TRANSNET engineering bloemfontein requires a catering service for a sit-down canteen and take-away operation, on a month-to-month basis for up to 12 months. The contract covers hot meals, breakfasts, snacks, beverages, fruit, and shop items, with prices quoted per item for year 1 and year 2. Bidders must complete annexure a (menu and price list) with prices for every listed item and delivery times; failure to do so risks disqualification.
Key Requirements
Complete and sign Annexure A (Menu and Price List) with a price for every listed item for Year 1 and Year 2, plus delivery time from placement of order; unsigned or incomplete schedules risk disqualification.
Prices must be quoted per item for both years, with Year 1 and Year 2 totals carried through; fruit prices range from R3 to R10 per item, and prepaid airtime and loose cigarettes are at regulated prices.
The catering service must operate on a month-to-month basis for a period not exceeding 12 months at Transnet Engineering Bloemfontein.
The menu includes hot meals (curry/stew with rice/pap/samp/dumpling), breakfast, dagwood, bunny chow, health roll, fillings, chips, coffee/tea/Milo, ice cream, bread, fruit, and prepaid airtime; all items must be priced as listed.
No bid security, guarantee, retention, or payment terms are stated in the document; bidders should confirm any such requirements with the contracting authority.
Submission method, address, and closing time are not stated in the annexure; bidders must obtain these from the full tender documentation or the issuing authority.
FOR THE PROVISION OF CATERING SERVICE (SIT DOWN CANTEEN AND TAKE AWAY) SERVICES IN TRANSNET ENGINEERING BLOEMFONTEIN ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING 12 MONTHS
Tender context
Return to this tender’s issuing organisation, province, or category.
For the provision of catering service (sit down canteen and take away) services in TRANSNET engineering bloemfontein on a month-to-month basis for a period not exceeding 12 months
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.
10 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 department requires a catering service provider to operate a sit-down canteen and take-away service at Transnet Engineering in Bloemfontein, on a month-to-month basis for up to 12 months. The contract covers a wide range of menu items including hot meals, breakfasts, starches, proteins, salads, sandwiches, drinks, and shop items, with prices to be quoted for year 1 and year 2.
Provision of catering services, including sit-down canteen and take-away meals, at Transnet Engineering Bloemfontein on a month-to-month basis for up to 12 months. The service covers a wide range of hot meals, breakfasts, starches, proteins, salads, sandwiches, drinks, and shop items, with prices to be quoted for Year 1 and Year 2.
Provision of catering services (sit-down canteen and take-away) at Transnet Engineering Bloemfontein on a month-to-month basis for up to 12 months. Bidders must attend a compulsory briefing and submit a fully priced schedule on the Transnet e-tender portal.
Provision of catering services, including sit-down canteen and take-away, at Transnet Engineering Bloemfontein on a month-to-month basis for up to 12 months. The contract is subject to a compulsory briefing, a technical threshold of 80 points, and an 80/20 preference point system.
Provision of catering services, including sit-down canteen and take-away, at Transnet Engineering Bloemfontein on a month-to-month basis for up to 12 months. The contract is for a single site and requires a compulsory briefing and a technical submission scoring at least 80 out of 100 to proceed to price evaluation.
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Bid-ready summary
Menu and price list for a canteen and take-away catering service, grouped into hot meals, starches, proteins, salads and vegetables, sandwiches/rolls/burgers, and other meals, drinks and shop items.
Hot meals: beef or mutton curry/stew and chicken curry/stew, each with a starch, one hot vegetable and one salad; a pasta dish; a cooked breakfast; fried chips in three portion sizes; dagwood; bunny chow.
Starches: pap (250 g and 500 g), rice, samp, dumpling/steamed bread/dombolo, mash and quarter bread.
Catering menu to be supplied at Transnet Engineering, Bloemfontein, covering both sit-down canteen and take-away service.
Hot meals
Beef or mutton curry/stew with rice, pap, samp or dumpling, one hot vegetable and one salad.
Chicken curry/stew with rice, pap, samp or dumpling, one hot vegetable and one salad.
Pasta dish.
Breakfast: two fried eggs, two strips of bacon, tomato, beef or pork sausage and a slice of white or brown toast.
Fried chips in small, medium and large portions, served in greaseproof packets or on a plate.
Dagwood: 100 mm bun with cheese, 100 g pattie, egg, tomato, onion and sauce.
Bunny chow: quarter bread with chips, chakalaka and a slice of French polony.
Starches
Pap 250 g and 500 g, rice, samp, dumpling/steamed bread/dombolo, mash, quarter bread.
Proteins
Chuck (about 200 g), wors (about 13 cm), chicken quarter leg/wings/drumsticks (about 300 g per portion), ox liver (200 g), tripe/mala mogodu lamb or cow (250 g and 500 g), skop, chicken livers (250 g), hake fillet fried or grilled (about 100 g), Russian (about 13 cm), gravy.
Salads and vegetables
Coleslaw, traditional French salad and beetroot in small tubs; warm vegetables (pumpkin, spinach, cabbage, squash) per small tub; chicken salad, tuna salad and green/Greek/French salad at 250 g.
Sandwiches, rolls and burgers
Toast per slice (white or brown, buttered or plain), hamburger/hotdog roll (buttered or plain), vetkoek (about 100 mm), health roll (about 200 mm bun with chicken or tuna mayo, cucumber and tomato).
Homemade beef, chicken or vegetable soup in a lidded polystyrene cup.
Cold drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and similar) in 300 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre and 2 litre bottles and 330 ml cans; boxed fruit juice in various flavours at 330 ml and 1 litre.
Still, sparkling or flavoured water at 750 ml and 1,5 litre.
Coffee, tea (Five Roses, Glen Tea, Rooibos) and Milo, served in lidded polystyrene cups with or without sugar and milk.
Ice cream (Ola or Dairy Maid).
