The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued an open Request for Bid under reference DIRCO-07-2025-2026 for the Appointment of a Service Provider to Deliver Comprehensive Cleaning Services at its State Protocol Lounges (SPLs) located at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Gauteng), Cape Town International Airport (Western Cape), and King Shaka International Airport (KwaZulu-Natal). This three-year contract supports DIRCO’s critical role in facilitating the dignified arrival and departure of government officials, foreign dignitaries, and state guests. The tender was published on Monday, 8 December 2025, with a closing deadline of Friday, 30 January 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Tender Overview and Diplomatic Facility Context
DIRCO operates three State Protocol Lounges—one at each of South Africa’s major international airports—to provide secure, private, and high-standard hospitality for national and international VIPs. These lounges are essential to South Africa’s diplomatic infrastructure, requiring cleaning services that reflect the highest levels of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail. The current contract expires on 20 December 2025, necessitating the appointment of a new service provider effective early 2026.
Scope of Cleaning Services Across Three Airports
The appointed contractor will be responsible for daily cleaning and maintenance of all areas within each SPL, including:
- Reception, seating areas, and private suites
- Ablution facilities (toilets, showers, basins)
- Kitchens, pantries, and dining zones
- Windows, mirrors, floors, and high-touch surfaces
- Waste removal and hygiene consumables restocking
Services must be performed to hospital-grade standards, using eco-friendly, non-corrosive products, and ensuring zero disruption to diplomatic operations. A detailed scope of work is provided separately for each airport location (Category A: OR Tambo, Category B: Cape Town, Category C: King Shaka).
Mandatory Requirements and Compulsory Briefings
Bidders must attend one compulsory site briefing at their chosen airport(s):
- O.R. Tambo SPL: Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 11:00 AM
- Cape Town SPL: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 11:00 AM
- King Shaka SPL: Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 11:00 AM
Attendance is mandatory—bidders must sign the attendance register on-site. Non-attendance will result in disqualification. Bidders may apply for one, two, or all three categories, but must submit separate technical and pricing proposals for each.
Submission Guidelines and Bid Structure
Completed bids must be hand-delivered in sealed envelopes, clearly marked with the tender number and category(ies), to:
Tender Box, OR Tambo Building, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084
Email, fax, courier, or late submissions will not be accepted. Each proposal must include:
- Completed SBD 3.1 forms (per category)
- Company profile with minimum 5 years of cleaning experience
- Three client reference letters for similar contracts
- Detailed pricing schedule (firm, inclusive of VAT, valid for 120 days)
Evaluation Methodology and Preference Points
Bids will be evaluated per category using a 100-point functionality threshold (minimum 70 required), followed by the 80/20 Preferential Procurement System:
- Project plan quality (5 points)
- Client references (20 points)
- Company experience (10 points)
- Project manager experience (10 points)
- Staff training and quality assurance (25 points)
- Contingency planning (20 points)
- Price competitiveness (80 points in final phase)
Preference points are awarded for Black, women, youth, and disability ownership, with proof required via CSD reports.
Related opportunity: IDC Tender: Waste Management Service at Head Office
How to Access the Official Tender Document
The complete tender documentation is available for download from the National Treasury’s eTenders portal:
DIRCO-07-2025-2026.pdf
For inquiries, contact Ms. Mmapaseka Mphahlele at 012-351-0225 or mphahlelemb@dirco.gov.za.
Clarification deadline: 15 January 2026 at 16:00.
This prestigious contract offers professional cleaning service providers a unique opportunity to support South Africa’s diplomatic mission at its most visible international gateways. Given the mandatory briefings and rigorous evaluation criteria, bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the relevant site visit and submit complete, compliant proposals before the 30 January 2026 deadline.
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