Tender Summary: Tree Felling, Tree Pruning and Clearing

Objectives

To appoint a competent service provider for the safe, compliant, and efficient felling, pruning, and clearing of trees across designated municipal locations within a four-month contract period, while meeting strict occupational safety, environmental, and public procurement standards.

Scope of Work

The contractor will perform tree removal and pruning operations specifically around electricity cables and buildings, targeting trees with diameters up to 950mm. Work spans multiple sites in the Mt Frere and Emaxesibeni regions. Key responsibilities include:

• Protecting adjacent infrastructure (sidewalks, driveways, manholes) using limb ground supports or ropes during felling.
• Conducting immediate post-removal cleanup, raking affected areas, and properly disposing of all cut wood and branches.
• Ensuring zero damage to surrounding vegetation, lawns, or shrubs during operations.
• Supplying all necessary labour, supervision, tools, machinery, and materials required to complete the work.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must satisfy rigorous operational, administrative, and compliance criteria:

• Safety & Compliance: Full adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, mandatory provision of appropriate PPE, and submission of COIDA registration documentation before operations commence.
• Insurance: Valid public liability insurance covering restoration or repair of any damaged structures or property resulting from the work.
• Evaluation Criteria: A minimum functionality score of 70 out of 100 points is mandatory for pre-qualification. Scoring allocates 30 points to company experience, 30 points to methodology and delivery timelines, and 40 points to public liability insurance.
• Pricing & Financials: Quoted prices must be firm and inclusive of VAT. The tender applies an 80/20 preference point system (80 points for price, 20 points for socio-economic goals).
• Mandatory Documentation: Certified company registration, certified ID copies of directors/owners, SARS tax compliance verification, municipal account clearance or affidavit, and completion of all standard municipal bidding forms.

Skills & Experience Requirements

Successful bidders must demonstrate:

• Proven Track Record: Documented experience in tree felling, pruning, and clearing services. Points are awarded based on the volume of completed reference projects, with full marks reserved for five or more relevant contracts supported by signed reference letters.
• Project Management: Ability to develop a detailed methodology, realistic programme schedules, and proactive risk management strategies to ensure timely delivery within the four-month duration.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in safe arboriculture practices, particularly when working near power lines and built environments.
• Administrative Competence: Capability to manage municipal compliance requirements, tax documentation, insurance claims, and reporting obligations.

Explanation of Key Terms

• COIDA: Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. Requires contractors to register with the compensation fund and provide documentation proving coverage for workplace injuries and illnesses.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A procurement scoring framework where 80% of evaluation points are allocated to competitive pricing, and 20% are reserved for designated socio-economic transformation goals (e.g., 100% black ownership, 50%+ youth/female ownership, disability inclusion, and local municipality-based suppliers).
• SARS PIN / TCS Certificate: A unique verification code or printed certificate issued by the South African Revenue Service that confirms a bidder’s tax compliance status.
• MBD Forms: Standard Municipal Bidding Documents used to enforce transparency, declare conflicts of interest, confirm independent bidding, and verify a bidder’s past supply chain management conduct.