Appointment of area of study specialists (subject matter experts) to refine the nasca curriculum and develop examinations and assessment guidelines

Closing date: 23 October 2026 at 11:00

Briefing session: none (N/A)

Submission contact:

• Name: Mr David Ntuli
• Email: [email protected]

Delivery address for services:

117–123 Francis Baard Street

DHET

Pretoria

Submission method: email only, to [email protected]

Subject line: RFQ279/2026

Closing: 23 October 2026 at 11:00

Late or hand-delivered proposals will not be accepted.

Returnable documents (all must be completed, signed and submitted):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule): fully detailed pricing proposal with a clear breakdown.
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses whether any director or shareholder is employed by the state or connected to anyone at the department; list all related companies.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims specific-goal points; supporting proof required.
• SBD 6.2 (Declaration for Local Production and Content) and Annexure C: required if claiming local production points.
• POPIA consent form: grants the department permission to use bid information for procurement purposes.
• Quotation must be dated and signed on company letterhead.
• Quotation must be valid for at least 90 days from the date of quotation.
• Put the RFQ number (RFQ279/2026) on the subject line.
• Failure to comply with the Terms of Reference may lead to disqualification or forfeiture of points.

Three-phase evaluation:

• Phase 0 (Pre-qualification): administrative compliance – CSD registration and submission of all completed and signed bidding documents. Non-compliance results in disqualification.
• Phase 1 (Functionality): minimum 70 points out of 100 to proceed to Phase 2.
• Phase 2 (Pricing and Specific Goals): 80/20 system – 80 points for price, 20 points for specific goals.

Functionality criteria (total 100 points):

• Appropriate qualification at NQF level 9 or 10 in Education with subject specialisation (weight 25): 15 points for level 8, 25 points for level 9.
• Minimum 10 years expert-level experience in curriculum development at NQF levels 1 and 4 (weight 25): 0–4 points for no/low experience, up to 20–25 points for more than 10 years.
• Minimum 10 years expert-level knowledge and experience in the specific NASCA subject matter (weight 25): similar scoring bands.
• Submission of a comprehensive CV with evidence of qualifications (weight 25).

Bidders must score at least 70 points in functionality to be evaluated on price and specific goals.

Specific goals (max 20 points) claimable for black-owned, women-owned, disability-owned, youth-owned, and SMME businesses, with supporting evidence (CIPC registration, ID copies, CSD, B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, medical certificate).

Bidders must not be listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

The Department of Higher Education and Training requires Area of Study Specialists / Subject Matter Experts to refine the NASCA curriculum and develop examinations and assessment guidelines for the National Senior Certificate for Adults (NASCA), an NQF Level 4 qualification.

Scope for curriculum specialists:

• Design/refine area-of-study-specific curriculum statements and learning outcomes aligned with educational policies and the draft NASCA qualification.
• Ensure content and cognitive alignment with comparable subjects in CAPS and NCV.
• Evaluate and revise curriculum to integrate emerging trends and technologies.
• Finalise learning outcomes and assessment standards, considering task team recommendations and Umalusi requirements.
• Recommend textbooks, resources and technologies.
• Develop formative and summative assessment strategies.
• Collaborate with other specialists.

Scope for assessment specialists:

• Develop assessments tailored to curriculum content, scaffolding reasoning and thinking.
• Develop area-of-study-specific assessment and examination guidelines.
• Develop assessment exemplars, question papers and diagnostic tests.
• Develop assessment manuals for learners and lecturers.
• Align assessments with national NSC/NC(V)4 standards.

Deliverables:

• Detailed project work plan with activities, outputs, resources and timelines.
• Curriculum statements for specific areas of study.
• Examination and Assessment Guidelines.
• Lecturer assessment manuals.
• Assessment exemplars/question papers.
• Assessment manuals for lecturers.

Duration: up to 4 months from appointment.

Reporting: monthly progress reports in MS Word, submitted electronically to the Project Manager; all correspondence in English.

The approach involves refining the NASCA curriculum and developing assessments in line with the task team's recommendations. Specialists must collaborate, ensure alignment with CAPS and NCV, integrate emerging trends and technologies, and develop formative and summative assessment strategies. Deliverables must be completed within 4 months, with monthly progress reports.

Required qualifications and experience:

• NQF level 9 or 10 qualification in Education with appropriate subject specialisation.
• Minimum 10 years expert-level experience in curriculum development at NQF levels 1 and 4 (e.g., GETC: ABET, GETCA, NASCA, NSC, or NCV).
• Minimum 10 years expert-level knowledge and experience in the specific NASCA subject matter.
• Comprehensive CV with evidence of qualifications.

Additional skills: expertise in adult learning, second-language teaching, assessment methodologies, Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), communication and leadership, and awareness of educational trends.

Curriculum and assessment outputs must align with Umalusi curriculum and quality assurance requirements, and with national NSC/NC(V)4 standards. The department will monitor quality through the Project Steering Committee and monthly progress reports.

Pricing must be submitted as a fully detailed pricing proposal with a clear breakdown. Prices must be VAT inclusive; non-VAT-registered providers must state this. Quotations must be valid for at least 90 days.

Pricing: fully detailed pricing proposal with clear breakdown.

Prices must be VAT inclusive; non-VAT-registered providers must state this clearly.

Validity period: minimum 90 days from date of quotation.

No bid security or performance guarantee specified in the document.

The department reserves the right to verify financial capacity and ability of shortlisted bidders.

Mandatory:

• CSD registration (proof required). Register at https://secure.csd.gov.za/ if not already registered.
• Tax compliance: written confirmation that SARS may disclose tax compliance status on an ongoing basis; a tax clearance certificate or PIN may be provided (CSD verification takes precedence).
• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): disclose all related companies; failure may lead to disqualification.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): complete and sign to claim specific-goal points.
• SBD 6.2 and Annexure C: required for local production and content claims.
• POPIA consent form: mandatory.
• CIDB registration: only for construction/maintenance/alterations services (not applicable here).
• Bidders must not be listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

The contract is subject to the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and any Special Conditions of Contract (SCC). The GCC covers standard provisions including performance security, payment, penalties, termination for default, force majeure, and dispute resolution. The successful bidder must furnish performance security within 30 days of contract award if specified in the SCC. No specific special conditions beyond the GCC are stated in the document.

Monitoring: the Directorate: Programmes, Curriculum Development and Support and the Directorate: Development Support will monitor the project. A Project Steering Committee (PSC) comprising department officials and panellists will be established. An appointed Project Manager will ensure objectives are met. Reporting: specialists report to the Project Manager, who reports to the Directorate within the CET Branch. Monthly progress reports in MS Word must be submitted electronically. All correspondence must be in English. The department reserves the right to verify information and financial capacity of shortlisted bidders. Failure to comply with the Terms of Reference may lead to disqualification or forfeiture of points.

Mandatory requirements: NQF level 9 or 10 qualification in Education with subject specialisation; minimum 10 years expert-level experience in curriculum development at NQF levels 1 and 4; minimum 10 years expert-level knowledge in the specific NASCA subject matter; comprehensive CV with evidence. Bidders must be registered on CSD and submit all required forms.

Submission contact: Mr David Ntuli, email [email protected]. Delivery address: 117–123 Francis Baard Street, DHET, Pretoria.