Objectives

To appoint a qualified and experienced service provider for a 36-month contract delivering comprehensive, end-to-end ICT support services to uMzimkhulu Local Municipality. The primary objective is to ensure continuous, secure, and efficient IT operations through structured maintenance, strategic advisory, and specialized technical support across all municipal functions.

Scope of Work

The contract encompasses eleven core service domains. Bidders must demonstrate how their proposed methodology addresses each area:

• Infrastructure and data centre services
• Network services
• Cybersecurity services
• Microsoft Modern Workplace and cloud services
• ICT governance, risk, and compliance
• Architecture and technical advisory services
• Database and enterprise application services
• Disaster recovery and business continuity
• ICT project management, quality assurance, and procurement support
• Unified communications and collaboration
• Business analysis and application methodology

Technical Requirements

• Evaluation Threshold: Minimum overall functionality score of 77% (85 points). Bidders must also achieve at least 50% in each evaluation segment and 100% in the Expertise category to remain responsive.
• Methodology Scoring: Full coverage of all scope elements scores 20 points; limited coverage scores 10; omission scores 0.
• Scoring Model: An 80/20 preference point system applies, with 80% of points allocated to price competitiveness and 20% to socio-economic goals based on South African ownership levels.
• Mandatory Documentation: Proof of Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration, prescribed Municipal Bid Document (MBD) forms (4, 6, 1, 8 & 9), and a Board-signed Certificate of Authority.
• Validity & Submission: Pricing must remain valid for 180 days. Only physical submissions in the designated tender box before the deadline will be accepted; late, electronic, or non-compliant bids will be disqualified.

Skills and Expertise Requirements

The provider must maintain access to twelve specialized roles. Each role carries 5 points and requires certified copies of relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) qualifications and industry certifications. A specialist may cover up to two compatible roles if fully qualified. Required expertise includes:

• IT Engineer: CCNP or equivalent Cisco/Meraki certification; NQF Level 6.
• Storage/Vendor Specialist: MCSA, MCSE, or storage-specific credentials; NQF Level 6.
• Cybersecurity Specialist: CISSP or CISM certification; NQF Level 7.
• Cloud/Microsoft Specialist: Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, Copilot, and Azure; NQF Level 6.
• Governance/Compliance Specialist: CISA, CISM, or CGEIT certification; NQF Level 7.
• ICT Project Manager: PMP or PRINCE2 certification; NQF Level 6 or higher.
• Solutions Architect: TOGAF or cloud vendor architect certification; NQF Level 7.
• Database Specialist: SQL/Oracle administration or cloud database certification; NQF Level 6+.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Specialist: CBCI or Veeam certification; NQF Level 6+.
• Unified Communications Specialist: Microsoft Teams or voice platform certification; NQF Level 6+.
• Enterprise Application Specialist: Integration or enterprise system support certification; NQF Level 6+.
• Business Analysis Specialist: Methodology and business application expertise; NQF Level 6+.

Key Terminology Explanation

• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African public procurement model where 80% of evaluation points are awarded based on competitive pricing, and 20% are allocated toward socio-economic transformation goals, specifically targeting companies with varying degrees of South African ownership.
• MBD Forms: Standardized Municipal Bid Document forms mandated by South African local governments to verify legal status, tax compliance, financial standing, and declaration of interest.
• NQF (National Qualifications Framework): South Africa’s official classification system for educational and professional qualifications, ranging from Levels 1 to 10. Higher levels indicate advanced technical or managerial competence required for specialized roles.