Appointment of a research service provider to conduct research on gas and skills development in the south african context for a period of two (2) years.

Closing date: 08 September 2026 at 11:00.

Non-compulsory briefing session: 21 August 2026 at 11:00–12:30, held online via Microsoft Teams (link provided in the RFP).

Research commencement: September 2026.

Research completion: 31 March 2028 (all deliverables met).

All inquiries in writing to [email protected].

Submission address: EWSETA, 22 Wellington Road, Parktown, 2193.

Telephone: 011 274 4700.

Fraud hotline: 0800 611 205, [email protected], SMS 30916, or Vuvuzela Hotline app.

Submission format:

• Submit one original plus two copies and an electronic copy on a USB, hand delivered to EWSETA, 22 Wellington Road, Parktown, 2193.
• Endorse the envelope with the bid number, title, and bidder name.
• Submit in two sealed envelopes: Envelope 1 (Technical Proposal) and Envelope 2 (Price Proposal, including the valid B-BBEE certificate). Mark each with bidder details, closing date, and tender number.
• Bids must reach EWSETA by 11:00 on the closing date; late bids are not considered under any circumstances.
• Returnable documents: CSD report/number, joint venture agreement (if applicable), valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (EMEs/QSEs), SARS tax PIN, SBD 1, SBD 3.3, SBD 6.1, SBD 4, Annexure 5 (General Conditions of Purchase, signed on last page and initialled on each page), and Annexure 6 (POPI consent form).
• Missing administrative documents do not disqualify at Stage 2, but must be provided before award if the bidder is recommended.
• Plagiarism in any submitted document leads to disqualification.

Evaluation in four stages:

• Stage 1 (Mandatory): Bidder must be a public research institution. Failure to indicate this renders the bid null and void.
• Stage 2 (Pre-qualification/Administrative): Submission of CSD, joint venture agreement (if applicable), B-BBEE certificate/affidavit, SBD forms (1, 3.3, 6.1, 4), Annexure 5, Annexure 6, and SARS tax PIN. Missing documents do not disqualify at this stage but must be provided before award.
• Stage 3 (Technical/Functionality): Minimum 75 out of 100 points required to proceed. Scoring: reference letters from previous gas/energy-related research (3 letters = 30, 2 = 20, 1 = 10, none = 0); Lead/Senior Researcher experience (two abstracts of related research in energy sector = 40, one = 20, none = 0); Lead/Senior Researcher qualifications (Doctorate in related field = 30, Master's in related field = 20, unrelated = 0). Certified copies of qualifications and ID must be attached, with certification stamps not older than six months before closing.
• Stage 4 (Price and Specific Goals): 80/20 preference point system. Price = 80 points, B-BBEE status level contribution = 20 points (Level 1 = 20, Level 2 = 18, Level 3 = 14, Level 4 = 12, Level 5 = 8, Level 6 = 6, Level 7 = 4, Level 8 = 2, non-compliant = 0).
• Bidders failing to submit B-BBEE proof score 0 for B-BBEE but are not disqualified.
• Bidders intending to sub-contract more than 25% of contract value to an enterprise not qualifying for at least the same B-BBEE points will not be awarded B-BBEE points, unless the sub-contractor is an EME with capability to execute.

Scope of research:

• Examine the role of gas (SIC code 41200) in South Africa's current and future energy mix, including energy security, transition pathways, and economic development.
• Assess whether gas is a major change driver in the energy sector, particularly regarding energy transition, industrial development, and decarbonisation.
• Unpack upstream, midstream, and downstream gas activities and articulate value chains from a skills development perspective.
• Explore current and future influence of gas on the energy sector, including implications for EWSETA skills delivery, infrastructure, investment, regulation, employment, and entrepreneurship support.
• Identify qualifications, knowledge base, and existing, emerging, and future skills required for the gas value chain.
• Assess readiness of sector organisations, employers, and training providers to adopt and scale gas-related activities, including a narrative on TVET colleges, universities of technology, and accredited institutions delivering gas-related programmes.
• Determine measures for EWSETA to support education, training, and workforce preparation for the gas sector.
• Explore risk factors (skills shortages, gaps, obsolescence, workforce displacement) and business-related risks (cost of technological change, regulatory uncertainty, market dynamics).
• Map priority occupations and scarce/critical skills aligned to the Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO).
• Assess skills supply versus demand, including pipeline analysis from education and training institutions.
• Analyse occupational pathways, career progression, and articulation opportunities within the gas value chain.
• Identify skills development interventions across the learning continuum (TVET, community colleges, higher education, workplace-based learning, CPD, lifelong learning).
• Provide implications for qualification development, review, or updating.
• Align findings to NSDP outcomes.
• All findings must be evidence-based with a comprehensive portfolio of evidence.
• All work produced remains the property of EWSETA, including intellectual property.