Bread loaf 700 g to 800 g, white or brown.
Potato chips (Simba/Lays/Willard's) 30 g, various flavours.
Boiled egg, unshelled.
Pies: chicken, mutton, steak and kidney, pepper steak, including halaal.
Polony, medium slice.
Milk, fat free/full cream/skimmed, per 500 ml.
Fruit in season, priced per item between R3 and R10 depending on type and size.
Prepaid airtime for all service providers and loose cigarettes, both at regulated prices.
Condiments
Salt, pepper, vinegar, tomato sauce and mustard to be available as required.
Provision of catering services — sit-down canteen and take-away — at Transnet Engineering, Bloemfontein, on a month-to-month basis for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Attendance is compulsory; bidders who fail to attend are disqualified.
The session starts punctually; information is not repeated for late arrivals.
Respondents provide their own transport and accommodation.
Certificate of Attendance (Section 7) must be completed and submitted with the proposal as proof of attendance; the attendance register may also serve as evidence.
Bidders are encouraged to bring a copy of the RFQ.
Confirm attendance and send contact details and number of representatives to [email protected].
Register a company profile, log an intent to bid, then upload the bid against the tender.
Upload limit: 30 MB per upload; multiple uploads permitted.
Submit at least one day before closing; no late submissions accepted.
Each bidder must submit through its own registered profile under the bidding company name. Bids submitted through another company's profile are rejected or disqualified, including between subsidiaries and holding companies.
Joint ventures: any JV party may submit using its own registered profile on behalf of the JV.
Bids must be lodged on the official forms provided; do not retype them.
All returnable sections must be signed, stamped and dated.
Provision of catering services — sit-down canteen and take-away — at Transnet Engineering, Bloemfontein.
Contract basis: month-to-month.
Contract period: not exceeding 12 months.
Detailed requirements are set out in Annexure A (Specification).
Technical submission requirements
Management/operational plan covering the bidder's understanding of the objectives, the issues of importance, the daily service approach, and how the approach addresses them.
Management plan must include: executive summary, business model, human resources plan, and catering implementation plan.
Human resources plan must show the organisational structure, all relevant cooking and food preparation skills, food safety skills and/or staff qualifications, proposed staff orders, and basic food handling qualifications for all staff. Affiliation with the South African Chefs Association is an advantage.
Contingency plan covering unforeseen events such as strikes, protests, electricity outages and equipment breakage, detailing steps to keep food delivery continuing.
Fully completed food price list with all various menus.
Annexure B: Technical Submission/Questionnaire must be completed and submitted.
Certificate of Acceptability from the local authority must be submitted.
Executive summary (10 points): the bidder's understanding of the objectives and the issues of importance.
Business model (10 points): how the service will be rendered on a daily basis and the approach adopted.
Human resources plan (10 points): organisational structure showing relevant cooking and food preparation skills, food safety skills and/or staff qualifications; proposed staff orders; affiliation with the South African Chefs Association is an advantage; basic food handling qualification for all staff.
Catering implementation plan (5 points).
No submission scores 0.
Contingency Plan (10 points)
Steps to be taken and how food delivery will continue during unforeseen events such as strikes, protests, electricity outages and equipment breakage.
At least three contactable references where similar services (mass catering or fast-food) were successfully provided.
Scoring: three reference letters 20 points, two 10 points, one 5 points, none 0 points.
A minimum of three reference letters and certificates must be included in the technical submission.
Staff qualifications
Human resources plan must indicate all relevant cooking and food preparation skills, food safety skills and/or qualifications for staff, and basic food handling qualifications for all staff members.
Affiliation with the South African Chefs Association is an advantage.
Pricing must be captured on the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal; the schedule must be fully completed.
Prices quoted in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT (VAT shown at 15% where applicable).
Quote on a delivered nominated destination basis.
State the delivery lead time from date of purchase order.
Unconditional discounts only are considered in evaluation; conditional discounts are applied at payment stage.
Disbursements not specifically priced will not be accepted.
Pricing must strictly follow the prescribed schedule; deviation may result in disqualification.
Market-related price
If the highest scoring bidder's price is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder, or cancel the RFQ.
Pricing must be captured on the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal; the pricing schedule must be fully completed.
Prices quoted in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT (VAT shown at 15% where applicable).
Quote on a delivered nominated destination basis.
Delivery lead time from date of purchase order must be stated.
Only unconditional discounts are considered during evaluation; conditional discounts are applied at payment stage only.
Disbursements not specifically priced will not be accepted.
Pricing must follow the prescribed schedule exactly; using a different format may disqualify the bid.
Price evaluation and negotiation
Price carries 80 of the 100 weighted points.
If the highest scoring bidder's price is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder, or cancel the RFQ.
Pricing scores rounded to two decimal places.
Contract
The successful bidder must complete and sign the written contract form (SBD 7).
The quotation, once accepted, together with Transnet's acceptance, constitutes a binding contract.
Failure to deliver within the quoted lead time allows Transnet to cancel the order and recover costs of re-quoting or accepting a less favourable offer.
SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN required, or a printed TCS certificate, or a CSD number where no TCS PIN is available.
Consortiums, joint ventures and subcontractors: each party must submit a separate TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number.
Proof of authority to sign (e.g. company resolution) must be submitted.
Exclusions
No bids from persons in the service of the state, companies with directors in the service of the state, or close corporations with members in the service of the state.
Persons listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers are automatically disqualified.
Bidders found guilty of a serious breach of law in the preceding five years must disclose it; Transnet may exclude them.
B-BBEE and preference points
Preference point system: 80/20.
Price: 80 points; Specific Goals: 20 points.
Preference points are awarded for price, B-BBEE status level of contribution, and other specific goals determined in Transnet's preferential procurement policy.
Failure to submit proof of specific goals with the bid means B-BBEE preference points are not claimed.
