Professional service provider for informal settlements upgrading – gauteng tender (DBSA)

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) invites proposals for the appointment of a Professional Service Provider (PSP) to support the implementation, management and coordination of informal settlements upgrading to metros and secondary cities under the National Treasury Cities Support Programme.

The successful bidder will conclude a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with DBSA.

Bid documents must be submitted electronically via a OneDrive link (requested from DBSA) in a two-envelope format: Folder 1 (Technical Proposal) and Folder 2 (Price Proposal).

All bids must be on official forms (not re-typed).

Unincorporated consortia must select a lead entity and furnish its details.

Compulsory returnable schedules and documents are listed in Part B (Annexures A–U).

The tender is subject to the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and any special conditions in Part C.

Issue date: 14 September 2026

Compulsory briefing: 18 September 2026 at 11h00 AM (online, link provided) – COMPULSORY

Clarification deadline: 30 September 2026 at 12h00

DBSA clarification responses: 1 October 2026 at 12h00

Closing date: 06 October 2026

Closing time: 16h00 (Telkom Time) for OneDrive link submissions (Part A also states 23H55)

Bid validity period: 120 days from closing time

Tender Manager: Lihle Nyide

Role: DBSA Supply Chain Unit

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: Not provided (no telephonic queries accepted)

Submission method: OneDrive link (request via email to Tender Manager)

Service delivery: Nationwide – support to metros and secondary cities under National Treasury Cities Support Programme (no specific delivery address stated)

Submission method: Electronic only via OneDrive link (bidders must request link from DBSA)

Two-envelope system: Folder 1 – Technical Proposal (Qualifying Criteria and Functional Evaluation); Folder 2 – Price Proposal (Price and Preferential Points)

Both folders must be clearly labelled in the submission link; failure to adhere leads to disqualification

Documents must be compressed/zipped folders (not individual files) and uploaded in prescribed structure and order

No emailed responses accepted

Closing time: 06 October 2026 at 16h00 (Telkom Time) for OneDrive submissions (Part A also states 23H55)

Bid validity: 120 days from closing time

Compulsory briefing: 18 September 2026 at 11h00 AM (online, link provided) – attendance mandatory

Returnable documents (all must be completed, signed and submitted):

• Part A: Invitation to Bid
• Part C: Specifications, Conditions of Tender and Undertakings by Bidder
• Annexure A: Price Proposal
• Annexure B: Technical Proposal
• Annexure C: Tax Requirement
• Annexure D: SBD 4 – Bidder's Disclosure
• Annexure E: SBD 6.1 – B-BBEE Status Level Certificate
• Annexure F: Registration Certificates/Agreements/Identity Documents
• Annexure G: Supporting documents for Qualification and Evaluation Criteria (if applicable)
• Annexure H: General Conditions of Contract
• Annexure I: Proof of Registration with CSD
• Annexure J: Tender Brief Attendance
• Annexure K: Certificate of Authority for Signatory
• Annexure L: Joint Venture/Consortium Disclosure Form
• Annexure M: Record of Addenda to Tender Documents
• Annexure N: Declaration of Default and Termination
• Annexure O: Service Provider Code of Conduct
• Annexure P: RFP Declaration Form
• Annexure Q: Enterprise Questionnaire
• Annexure R: Certificate of Acquaintance with Tender Document
• Annexure S: Workmen's Compensation Registration (COIDA)
• Annexure T: Unemployment Insurance Fund Certificate
• Annexure U: Financial Standing/Bank Rating

Disqualification risks: late submission, missing compulsory documents, failure to attend compulsory briefing, incorrect folder structure/labelling, unsigned forms

Stage 1: Responsiveness/Compliance (pre-qualifiers) – must satisfy all to proceed:

• Compulsory briefing attendance
• Completed and signed Declaration of Default and Termination
• Adherence to 2-folder submission (Technical and Price separated)
• Standard Conditions of Tender (no deviations, qualifications, alternatives) – 48 hours to respond
• Returnable documents completed and signed – 48 hours
• CSD registration – 48 hours
• Valid SARS Tax PIN – 48 hours
• B-BBEE certificate/affidavit (consolidated for JV/consortium) – 48 hours (0 preference points if not submitted)
• Professional Indemnity Insurance cover letter of intent for R1.5 million per claim, no claim limit – 48 hours

Stage 2: Functional Evaluation (100 points, minimum 70/100 to proceed):

