Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a suitably qualified and competent service provider to conduct comprehensive analytical testing of potable water and wastewater. The appointed provider will support the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Consulting and Analytical Laboratory over a three-year contract period, ensuring reliable, accurate, and compliant water quality monitoring for industrial operations.

Scope of Work

• Perform laboratory analysis on a comprehensive list of physicochemical, microbiological, heavy metal, organic compound, and disinfection by-product parameters for both potable water and wastewater.
• Clearly indicate which tests will be conducted in-house versus those that will be outsourced to accredited third-party laboratories.
• Deliver sampling, testing, and reporting services at ELIDZ facilities or other designated locations as required.
• Maintain continuous service delivery over a three-year term with monthly payment milestones aligned to agreed performance metrics.
• Adhere to strict safety, environmental, confidentiality, and data protection obligations throughout the contract duration.

Technical Requirements

• Hold a valid ISO 17025 Accreditation Certificate accompanied by a detailed schedule of accreditation covering all required analytes and testing methods.
• Submit a proficiency testing plan, including laboratory codes and recent interlaboratory comparison reports demonstrating analytical accuracy and consistency.
• If any testing is outsourced, provide documented proof of accreditation for the subcontracted laboratory covering the specific analytes and methods.
• Provide a complete project team organogram, curriculum vitae for all key personnel, and evidence of statutory registration for lead scientists.
• Achieve a minimum functionality score of 70% during the technical evaluation phase; bids falling below this threshold will be automatically disqualified.
• Submit comprehensive Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) documentation, including activity-specific risk assessments, personal protective equipment registers, chemical compliance certificates (aligned with environmental legislation), and emergency response plans.
• Execute a confidentiality agreement and comply with national data protection regulations regarding all client information and test results.

Skills Requirements

• Key Scientists: Preference is given to registered scientists with more than five years of relevant experience. Candidates with one to five years will receive partial points, while those with less than one year will not be scored.
• Laboratory Analysts: The proposed team must include at least three microbiology analysts and three chemistry analysts. Teams with two analysts per discipline will receive reduced points, while teams with one or fewer will not be scored.
• Proficiency & Accuracy: Providers must demonstrate strong analytical competency through accredited proficiency testing programs, with scoring heavily weighted toward achieved Z-scores (90% and above receives maximum points).
• References & Documentation: Submission of three completed reference letters from previous clients evaluating professionalism, communication, result accuracy, turnaround time, and contractual compliance.

Unusual or Complicated Terms Explained

• ISO 17025: An internationally recognized standard specifying the general requirements for competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. It ensures that analytical results are technically valid and legally defensible.
• Z-Score: A statistical metric used in proficiency testing to compare a laboratory’s results against a peer group. A lower absolute Z-score indicates closer alignment with the target value, reflecting higher analytical accuracy.
• SACNASP Registration: Mandatory statutory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, ensuring that key scientific personnel meet national competency, ethical, and continuing professional development standards.
• Functionality Threshold (70%): A strict pass/fail criterion where bids scoring below 70% on technical functionality are automatically disqualified before financial evaluation proceeds.
• 80/20 Evaluation Model: The procurement scoring system allocates 80 points to price competitiveness and 20 points to specific socio-economic goals, such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) status, local ownership, and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) classification.