Deliverables:

• Research Project Plan: approach, timelines, milestones, team structure, reporting and communication protocols, risk management.
• Draft Report: one electronic copy in Microsoft Word, plus a portfolio of evidence (raw data, transcripts, recordings, synthesis reports) for each chapter.
• Final Report: one electronic copy in full and 1/3/25 format, portfolio of evidence, a PowerPoint presentation, and at least two opinion pieces co-authored with EWSETA.
• Final outputs must indicate how findings support SSP priority setting, NSDP performance indicators, EWSETA discretionary grant allocation, and monitoring and evaluation of skills development impact.

Methodology must include desktop literature reviews, surveys, structured or semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and robust data analysis and synthesis. Adhere to ethical standards, data integrity, and POPIA. Proposed methodology subject to EWSETA review and approval.

• Define key objectives.
• Research study design: target population, data collection methods, sampling approach, data analysis techniques.
• Questionnaire development: length, question design, data entry, open/closed-ended questions, variables, coding, answer scales, sequencing, layout.
• Interview instrument development: qualitative question design, number and length of interviews, type of information.
• Data management: collection, organisation, fieldwork documentation, response tracking, quality control, data cleaning and coding, strategies for acceptable response rates.
• Data analysis: coding qualitative and quantitative data, missing values, data validation, statistical software (e.g., SPSS).
• Testing and validation of findings.
• Presentation of results: interpretation, challenges and opportunities, actionable recommendations, dissemination via reports and presentations.
• Generate SSP-ready datasets: occupational classifications, skills demand forecasts, sectoral skills insights.

Deliverables:

• Research Project Plan: approach, timelines, milestones, team structure, roles, reporting and communication protocols, risk management.
• Draft Report: one electronic copy in Microsoft Word, portfolio of evidence for each chapter (raw data, transcripts, recordings, synthesis reports).
• Final Report: one electronic copy in full and 1/3/25 format, portfolio of evidence, PowerPoint presentation, at least two opinion pieces co-authored with EWSETA.
• Final report must incorporate all amendments and inputs required by EWSETA.
• Final outputs must indicate how findings support SSP priority setting, NSDP performance indicators, EWSETA discretionary grant allocation, and monitoring and evaluation of skills development impact.

Bidder must demonstrate expertise in skills development related to the gas subsector (SIC code 41200) and related energy systems.

• Reference letters: up to three valid letters from companies evidencing previously conducted gas or energy-related research studies. Letters must be on client letterhead and include client name, research title, year conducted, year completed, contactable reference name and contact details. Scoring: 3 letters = 30 points, 2 = 20, 1 = 10, none = 0.
• Lead/Senior Researcher experience: must have completed related research studies in at least two SETAs and/or related public organisations (e.g., NSA, DHET, CHE, Quality Councils, Public Universities, Public Enterprises/Companies, Public Colleges). Provide short abstracts (max 250 words) for each related study, up to two abstracts. Abstracts must be verifiable through valid, contactable references. Scoring: two abstracts in energy sector = 40 points, one = 20, none = 0.
• Lead/Senior Researcher qualifications: preferred MPhil or PhD in Human Resource Development (Research) combined with energy management/leadership, or PhD in Energy Studies. Other master's/doctorate in HRD and energy fields may be considered. Researchers from other fields may be considered if holding at least a PhD, at EWSETA's discretion. Scoring: Doctorate in related field = 30 points, Master's in related field = 20, unrelated = 0.
• Certified copies of qualifications and South African ID (Green ID or Smart ID, both sides for Smart ID) must be attached. Certification stamps must be clear and not older than six months before closing date. Uncertified or older certifications will not be accepted and score no points.

Methodology must ensure collection, analysis, and interpretation of verifiable and credible data. Required elements:

• Define key objectives of the study.
• Research study design: target population, data collection methods, sampling approach, data analysis techniques aligned to scientific standards.
• Questionnaire development: length, question design, data entry requirements, open/closed-ended questions, variables, coding, answer scales, sequencing, layout.
• Interview instrument development: qualitative question design, number and length of interviews, type of information to derive.
• Data management: collection, organisation, fieldwork documentation, response tracking, quality control, data cleaning and coding, strategies for acceptable response rates.
• Data analysis: coding qualitative and quantitative data, managing missing values, data validation, use of statistical software (e.g., SPSS or equivalent).
• Testing and validation of findings from desktop and field research.
• Presentation of results: interpretation, key challenges and opportunities, actionable recommendations, dissemination via written reports and presentations.
• Methodology must generate SSP-ready datasets (occupational classifications, skills demand forecasts, sectoral skills insights) integrable into EWSETA planning.
• Adherence to ethical standards, data integrity, and POPIA.
• Proposed methodology subject to EWSETA review and approval.
• Quality assurance: bidder must perform quality control, field supervision, verification checks, data validation, and document QA procedures.
• AI-assisted content must be reviewed, validated, and edited by qualified personnel; EWSETA may require disclosure of AI use and demonstration of QA measures.

Pricing schedule (SBD 3.3) must be completed on company letterhead, covering the entire two-year study period. Only firm prices accepted; non-firm prices not considered.

