The council for geoscience (cgs) invites bids from qualified service providers to join a panel for reverse circulation drilling services on an 'as and when' required basis for three years. This tender aims to augment cgs's drilling capacity for shallow and deep boreholes in various geological conditions. Successful bidders will be placed on a preferred supplier list and may be called upon for future drilling projects.
Key Requirements
Must be a registered service provider capable of reverse circulation drilling services
Must attend the compulsory briefing session at 280 Pretoria Street, Silveton, Pretoria
Must submit a valid bid before the closing date of 26 August 2026
APPOINTMENT OF A PANEL OF REVERSE CIRCULATION DRILLING SERVICE PROVIDERS TO AUGMENT THE COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS) DRILLING CAPACITY FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (03) YEARS.
Tender context
Return to this tender’s issuing organisation, province, or category.
Appointment of a panel of reverse circulation drilling service providers to augment the council for geoscience (cgs) drilling capacity for a period of three (03) years.
Document read. The full tender notice and its supporting documents are read end-to-end. Key sections, requirements, dates, and contact details are identified and pulled into a working summary you can act on.
Compliance review. The working summary is checked against South African procurement standards — PFMA, PPPFA, B-BBEE, CIDB, local content, and preferential procurement — so nothing critical is missed before you start your bid response.
Procurement Rules & Compliance ContextThis tender may be governed by South African public procurement rules covering fairness, transparency, preferential procurement, anti-corruption, administrative justice and access to information.
7 rules
These references help suppliers understand the public-procurement framework around this opportunity. They are generated from the tender category, issuing organisation type and procurement context.
Core procurement rules
These rules commonly apply to South African public-sector procurement.
7
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE Act)
Act 53 of 2003
high
Provides the empowerment-compliance context often used in public-sector supplier evaluation.
Relevant because this is a South African public-sector procurement opportunity.
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 – Section 217
Act 108 of 1996 (s217)
high
This is general procurement context, not legal advice. Always verify requirements in the official tender documents and issuing authority notices.
The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is seeking to appoint a panel of reverse circulation drilling service providers for a three-year period to augment its drilling capacity. The tender (CGS-2026-022NY) requires bidders to submit technical and price proposals in separate envelopes, with a non-compulsory briefing session on 11 August 2026 and a closing date of 26 August 2026. The scope includes drilling shallow (up to 200m) and deep (up to 450m) boreholes in various geological conditions. Evaluation is based on mandatory, functional (minimum 80 points), and administrative criteria. Successful bidders will be placed on a preferred list for 'as and when' required work, with no guaranteed volume.
Not sure if your business is ready for this tender? Check CSD, CIDB, and B-BBEE requirements, run a readiness assessment, and move from opportunity to submission.
Based on 25 comparable awarded tenders. Companies with similar profiles typically bid near the median.
* Estimates are based on historical data and do not guarantee actual award values.
Bid-ready summary. The submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, technical, financial, and compliance sections are refined into professional, easy-to-scan prose. This is the final version you can rely on when preparing your bid or briefing your team.
We refine every tender document through these stages so you can brief your team and prepare your bid with confidence. Anything marked as "in progress" will be upgraded automatically — no action required from you.
Document read
Compliance review
Bid-ready summary
CGS is a Schedule 3A public entity under the PFMA, mandated by the Geoscience Act to produce geoscience knowledge and services.
This RFP seeks to appoint a panel of reverse circulation drilling service providers for a three-year period on an 'as and when' basis.
No work is guaranteed; successful bidders become preferred contractors.
Scope for evaluation: drilling of shallow (100m) and/or deep (450m) boreholes in specified geological scenarios.
Bidders must provide methodology for the selected scenario(s).
The tender is subject to tax, procurement, and technical legislation.
Important Dates
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf (RFP)
Closing date: 26 August 2026 at 11:00 (South African standard time).
Non-compulsory briefing session: 11 August 2026 at 11:00.
Closing date for questions relating to the bid: 20 August 2026.
Tender validity period: 120 days after closing date.
All dates and times are subject to change at CGS's discretion.
