Integrated security services and forensic investigations for erwat (36-Month contract)

Closing date: Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 12:00

Compulsory virtual briefing session: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 10:30

• Registration required at least one day before via link on ERWAT website only. Attendance mandatory; failure to attend invalidates bid.
• Queries may be submitted within 5 working days after the briefing session.

A compulsory virtual briefing session will be held on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 10:30. Bidders must register in advance (at least one day before) using the link provided on the ERWAT website only. Attendance is mandatory; failure to attend will render the bid invalid. Bidders must provide the email address of the representative who attended for verification. Queries may be submitted within five working days after the briefing session.

SCM enquiries:

• Chantel Kearns

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 011 929 7000

• Inkosinathi Nhlapo

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 011 929 7000

• Mphiwa V. Chuene

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 011 929 7000

Technical enquiries:

• Ronald Mbedzi

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 011 929 7000

Submission address:

ERWAT Head Office

R25 Bapsfontein Road

Norkem Park

Submission method: hardcopy on the original ERWAT bid document, deposited in the tender box at ERWAT Head Office, R25 Bapsfontein Road, Norkem Park, by closing date and time. Late bids are not accepted.

• An identical electronic copy (PDF) may be emailed to [email protected] (not mandatory; hardcopy is the official binding version).
• Bids must be completed in ink; no correction fluid, erasable ink, or pencil. All amendments must be initialled.
• No pages may be removed; submit the original document with original signatures.
• Returnable forms (all must be completed and signed):
• MBD 1 (General Declaration)
• MBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule, firm prices)
• MBD 4 (Declaration of Interest)
• MBD 5 (Declaration for submission of Annual Financial Statements, for purchases above R10 million)
• MBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim)
• MBD 8 (Declaration of Bidder's Past Supply Chain Management Practices)
• MBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination)
• MBD 7 (Contract Form) is signed by the successful bidder.
• Disqualification risks: missing or unsigned forms, uninitialled amendments, use of correction fluid, improper signing, submission to wrong box or after closing, removal of pages, or submitting a copy instead of the original.

Bids must be submitted in hardcopy on the original bid document and deposited in the tender box at ERWAT Head Office by the closing date and time. An identical electronic copy (PDF) may be emailed to [email protected] (not mandatory). The hardcopy is the official binding version. The successful bidder must sign a written contract form (MBD7).

Three-phase evaluation:

• Phase I – Initial screening: CSD registration, tax compliance (SARS PIN), rates and taxes payment record, administrative compliance.
• Phase II – Technical/functionality evaluation: minimum 80 points out of 100 required to proceed. Criteria include:
• Physical Security Services experience (reference letters): 4 or more letters = 50, 3 = 40, 2 = 30, 1 = 15, none = 0. Letters must be on company letterhead, include project description and contract number, minimum project value R30 million (VAT incl.), signed with contactable details, dated not older than 10 years.
• Financial Resources & Capacity (bank rating, not older than 6 months): A = 25, B = 15, C = 10, D = 5, E = 2. No bank rating = 0.
• Vehicle fleet: minimum 10 vehicles, proof of ownership/rental/lease in bidder's or directors' names. 10 or more = 25, 9 or less = 0.
• Phase III – Price and specific goals: 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system. Prices in South African Rand.
• Site visits conducted only for bidders scoring minimum 80 points under functionality; minimum 5 vehicles available for inspection.
• Bidders must score minimum 80 points to qualify for further evaluation.

Scope: Complete integrated security service package including:

• Physical security guarding (armed and unarmed)
• Security Control Room monitoring (24/7)
• Intruder alarm monitoring
• Armed response
• Riot support services
• VIP escort and Close Protection
• Forensic investigations
• Polygraph testing
• Drone rentals and monitoring

Contract period: 36 months, as-and-when-required basis.

Current contract size: approximately 160 active security personnel, 6 patrol dogs, 7 vehicles, firearms, radio communications and patrol devices.

ERWAT operates 19 Water Care Works and various other properties.

Guarding services:

• Two shifts per day: 06h00-18h00 (dayshift), 18h00-06h00 (nightshift).
• Guards must have minimum matric/grade 12 and valid grade C PSIRA certification.
• Senior staff (grade B+) must be screened with ERWAT involvement.
• Provide base radio, hand-held radios and equipment per site.
• Guards must wear branded uniforms, maintain discipline, and not desert posts.
• Duty Manager/Supervisor to conduct minimum 2 dayshift and 2 nightshift parades per week.
• Monthly operations meetings and debriefing meetings required.
• GPS-based off-site monitoring of all teams.

Control room:

• 24-hour monitoring of alarms and guard patrol systems at all ERWAT sites.
• Weekly alarm reports, daily guard patrol exception reports.

Armed response vehicle minimum equipment:

• Vehicle branding, LED roof lights, vehicle tracking, bullet resistant vests, in-car radio, digital camera, long range flashlight, 9mm firearm.

VIP Close Protection:

• Team members must be fit, no criminal records, appropriately armed, South African citizens or permanent residents.
• Training: accredited Close Protection/VIP Escorting, PSIRA registration, firearm competency, First Aid CPR level 3, advanced/defensive driving.
• Escort vehicle: unbranded, LED security lights, tracking, legal firearms, Regulation 3 First Aid kit.

Forensic investigations:

• Conduct investigations into fraud, corruption, misconduct.
• Commence within 3 working days of instruction.
• Final report within 30 days of instruction.
• Support and lead evidence in disciplinary, criminal and civil proceedings.
• Refer cases to law enforcement agencies.
• Confidentiality and lawful processing of personal information.

