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NRF iThemba LABS Seeks Juice Suppliers for 36-Month Contract

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The National Research Foundation (NRF), through its iThemba LABS facility in the Western Cape, has published a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the appointment of one or more service providers for the supply and delivery of juice. This tender, issued under reference number iLABS/RFP2025/26:08, aims to secure a reliable source of fruit and other juices for the canteen at the iThemba LABS site in Faure, Cape Town, on an as-and-when-needed basis for a period of thirty-six (36) months.

This procurement forms part of the NRF’s commitment to efficient and transparent supply chain management, ensuring that its research facilities are well-supported with quality services. iThemba LABS is a multi-disciplinary research laboratory that provides facilities for nuclear physics research, radiation biophysics, and the production of radioactive isotopes for nuclear medicine.

Tender Details and Submission Instructions

Interested and capable service providers are invited to submit their proposals in accordance with the Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2022 and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

  • Tender Number: iLABS/RFP2025/26:08
  • Organ of State: National Research Foundation (iThemba LABS)
  • Closing Date: Friday, 06 March 2026, at 11:00 AM
  • Submission Method: Online submissions are accepted via the e-Tenders portal. Bidders can use the e-submission platform guide available on YouTube. Submissions can also be emailed to scm2@tlabs.ac.za.
  • Enquiries:
    • Technical: Elizma van Zyl at e.vanzyl@labs.nrf.ac.za
    • Supply Chain Management: scm2@tlabs.ac.za or contact Khanyisa Maqwara at 021-843-1379.
  • Special Conditions: The contract is for the appointment of one or more service providers for a 36-month period, with the right of cancellation due to non-performance. There is no compulsory briefing session.

All proposals must be valid for 90 days from the closing date. It is anticipated that the award will be made by the end of March 2026.

Detailed Scope of Work and Specifications

The successful bidder(s) will be required to supply and deliver a range of juice products to the iThemba LABS canteen. The scope of work is governed by strict compliance with South African legislation, including the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and regulations (R638) governing food premises and transport.

Key requirements include:

  • Product Specifications: Juices must meet classification, composition, and labelling requirements as per current legislation. All products must be local as far as practically possible.
  • Packaging and Freshness: Products must be in suitable, leakage-free packaging with clear producer names, product descriptions, production dates, and best-before dates. Chilled fresh juice must have a minimum shelf life of three weeks post-delivery, while ambient aseptic carton juice must have at least four months.
  • Delivery Requirements: Delivery is required within 48 hours of receipt of a purchase order, or as mutually agreed. Goods must be transported in a closed, refrigerated truck maintaining temperatures between zero and five degrees Celsius.
  • Food Safety Certification: Bidders must provide a valid Certificate of Acceptability (R638, 2018) for their premises and delivery vehicles. This certificate must be in the bidder’s own name; third-party certificates will not be accepted. Premises may be verified by a site visit.

Mandatory Documentation and Administrative Requirements

To be considered responsive, bidders must submit a complete set of mandatory documents. Failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Required documents include:

  • Valid B-BBEE Certificate or Sworn Affidavit.
  • Proof of Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration.
  • Completed and signed SBD 4 (Bidder’s Disclosure).
  • Completed and signed SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Form in terms of the 2022 Regulations).
  • Resolution by the bidder authorizing the signatory (if not a director/owner).
  • Proof of a satellite office located within 60km of iThemba LABS (e.g., utility bill).
  • Completed Pricing Schedule, with total amount filled in.
  • Copy of the Certificate of Acceptability of Food Premise (R638, 2018).

Evaluation and Preference Point System

The evaluation process will be conducted in two phases:

  1. Phase 1: Evaluation of administrative requirements and technical/mandatory criteria (including food safety certification). Only bidders who pass this phase will proceed.
  2. Phase 2: Evaluation of price and B-BBEE status.

The 80/20 preference point system will be applied, with a maximum of 80 points for price and 20 points for B-BBEE status level of contribution. It is important to note that if all bids received exceed R 1 million, the proposal will be cancelled and re-issued.

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How to Access Tender Documents and Submit

Bidders are encouraged to download and review the complete set of documents, which include the detailed specifications, pricing schedule, and all necessary SBD forms.

Tender Documents:

  1. Download the RFQ for Supply and Delivery of Juice
  2. Submit your bid online via the e-Tenders e-submission platform

Please note that the online submission link is currently returning a server error. Bidders are advised to monitor the e-Tenders portal or contact the SCM office at scm2@tlabs.ac.za for alternative submission instructions or to report the issue.

Contract Management and Performance Levels

The NRF manages its contracts with a focus on fairness, objectivity, and performance. Key aspects of the contract management process include:

  • Communication: All contract communications must reference the contract number. Purchase orders will be issued with specific details like quantity, description, and delivery date.
  • Performance Measurement: Service performance levels will be monitored, including quotation response times (within 24 hours), pricing competitiveness, delivery adherence, and quality of goods. Penalties for non-performance may be applied as per the General Conditions of Contract (GCC).
  • Health and Safety: The successful service provider must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. They will be required to complete an indemnity form and attend a Health and Safety induction before commencing work on site.

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