• Cost categories: personnel and professional fees; travel and transport; data collection, management and analysis; stakeholder engagement; reporting and deliverables.
• Travel and fieldwork costs include transportation, accommodation, subsistence, field allowances, and all logistics.
• Bidders must indicate a ceiling price based on total estimated time for completion, inclusive of all applicable taxes.
• Provide hourly and daily rates for persons involved; certified invoices must be rendered accordingly.
• Provide phases, cost per phase, and man-days.
• Travel expenses: only actual costs recoverable; proof of expenses must accompany certified invoices.
• Other expenses (e.g., accommodation) must be specified; certified invoices checked for correctness.
• Indicate whether rates are firm for the full contract period; if not, provide basis for adjustments (e.g., CPI).
• EWSETA reserves the right to request clarification or justification for any cost item.
• No additional costs outside approved contract value will be considered.
• Offer valid for 90 working days from closing date.

Pricing schedule (SBD 3.3) is compulsory and must be completed without alterations; failure may lead to disqualification.

• Financial proposals compared on total amount inclusive of VAT and all related costs.
• Pricing must cover the entire two-year study period.
• Only firm prices accepted; non-firm prices (including those subject to exchange rate variations) will not be considered.
• No additional costs outside the approved contract value will be considered.
• Cost categories: personnel and professional fees; travel and transport; data collection, management and analysis; stakeholder engagement; reporting and deliverables.
• Bidders must complete a VAT declaration; failure to declare VAT status or provide a valid VAT number may lead to disqualification.
• EWSETA will not make upfront payments; valid invoices paid in full within 30 days if all supporting documents are submitted.
• Offer valid for 90 working days from the closing date.

Mandatory: Bidder must be a public research institution.

• CSD registration: Provide CSD report or number.
• Tax compliance: SARS tax PIN or tax clearance certificate; tax matters must be in order at time of award.
• B-BBEE: Valid B-BBEE certificate issued by a SANAS accredited entity, or sworn affidavit for EMEs/QSEs; joint ventures must submit a combined certificate.
• SBD forms: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 3.3 (Pricing Schedule – Professional Services), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim), SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest).
• Annexure 5: General Conditions of Purchase, signed on last page and initialled on each page.
• Annexure 6: POPI consent form; both parties must sign if a joint venture.
• Joint venture agreement required if applicable, indicating percentage involvement of each company.
• Bidders must not have engaged in fronting, collusion, or corrupt practices; any bidder found guilty will be disqualified and reported per Treasury Instruction Note 22.
• Bidders must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

Contract management under Treasury Regulation 16A9. Non-performance attracts penalties including withholding of payments, contract termination, and reporting to National Treasury.

• Confidentiality and data protection: successful bidder must protect confidential information, securely store research data, and comply with data protection laws and ethical standards.
• Data ownership and handover: all raw data, cleaned datasets, codebooks, transcripts, metadata, analysis scripts, GIS files, and other research materials must be handed over to EWSETA in editable formats at agreed milestones and before project completion.
• Quality assurance: bidder must perform quality control, field supervision, verification checks, data validation, and document QA procedures.
• Conflict of interest: bidders must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Non-disclosure: bidder must not share research findings or project information with third parties without EWSETA's prior written approval.
• Payment schedule: payments linked to acceptance of key deliverables.
• Records and audit rights: EWSETA may inspect project records and financial documentation.
• Intellectual property: all data, research instruments, methodologies, databases, transcripts, analyses, reports, and other outputs become sole property of EWSETA. Bidder may not claim ownership or use outputs outside the contract without prior written approval. Pre-existing IP remains bidder's property, but bidder grants EWSETA a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use it as necessary for the deliverables. Obligations survive contract termination.
• Research ethics: bidder must obtain ethical approvals, research permits, and informed consent; protect participants' rights, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality. Deliverables must be original, free from plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation. AI-assisted content must be reviewed, validated, and edited by qualified personnel; EWSETA may require disclosure of AI use and reject deliverables breaching research ethics.
• Contract concluded only when reduced to writing and signed by authorised representatives of both parties; EWSETA's CEO or written delegate.
• EWSETA reserves the right to appoint more than one service provider.

Evaluation in four stages:

• Stage 1: Mandatory – bidder must be a public research institution.
• Stage 2: Pre-qualification – administrative documents (CSD, joint venture agreement, B-BBEE certificate, SBD forms, Annexure 5, Annexure 6, tax PIN). Missing documents do not disqualify at this stage but must be provided before award.
• Stage 3: Technical/Functionality – minimum 75 out of 100 points required. Criteria: reference letters (30 points), Lead/Senior Researcher experience (40 points), Lead/Senior Researcher qualifications (30 points).
• Stage 4: Price and Specific Goals – 80 points for price, 20 points for B-BBEE status level contribution.
• Bidders must achieve minimum functionality score to proceed; failure results in disqualification.