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    SAA Tender: Landside Crew & Staff Transport Services

    MoBy Updated:No Comments5 Mins Read

    South African Airways (SAA) has released a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of essential landside transportation services for its crew, ground staff, and irregular operations. This high-stakes tender, valued over R50 million, seeks to appoint a qualified service provider for a thirty-six (36) month contract, covering operations at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), King Shaka International Airport (Durban), and Cape Town International Airport.

    This contract represents a significant opportunity for established transport companies with the capacity to meet the rigorous demands of a national airline’s operations. Prospective bidders must note the compulsory briefing session and adhere strictly to the detailed submission requirements.

    Tender Overview: Strategic Transport Services for SAA

    This bid, identified as RFP GS018/25, falls under the Request for Proposal category. The core objective is to secure a reliable, efficient, and compliant service provider for the safe and timely landside transportation of SAA’s most valuable assets: its people. The service is critical for ensuring crew punctuality for flights and supporting ground staff logistics, directly impacting the airline’s operational integrity. The successful bidder will be expected to provide a seamless service 365 days a year.

    Key Bid Information and Compulsory Briefing Session

    The RFP was published on Monday, 29 September 2025. The deadline for submission is Monday, 20 October 2025, at 12:00 PM (GMT+2). Late submissions will be disqualified.

    A compulsory virtual briefing session is scheduled for:
    Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
    Time: 12:00 PM (GMT+2)
    Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
    Meeting ID: 390 350 658 046 4
    Passcode: kT3ke3B2

    Bidders must attend this session. The physical address for bid submission is: The Bid Box at South African Airways – Main Reception Gate, Airways Park, Jones Road, OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.

    Comprehensive Scope of Work and Service Requirements

    The service provider’s responsibilities are extensive and time-sensitive. The scope includes:

    • Operating 365 days per year, with crew members on duty given priority.
    • Providing transportation for all SAA flights as per schedule for crew members and two daily airport staff shifts in Gauteng.
    • Managing airport transfers for crew in Cape Town and Durban.
    • Ensuring drivers are at pick-up locations 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
    • Having immediate contingency plans for vehicle breakdowns and industrial action to ensure zero operational impact.

    Mandatory Vehicle, Driver, and Service Provider Specifications

    The RFP outlines non-negotiable specifications to ensure safety, reliability, and professionalism:

    • Vehicle Fleet: Must include three (3) 13-seater vehicles and seven (7) trailers in Gauteng, and two (2) vehicles each in Cape Town and Durban. All vehicles must be under five years old, have a valid roadworthy certificate, seat belts, air conditioning, tracking devices, and comprehensive insurance with a passenger liability cover of ZAR 5 million. Immediate access to replacement vehicles and a 60-seater bus for ad hoc operations is required.
    • Drivers: Must possess valid driver’s licenses and Professional Driving Permits (PrDP), be contactable, randomly tested for substance abuse, fluent in English, and in prescribed uniform.
    • Service Provider: Must hold a valid public operating license, have a minimum of three years’ experience in public transport, and provide proof of fleet age and maintenance records.

    Three-Phase Evaluation Process: Compliance, Functionality, and Price

    The bid evaluation will be a rigorous, multi-stage process:

    1. Phase 1: Critical Evaluation Criteria: This is a pass/fail stage. Bidders must submit all mandatory returnable documents, including operating licenses, vehicle registrations, PrDPs, and insurance proofs. Failure to submit any document leads to immediate disqualification.
    2. Phase 2: Functional Criteria (Scored out of 100%): compliant bids are evaluated on functionality. This includes vehicle specifications (40%), demonstrable experience with reference letters (40%), and a detailed contingency plan (20%). A minimum threshold of 70% must be achieved to proceed to the next phase.
    3. Phase 3: Price and Specific Goals: Only bids scoring 70%+ on functionality are evaluated on price (using the 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system, depending on the final bid value) and B-BBEE specific goals.

    Related opportunity: OPFA Tender: Panel of Travel Management Service Providers

    Critical Submission Guidelines and Conditions

    Bidders must submit one original and two duplicate copies of their proposal, plus two electronic copies on a USB memory stick. The sealed envelope must be clearly marked with the tender number and description.

    SAA’s General Conditions of Contract apply, and the airline reserves the right to negotiate terms, not to accept the lowest bid, and to cancel the tender at any time. The agreement will be non-exclusive, and SAA does not warrant a minimum quantity of services.

    How to Prepare a Competitive and Compliant Bid

    To maximize the chance of success, bidders should:

    • Download and Scrutinize: Carefully review every page of the RFP document to understand the full scope and requirements.
    • Attend the Briefing: The compulsory briefing is essential for clarity and demonstrating serious intent.
    • Complete Meticulously: Fill in all forms (SBD 1, 4, 6.1, Pricing Schedule, Vendor Form) accurately. Indicate compliance (YES/NO/NOTED) for each bid condition.
    • Gather Mandatory Docs: Ensure all mandatory certificates (Operating Licenses, PrDPs, B-BBEE, Tax Compliance, Insurance) are valid and included.
    • Price Competitively and Clearly: Use the provided pricing schedule, factoring in all costs and escalations for the 3-year period.
    • Submit Early: Avoid last-minute issues by preparing and submitting the bid well before the deadline.

    This tender is a call for a strategic partner to support SAA’s core operations. Diligent preparation and strict adherence to the guidelines are paramount for a successful submission.

    Tender Document Link:

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