Proof of B-BBEE status: B-BBEE certificate, sworn affidavit as prescribed by the Codes of Good Practice, or other prescribed requirement.
Transnet may require a bidder to substantiate any preference claim at any time.
Declarations and disclosures
SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses whether the bidder or its directors/shareholders/members are employed by the state or connected to anyone at the procuring institution; all CSD-registered active companies linked to directors must be disclosed. Failure to disclose leads to disqualification.
SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination): certifies the bid was prepared independently, without consultation or price disclosure with competitors.
DPIP/FPPO disclosure: bidders must declare any commercial relationship with a Domestic Prominent Influential Person or Foreign Prominent Public Official.
Declaration of any owner/member/director/partner/shareholder/employee who was a Transnet employee or board member in the past 10 years, and whether they were involved in bid preparation or had access to RFQ information.
Other compliance
Compliance with the Employment Equity Act, including Section 53.
Full compliance with all applicable national and local laws and regulations.
Security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level may be required for the successful bidder, its personnel and subcontractors.
Returnable documents must remain valid for the duration of any contract; failure to renew when due allows immediate termination.
80/20 system applies; the bid value is estimated not to exceed R50 000 000 (all applicable taxes included).
Price: 80 points; Specific Goals: 20 points.
Preference points are awarded for price, B-BBEE status level of contribution, and other specific goals determined in Transnet's preferential procurement policy.
Claiming points
Points are claimed on the Specific Goals Points Claim Form (Section 6).
Failure to submit proof of specific goals with the bid means B-BBEE preference points are not claimed.
Transnet may require a bidder to substantiate any preference claim before or after adjudication.
Proof of B-BBEE status
A B-BBEE status level certificate, a sworn affidavit as prescribed by the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice, or any other requirement prescribed in terms of the B-BBEE Act.
Fraudulent claims
If a B-BBEE status level is claimed or obtained fraudulently, or contract conditions are not fulfilled, Transnet may disqualify the bidder, recover costs and damages, cancel the contract, penalise the bidder up to 10% of the contract value for undisclosed subcontracting, recommend restriction from doing business with organs of state for up to 10 years, and refer the matter for criminal prosecution.
Human resources plan must show food safety skills and/or qualifications for staff, and basic food handling qualifications for all staff members.
A valid Certificate of Acceptability from the local authority must be submitted (15 points).
Security clearance
Acceptance of the bid may be subject to the successful bidder, its personnel providing the goods, and its subcontractors obtaining security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level from the appropriate authorities.
Obtaining clearance is the successful bidder's responsibility.
The successful bidder must implement all security measures required for safe contract performance.
Transnet may request further information on a bidder's ESG standing at any stage of the procurement or contracting process.
ESG information is not used for evaluation and does not disqualify a bidder; it is kept for record and analysis of ESG compliance.
Subcontracting
Where subcontracting applies, Transnet may conduct due diligence on subcontractors, request further information from the bidder or directly from the subcontractor, and investigate to detect fronting.
The successful bidder must complete and sign the written contract form (SBD 7).
Acceptance of the quotation, together with Transnet's acceptance, forms a binding contract.
Validity of returnable documents
All returnable documents must remain valid for the duration of any contract arising from the RFQ.
Failure to provide renewals when due entitles Transnet to terminate the agreement immediately, without liability and without prejudice to damages claims.
Transnet's rights
Modify the goods/services, award only a portion, split the award between suppliers, cancel the process, validate submitted information, request audited financial statements for due diligence, and reject changes to bid rates after closing or award.
Cancel the contract and request National Treasury to place the bidder on the Database of Restricted Suppliers for up to 10 years where a contract was awarded on incorrect information.
Award to the next ranked bidder if the preferred bidder fails to sign or commence within a reasonable period.
Request ESG information at any stage; this is for record and analysis and is not used for evaluation or disqualification.
Conduct due diligence on subcontractors, including investigations to detect fronting.
Changes and offers
Changes to a submission after the closing date and time will not be considered.
Any quotation is deemed an offer; exceptions must be clearly and specifically indicated.
Bidders may be asked to extend the validity period; failure to respond before expiry excludes the bidder from the process.
Legal review
A bid is subject to review and acceptance or rejection of its proposed contractual terms by Transnet's Legal Counsel before award.
Material deviation from the standard terms and conditions may result in disqualification.
Outcome
Results are communicated by email to all bidders once the process concludes.
If no communication is received 30 days after the validity period expires, the bid can be considered unsuccessful.
Unsuccessful bidders may request reasons, directed to the contact person in SBD 1.
The successful respondent must comply fully with all applicable national and local laws and regulations.
Compliance with the Employment Equity Act, including Section 53, is required.
Security clearance
Acceptance of the bid may be subject to the successful respondent, its personnel providing the goods, and its subcontractors obtaining security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level.
Obtaining clearance is the successful respondent's responsibility.
The successful respondent must implement all security measures required for safe contract performance.
Contract formalities
The successful bidder must complete and sign the written contract form (SBD 7).
A successful bidder must complete a Supplier Declaration Form for registration on the Transnet vendor master database.
Returnable documents must remain valid for the contract duration; failure to renew when due allows immediate termination.
Step 1 — Administrative and substantive responsiveness: timely lodgement, all returnable documents completed and returned by the closing date and time, validity of returnable documents, bid signed by an authorised respondent, material compliance with the Annexure A scope, general and legislative qualification criteria met, and a fully completed priced offer on the portal. This step must be passed to progress.
Step 2 — Technical/functionality threshold: minimum 80 out of 100, scored on Management Plan (35), Previous Experience (20), Contingency Plan (10), Certification (15) and Submission of the food price list (20). Scores rounded to two decimal places. The threshold must be met or exceeded to progress.
Step 3 — Final weighted scoring: Price 80 points using Ps = 80(1 − (Pt − Pmin)/Pmin), and Specific Goals 20 points.
