Objectives

The primary objective of this Request for Quotation (RFQ) is to secure a qualified service provider to conduct water analytical testing for carbo hydros on behalf of the Strategic Fuel Fund/SANPC. The client aims to obtain accurate, compliant, and timely laboratory testing results to support fuel and hydrocarbon-related operational and compliance requirements.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder will provide end-to-end water testing services specifically aligned with carbo hydrocarbon systems. The scope includes:

• Performing water quality and composition analyses relevant to fuel storage, transport, or processing environments.
• Delivering certified, traceable test reports that meet industry and regulatory standards.
• Adhering to contractual obligations, including a 60-day bid validity period and payment terms of 30 days upon receipt of a correct tax invoice.
• Complying with all South African public procurement regulations, including submission of mandatory standard bidding documents and declarations.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must satisfy strict technical and accreditation thresholds to remain eligible for evaluation:

• Mandatory Laboratory Accreditation: Suppliers must possess a water analytical laboratory accredited by SANAS under ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Failure to provide proof results in automatic disqualification.
• Administrative & Substantive Compliance: Bids must pass initial responsiveness checks, including valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, SARS tax compliance status, and completed SBD forms.
• B-BBEE Documentation: Valid B-BBEE certificates or sworn affidavits must be submitted to qualify for preference points.
• Technical Threshold: Bidders must meet or exceed the minimum functionality score to advance to the final weighted scoring stage.

Skills Requirements

Although not explicitly itemized, the tender implicitly demands the following competencies:

• Advanced knowledge of water chemistry and analytical testing protocols specific to hydrocarbon or petroleum-adjacent applications.
• Proven capability to operate, calibrate, and maintain ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliant laboratory infrastructure.
• Expertise in generating auditable, certified test reports within strict turnaround times.
• Familiarity with South African preferential procurement frameworks, B-BBEE scoring matrices, and public sector compliance requirements.
• Logistics coordination, quality assurance, and client communication skills to manage sample handling, reporting, and contract execution.

Explanation of Key Terms

• SANAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017: The globally recognized standard for testing and calibration laboratories. SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) certification verifies that a laboratory demonstrates technical competence, maintains rigorous quality management, and produces reliable, defensible test results.
• Carbo Hydros: Short for carbo-hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon-water mixtures. In this context, it refers to water samples associated with fuel storage, pipelines, or refining processes, where testing monitors contamination, emulsion stability, and compliance with environmental/operational limits.
• CSD Registration: The Central Supplier Database, a National Treasury-mandated platform that centralizes supplier information, verifies tax compliance, and tracks B-BBEE status across all organs of state.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: An evaluation methodology allocating 80 points to competitive pricing and 20 points to transformation goals. Points for specific goals are awarded based on verified B-BBEE ownership metrics (e.g., 51%+ black-owned or 30%+ black women-owned enterprises).