Supply and delivery of 3 clarity tubes for laboratory use

Closing date and time: 19 August 2026 at 11:00 AM.

Compulsory briefing session / site visit: None (N/A).

Bidding procedure enquiries: SCM, contact person Nozipho Mahlanze, email [email protected].

Technical information enquiries: Science Engagement, contact person NB.Mahalanze, email [email protected].

Submission email: [email protected].

Submission is by email only, to [email protected]. Only PDF documents are acceptable. Bids must be received by the closing time; late bids will not be considered. Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided, not re-typed. One original set of bid documents is required in electronic format. The bidder must complete the Returnable Documents Checklist and provide page references to supporting documentation; failure to provide any mandatory document will disqualify the bid.

Returnable documents (all mandatory unless noted):

• SBD 1 (Procurement Invitation), signed and completed, including SBD 4, SBD 6.1 and the signed Bid Submission Certificate.
• Proof of authority to sign (e.g. company resolution).
• Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD).
• Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) – optional, required to claim preference points.
• Data sheet, manual or brochure for the offered product.
• Pricing schedule (SBD 3.1) or a quotation on company letterhead.

Disqualification risks:

• Any mandatory returnable document omitted or unsigned.
• Quotation received after the closing time.
• Bids from persons in the service of the state, or companies with directors who are in the service of the state.
• Bidders listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.

Returnable documents checklist:

• Procurement Invitation (SBD 1) signed and completed including SBD 4, SBD 6.1 and signed Bid Submission Certificate (mandatory).
• Proof of authority (e.g. company resolution) (mandatory).
• Proof of Registration on Central Supplier Database (CSD) (mandatory).
• Valid B-BBEE certificate or Sworn Affidavit (optional).
• Data sheet, manual or brochure (mandatory).
• Pricing (SBD 3.1) or quotation on company letterhead (mandatory).

The bid is evaluated in five stages:

• Stage 1: Compliance with submission requirements – the bid must include all mandatory returnable documents.
• Stage 2: Evaluation against technical specifications, including quality (Stage 2A), possible due diligence interviews or proof of delivery (Stage 2B), and due diligence research confirming references (Stage 2C).
• Stage 3: Price/Preference evaluation – the lowest priced bid receives maximum points (80 or 90) and preference points are added.
• Stage 4: Tax compliance check – for South African residents, the recommended bidder has 7 working days to provide proof of tax compliance if flagged non-compliant; for foreign bidders, SARS confirmation is sought.
• Stage 5: Award and contract signing – the bidder with the highest combined score is nominated, subject to providing administrative documentation.

The applicable preference point system is 80/20: maximum 80 points for price and 20 points for specific goals. Price points are calculated using the formula Ps = 80(1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin). Specific goals points are claimed via SBD 6.1 and require a valid B-BBEE certificate; failure to submit one means no specific goal points are awarded.

The SAEON seeks a service provider to supply and deliver 3 Clarity tubes for laboratory use. The contract is a once-off supply.

Detailed specification for each Clarity tube:

• Material: Transparent Perspex tube.
• Length: 1 m (100 cm).
• Diameter: 50 mm.
• Wall thickness: 4 mm.
• Graduations: Engraved centimetre scale up to 97 cm along the side.
• Accessories: 3D-printed rubber cap and a magnetised 3D-printed plastic black disk for water visibility tracking.

Delivery address: 01 Peter Brown Drive, Montrose, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, SAEON Office.

Performance levels for supply and delivery of clarity tubes: The NRF checks the completeness of the delivery against the purchase order. No completion certificate or invoice will be approved and paid if the delivery is not satisfactory.