Step 4 — Price negotiations if the price is not market-related, conducted sequentially with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder, or the RFQ is cancelled.
Step 6 — Award of business and conclusion of contract.
Validity period: 120 business days from the closing date, excluding the first day and including the last day.
Attendance is compulsory; bidders who do not attend are disqualified.
Attendance must be confirmed with contact details and number of representatives by email to [email protected].
Bidders arrange their own transport and accommodation.
The session starts punctually; information is not repeated for late arrivals.
Section 7 Certificate of Attendance must be completed and submitted with the bid.
Clarification queries: submit to Kagisho Seroto before 12:00 on 12 October 2026. Responses are shared with all bidders.
Closing: 20 October 2026 at 18:00.
Bid validity period: 120 business days from the closing date, excluding the first day and including the last day. Bidders may be asked to extend on the same terms.
Outcome communication: bidders are notified by email once the process concludes; if no communication is received 30 days after the validity period expires, the bid may be considered unsuccessful.
Attendance is compulsory; bidders who fail to attend are disqualified.
The Section 7 Certificate of Attendance must be completed and submitted with the bid; the certificate and/or attendance register serve as proof of attendance.
Bidders must confirm attendance and send contact details, including the number of representatives, to [email protected].
Bidders arrange their own transport and accommodation.
The session starts punctually; information is not repeated for late arrivals.
Bidders are encouraged to bring a copy of the RFQ.
Register a company profile, log an intent to bid, then upload the bid against the tender.
Upload limit: 30 MB per upload; multiple uploads allowed.
Submit at least one day before the closing date; no late submissions are accepted.
Each bidder must submit through its own registered profile under the bidding company's name. A bid submitted through another company's profile will be rejected or disqualified, including subsidiaries and holding companies.
Joint ventures: any JV party may submit using its own registered profile.
Use Google Chrome to access the portal.
Bids must be lodged on the official forms; do not retype them.
Responses must not reference any other quotation or proposal; additional conditions must be raised in a covering letter.
No changes to a submission are accepted after the closing date and time.
Administrative and substantive responsiveness — bid lodged on time, all returnable documents completed and returned, documents valid, bid signed by an authorised person, material compliance with Annexure A, general and legislative criteria met, and a fully completed priced offer on the portal. Must be passed to proceed.
Technical/functionality threshold — minimum 80 out of 100. Must be met or exceeded to proceed to final evaluation. Scores are rounded to two decimal places.
Final weighted scoring — price 80 points and specific goals 20 points, total 100.
Price negotiation if applicable — Transnet may negotiate a market-related price, starting with the highest ranked bidder, then the second and third ranked bidders in sequence; the RFQ is cancelled if no market-related price is agreed with the third ranked bidder.
Award of business and conclusion of contract by Letter of Award.
Technical criteria (100 points, threshold 80):
Management plan: 35 points — executive summary (10), business model (10), human resources plan (10), catering implementation plan (5); no submission scores 0.
Previous experience: 20 points — three reference letters (20), two (10), one (5), none (0).
Contingency plan: 10 points — covering strikes, protests, electricity outages and equipment breakage; no submission scores 0.
Certification: 15 points — certificate of acceptability/compliance from the local authority; no submission scores 0.
Food price list: 20 points — fully completed scores 20; partially or not completed scores 0.
Preference points:
System: 80/20 (bid value estimated not to exceed R50 000 000 including all applicable taxes).
Price: 80 points, scored using the comparative price formula against the lowest acceptable bid.
Specific goals: 20 points, claimed on the specific goals preference points claim form; no proof submitted means no preference points claimed.
Only unconditional discounts are considered during evaluation; conditional discounts are applied at payment stage.
Transnet may request substantiation of any preference claim before or after adjudication.
Scope: provision of catering services — sit-down canteen and take-away — at Transnet Engineering, Bloemfontein.
Contract basis: month-to-month, for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Detailed specification is contained in Annexure A, which must be completed and submitted.
Bidders must submit a fully completed food price list covering all various menus.
Management plan must set out the bidder's understanding of the objectives, the issues of importance, and how the service will be rendered daily, including the approach to be adopted.
Management plan content: executive summary, business model, human resources plan and catering implementation plan.
Human resources plan must show the organisational structure with relevant cooking, food preparation and food safety skills and/or qualifications for staff, and proposed staff numbers.
Basic food handling qualification is required for all staff members.
Affiliation with the South African Chefs Association is an advantage.
Contingency plan must detail steps for unforeseen events such as strikes, protests, electricity outages and equipment breakage, and how continuous food delivery will be ensured.
Bidders must provide at least three contactable references for similar services (mass catering or fast-food) delivered successfully.
A valid certificate of acceptability/compliance from an authorised local authority must be submitted.
Annexure B Technical Questionnaire must be completed and submitted; compliance with the technical threshold is measured against these responses.
Human resources plan — 10 points, covering organisational structure with cooking, food preparation and food safety skills and/or qualifications, and proposed staff numbers.
Catering implementation plan — 5 points.
No submission scores 0.
Previous experience (20 points):
Three reference letters — 20 points; two — 10 points; one — 5 points; none — 0.
References must be contactable and relate to similar services (mass catering or fast-food) delivered successfully.
Contingency plan (10 points):
Must cover unforeseen events such as strikes, protests, electricity outages and equipment breakage, and show how food delivery will continue.
No submission scores 0.
Certification (15 points):
Valid certificate of acceptability/compliance from an authorised local authority.
No submission scores 0.
Food price list (20 points):
Fully completed — 20 points; partially or not completed — 0 points.
Total 100 points; threshold 80. Annexure B Technical Questionnaire must be completed and submitted; responses measure compliance with the threshold. Technical scores are rounded to two decimal places.
Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database and provide a CSD number where no tax compliance status PIN is available.