• Technical Expert Lead (1 person): max 30 points
• Qualifications (10): Master's+ =10, Honours/PG Dip =8, Degree =6, Certificate/Diploma =4, None =0
• Programme management/technical support experience (10): >10 years =10, 8-10 years =8, 5-7 years =6, 4 years =4, <4 years =0
• Upgrading pipeline plans developed (5): ≥3 =5, 2 =3, 1 =1, 0 =0
• Policy frameworks/guidance notes developed (5): ≥3 =5, 2 =3, 1 =1, 0 =0
• Technical Expert Support Specialists (2 persons): max 40 points
• Qualifications (10 each, same scale)
• Programme management/technical support experience (10 each): >10 years =10, 7-9 years =5, 4-6 years =2, <4 years =0
• Upgrading pipeline plans developed (5 each): ≥3 =5, 2 =3, 1 =1, 0 =0
• Policy frameworks/guidance notes developed (5 each): ≥3 =5, 2 =3, 1 =1, 0 =0
• Capacity building/training events (10 each): ≥5 =10, 2-4 =5, 1 =2, 0 =0 (reference letter from metro/secondary city required)
• Methodology (30 points): Project comprehension, approach and methodology covering 6 aspects (intergovernmental relations, secondary cities/metro environment, NGO involvement, project management successes, capacity building/technical support, risk mitigation). 30 = all 6 with coherence; 20 = 3-5 with coherence; 10 = 1-3 with coherence; 0 = not submitted/no coherence

Stage 3: Price and Preference (80/20 split):

• Price: 80 points (formula Ps = 80(1-(Pt-Pmin)/Pmin))
• Specific Goals (B-BBEE status level): 20 points (Level 1=20, 2=18, 3=14, 4=12, 5=8, 6=6, 7=4, 8=2, Non-compliant=0)

Stage 4: Risk Analysis & Other Objective Criteria (for highest ranked bidders):

• Tax compliance verification
• CSD registration verification
• No misrepresentation
• Not on Register of Tender Defaulters
• Completed Enterprise Questionnaire, no conflicts of interest
• No fraud/corruption convictions
• No contract termination for non-performance
• No DBSA termination for non-performance in past 18 months
• Financial health assessment (ratios)
• Price reasonableness (CIDB Inform Practice Note #5)
• PEP and Procure Check
• Professional registration verification
• Document authenticity verification (48 hours to provide evidence)
• Other objective criteria per Additional Conditions of Tender

Scope: Appointment of Professional Service Provider (PSP) to support implementation, management and coordination of informal settlements upgrading to metros and secondary cities under National Treasury Cities Support Programme

Required expertise:

• Proven relevant experience in implementation support for informal settlements upgrading programmes in metros
• Knowledge of South African government legislative regime, institutional functions/arrangements, municipal environment, linkages between governance, infrastructure and housing processes, intergovernmental relations
• Knowledge of town planning legislation (e.g. SPLUMA), policies and systems impacting titling value chain

Key personnel required:

• Technical Expert Lead (1): Master's degree or higher in Built Environment (engineering, town planning, urban development) preferred; minimum 4 years programme management/technical support experience in informal settlements upgrading in metros/secondary cities; experience developing upgrading pipeline plans and policy frameworks
• Technical Expert Support Specialists (2): Relevant Built Environment qualifications; programme management/technical support experience; upgrading pipeline plan development; policy framework development; capacity building/training of officials (minimum 1 event with reference letter from metro/secondary city)

Company track record: Minimum 3 reference letters for similar work; detail company experience (years, project names, descriptions)

Methodology: Must demonstrate understanding of intergovernmental coordination, secondary cities/metro environment, NGO/community involvement, project management successes, capacity building/technical support, risk mitigation; submit draft programme plan

Deliverables: Support to implementation, management and coordination of informal settlements upgrading programme across metros and secondary cities

Contract: Service Level Agreement (SLA) with DBSA

Methodology requirements (30 points in functional evaluation):

Bidders must submit a project comprehension, approach and methodology covering six aspects with demonstrated coherence:

1. Intergovernmental relations/coordination and application of programmatic upgrading methodology.
2. Understanding of secondary cities/metro environment and nature of informal settlements, including related technical practical support.
3. NGO involvement and leverage of NGOs and Community Based Organisations resources and meaningful participation.
4. Evidence of project/programme management successes.
5. Evidence of Capacity Building/Technical Support regarding Informal Settlement Upgrading.
6. Risk and mitigation plan.

