Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint accredited service providers capable of delivering both accredited and non-accredited training to the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (FSDARD) over a period of 36 months. The training aims to enhance skills and capacity among farmers, farm workers, rural communities, unemployed youth, and women, supporting sustainable agricultural production enterprises and rural development initiatives.

Scope

The scope encompasses the design, development, facilitation, assessment, and moderation of training programs delivered through learnerships, skills programs, short courses, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Training will be conducted across various districts and municipalities within the Free State, targeting a broad spectrum of agricultural and rural development activities. The service providers may subcontract specific subject matter expertise, venues, facilities, transport, catering, and accommodation, subject to approval. The training content must align with registered unit standards and industry requirements, with a focus on practical, experiential, and competency-based learning.

Technical Requirements

• Accreditation: Service providers must hold accreditation or secondary accreditation at NQF Level 5 or higher issued by AgriSETA or QCTO, with all partners accredited at NQF Level 5 or higher in joint ventures.
• Curriculum & Materials: Development of learning materials, assessment guides, facilitator guides, and learner guides aligned with SAQA and industry standards. Materials must be learner activity-rich, adaptable, piloted, reviewed, and approved by relevant ETQAs.
• Assessment & Moderation: Instruments must assess all outcomes and criteria, support formative and summative assessments, and include moderation reports. Assessment strategies should promote experiential learning and competency development.
• Delivery & Logistics: Training must be delivered in suitable venues with adequate facilities, safety measures, and accessibility. Logistical arrangements for catering, transport, accommodation, and payment of regulatory entities are included.
• Quality & Compliance: Service providers must demonstrate capacity, experience, and quality management systems compliant with SAQA, QCTO, and SETA standards. They must also adhere to health and safety regulations and quality assurance protocols.

Skills Requirements

• Human Resources: Key personnel must possess relevant qualifications (minimum NQF Level 6 in Agriculture), registration with AgriSETA as assessors and moderators, and proven experience in agricultural training, facilitation, assessment, and moderation.
• Facilitators: Experienced in delivering competency-based training, with a minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience, and capable of employing diverse teaching methodologies, including experiential learning and practical demonstrations.
• Assessors & Moderators: Must be registered with AgriSETA, with proven assessment and moderation experience, and capable of evaluating learners’ competencies in accordance with industry standards.
• Support Staff: Adequate administrative, logistical, and technical support personnel to ensure smooth training delivery and compliance with quality standards.

Summary

The tender seeks qualified service providers with proven accreditation, extensive experience in agricultural training, and capacity to develop and deliver high-quality, industry-relevant learning programs. The focus is on practical, competency-based training that enhances skills, supports rural development, and aligns with national standards and policies.