A valid SARS tax compliance status PIN or printed TCS certificate must be submitted.
Consortia, joint ventures and sub-contractors: each party submits a separate TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number.
State employment
Bids are not considered from persons in the service of the state, companies with directors in the service of the state, or close corporations with such members.
SBD 4 Declaration of Interest must disclose any such interests and any relationship with employees of the procuring institution; failure to disclose all CSD-registered active companies linked to directors leads to disqualification.
Bidders must disclose any commercial relationship with a Domestic Prominent Influential Person or Foreign Prominent Public Official.
B-BBEE and specific goals
Preference points are claimed on the specific goals preference points claim form with valid proof; no proof means no points claimed.
B-BBEE minimum level: 3.
80/20 preference point system applies (bid value estimated not to exceed R50 000 000 including all applicable taxes).
Other compliance
Bidders must comply with the Employment Equity Act, including Section 53.
Bidders must comply with all applicable national and local laws and regulations.
Bidders must not be listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers.
Bidders must disclose any finding of guilt for a serious breach of law in the preceding 5 years, including Competition Act breaches.
Bidders must disclose any owner, member, director, partner, shareholder or employee who was a Transnet employee or board member in the past 10 years, and whether they were involved in bid preparation or had access to RFQ information.
Bidders must comply with the Transnet Supplier Integrity Pact and sign a non-disclosure agreement.
The successful bidder must complete a Supplier Declaration Form for registration on the Transnet vendor master database.
Security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level may be required of the successful bidder, its personnel and sub-contractors, at the bidder's responsibility.
The successful bidder must sign a written contract form (SBD 7).
Contractual terms are reviewed by Transnet's Legal Counsel before award; material deviation from standard terms may disqualify the bid.
Returnable documents must remain valid for the contract duration; failure to provide renewals when due entitles Transnet to terminate immediately without liability.
Failure to deliver within the quoted lead time allows Transnet to cancel the order and recover costs of re-quoting or accepting a less favourable offer.
Contract duration is month-to-month, not exceeding 12 months.
Transnet may not award the contract if a market-related price is not agreed with the third highest scoring bidder; the RFQ must then be cancelled.
Transnet may award only a portion of the goods/services, split the award between suppliers, or cancel the RFQ.
Transnet may cancel the contract and request National Treasury to place the bidder on the Database of Restricted Suppliers for up to 10 years where a contract was awarded on incorrect information.
If the preferred bidder fails to sign or commence the contract, Transnet may award to the next ranked bidder at the quoted price.
Failure to respond to a request to extend the bid validity period before it expires excludes the bidder from the process.
Acceptance of the bid may be subject to security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level for the successful bidder, its personnel and sub-contractors.
The successful bidder must complete a Supplier Declaration Form for registration on the Transnet vendor master database.
Contract outcome and contract details may be published on the National Treasury e-Tender Publication Portal and disclosed under JSE Debt Listing Requirements.
Stage 1: administrative and substantive responsiveness — bid lodged on time, all returnable documents completed and returned, documents valid, bid signed by an authorised person, material compliance with Annexure A, general and legislative criteria met, and a fully completed priced offer on the portal. Must be passed to proceed.
Stage 2: technical/functionality threshold — minimum 80 out of 100, measured against Annexure B responses. Must be met or exceeded to proceed.
Stage 3: final weighted scoring — price 80 points and specific goals 20 points, total 100.
Stage 4: price negotiation if applicable — sequential negotiation with the highest, then second and third ranked bidders; the RFQ is cancelled if no market-related price is agreed with the third ranked bidder.
Stage 5: award of business and conclusion of contract by Letter of Award.
Provision of catering services — sit-down canteen and takeaway — at Transnet Engineering, Bloemfontein, on a month-to-month basis for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Compulsory pre-proposal briefing: 09 October 2026 at 10:00, approximately 2 hours — Transnet Engineering, Transnet Road, Hilton, Bloemfontein, 9300. Attendance is compulsory; bidders who do not attend are disqualified. Bidders arrange their own transport and accommodation. Attendance must be confirmed and contact details, including the number of representatives, sent to [email protected]. The Section 7 Certificate of Attendance must be submitted with the bid.
Clarification queries: submit to Kagisho Seroto before 12:00 on 12 October 2026; responses are shared with all bidders.
Bid validity: 120 business days from the closing date, excluding the first day and including the last.
A compulsory pre-proposal RFQ briefing will be held at Transnet Engineering, Transnet Road, Hilton, Bloemfontein, 9300 on 09 October 2026 at 10:00, lasting approximately 2 hours. Bidders arrange their own transport and accommodation. The session starts punctually and information will not be repeated for late arrivals. Attendance must be confirmed and contact details, including the number of representatives, sent to [email protected]. The Section 7 Certificate of Attendance must be submitted with the bid; failure to attend leads to disqualification, with the certificate or attendance register used as proof.
Registration: each bidder must register its own company profile, log an intent to bid and upload its bid under that same profile; bids submitted through another company's profile will be rejected or disqualified. Joint ventures may submit through any JV party's registered profile.
Upload limits: 30 MB per upload, multiple uploads permitted.
Timing: submit at least a day before the closing date; no late submissions accepted.
Annexure A — fully completed scope of work/specification, uploaded to the portal.
Fully completed pricing schedule, captured on the portal.
Returnable documents used for scoring (non-submission scores zero for that criterion):
Proof of compliance with the specific goals requirements (Section 6).
Annexure B — Technical Submission/Questionnaire.
Minimum of three reference letters plus the required certificate.
Essential returnable documents:
Section 1 — SBD 1 form (bidder details and signed offer cover page).
Section 5 — Certificate of Acquaintance with RFQ Documents.
Section 6 — RFQ Declaration and Breach of Law Form.
Section 7 — Certificate of Attendance at the compulsory RFQ briefing.