Scoring:

• 30 points: covers all 6 aspects with coherence.
• 20 points: covers 3–5 aspects with coherence.
• 10 points: covers 1–3 aspects with coherence.
• 0 points: not submitted or no coherence demonstrated.

A draft programme plan must be included.

Experience and qualification requirements for key personnel:

Technical Expert Lead (1 person, max 30 points):

• Qualifications (10 points): Master's+ in Built Environment =10; Honours/PG Dip =8; Degree =6; Certificate/Diploma =4; None =0. Certified copies required.
• Programme management/technical support experience (10 points): >10 years =10; 8-10 years =8; 5-7 years =6; 4 years =4; <4 years =0. Minimum 4 years in informal settlements upgrading in metros/secondary cities. Must list programmes with client/metro, duration, value.
• Upgrading pipeline plans developed (5 points): ≥3 =5; 2 =3; 1 =1; 0 =0. Must provide start/end dates, client/metro, frameworks/tools, actual pipeline plan.
• Policy frameworks/guidance notes developed (5 points): ≥3 =5; 2 =3; 1 =1; 0 =0. Must list programmes, client/metro, duration, example.

Technical Expert Support Specialists (2 persons, max 40 points total):

• Qualifications (10 points each, same scale).
• Programme management/technical support experience (10 points each): >10 years =10; 7-9 years =5; 4-6 years =2; <4 years =0.
• Upgrading pipeline plans developed (5 points each): ≥3 =5; 2 =3; 1 =1; 0 =0.
• Policy frameworks/guidance notes developed (5 points each): ≥3 =5; 2 =3; 1 =1; 0 =0.
• Capacity building/training events (10 points each): ≥5 =10; 2-4 =5; 1 =2; 0 =0. At least one reference letter from metro/secondary city required.

Company track record: Minimum 3 reference letters for similar work; detail experience (years, project names, descriptions).

Quality management provisions:

• DBSA makes no warranties on accuracy, currency or completeness of RFP information; bidders must notify DBSA in writing of any discrepancies, ambiguities, errors or inconsistencies (excluding minor clerical matters).
• DBSA will correct and circulate any actual discrepancies to all bidders without attribution.
• DBSA reserves right to change RFP information or issue addenda before closing time; may seek amended tenders.
• Bidders must examine RFP and referenced documents fully, inform themselves of all matters, ensure bids are accurate and complete, assess risks, comply with applicable laws (National Treasury Regulations, PFMA, etc.), and submit all compulsory documents.
• Illegible content may be disregarded; unintentional errors may be corrected post-closing only if they do not materially alter the bid or affect fairness.
• Bidders must notify DBSA promptly of any errors discovered after submission (including pricing errors, excluding clerical errors).

Pricing and financial provisions:

• Two-envelope submission: separate Price Proposal (Folder 2) from Technical Proposal.
• Price evaluation uses formula: Ps = 80(1-(Pt-Pmin)/Pmin) where Ps = points scored, Pt = comparative price, Pmin = lowest acceptable price.
• Preference points: up to 20 for B-BBEE status level (Level 1=20, 2=18, 3=14, 4=12, 5=8, 6=6, 7=4, 8=2, Non-compliant=0). Consolidated B-BBEE scorecard required for unincorporated trusts, consortia or JVs.
• Total points = price points (80) + preference points (20). Highest total wins unless DBSA exercises right to cancel or select different bidder.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Letter of Intent at bid stage for R1.5M per claim/event, no claim limit; full policy from same insurer if awarded.
• Financial risk analysis may be performed (CIDB Inform Practice Note #5); unduly high/low rates may lead to disqualification.
• DBSA reserves right to negotiate for value for money, award in full or part subject to budget, retender excluded items.
• Pricing instructions must be strictly followed; unpriced items may trigger clarification but no amendment allowed.
• PEP Check and Procure Check initiated; negative results may exclude bidder.
• Professional registration documents verified online.
• DBSA may request formal documented evidence of document authenticity within 48 hours (independent source with contactable reference).

