The Agricultural Research Council (ARC), a Schedule 3A public entity under the Public Finance Management Act, is inviting suitably qualified and registered Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) to submit quotations for environmental consulting services related to a proposed land clearing initiative at the ARC Loskop Farm in Limpopo. This Request for Quotation (RFQ VIM01REQ004240) presents a strategic opportunity for experienced environmental consultants to support agricultural research infrastructure development through compliant environmental authorization processes.
Tender Overview: ARC Loskop Land Clearing EIA Services
The ARC intends to undertake the clearance of indigenous vegetation for agricultural research activities on approximately 50 hectares at its Loskop Farm, to be implemented in phased stages beginning with an initial 10-hectare area. The proposed de-bushing will enable research trials focused on seed systems development and sustainable cultivar supply through breeding programmes, ultimately supporting local seed enterprises and farmer access to improved planting material.
Key tender details:
- Tender Number: RFQ VIM01REQ004240
- Organ of State: Agricultural Research Council – Vegetable and Ornamental Plants (VIMP)
- Tender Type: Request for Quotation
- Province: Limpopo
- Date Published: Sunday, 8 March 2026
- Closing Date: Friday, 13 March 2026 at 16:00 sharp
- Service Delivery Location: ARC Loskop Farm, Limpopo, 0470
- Briefing Session: None scheduled
- Price Validity Period: 30 days from closing date
For technical enquiries, contact Tiyani Shiringani at Shiringanit@arc.agric.za or call 012-808-8000. All submissions must be emailed to the same address.
Scope of Work for Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner
The appointed independent EAP, who must hold valid professional registration with EAPASA, will be responsible for managing and coordinating the entire environmental authorization process on behalf of the ARC in accordance with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, and the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended).
Core responsibilities include:
- Appointing and managing relevant environmental specialists as required
- Identifying any additional trigger activities and incorporating them into the authorization application
- Planning, managing and coordinating the full EIA process and associated documentation
- Ensuring all applicable Scoping and EIA regulatory provisions are fully met
- Planning and managing the public participation process with identified stakeholders and Interested and Affected Parties
- Providing regular project progress reports to the ARC
- Identifying, considering and assessing potential environmental impacts of the proposed activity
- Liaising with relevant authorities and stakeholders throughout the process
- Compiling required spatial mapping and environmental baseline documentation
- Circulating draft and final reports to stakeholders and I&APs for comment
- Providing formal notification once the environmental authorization decision is issued
- Facilitating the appeal process should it be required
Mandatory Documentation and Bidder Eligibility Criteria
Prospective service providers must submit a comprehensive quotation package that addresses both technical capability and administrative compliance requirements. All documentation must be compiled and submitted electronically to Shiringanit@arc.agric.za before the closing deadline.
Technical proposal documentation:
- Detailed methodology description for both Scoping and EIA phases
- Project timeframe with key delivery dates aligned to legislative authority timeframes
- Hierarchical structure of the proposed project team
- CVs, qualifications and valid EAPASA professional registration certificate for the project team lead
- Three stamped, signed reference letters on client letterhead confirming successful delivery of similar EIA services
- Schedule listing proposed specialists, areas of specialization and submitted proposals or pricing
Administrative and compliance documentation:
- Completed and signed Standard Bidding Documents (SBD4 and SBD6.1) included in the bid package
- Valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration with full report submitted (summary reports will not be accepted)
- Quotation submitted on official company letterhead and duly signed
- Clear indication of proposed delivery date for services
- All prices quoted in South African Rand and inclusive of VAT, delivery, insurance and all applicable taxes
- Firm pricing with no adjustments or amendments to delivery particulars considered post-submission
Pricing schedule requirements:
- Detailed cost breakdown separated by phase (Scoping Phase and EIA Phase)
- Additional activities section for any bidder-identified requirements not specified in the scope
- Clear indication of professional fees versus applicable disbursements (travel, advertisements, etc.)
- Hours, relevant rates and total per line activity included
- Highlighting of activities to be undertaken simultaneously within the budget breakdown
- Specialist assessment costs listed under the relevant phase to which they apply
- Inclusion of costs for handling a potential appeal process
Evaluation Framework: 80/20 Preference Point System
Quotations with a rand value between R2,000 and below R50,000,000 (including VAT) will be evaluated using the 80/20 preference point system as prescribed by the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and its Regulations. The lowest acceptable price will score the maximum 80 points, with specific goals accounting for the remaining 20 points.
Specific goals preference points allocation (20 points total):
- Ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (51%+): 6 points
- Ownership by Women (51%+): 4 points
- Ownership by Youth (51%+): 4 points
- Ownership by Persons with Disabilities (51%+): 2 points
- B-BBEE Status Level 1-4: 2 points
- Promotion of SMMEs (QSE/EME classification): 2 points
Verification of ownership claims and B-BBEE status will be conducted using CSD reports, company registration documents and supporting documentation. The ARC reserves the right to require additional proof before awarding preference points.
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Submission Guidelines and Essential Tender Resources
Quotations must be submitted electronically in writing to Shiringanit@arc.agric.za on or before the closing date and time. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
Critical submission requirements:
- Submit quotation to Shiringanit@arc.agric.za before 16:00 on Friday, 13 March 2026
- Ensure all SBD forms are completed, signed and included with submission
- Attach full CSD registration report (not older than 30 days from closing date)
- Include firm, VAT-inclusive pricing with detailed phase-by-phase breakdown
- Provide all mandatory supporting documentation as specified in the tender document
Essential downloadable resources:
- Download Full Terms of Reference: Specification ARC LOSKOP
- Download RFQ Document: RFQ VIM01REQ004240
This RFQ represents a meaningful opportunity for qualified environmental consulting firms to contribute to sustainable agricultural research infrastructure development in Limpopo. Registered EAPs with demonstrable experience in vegetation clearance EIAs, strong stakeholder engagement capabilities and compliance with South African environmental legislation are encouraged to submit competitive, compliant quotations before the closing deadline.
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