Section 8 — Protection of Personal Information form.
All returnable sections must be signed, stamped and dated by the bidder.
Disqualification risks: late submission; missing mandatory returnable documents; unsigned bid; bid not materially complying with Annexure A; no priced offer; failure to attend the compulsory briefing; submission through another company's profile; canvassing Transnet staff between closing and award; collusion with other bidders.
Quotations must not reference any other quotation or proposal; any additional conditions must be raised in an accompanying letter.
Mandatory (non-submission disqualifies): Annexure A fully completed scope of work/specification, and the fully completed pricing schedule, both on the e-Tender portal.
Used for scoring (non-submission scores zero for that criterion): proof of specific goals compliance, Annexure B Technical Submission/Questionnaire, and a minimum of three reference letters plus the required certificate.
Essential: Section 1 SBD 1 form, Section 5 Certificate of Acquaintance with RFQ Documents, Section 6 RFQ Declaration and Breach of Law Form, Section 7 Certificate of Attendance at the compulsory briefing, and Section 8 Protection of Personal Information.
All returnable sections must be signed, stamped and dated.
Preference point system: 80/20 (estimated value not exceeding R50 000 000).
Stage 1 — Administrative and substantive responsiveness: bid lodged on time, all returnable documents completed and returned, returnable documents valid, bid signed by an authorised person, material compliance with the scope in Annexure A, general and legislative criteria met, and a fully completed priced offer on the portal. Must be passed to proceed.
Stage 2 — Technical/functionality threshold: minimum 80 out of 100. Scores rounded to two decimal places. Must be met or exceeded to proceed.
Management Plan: 35 points (executive summary 10, business model 10, human resources plan 10, catering implementation plan 5).
Previous experience: 20 points (three reference letters 20, two 10, one 5, none 0).
Contingency plan: 10 points.
Certification: 15 points (certificate of acceptability from local authorities).
Submission of the food price list, fully completed: 20 points (partial or non-completion 0).
Stage 3 — Final weighted scoring out of 100:
Price: 80 points, scored as Ps = 80 × (1 − (Pt − Pmin)/Pmin), where Pt is the price under consideration and Pmin the lowest acceptable price.
Specific goals: 20 points, claimed on the specific goals preference points claim form.
Stage 4 — Price negotiation if the price is not market-related: Transnet negotiates with the highest ranked bidder, then the second, then the third, or cancels the RFQ. Best and final offers may be requested.
Award: letter of award to the successful bidder, followed by conclusion of the contract.
Scope: provision of catering services — a sit-down canteen and takeaway service — at Transnet Engineering, Bloemfontein.
Contract basis: month-to-month, for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Detailed specification: as set out in Annexure A, which must be completed and submitted.
Technical submission: Annexure B Technical Submission/Questionnaire must be completed.
Management plan must cover the executive summary, business model, human resources plan and catering implementation plan, and must explain the bidder's understanding of the objectives and how the service will be delivered daily.
Human resources plan must show the organisational structure, all relevant cooking and food preparation skills, food safety skills and/or staff qualifications, proposed staff numbers, and basic food handling qualification for all staff. Affiliation with the South African Chefs Association is an advantage.
Previous experience: at least three contactable references for similar mass catering or fast-food services delivered successfully.
Contingency plan: steps to maintain food delivery during strikes, protests, electricity outages, equipment breakage and similar unforeseen events.
Certification: a valid certificate of acceptability/compliance from an authorised local authority.
Food price list: a fully completed list of the various menus must be submitted.
Technical evaluation is out of 100 with a minimum threshold of 80; scores are rounded to two decimal places.
Management Plan — 35 points: executive summary (10), business model (10), human resources plan (10), catering implementation plan (5). No submission scores 0.
Previous experience — 20 points: three reference letters (20), two (10), one (5), none (0). References must be contactable and relate to similar mass catering or fast-food services delivered successfully.
Contingency plan — 10 points: steps to maintain food delivery during strikes, protests, electricity outages, equipment breakage and similar events. No submission scores 0.
Certification — 15 points: valid certificate of acceptability/compliance from an authorised local authority. No submission scores 0.
Food price list — 20 points: fully completed list of menus (20); partial or non-completion (0).
The technical threshold must be met or exceeded to proceed to final evaluation.
Bidders must provide at least three contactable references for similar services (mass catering or fast-food) delivered successfully; reference letters are scored as three (20 points), two (10), one (5), none (0).
The human resources plan must show the organisational structure, relevant cooking and food preparation skills, food safety skills and/or staff qualifications, proposed staff numbers, and basic food handling qualification for all staff. Affiliation with the South African Chefs Association is an advantage.
A valid certificate of acceptability/compliance from an authorised local authority must be submitted.
The pricing schedule is completed on the e-Tender portal, in South African Rand and inclusive of VAT. Unconditional discounts are considered in evaluation. If the price is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest scoring bidder, then the second, then the third, or cancel the RFQ. Deviation from the prescribed pricing schedule may disqualify the bid.
Pricing format: fully completed pricing schedule captured on the e-Tender portal; no alternative format — deviation may disqualify the bid.
Currency: all prices in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT (VAT shown at 15% where applicable).
Quotation basis: delivered nominated destination, inclusive of VAT.
Delivery lead time from date of purchase order must be stated.
Unconditional discounts are taken into account in evaluation; conditional discounts are applied only at payment stage.
Disbursements not specifically priced will not be accepted.
Price scoring: 80 points using Ps = 80 × (1 − (Pt − Pmin)/Pmin); final pricing scores rounded to two decimal places.
Market-related price: if the highest scoring bid is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate with the highest, then second, then third ranked bidder, or cancel the RFQ.
No bid security, performance bond, guarantee or retention requirement is stated in the RFQ.
CSD: bidders registered on the Central Supplier Database must provide their CSD number where no tax compliance PIN is available.