Submission address: Council for Geoscience, 280 Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria, 0001 (tender box at reception).
All communication must be in writing; reduce telephonic enquiries to writing and send to the above email.
Submission Guidelines
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf (RFP)
Submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of the tender document, sealed in an envelope/any packaging, deposited in the tender box at the Council for Geoscience reception, 280 Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria, before the closing date and time.
Use the two-envelope bidding procedure: place the technical proposal in one sealed envelope and the price proposal in another, then enclose both together in an outer single envelope.
Mark the outer envelope with the tender description, tender number, issue date, briefing session date, and closing date.
Complete all forms in black ink and sign where applicable. Failure to provide any required document may lead to disqualification.
Do not retype the tender document; use only the official forms supplied.
Submit the following returnable documents: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points – if applicable), CSD report, company registration certificate (certified copy), shareholding breakdown, and any other required certificates.
For joint ventures/consortia, submit the JV agreement with percentage split and roles.
Bids sent by telegram, telex, facsimile, or similar means will not be considered.
Initial each page of the tender document on the top right-hand corner.
Late bids will not be accepted and will be returned unopened where practicable.
Do not add counter conditions or amend bid conditions; doing so invalidates the bid.
Evaluation Criteria
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf (RFP)
Evaluation follows three gates: Mandatory (Gate 1), Functional (Gate 2), and Administrative (Gate 3).
Gate 1 (Mandatory): Must submit a valid RC1 certificate for an operational reverse circulation drill rig and tick the applicable drilling capability category (Category 1: ≤200m, Category 2: >200m to 450m). Failure to comply leads to disqualification.
Gate 2 (Functional): Score a minimum of 80 out of 100 points. Functional criteria include:
Method statement (25 points): Must cover borehole engineering design, site preparation, drilling procedure, and area rehabilitation/clean-up. Full marks for covering all four activities.
Drilling selection and procedure (25 points): Demonstrate correct drilling method for the chosen geological scenario (1 or 2). For deep holes, include auxiliary equipment and rationale.
Company experience (25 points): Provide verifiable client reference letters for reverse circulation drilling projects completed in the last 5 years. Letters must be on client letterhead, include project description, completion date, and hole depth. Appointment letters do not qualify. Scoring: 2 letters for shallow or 1 for deep = 20 points; 3 letters for shallow or 2 for deep = 25 points.
SHE Management Plan (25 points): Must cover safety record, waste management (oil spill, chemicals handling), checklist templates, and risk assessment methods. Full marks for covering all four items.
Gate 3 (Administrative): Submit SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, CSD registration proof, and JV agreement (if applicable). Missing administrative documents may be submitted within 2 working days, except SBD 6.1 which must be with the original bid.
Tax non-compliance: Bidders given 7 working days to correct in CSD; failure leads to disqualification.
CGS may conduct supplier due diligence, site visits, and verify references. False information leads to disqualification.
CGS reserves the right not to award to the lowest bidder and to negotiate with preferred bidders.
Technical Specifications
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf (RFP)
Scope: Appointment of a panel of reverse circulation drilling service providers to augment CGS drilling capacity on an 'as and when' required basis for three (3) years.
No guarantee of work; successful bidders become preferred contractors.
Boreholes may be vertical or inclined, in unconsolidated sands and/or hard rock.
For tender evaluation, provide methodology for shallow (100m) and/or deep (450m) reverse circulation boreholes.
Bidders must declare capability category (Category 1: ≤200m, Category 2: >200m to 450m).
Method statement must cover borehole engineering design, site preparation, drilling procedure, and area rehabilitation/clean-up.
For deep drilling, include auxiliary equipment needed and rationale.
Must comply with applicable technical legislation and standards.
Methodology
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf
Method statement (25 points) must cover: borehole engineering design, site preparation, drilling procedure, and area rehabilitation/clean-up.
Full marks (25) if all four activities are explained; 20 if three activities; 0 if less than three or not submitted.
Drilling selection and procedure (25 points): Must select appropriate drilling method for the geological setting (Scenario 1 or 2). For deep holes, include auxiliary equipment and rationale.
