Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified environmental consulting team to develop a comprehensive Alien Invasive Plant Species Management Plan tailored to the ecological, operational, and sustainability requirements of the Msunduzi Municipality.

Scope

The project involves conducting a detailed assessment of existing alien invasive plant infestations across municipal areas, formulating targeted eradication and control strategies, establishing long-term monitoring protocols, and compiling a formal management plan. The consultant will integrate spatial data analysis and recommend both biological and chemical control methodologies aligned with municipal biodiversity conservation goals.

Technical Requirements

• Project Leader: Must be a suitably qualified and experienced Professional Environmental Scientist registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
• Biodiversity Specialist: Must hold valid SACNASP registration as a Professional Biodiversity Specialist.
• Herbicide/Weed Control Specialist: Must possess a certified Registered Pest Control Operator (PCO) credential, with documented experience in the biological and chemical control of alien invasive plants.
• GIS Professional: Must be a qualified Professional GIS Practitioner registered with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC).
• Documentation: All team members must submit verifiable proof of registration or certification alongside their tender submission.

Skills Requirements

• Proven track record in environmental consulting, biodiversity assessment, and invasive species management.
• Expertise in designing and executing integrated pest management strategies, including safe herbicide application and biological control agent deployment.
• Advanced proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for habitat mapping, invasion tracking, and spatial planning.
• Strong capabilities in technical report writing, municipal compliance, and project coordination.
• Demonstrated experience relevant to the nature of works, evaluated under a structured scoring system prioritizing technical capacity and functional compliance.

Procurement Framework & Key Terminology

Alien Invasive Plant Species Management Plan: A strategic document outlining systematic methods to identify, monitor, control, and eradicate non-native plant species that threaten local ecosystems, agricultural productivity, water resources, and municipal infrastructure.

80/20 Preference Point System: A standard public procurement evaluation model where the majority of points are allocated for technical and functional capacity, while a portion is reserved for socio-economic transformation objectives, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status, women-owned enterprises, and small-medium enterprise (SMME) participation.

Functional Threshold: Bidders must achieve a minimum of 45 out of 60 available functionality points to qualify for the preference point stage. Client reference letters and specialist qualification proofs form the core of this evaluation.