Polygraph testing per SAPPA standards.

Drones: thermal imaging capability, licensed per South African Civil Aviation Authority.

Police Clearance Certificates for all employees within first 3 months after appointment; contracts terminated if not obtained.

Service provider must provide a detailed technical proposal covering:

• Physical security guarding (two shifts per day, 06h00-18h00 and 18h00-06h00)
• Control room monitoring (24/7)
• Armed response with specified vehicle equipment
• VIP close protection (trained and equipped personnel)
• Forensic investigations (per ICFP/ACFE standards)
• Polygraph testing (per SAPPA standards)
• Drone operations (licensed with thermal imaging)
• Attend monthly meetings, provide reports, and maintain communication.

Bidders must demonstrate relevant experience through reference letters from clients for completed projects, including contact details. Letters must be on company letterhead, include project description and contract number, minimum project value R30 million (VAT incl.), signed with contactable details, dated not older than 10 years.

• Key personnel must have specified qualifications (e.g., NQF Level 5 in Security Management for managers).
• Functionality evaluation includes scoring for company experience and bank rating.

Service provider must submit various reports including incident reports within 24 hours, monthly performance reports, and a handover report at least 15 days before contract expiry. Reports must be submitted to the departmental project manager within set timelines.

• Monthly risk assessment reports required.
• Weekly alarm reports and daily guard patrol exception reports.
• Site evaluation for bidders scoring minimum 80 points under functionality.

Bidder's offer is rates-based. All bid prices must be inclusive of 15% VAT. Pricing schedule (MBD 3.1) must be completed and signed. ERWAT reserves the right to negotiate rates submitted by bidders.

Pricing: Rates-based offer. All prices inclusive of 15% VAT.

Payment terms: 30 days from receipt of valid invoice/tax invoice and statement.

Invoices must reflect official ERWAT order number; otherwise no payment responsibility.

Invoices must comply with VAT Act.

ERWAT reserves the right to negotiate rates.

No bid security or guarantee mentioned.

Mandatory certifications (valid at tender closing):

• PSIRA: valid registration certificate for the bidding entity.
• Firearm Control Act: certified copies of valid business firearm licenses and proof of ownership in company's name. Minimum 20 firearms, including at least 5 pump guns.
• ICASA: certified copy of valid radio communication license (company or rented).
• PSIRA: certified copies of certificates for 3 key personnel with valid PSIRA Grade A.
• PSIRA: letter of good standing.
• eNatis: proof of vehicle ownership in bidder's or directors' names (minimum 5 vehicles).

Key personnel requirements:

• Operations/Area Manager: minimum NQF Level 5 in Security Management, PSIRA Grade A.
• Reaction Manager: minimum NQF Level 5 Higher Security Management, PSIRA Grade A.
• Site Manager: minimum NQF Level 5 Certificate in Security Management, PSIRA Grade A.
• CVs and qualification evidence required; foreign qualifications must be SAQA accredited.
• Professional registrations must be in good standing at tender closing.

CSD registration compulsory; CSD number required.

Tax compliance: valid SARS PIN or TCS certificate; for JV/consortium each party must submit separate.

Rates and taxes: updated record (not older than 3 months) for company and all directors; lease agreement + SAPS affidavit if leasing; Tribal Authority letter + SAPS affidavit for traditional lands.

B-BBEE: Minimum Level 3 required.

No persons in service of the state may bid.

No fronting; ERWAT may investigate and disqualify.

Appointed bidders and personnel must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with particular reference to the safety file in accordance with the relevant commodity and scope of work. The most current regulations take precedence.

Contract will be the ERWAT standard Service Level Agreement (SLA). Tender document takes precedence over SLA in case of contradictions.

• Payment terms: 30 days from receipt of valid invoice.
• Confidentiality obligations apply; breach may lead to termination.
• Compliance with Promotion of Access to Information Act required.
• Data must be returned and destroyed after contract; records kept for minimum 6 months.
• Penalties for non-performance per GCC clause 22.
• ERWAT may appoint up to two service providers, used on as-and-when-required basis.
• Bidders must not amend special conditions; doing so leads to disqualification.

Special conditions include: ERWAT may appoint up to two service providers, used on an as-and-when-required basis. The contract will be governed by the ERWAT standard SLA. Bidders must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including safety file requirements. Penalties for non-performance will be applied per GCC clause 22. Bidders must not amend special conditions; doing so leads to disqualification.

Mandatory requirements include: valid PSIRA registration for the bidding entity; minimum of 20 firearms including at least 5 pump guns; eNatis proof of ownership of at least five vehicles in the bidder's or directors' names; key personnel must have specified PSIRA registrations and qualifications (e.g., NQF Level 5 for managers). All certificates must be valid at tender closing. Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide a CSD number. Tax compliance (SARS PIN or TCS certificate) is required. For joint ventures, each party must submit separate tax compliance and a signed agreement.

Bids are evaluated in three phases: Phase I – initial screening (CSD verification, tax compliance, administrative compliance); Phase II – technical/functionality evaluation (minimum 80 points out of 100 required to proceed); Phase III – price and specific goals (80/20 or 90/10 system). The Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) evaluates and recommends to the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC). Functionality criteria include company experience, bank rating, and vehicle fleet size. Bidders must score a minimum of 80 points to qualify for further evaluation.