Develop biodiversity management plan for morgenzon forest reserve – tender in mpumalanga

Closing date: 09 November 2026 at 11:00 AM

Briefing session (non-compulsory): 19 October 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, via Microsoft Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/393069166143956?p=2NO1D2Cj93VqY8HRPf

Clarification deadline: at least 7 calendar days before the closing date and time, in writing to the DFFE email.

Non-compulsory briefing session: 19 October 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, via Microsoft Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/393069166143956?p=2NO1D2Cj93VqY8HRPf. Clarification requests must be submitted to the DFFE email at least 7 calendar days before the closing date and time.

Bidding procedure enquiries:

• Contact: SCM Officials
• Email: [email protected]

Technical enquiries:

• Contact: SCM Officials
• Email: [email protected]

Submission address (bid box):

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

The Environment House

473 Steve Biko Road, Cnr Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road

Arcadia, Pretoria/Tshwane

Submission method: deposit in the bid box at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, The Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Cnr Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria/Tshwane.

Closing time: 09 November 2026 at 11:00 AM. Late bids will not be accepted.

Format: one (01) master original document, bound, with an identical electronic copy on USB. Include a table of contents.

Returnable documents (all must be completed and signed):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 3.3 (Pricing Schedule – Professional Services): aligned to Annexure A pricing schedule.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure): declares any employment by an organ of state or relationship with the procuring institution; false disclosure disqualifies.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE and specific goal points.
• CSD registration report or SARS Tax Pin.
• Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Letter of Authority to sign documents on behalf of the company.
• Consent and Indemnity form.
• Joint Venture agreement, if applicable.
• CVs of proposed team members on the DFFE template (Annexure B).

Disqualification risks:

• Any returnable document omitted or unsigned.
• Proposal not in the prescribed format, or with illegible or incomplete information.
• Failure to disclose all CSD-registered active companies linked to directors.
• Bids from persons in the service of the state, or companies with directors who are.

Evaluation is in three phases:

Phase 1 – Pre-compliance: review of SCM returnable documents, tax matters, and proof of CSD registration. Failure disqualifies.

Phase 2 – Functionality: minimum qualifying score 75/100. Criteria and weights:

• Project plan, methodology and project management in Conservation Management (weight 30): covers structured work breakdown, defined objectives, milestones and deliverables, detailed timeframes, resource allocation, and risk management approach.
• Qualifications of the Project Team Leader in Ecology/Biological Sciences/Nature Conservation/Resource Management (weight 20): Master's (NQF 9) or higher scores 5; Honours (NQF 8) scores 4; Bachelor's (NQF 7) scores 3; Diploma (NQF 6) scores 2; Higher Certificate (NQF 5) scores 1; below NQF 5 or none scores 0.
• Experience of the Project Team Leader in developing biodiversity management plans or sustainable forest management (weight 20): 5 years or more scores 5; 4 to <5 years scores 4; 3 to <4 years scores 3; 2 to <3 years scores 2; 1 to <2 years scores 1; less than 1 year scores 0.
• Qualifications of a Project Team Member in Environmental Law (weight 10): Honours (NQF 8) scores 5; Bachelor's (NQF 7) scores 4; Diploma (NQF 6) scores 3; below NQF 5 or none scores 0.
• Experience and track record of a Team Member in Commercial Law (weight 10): 5 years or more scores 5; 4 to <5 years scores 4; 3 to <4 years scores 3; 2 to <3 years scores 2; 1 to <2 years scores 1; less than 1 year scores 0.
• Company experience in successfully executing and developing Biodiversity Management plans (weight 10): 5 or more projects with signed positive reference letters scores 10; 4 projects scores 8; 3 projects scores 6; 2 projects scores 4; 1 project scores 2; none scores 0.

Phase 3 – Price and preference points (80/20 system):

• Price: maximum 80 points, formula Ps = 80[1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin].
• Specific goals: maximum 20 points for more than 50% ownership by Black people, women, or people with disabilities (20 points for any one of these; 0 points for 50% or below).

Award: to the bidder with the highest total points, provided they meet all phases and comply with requirements.

Scope: Develop a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Morgenzon Forest Reserve, Mpumalanga, in line with NEMPAA.

Location: Morgenzon Forest Reserve, within Tweefontein State Forest, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Thaba Chweu local municipality, about 25 km from Pilgrim's Rest. Two portions: 4050 ha (declared 2013, five farms) and 607.11 ha (west of Pilgrim's Rest along R533).

Work areas:

• Develop a project plan with approach, budget allocations, and milestones.
• Conduct a literature review of all work on the reserve and its land use (baseline).
• Conduct a situational analysis covering legal, environmental, social, economic issues and risks.
• Conduct approximately 4 stakeholder engagements with communities, Department of Minerals and Energy, municipality, provincial environment departments, SAFCOL, private sector; record comments and responses (minutes and attendance registers).
• Develop a comprehensive BMP including mitigation of negative threats, a framework for decision-making on resource allocation, and managing fire as a key ecological process.

