Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified contractor to execute the design and construction of a water-wise and biodiversity garden at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Gauteng. The appointment aims to deliver an ecologically sustainable landscape that conserves water, supports local biodiversity, and meets stringent environmental, safety, and quality standards within a controlled timeframe.

Scope of Work

The contractor will undertake the complete installation of the specified garden, strictly adhering to SANS standards, the provided drawings, and the bill of quantities. Core activities include site preparation, earthworks, irrigation infrastructure installation, planting of drought-tolerant and biodiversity-enhancing species, and associated landscaping features. A mandatory one-month maintenance period follows practical completion, requiring comprehensive training for SANBI staff on irrigation operation, routine maintenance, and long-term garden management. Site operations must minimize environmental disruption, with strict limitations on temporary site camps and explicit contractor liability for any damage or disturbance caused by heavy machinery. All construction waste, hazardous materials, and debris must be managed and disposed of off-site in accordance with prescribed environmental protocols.

Technical Requirements

• Registration & Eligibility: Contractors must hold valid CIDB registration suitable for a 3SH construction class relative to the contract value. Joint ventures are permitted if combined grading meets the threshold.
• Submission Format: A two-envelope system applies. Pricing information must be isolated in the financial envelope; inclusion in the technical envelope or USB results in immediate disqualification.
• Health & Safety: Full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction Regulations 2014 is mandatory. A project-specific health and safety plan must be submitted and approved before work commences.
• Environmental Management: Strict adherence to general environmental specifications covering dust and noise mitigation, stormwater and runoff control, protection of indigenous flora and fauna, topsoil preservation, and final site rehabilitation.
• Insurance & Risk: Liability insurance must cover a minimum of R10 million per claim. The contractor assumes full risk for damage or destruction of works-in-progress during construction.
• Contractual Terms: The agreement operates as a re-measurement contract. Practical completion must be achieved within four months. A 12-month defects liability period and a five-year latent defect period apply. Late completion incurs a penalty of R1,500 per day. Performance security is set at 10% of the contract sum, with retention capped at 10% (reducing to 5% upon completion).
• Dispute Resolution: All disputes shall be settled through arbitration.

Skills & Personnel Requirements

• Contracts Manager: Must hold active SACPCMP professional registration (Pr.CPM or Pr.CM) and demonstrate a minimum of five years’ relevant experience. CV and proof of qualifications required.
• Site Agent: Must possess a National Diploma (NQF Level 6 or higher) in the built environment and at least five years of comparable field experience. Full-time on-site deployment is mandatory.
• Health & Safety Officer: A dedicated Construction Health and Safety Officer with over five years of experience and valid SACPCMP registration must oversee all safety compliance and documentation.
• Proven Track Record: Bidders must submit at least three verifiable reference letters from different organizations confirming successful delivery of similar projects within the past ten years. Projects must be independently verifiable via site visits or client contact.
• Evaluation Threshold: Tenders must achieve a minimum functionality score of 70 out of 100 points to qualify for financial evaluation.

Explanation of Specialized Terms

• Water-Wise Garden: A landscape design strategy utilizing native or drought-tolerant plant species, efficient drip or sub-surface irrigation systems, and soil moisture-retention techniques to significantly reduce potable water consumption while maintaining ecological resilience.
• Re-Measurement Contract: A procurement model where the final payment is calculated based on the actual quantities of work executed and verified on-site, rather than a fixed lump-sum price. Rates remain fixed, but total costs adjust to measured outputs.
• CIDB 3SH Class: A South African Construction Industry Development Board contractor grading designation indicating proven competency in specialized horticultural, landscaping, and soft-works construction projects.