Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified training service provider to deliver specialized instruction on the effective implementation of an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) for eight participants.

Scope

The training encompasses comprehensive theoretical and practical modules aligned with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, structured across three core domains:

• Overview & Principles: Accreditation processes, standard principles, application guidelines, and documentation mandates for accredited laboratories.
• Structural & Operational Requirements: Personnel competence, laboratory facilities and environmental controls, equipment management, externally provided products/services, metrological traceability, review of contracts, method selection/verification/validation, sampling, item handling, technical records, measurement uncertainty, result evaluation, quality assurance, reporting, complaints management, nonconforming work control, and data/LIMS management.
• Management System Requirements: Documentation control, record management, risk and opportunity mitigation, continual improvement, corrective actions, internal audits, and management reviews.

Technical Requirements

• The training provider must hold current, verifiable accreditation from both the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the South African Association of Technical Colleges and Academies (SAATCA).
• The assigned facilitator must possess a minimum of five years' direct experience with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and must submit a detailed curriculum vitae.
• Facilitators must provide proof of completing SAATCA-approved training for the specific module.
• Bidders must include a comprehensive training programme, delivery methodology, and sample course materials with their quotation.
• All compulsory documentation must accompany the submission; omission of any required item results in immediate disqualification.
• Quotations must comply with the Government Procurement General Conditions of Contract (July 2010).
• Evaluation utilizes an 80/20 weighted scoring model: 80% allocated to price, 20% to preferential procurement goals (Black ownership ≥51%, Women ownership ≥30%, Disability status).
• Submission formats excluding Word or Excel are mandated; bidders must adhere to specified file restrictions.

Skills Requirements

• Advanced subject-matter expertise in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards, laboratory accreditation frameworks, and quality management systems.
• Proven capability to design and facilitate structured, competency-based training programmes for technical and managerial laboratory personnel.
• Strong instructional design skills to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable operational practices and standardized learning materials.
• Experience in conducting internal audits, risk assessments, and management review simulations aligned with laboratory environments.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• ISO/IEC 17025:2017: An internationally recognized standard specifying requirements for testing and calibration laboratories to demonstrate technical competence, impartiality, and consistent operational performance.
• QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations): A South African statutory body responsible for developing, registering, and overseeing occupational qualifications to ensure alignment with national skills development priorities.
• SAATCA (South African Association of Technical Colleges and Academies): A recognized accreditation organization that certifies training providers and facilitators against established pedagogical, industry, and quality assurance standards.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A public procurement evaluation mechanism governed by South African legislation, where bids are scored primarily on cost efficiency (80%) and secondarily on socio-economic transformation targets (20%).
• BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment): A South African policy framework designed to address historical economic inequalities through measurable metrics in ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise support, and socio-economic advancement.