Deliverables:

1. Project inception report
2. Comprehensive literature review report
3. Stakeholder report including comments and response document
4. Situational Analysis report
5. Biodiversity Management Plan for Morgenzon Nature Reserve
6. Close-out report

Duration: Six (6) months after signing of the SLA and issuing of the Official Order by DFFE.

The project plan must include a structured work breakdown, defined objectives, milestones and deliverables, detailed timeframes, resource allocation, and a risk management approach. The methodology must cover all six sub-headings to score full points in functionality.

Project Team Leader: qualification in Ecology/Biological Sciences/Nature Conservation/Resource Management (NQF 5 to 9) and experience in developing biodiversity management plans or sustainable forest management (1 to 5+ years).

Project Team Member: qualification in Environmental Law (NQF 6 to 8) and experience in Commercial Law (1 to 5+ years).

Company: experience in successfully executing and developing Biodiversity Management plans, with signed positive reference letters on client letterhead.

CVs must be on the DFFE template (Annexure B); if a resource is not assigned a role on the template, no points will be allocated. If two different CVs exist for a resource, the DFFE template takes precedence.

Pricing must be submitted on SBD 3.3, aligned to Annexure A. The schedule requires a ceiling price based on total estimated time for all phases, with rates per hour and quantities for each deliverable: project inception report, comprehensive literature review report, stakeholder report including comments and response document, situational analysis report, Biodiversity Management Plan, and close-out report. Offer valid for 120 days from closing date. In case of discrepancies, the price in SBD 3.3 takes precedence. DFFE reserves the right to negotiate price with a recommended service provider. Travelling costs between home/office and DFFE office are not for DFFE's account.

Pricing format: SBD 3.3 (Professional Services) – ceiling price based on total estimated time for all phases, inclusive of all expenses and taxes. Rates per hour and quantities for each deliverable.

Offer validity: 120 days from the closing date. DFFE may extend validity; bidders must respond in writing to accept the extension or they will not be considered further.

VAT: 15% to be added to the subtotal.

Discrepancies: In case of discrepancies between the bid price and SBD 3.3, the price in SBD 3.3 takes precedence.

Negotiation: DFFE reserves the right to negotiate price with a recommended service provider without offering the same opportunity to other bidders.

Travelling costs: Costs and time between home/office and the DFFE office are not for DFFE's account.

Payment terms: Not specified in the document.

CSD registration: Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) must be submitted with the bid. CSD number or report required.

Tax compliance: SARS Tax Status Pin or CSD number/report required. Bidders must be tax compliant and remain so for the contract term. Bidders making taxable supplies over R1 million in any 12-month period must register for VAT; if successful, must register within one month of award.

B-BBEE: Valid B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate (SANAS-accredited, accredited agency, or CIPC) or a sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) must be submitted to claim preference points. For joint ventures/partnerships, a consolidated B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited provider is required.

State employment: Bids from persons in the service of the state, or companies with directors who are, will not be considered.

Register for Tender Defaulters / List of Restricted Suppliers: Automatic disqualification if listed.

POPIA: Bidders must comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) regarding processing of personal information.

The Biodiversity Management Plan must address mitigation of negative threats on the receiving environment, a framework for decision-making on resource allocation, and management of fire as a key ecological process. The situational analysis must cover environmental issues and risks.

Performance will be closely monitored by DFFE. Weekly progress meetings for the first two months, then monthly progress reports; failure to submit reports on time results in penalties. The Project Manager manages the SLA. Appointed service providers may be subjected to security vetting. The senior in charge of fieldwork must be present throughout the contract. Replacement of senior personnel requires Project Manager approval and a one-month handover period. GCC conditions apply, but special conditions prevail in case of contradiction. The service provider must notify DFFE in writing of all subcontracts. DFFE reserves the right to reject proposals not in prescribed format or with illegible/incomplete information. DFFE may seek clarity or verify documents. Trusts, consortia, or joint ventures qualify for preference points if average combined ownership exceeds 50% on specific goals. DFFE may request additional information to validate submissions.

Bidders must be tax compliant, including Income Tax Act and VAT Act. Those making taxable supplies over R1 million in any 12-month period must register for VAT. SARS Tax Status Pin or CSD number must be provided. Bidders must not be persons in the service of the state, nor companies with directors who are. Bidders must submit a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit. For joint ventures or partnerships, a consolidated B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited provider is required. Bidders must comply with POPIA.

Additional evaluation criteria: Functionality minimum score 75/100. Criteria weights: project plan and methodology in Conservation Management (30), Project Team Leader qualifications (20), Project Team Leader experience (20), Project Team Member qualification in Environmental Law (10), Team Member experience in Commercial Law (10), company experience in Biodiversity Management plans (10). Price and preference points use the 80/20 system.