax compliance:

• Bidders must have a valid Tax Compliance System (TCS) PIN from SARS.
• TCS PIN may be applied for via e-filing at www.sars.gov.za.
• A printed TCS certificate may be submitted with the bid.
• For consortia/JVs/sub-contractors, each party must submit a separate TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number.

B-bbee:

• B-BBEE status level verification certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) must be submitted to qualify for preference points.
• Specific goals for preference points are detailed in the evaluation criteria.

Other compliance:

• Bidders must not be persons in the service of the state, nor have directors/members who are.
• Bidders must not be listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Bidders must warrant that all employees (including sub-contractors) are covered under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).
• Bidders must sign and submit the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) for the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIP) if applicable.
• Bids must be submitted in English.

Specific goals for preference points (20 points total):

• Black ownership: 100% = 8 points; 51–99% = 4 points; less than 51% = 0 points.
• Women ownership: 100% = 4 points; 30–99% = 2 points; less than 30% = 0 points.
• Black youth ownership: 100% = 4 points; 30–99% = 2 points; less than 30% = 0 points.
• Disability ownership: 20% or more = 4 points; 10–20% = 2 points; less than 10% = 0 points.

Evidence required:

• Copies of IDs and CIPC report for black ownership.
• CSD report for black ownership.
• B-BBEE certificate / sworn affidavit for women and youth ownership.
• Doctor's letter (not older than 1 year from closing date) confirming disability for disability ownership.

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

COIDA compliance:

• The bidder warrants that all employees (including sub-contractors) are covered under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.
• The NLC may request documentary proof of registration and good standing with the Compensation Fund.

Contract duration: 24 months, effective on the date of appointment, signing of the SLA, or as directed by the NLC.

Confidentiality:

• The RFP contains confidential information; no part may be used, copied, disclosed, or conveyed without prior written permission from the NLC.
• Copyright and intellectual property vest with the NLC.
• Bids will not be revealed to other bidders.
• The bidder must process NLC personal information only for the purposes of this bid and in accordance with POPIA.
• The bidder must notify the NLC in writing of any unauthorised access or suspected cybercrime.

Supplier performance:

• The NLC conducts regular performance reviews using supplier evaluation forms.
• Annual reviews for contracts longer than a year; review at completion for shorter contracts.
• Ad-hoc reviews for non-performance.
• Non-performance will be addressed with a formal letter specifying remedial actions and time frames; non-adherence escalates performance management actions.
• Joint performance reviews may be requested by either party.

General:

• No services may be rendered or goods delivered before an official NLC Purchase Order is received.
• Bidders may not make news releases about the RFP or award without NLC consent.
• The RFP takes precedence over any attached documents; where silent, section 217 of the Constitution applies.
• Bidders must not incorporate additional stipulations in their proposals unless clearly marked as recommendations.
• The NLC may request an extension of the bid validity period if evaluation is not finalised.
• Bidders are prohibited from canvassing NLC officers or employees between closing and award.
• Collusion between bidders leads to automatic disqualification and restriction from doing business with organs of state.

General requirements:

• Bidders must register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) at www.csd.gov.za and provide their CSD registration number.
• Tax affairs must be compliant (valid Tax Compliance System PIN).
• All questions regarding the RFP must be forwarded to [email protected].
• Any supplier who believes the RFP specification is based on a specific brand must inform the NLC via the same email.
• Bids must be submitted in English.
• Bidders must not be persons in the service of the state, nor have directors/members who are.
• Bidders must not be listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Bidders must sign and submit the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) for the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIP) if applicable.
• Bidders must warrant COIDA coverage for all employees and sub-contractors.
• Bidders must consent to the processing of personal information under POPIA.
• Bidders must not make news releases about the RFP or award without NLC consent.
• Bidders must not canvass NLC officers or employees between closing and award.
• Collusion between bidders leads to automatic disqualification.

The RFP is evaluated under the 80/20 preference point system. Evaluation phases:

• Phase 1: Tender Closing and Opening – online submission, protected PDF, financial and technical responses separate.
• Phase 2: Administrative Compliance – all returnable documents, signed bid, priced offer, tax compliance PIN, CSD registration.
• Phase 3: Mandatory Compliance – JV agreement (if applicable), SBD 4, proprietary provider accreditation, platform demo video (max 5 minutes), compulsory briefing certificate.
• Phase 4: Technical Evaluation – scored out of 100; minimum qualifying score 70.
• Phase 5: Pricing and Specific Goals – price 80 points, specific goals 20 points.
• Phase 6: Contract and Award – negotiation and best and final offers.