Tax: a valid SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN, or a printed TCS certificate, must be submitted. Consortia, joint ventures and subcontractors must each submit a separate TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number.
Persons in the service of the state: bids will not be considered from such persons, from companies with such directors, or from close corporations with such members.
B-BBEE and specific goals: 80/20 preference system; 20 points for specific goals claimed on the specific goals preference points claim form. Failure to submit proof of specific goals means no preference points are claimed. Proof may be a B-BBEE certificate, a sworn affidavit as prescribed by the B-BBEE Codes, or other prescribed proof. Bidders must disclose subcontracting details.
Employment Equity Act: bidders must comply with the Act applicable to them, including Section 53.
Legal compliance: the successful bidder must comply with all applicable national and local laws and regulations.
Returnable forms (each must be completed, signed, stamped and dated):
SBD 1 — bidder details and signed offer cover page.
Section 5 — Certificate of Acquaintance with RFQ Documents.
Section 6 — RFQ Declaration and Breach of Law Form, including disclosure of any serious breach of law in the past five years and any relationship with Transnet employees or former employees.
Section 7 — Certificate of Attendance at the compulsory briefing.
Section 8 — Protection of Personal Information.
SBD 4 — Declaration of Interest, disclosing state employment of directors/shareholders and all CSD-registered active companies linked to directors; failure to disclose leads to disqualification.
SBD 9 — Certificate of Independent Bid Determination.
SBD 7 — contract form to be signed by the successful bidder.
Proof of authority to sign, such as a company resolution.
DPIP/FPPO disclosure of any commercial relationship with a domestic prominent influential person or foreign prominent public official.
Exclusion: bidders listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters or the List of Restricted Suppliers are automatically disqualified.
The 80/20 preference point system applies, with 20 points available for specific goals claimed on the specific goals preference points claim form.
Points are awarded for B-BBEE level (levels 1 or 2) 5 points, 50% black youth owned 5 points, 30% black women owned 5 points, and entities owned by people with disabilities 5 points.
Proof may be a B-BBEE certificate, a sworn affidavit, a CIPC certificate or other prescribed proof; failure to submit proof with the bid means no preference points are claimed.
Transnet may request further information on a bidder's Environmental, Social and Governance standing at any stage of the procurement or contracting process. This information is used for ESG record and analysis only and will not be used for evaluation or to disqualify a bidder.
Where subcontracting applies, Transnet may conduct due diligence on subcontractors, request further information from the bidder or directly from the subcontractor, and investigate to detect fronting.
A quotation is deemed a binding offer; any exceptions must be clearly stated.
Transnet reserves the right to modify the goods/services, award only a portion, split the award between suppliers, cancel the RFQ, validate submitted information, request audited financial statements for due diligence, refuse changes to bid rates after closing or award, cancel the contract and request National Treasury to place the bidder on the Database of Restricted Suppliers for up to 10 years for incorrect information, and award to the next ranked bidder if the preferred bidder fails to sign or commence.
Returnable documents must remain valid for the contract duration; failure to provide renewals entitles Transnet to terminate immediately without liability.
Security clearance: acceptance of the bid may be subject to the successful bidder, its personnel and subcontractors obtaining clearance to CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET or TOP SECRET level, at the bidder's responsibility, and implementing all security measures the contract requires.
Legal review: the bidder's proposed contractual terms are reviewed by Transnet's Legal Counsel before award; material deviation from standard terms may disqualify the bid.
Validity: bids must remain valid for 120 business days from the closing date; bidders may be asked to extend on the same terms, and failure to respond before expiry excludes them from the process.
Disclosure: on award, Transnet publishes the outcome and successful bidder information on the National Treasury e-Tender Publication Portal and may disclose contract details under JSE Debt Listing Requirements.
DPIP/FPPO: bidders must disclose any commercial relationship with a domestic prominent influential person or foreign prominent public official; Transnet publishes contracts with such persons annually.
Subcontracting: due diligence may be conducted on subcontractors, including fronting investigations.
Stage 1 — administrative and substantive responsiveness: timely lodgement, all returnable documents completed and returned, validity of returnable documents, bid signed by an authorised respondent, material compliance with the Annexure A scope, general and legislative criteria met, and a fully completed priced offer on the portal. Must be passed to proceed.
Stage 2 — technical/functionality threshold of 80 out of 100: Management Plan 35, Previous Experience 20, Contingency Plan 10, Certification 15, Food Price List 20. Must be met or exceeded to proceed.
Stage 3 — final weighted scoring: Price 80 points using Ps = 80 × (1 − (Pt − Pmin)/Pmin), and Specific Goals 20 points.
Stage 4 — price negotiation if the price is not market-related, in sequence from the highest ranked bidder; best and final offers may be requested.
Award to the successful bidder by letter of award, followed by conclusion of the contract.
Catering service at Transnet Engineering Bloemfontein comprising a sit-down canteen and take-away service, provided on a month-to-month basis for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Menu spans hot meals, starches, proteins, salads and vegetables, sandwiches and rolls, and other meals, drinks and shop items.
Each menu item is priced for Year 1 and Year 2, with the delivery time from placement of order stated.
Returnable document: Annexure A — Menu and Price List, to be completed with the bidder's company name, a price for every listed item for Year 1 and Year 2, and the delivery time from placement of order for each item, with the Year 1 and Year 2 totals carried through.
Prices must be entered against every menu line; the schedule covers hot meals, starches, proteins, salads and vegetables, sandwiches and rolls, and other meals, drinks and shop items.
The completed and signed price list forms part of the bid; an unsigned or incomplete schedule risks disqualification.
Submission method, submission address and closing time are not stated in this annexure.
Catering service at Transnet Engineering Bloemfontein, covering a sit-down canteen and take-away offering, on a month-to-month basis for a period not exceeding 12 months.
