Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified service provider to conduct targeted clearing operations for invasive alien plant species, specifically Harrisia pomanensis, in the Delportshoop area of the Northern Cape. The initiative aims to eradicate localized populations at an early invasion stage to prevent wider ecological spread, reduce long-term management costs, and support national biodiversity conservation and eradication targets.

Scope

The contract spans two financial years (2026–2027 and 2027–2028), with an initial allocation of 43 working days for the first year. The second year’s duration and budget will depend on funding availability and approved environmental programme rates. The service provider will be responsible for:

• Surveying designated localities using supplied GPS coordinates.
• Clearing all identified invasive alien plants according to species-specific ecological protocols.
• Collecting and submitting structured data, including spatial records and electronic tracking logs.
• Adapting to additional species or sites if initial tasks are completed ahead of schedule.

Operations will be closely monitored by SANBI and landowners. Substandard clearing must be rectified within 30 days post-contract expiry at no extra cost. Payment is strictly tied to verified person-days worked, calculated using prescribed daily rates.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate compliance with stringent operational, safety, and administrative standards:

• Team Composition: A minimum of 15 physically fit personnel, including a supervisor, contractor, nine herbicide applicators, one driver, two health and safety representatives, and two first aiders. At least 60% of the workforce must be sourced from the immediate target area.
• Equipment & Vehicles: A roadworthy long-base bakkie meeting construction vehicle standards (fitted with canopy/labour railings, revolving orange lamp, secured benches with seatbelts, and displayed speed limit), plus a licensed trailer for tool and biomass transport. Field equipment includes chainsaws, ropes, harnesses, step ladders, hand tools, herbicide application gear, absorbent materials, and fully stocked medical kits.
• Safety & Compliance: Valid COIDA letter of good standing, public liability insurance covering a minimum of R1,000,000, certified first aid and health & safety representatives, and pre-employment medical fitness declarations. All team members must hold valid South African identity documents and proof of residence.
• Data & Reporting: Electronic data collection via GPS tracking logs, daily progress reporting to the project coordinator, and submission of original supporting documentation with each invoice. Invoices are processed within 30 days of receipt.
• Evaluation Framework: Proposals are scored using a preferential procurement model where price accounts for 80% and socio-economic goals account for 20%. A minimum of 60 out of 100 functional points is required to qualify. Scoring criteria emphasize prior clearing experience, team qualifications, proximity to the site, and demographic representation.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must provide a highly skilled and certified field team capable of executing ecologically sensitive clearing operations:

• Supervisor/Team Leader: Must hold a Plant Control Operator (PCO) certification and possess proven experience in day-to-day field supervision, team coordination, and ecological data management.
• Herbicide Applicators: Must hold current, valid certification in safe herbicide handling, mixing, and application techniques.
• Health & Safety Representatives: Two certified individuals responsible for enforcing occupational health standards, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with labour regulations.
• First Aiders: Certified personnel equipped to manage field injuries and medical emergencies in remote, rugged terrain.
• Drivers: Licensed operators experienced in navigating off-road conditions while managing heavy loads and trailers safely.
• General Workers: Semi-skilled personnel trained in manual clearing techniques, GPS data logging, species identification, and adherence to strict environmental protocols. Physical endurance and familiarity with invasive species management are essential.

Key Terms & Conditions

EPWP Rates: Expanded Public Works Programme wage and resource benchmarks set by the government for short-term public employment initiatives, dictating allowable daily rates for wages, PPE, equipment, and transport.

80/20 Preference Point System: A procurement scoring model where 80% of the evaluation score is allocated to competitive pricing, and 20% is reserved for socio-economic transformation goals (primarily black and female ownership percentages).

COIDA: Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act compliance, mandating employer registration with the Department of Labour to cover employee work-related injuries or illnesses.

CSD: Central Supplier Database, the official national registry for all government contractors, requiring active registration and compliance for bid eligibility and payment processing.