Objectives

The primary objective is to secure a legally registered and suitably qualified contractor to deliver professional taxidermy services over a 36-month period for the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. The contract supports conservation, educational, and public display initiatives by ensuring the ethical, scientifically sound, and durable preservation, restoration, and preparation of animal specimens.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder will provide end-to-end taxidermy services as directed by the agency throughout the three-year term. Scope includes:

• Intake, cataloguing, and condition assessment of biological specimens
• Ethical skinning, tanning, curing, and anatomical reconstruction
• Articulated and life-size mounting for display, research, or educational use
• Restoration and repair of existing mounted specimens
• Compliance with municipal standards, wildlife conservation legislation, and health and safety protocols
• Provision of regular progress reporting and quality assurance documentation

Note: Detailed task lists, delivery schedules, and performance metrics are specified in the complete bid documentation.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate operational capacity and adherence to the following technical standards:

• Access to fully equipped taxidermy workshops with appropriate ventilation, chemical storage, and climate control
• Use of industry-standard preservation materials and non-toxic finishing agents
• Implementation of traceability systems for specimen handling and chain-of-custody documentation
• Compliance with environmental waste disposal regulations and occupational health and safety laws
• Ability to meet strict submission windows and maintain bid validity for 120 days post-closing
• Full compliance with all mandatory qualification criteria outlined in the tender package

Skills Requirements

Contractors must possess or employ personnel with specialized expertise in:

• Professional taxidermy and zoological specimen preparation techniques
• Knowledge of South African wildlife protection acts and international trade compliance (CITES)
• Advanced artistic craftsmanship for realistic posing, fur/placement finishing, and structural integrity
• Laboratory management, chemical handling, and equipment maintenance
• Project coordination, client liaison, and deadline-driven service delivery
• Valid business registration and relevant industry certifications or apprenticeship qualifications

Key Terms & Clarifications

80/20 Preference Points System: An evaluation framework where 20 points are allocated to price competitiveness and 80 points to specific socio-economic goals (e.g., black ownership, women-owned enterprises, local economic development, and historical redress).

Fronting: A prohibited fraudulent practice where an unqualified entity misrepresents itself as meeting transformation criteria by partnering with a qualified party. Contracts awarded under such arrangements will be immediately cancelled, and the offending enterprise will be blacklisted and reported to authorities.

Restricted Submission Windows: Bids may only be physically deposited during designated time slots. Telegraphic, electronic, facsimile, or late submissions will be automatically rejected.

Functionality Evaluation: Tenders will be assessed on their ability to meet mandatory requirements and deliver the specified services effectively, alongside the preference scoring system.