Hot meals
Hot Meal (1): one hot vegetable plus one salad.
Hot Meal (2): one hot vegetable plus one salad.
Hot Meal (3): pasta dish.
Beef or mutton curry/stew served with rice, pap, samp or dumpling.
Chicken curry/stew served with rice, pap, samp or dumpling.
Breakfast: two fried eggs, two strips of bacon, tomato, beef or pork sausage and a slice of white or brown toast.
Dagwood: fresh bun (100 mm diameter), cheese, pattie (100 g), egg, tomato, onion and sauce.
Bunny chow: quarter bread, chips, chakalaka and a slice of French polony.
Fried chips in small, medium and large portions, served in greaseproof packets or on a plate.
Starches
Pap 250 g; pap 500 g; rice; samp; dumpling/steamed bread/dombolo; mash; quarter bread.
Proteins
Chuck (±200 g); wors (±13 cm); chicken quarter leg, wings or drumsticks per portion (±300 g); ox liver (200 g); tripe/mala mogodu lamb or cow (250 g and 500 g); skope; chicken livers (250 g); hake fillet fried or grilled (±100 g); Russian (±13 cm); gravy.
Salads and vegetables
Coleslaw with mayonnaise (small tub); traditional French salad (small tub); beetroot (small tub); warm vegetables per portion — pumpkin, spinach, cabbage, squash and similar (small tub).
Chicken salad with seasonal salad vegetables (250 g); tuna salad with seasonal salad vegetables (250 g); green, Greek or French salad with seasonal salad vegetables (250 g).
Sandwiches, rolls and hamburgers
Toast per slice, white or brown, buttered or plain; hamburger or hotdog roll, buttered or plain; standard vetkoek (±100 mm diameter).
Health roll: chicken or tuna with mayonnaise, cucumber and tomato on a bun (±200 mm long).
Fillings: ham, beef pattie, chicken pattie, cheese, tomato, bacon, egg, tuna, chicken, vienna and boerewors (±13 cm).
Other meals, drinks and shop items
Soup: homemade beef, chicken or vegetable, served in a lidded polystyrene cup.
Cold drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and similar) in 300 ml, 330 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre and 2 litre bottles; boxed fruit juice in various flavours in 330 ml and 1 litre.
Water 750 ml and 1,5 litre, still, sparkling or flavoured.
Coffee, tea (Five Roses, Glen Tea, Rooibos) and Milo, served in a lidded polystyrene cup, with or without sugar and milk as applicable.
Ice cream (Ola or Dairy Maid); bread loaf 700 g to 800 g, white or brown; potato chips (Simba, Lays or Willard's, 30 g) in various flavours; boiled egg (unshelled); pies — chicken, mutton, steak and kidney, pepper steak, including Halaal; polony slice (medium); milk per 500 ml, fat free, full cream or skimmed.
Fruit in season, priced per item and varying between R3 and R10 depending on type and size.
Prepaid airtime for all service providers and loose cigarettes, both at regulated prices.
Condiments
Salt, pepper, vinegar, tomato sauce and mustard must be available as required.
Annexure A — Menu and Price List: the bidder prices every listed item for Year 1 and Year 2 and states the delivery time from placement of order.
Bidder completes the company name and the Year 1 and Year 2 totals.
Hot meals: Hot Meal (1) and Hot Meal (2) each comprise one hot vegetable and one salad; Hot Meal (3) is a pasta dish; breakfast is two fried eggs, two strips of bacon, tomato, beef or pork sausage and a slice of white or brown toast; Dagwood is a 100 mm bun with cheese, a 100 g pattie, egg, tomato, onion and sauce; bunny chow is quarter bread, chips, chakalaka and a slice of French polony; chips are priced in small, medium and large.
Starches: pap 250 g, pap 500 g, rice, samp, dumpling/steamed bread/dombolo, mash and quarter bread.
Proteins: chuck (±200 g), wors (±13 cm), chicken quarter leg/wings/drumsticks per portion (±300 g), ox liver (200 g), tripe/mala mogodu lamb or cow (250 g and 500 g), skope, chicken livers (250 g), hake fillet fried or grilled (±100 g), Russian (±13 cm) and gravy.
Salads and vegetables: coleslaw with mayonnaise, traditional French salad, beetroot and warm vegetables (pumpkin, spinach, cabbage, squash and similar), each in a small tub; chicken salad, tuna salad and green/Greek/French salad, each 250 g with seasonal salad vegetables.
Sandwiches, rolls and hamburgers: toast per slice white or brown, buttered or plain; hamburger or hotdog roll, buttered or plain; standard vetkoek (±100 mm); health roll with chicken or tuna, mayonnaise, cucumber and tomato on a ±200 mm bun; fillings of ham, beef pattie, chicken pattie, cheese, tomato, bacon, egg, tuna, chicken, vienna and boerewors (±13 cm).
Other items: homemade beef, chicken or vegetable soup in a lidded polystyrene cup; cold drinks in 300 ml, 330 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre and 2 litre bottles; boxed fruit juice in various flavours in 330 ml and 1 litre; water 750 ml and 1,5 litre, still, sparkling or flavoured; coffee, tea (Five Roses, Glen Tea, Rooibos) and Milo in lidded polystyrene cups with or without sugar and milk; ice cream (Ola or Dairy Maid); bread loaf 700 g to 800 g white or brown; potato chips (Simba, Lays or Willard's, 30 g) in various flavours; boiled egg (unshelled); pies — chicken, mutton, steak and kidney, pepper steak, including Halaal; polony slice (medium); milk per 500 ml fat free, full cream or skimmed; fruit in season priced per item between R3 and R10 depending on type and size; prepaid airtime for all service providers and loose cigarettes at regulated prices.
Salt, pepper, vinegar, tomato sauce and mustard must be available as required.
Level 200, Carlton Centre, 150 Commissioner St, Cbd, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
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