Full marks (25) for appropriate method and correct procedure; 20 for either inappropriate method or incorrect procedure; 0 for both wrong.
Experience & Qualifications
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf
Company experience (25 points): Provide verifiable client reference letters for reverse circulation drilling projects completed in the last 5 years.
Letters must be on client letterhead, include project description, completion date, and hole depth.
Appointment letters do not qualify.
Scoring: 0 if less than 2 letters (shallow) or 1 (deep) or none; 20 if 2 letters (shallow) or 1 (deep); 25 if 3 letters (shallow) or 2 (deep).
References will be authenticated; referees will be contacted.
Quality Management
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf
Bidders must agree to inspection of resources and works if required by CGS.
CGS may conduct site inspections, product evaluations, or explanatory meetings to verify service quality.
All communication must be in writing.
Bidders must notify CGS of any discrepancies in the bid documents.
Confidentiality of bid content must be maintained.
Financial Requirements
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf (RFP)
No upfront or deposit payments will be made; payment 30 days after delivery of services and receipt of invoice.
Price proposal must be submitted in a separate envelope (two-envelope system).
Price breakdown (Schedule 5) must indicate cost drivers.
Bidders must bear all costs of preparing and submitting the bid.
No specific financial capacity requirements stated in the document.
Compliance Requirements
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf (RFP)
Must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide proof of registration.
Must be tax compliant; provide SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or CSD number. CGS will verify via CSD.
Each JV/consortium partner must submit separate TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number.
Must not be persons in the service of the state, or companies with directors who are.
Must submit SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest) and SBD 6.1 (Preference Points) if applicable.
For B-BBEE points, submit a certified valid SANAS-accredited or DTI certificate, or sworn affidavit. For JV/consortium, consolidated certificate required.
Must submit latest original certified copies of company registration certificate and shareholding breakdown.
Must not be on the Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
Must not engage in fronting; CGS may investigate and disqualify if fronting is found.
Former CGS employees or companies owned by them cannot do business with CGS within 12 months of leaving.
Must submit a valid COIDA certificate when on the preferred list (per engagement model).
Must accept General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and sign them.
Health & Safety
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf
Bidders must provide a Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Management Plan complying with the OHS Act.
The plan must include: safety record (accident trends), waste management program (oil spill, chemicals handling with MSDS), checklist templates (inspections, pre-start, maintenance), and risk assessment methods (toolbox talks).
Scoring: 0 points if less than 3 of 4 items covered; 20 points if 3 items; 25 points if all 4 items.
The SHE plan is part of functional evaluation (25 points).
Contractual Terms
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf
Bidders indemnify CGS against costs/damages arising from breach of bid conditions.
Bidders participate at their own risk; CGS not liable for costs incurred in bidding.
No award to non-tax-compliant bidders; CGS may cancel contract if bidder becomes non-compliant.
No award to bidders on Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
South African law governs; bidders submit to exclusive jurisdiction of SA courts.
Bidders responsible for their personnel and sub-contractors' compliance.
Confidentiality: No disclosure of bid information except as required by law; bid documents remain CGS property.
Bidders must declare no access to CGS proprietary information.
CGS may terminate or suspend services if funds are unavailable, with payment for services delivered up to termination date.
Section
Source: TENDER DOCUMENT CGS-2026-022NY.pdf
Additional evaluation criteria: For JV/consortium, specific goals points are allocated proportionally based on partner ownership percentages and B-BBEE status.
Example formula: Points = sum of (partner % work allocation × partner % ownership in specific goal × weighting).
SBD 6.1 must be completed and submitted with the original bid; non-submission results in no scoring for specific goals.
Preference point system (80/20 or 90/10) will apply for RFQs issued to the panel.
CGS may contact bidders during evaluation for clarification only.
Sets the constitutional standard for fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective public procurement.
Relevant because this is a South African public-sector procurement opportunity.
This tender has strong source evidence, including source metadata and supporting tender information synced from the government tender portal.
Tenders SA is not the issuing authority. All tenders are automatically synced from the official government tender portal. Always confirm final submission details, closing dates, briefing sessions, eligibility requirements, and documents on the official government portal before applying.