This Tender Has Expired

Closing date: 25 May 2026 at 13:00. Compulsory briefing session: 20 May 2026, 10:00–11:00 via Microsoft Teams (link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/392369159202477?p=19FlOm7wUDeyV02wju). Clarification deadline: 19 May 2026 at 13:00 (submit RFP Clarification Request Form to [email protected]). Bid validity period: 180 business days from closing date (until 10 February 2027).

Technical/SCM enquiries: Thabelo Tshidzumba, Telephone: 011 584 0558, Email: [email protected]. Confirm briefing attendance: [email protected] (include contact details and number of representatives). Complaints: [email protected]. Post-closing enquiries: Acquisition Council Secretariat (Prudence Nkabinde), Telephone: 011 584 9321, Email: [email protected]. Submission portal: https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net.

Submit bids electronically via the Transnet e-tender submission portal (https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net). Upload all returnable documents listed in Section 5 of the RFP. Bidders must sign, stamp, and date each page before uploading. Submit at least one day before the closing date (25 May 2026, 13:00) to avoid technical issues. Maximum upload size per file: 30MB; multiple uploads are permitted. Late submissions will not be accepted. Each bidder must register its own profile and submit bids under its own company name. Joint ventures may submit under one party’s registered profile. Ensure all returnable documents (e.g., SBD1, Proposal Form, Certificates) are completed and included. Failure to submit all required documents or comply with instructions may result in disqualification.

Evaluation follows a multi-stage process: 1) Test for Responsiveness: Administrative and substantive checks (e.g., timely submission, all returnable documents completed, signed, priced, CSD registration, compliance with scope). Failure disqualifies the bid. 2) Technical/Functionality Threshold (70 points minimum): Criteria include: - Company profile with 3+ reference letters (20%) — scored on relevance to mining advisory, geology, and operational assessments. - Lead Advisor’s experience (30%) — 5+ years in mining/geology/demand advisory; scored on years of leadership (0–4 scale). - Strategic Analysis (20%) — methodology covering benchmarking, diagnostics, technical analysis, and reporting. - Operating Model (15%) — methodology for operations, capacity planning, commercial viability, and integration. - Speed of Delivery (15%) — project duration (scored: <3 months=15%, 3–4 months=10%, etc.). 3) Price (80 points): Evaluated using the formula PS = 80(1 − (Pt−Pmin)/Pmin), where Pt = bid price, Pmin = lowest acceptable bid. 4) Specific Goals (20 points): Preference points for B-BBEE compliance via the Specific Goals Claim Form. 5) Post-Tender Negotiation (if applicable): Sequential negotiations with top-ranked bidders if prices are not market-related. Final award requires passing all thresholds and achieving the highest combined score.

Scope: Provide advisory services for 6 months to validate submissions from iron ore mines in the Northern Cape for Transnet’s Ore Export Corridor (OEC). The OEC is an 861 km heavy-haul rail corridor from Sishen to Port of Saldanha, supporting ~60Mtpa iron ore exports. Key tasks: 1) Assessment of Iron Ore Resource Potential: Evaluate geological data, resource classifications, and technical documentation for existing/prospective mines. 2) Life-of-Mine (LOM) Validation: Verify LOM projections and sustainability of long-term production profiles. 3) Long-Term Capacity Verification: Analyse volume-based demand submissions for credibility, feasibility, and alignment with resource potential. 4) Technical Advisory: Assess mining operations, development timelines, infrastructure plans, and operational readiness. 5) On-Site Due Diligence: Conduct mine visits to verify operational conditions, mining plans, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory compliance. 6) Capacity Allocation Support: Provide expert opinions, reports, and recommendations to guide Transnet’s planning and investment decisions. Deliverables: Technical validation reports, demand validation final document, risk assessments for 10–15-year commercial agreements, and advisory inputs. Requirements: Independence (no conflicts of interest with iron ore mines), weekly/monthly/quarterly reporting, and compliance with confidentiality. Performance: Must align with international best practices, meet project timelines, and proactively communicate risks.

Pricing must be submitted in ZAR (inclusive of 15% VAT) using the provided schedule in Section 4. Hourly rates must align with DPSA salary bands for consultants (e.g., Lead Advisor: Band E/F, Technical Specialist: Band D/E). Pricing must cover: - Professional fees (hourly rates for roles like Lead Advisor, Geology Specialist, Modelling Support). - Additional costs: monthly progress reports, communication (phone/data), travel (domestic flights, car rental, accommodation), site PPE, and software allowances. Unconditional discounts (if applicable) must be specified. Prices must remain firm and fixed for the contract duration. Payment: Invoicing based on deliverables completed and signed off weekly. Deviation from the pricing schedule may result in disqualification. Transnet may negotiate market-related prices post-evaluation if the highest scorer’s price is non-competitive. Quantities in the schedule are estimates; actual orders will be 'as and when required'.

Mandatory compliance: 1) Tax: Submit valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or CSD number. Apply via SARS e-filing (www.sars.gov.za). Foreign suppliers without a local entity are exempt from CSD but must disclose tax status. 2) Central Supplier Database (CSD): Self-register on National Treasury’s CSD (https://secure.csd.gov.za/) unless a foreign supplier with no RSA entity. 3) B-BBEE: Submit a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs). Joint ventures must provide a consolidated B-BBEE scorecard. 4) Legal/Regulatory: Comply with Employment Equity Act (Section 53), National Railway Safety Regulator Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act. 5) Confidentiality: Sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure E) and Supplier Integrity Pact (Annexure D). 6) Security Clearance: Successful bidders and their personnel may require CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET clearance. 7) Joint Ventures: Submit a signed JV/consortium agreement or written intent to form one, including percentage splits and responsibilities. 8) Foreign Suppliers: Disclose DPIP/FPPO status and commercial relationships via the provided form. Failure to meet any compliance requirement may render the bid invalid.