Professional Indemnity Insurance: Letter of Intent at bid stage for cover of R1,500,000 per claim/event, no limit on number of claims or cumulative value; if awarded, full policy from same insurer required

Pricing: Two-envelope system – separate Price Proposal (Folder 2)

Price evaluation formula: Ps = 80(1-(Pt-Pmin)/Pmin) where Ps = points scored, Pt = comparative price, Pmin = lowest acceptable price

Preference points: Up to 20 points for B-BBEE status level (Level 1=20, 2=18, 3=14, 4=12, 5=8, 6=6, 7=4, 8=2, Non-compliant=0)

Bid validity: 120 days from closing time

Financial risk analysis: May be performed (CIDB Inform Practice Note #5) – unduly high/low rates may lead to disqualification

DBSA reserves right to negotiate for value for money

Partial award possible subject to budget availability

Pricing instructions must be adhered to; unpriced items may lead to clarification but no amendment

CSD registration: Mandatory (proof required via Annexure I)

Tax compliance: Valid SARS Tax PIN (Annexure C)

B-BBEE: Certificate or sworn affidavit (Annexure E); consolidated for JV/consortium; 0 preference points if not submitted

Standard forms:

• SBD 4 (Annexure D): Bidder's Disclosure – declares state employment/connection
• SBD 6.1 (Annexure E): B-BBEE Status Level Certificate

Professional Indemnity Insurance: Letter of Intent for R1.5M per claim, no claim limit (required in responsiveness stage)

Workmen's Compensation: COIDA registration (Annexure S)

Unemployment Insurance Fund: Certificate (Annexure T)

Financial Standing/Bank Rating (Annexure U)

Certificate of Authority for Signatory (Annexure K)

Joint Venture/Consortium Disclosure Form if applicable (Annexure L)

Declaration of Default and Termination (Annexure N)

Service Provider Code of Conduct (Annexure O)

RFP Declaration Form (Annexure P)

Enterprise Questionnaire (Annexure Q)

Certificate of Acquaintance with Tender Document (Annexure R)

Record of Addenda to Tender Documents (Annexure M)

Tender Brief Attendance (Annexure J)

Registration Certificates/Agreements/Identity Documents (Annexure F)

General Conditions of Contract (Annexure H)

Supporting documents for Qualification and Evaluation Criteria (Annexure G)

Company track record with minimum 3 reference letters

CVs for proposed key personnel with certified qualification copies

No CIDB grading mentioned (professional services, not construction)

No specific occupational health and safety requirements are detailed in the provided sections. The document focuses on bid preparation rules, submission format, and contractual conditions rather than HSE compliance. Bidders should note general compliance with applicable laws is required (clause 18.1.5).

Contractual framework:

• Successful bidder concludes a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with DBSA.
• Tender subject to General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and special conditions in Part C.
• Bid validity: 120 days from closing time, extendable by mutual written agreement.
• Intellectual property: Bids become property of DBSA upon submission; bidders retain ownership of IP in bids but license DBSA to reproduce for evaluation.
• Confidentiality: All RFP information must be kept confidential and used only for proposal development.
• No binding contract exists until formal written contract executed.
• DBSA reserves right to accept bid in part or whole, negotiate, or cancel RFP.
• Bids must not be conditional on board approval, due diligence, regulatory approvals, third-party consents, or commercial term negotiations.
• Late bids disqualified unless caused by DBSA or major incident.
• DBSA may request substantiation of preference claims; failure may lead to disqualification.
• Annexures M–U form part of contractual documentation (addenda record, default/termination declaration, code of conduct, declaration forms, questionnaires, certificates, COIDA, UIF, financial standing).

Evaluation follows a four-stage process:

1. Responsiveness/Compliance (pre-qualifiers) – mandatory requirements including compulsory briefing attendance, completed declarations, 2-folder submission, CSD registration, tax PIN, B-BBEE certificate, and Professional Indemnity Insurance letter of intent. Non-compliance leads to disqualification.
2. Functional Evaluation (100 points, minimum 70/100):

• Technical Expert Lead (30 points): qualifications (10), programme management experience (10), upgrading pipeline plans (5), policy frameworks (5).
• Two Technical Expert Support Specialists (40 points): qualifications (10 each), programme management experience (10 each), upgrading pipeline plans (5 each), policy frameworks (5 each), capacity building/training (10 each).
• Methodology (30 points): project comprehension, approach and methodology covering six aspects with coherence.

3. Price and Preference (80/20): Price scored via formula Ps = 80(1-(Pt-Pmin)/Pmin); B-BBEE status level earns up to 20 points.
4. Risk Analysis & Other Objective Criteria: verification of tax, CSD, no misrepresentation, no debarments, financial health, price reasonableness, document authenticity, etc.