Pricing schedule (SBD 3.1):

• Item: Clarity Tube, quantity 3.
• Delivery address: 01 Peter Brown Drive, Montrose, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, SAEON Office.
• Price quoted must be in South African Rands and fully inclusive of all costs including delivery, VAT, income tax, UIF contributions and skills development levies.
• The price schedule remains firm for the contract duration; no changes or additional ad hoc costs are accepted unless authorised.
• The contract ceiling price includes firm and estimated quantities; the NRF issues written purchase orders for actual quantities and pays only for verified deliveries.
• Price adjustments are managed per GCC clause 17.1 with risk shared equally.
• Preference points are applied per SBD 6.1.

Pricing must be submitted on SBD 3.1 or on company letterhead. The price quoted must be in South African Rands and fully inclusive of all costs, including delivery to the specified delivery point, VAT, income tax, UIF contributions and skills development levies. The price schedule remains firm for the contract duration; no changes or additional ad hoc costs are accepted unless authorised in the Special Conditions. The contract ceiling price includes firm and estimated quantities; the NRF issues written purchase orders for actual quantities and pays only for verified deliveries. Price adjustments are managed per GCC clause 17.1 with risk shared equally between the NRF and the bidder. Preference points are applied per SBD 6.1.

Tax compliance: Bidders must submit their SARS tax compliance status PIN (TCS) or a printed TCS certificate, or provide a CSD number if registered on the Central Supplier Database. For consortia/joint ventures/sub-contractors, each party must submit a separate TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number. The recommended bidder must pass a tax compliance check; failure results in rejection.

CSD registration: Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database and include their Master Registration Number in the bid.

B-BBEE: A valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) must be submitted to claim preference points. The 80/20 preference point system applies.

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

Fronting: The NRF may investigate fronting; the bidder must prove fronting does not exist within 7 days of notification, or the bid/contract is invalidated and the bidder may be restricted from public sector business for up to 10 years.

Preference points claimed (SBD 6.1): The applicable preference point system is 80/20. Maximum points: Price 80, Specific Goals 20. Specific goals include:

• B-BBEE Status Level of Contribution: levels 1-3 = 8 points, levels 4-6 = 6 points, levels 7-8 = 2 points.
• Supplier at least 51% Black-owned: 3 points.
• Supplier at least 51% Black female-owned: 3 points.
• Supplier at least 51% Black youth-owned: 1 point.
• Supplier at least 51% owned by People with Disabilities: 1 point.
• EME or QSE: 4 points.

A valid B-BBEE certificate must be submitted to earn points; failure to submit means no specific goal points are awarded.

Occupational Health and Safety when working on NRF sites:

• All personnel must obtain safety induction.
• Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, and with all relevant health and safety instructions from site safety personnel.
• Wear personal protective equipment at all times on site: closed safety shoes, hard hats, height safety equipment, and high visibility vests.
• Obey all instructions and signage regarding restricted access and speed limits.
• The contracted party must provide a valid Letter of Good Standing under the COID Act and keep it valid during the contract.
• Furnish the registration number with the Compensation Commissioner.
• Enter into a Section 37.2 agreement under the OHS Act as drafted by the NRF.
• Maintain a health and safety plan at the work site.
• Each team member (including sub-contracted personnel) must submit a signed indemnity form before entering the site, kept in the health and safety file.
• The contracted party accepts liability for any contraventions of the Act.

processes where applicable, conduct or initiate the necessary enquiries/investigations to determine the

accuracy of the representation made in the bid documents. The onus is on the bidder to prove that fronting

does not exist, should the National Research Foundation establish and notify the bidder of potential

breaches of any of the fronting indicators as contained in the Department of Trade and Industry’s “Guidelines

on Complex Structures and Transactions and Fronting”. Failure to do so within a period of 7 days from date

of notification will invalidate the bid/contract and may also result in the restriction of the bidder to conduct

business with the public sector for a period not exceeding 10 years, in addition to any other remedies the

do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. The NRF makes no representation, warranty, assurance,

guarantee or endorsements to any provider/bidder concerning the document, whether with regard to its

accuracy, completeness or otherwise and the NRF shall have no liability towards the responding service

providers or any other party in connection therewith.

adverse impact on the operations of NRF and that the damages from the contracted bidder’s failure

to meet any performance level is not susceptible to precise determination.

extent that non-performance or delayed performance is solely and directly attributable to an act or

omission of the NRF or its staff or circumstances of force majeure as referred to in this Agreement.

4.2 Name of company/firm...............................................................................

4.3 Company registration number: .....................................................................

4.4 Type of company/ firm

• Partnership/Joint Venture / Consortium
• One-person business/sole propriety
• Close corporation
• Public Company

RFQ/SAEON/GRASSLAND/TUBES/123/2026

of 21 Ver. Standard 2018-6b

Preference points claimed (sbd 6.1)

• Personal Liability Company
• (Pty) Limited
• Non-Profit Company
• State Owned Company

[Tick applicable box]

4.5 I, the undersigned, who is duly authorised to do so on behalf of the company/firm, certify that the points

claimed, based on the specific goals as advised in the tender, qualifies the company/ firm for the preference(s)

shown and I acknowledge that:

i) The information furnished is true and correct;

ii) The preference points claimed are in accordance with the General Conditions as indicated in paragraph 1 of

this form;

iii) the event of a contract being awarded as a result of points claimed as shown in paragraphs 1.4 and 4.2, the

contractor may be required to furnish documentary proof to the satisfaction of the organ of state that the

claims are correct;

iv) If the specific goals have been claimed or obtained on a fraudulent basis or any of the conditions of contract

have not been fulfilled, the organ of state may, in addition to any other remedy it may have –

(a) disqualify the person from the tendering process;

(b) recover costs, losses or damages it has incurred or suffered as a result of that person’s conduct;

(c) cancel the contract and claim any damages which it has suffered as a result of having to

make less favourable arrangements due to such cancellation;

(d) recommend that the tenderer or contractor, its shareholders and directors, or only the

shareholders and directors who acted on a fraudulent basis, be restricted from obtaining

business from any organ of state for a period not exceeding 10 years, after the audi alteram

partem (hear the other side) rule has been applied; and

(e ) forward the matter for criminal prosecution, if deemed necessary.

..............................................

Signature(s) of tenderer(s)

Surname and name: ...............................................................

Date: ...............................................................

Address: ...............................................................

RFQ/SAEON/GRASSLAND/TUBES/123/2026

of 21 Ver. Standard 2018-6b

Preference points claimed (sbd 6.1)

...............................................................

...............................................................

...............................................................

Bid submission certificate form - (sbd 1)

Special Conditions of Contract:

• Service Provider Obligations: exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence; deliver during normal working hours (Mon-Fri 08h30-17h00) unless otherwise agreed; not prejudice NRF operations; submit required information and reports; comply with legislation.
• Communication: in writing, stating contract and purchase order numbers.
• Occupational Health and Safety: personnel must obtain safety induction, wear PPE (closed safety shoes, hard hats, height safety equipment, high visibility vests), comply with site instructions, provide COID Letter of Good Standing, enter Section 37.2 agreement, maintain health and safety plan, submit signed indemnity forms.

Eligibility criteria (GO/NO-GO):

• Fully completed Procurement Invitation (SBD 1) including SBD 4, SBD 6.1 and signed Bid Submission Certificate.
• Fully completed pricing schedule (SBD 3.1) or a quotation on company letterhead.
• Detailed specifications provided on the quotation must meet the scope of work required.

The bidding selection process has five stages: Stage 1 – Compliance to submission requirements; Stage 2 – Evaluation of Bids against Technical Specifications (including quality, due diligence interviews, and due diligence research); Stage 3 – Price/Preference Evaluation (lowest priced bid receives maximum points, either 80 or 90, and preference points are added); Stage 4 – Checking Tax Compliance (resident and non-resident foreign bidders); Stage 5 – Award and Contract Signing (highest combined score nominated for award).