The National Research Foundation (NRF) invites qualified service providers to submit proposals for plumbing services at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Observatory, Cape Town. This Request for Proposal (NRF/SAAO/RFP/116734) covers supply, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems for a 12-month period.
Scope of Work
The appointed contractor will handle all plumbing works covering interior and exterior building installations, including:
- Planned preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance
- Emergency breakdown repairs (Priority 1: response within 5 hours)
- Water supply and drainage systems
- Geyser and hot water system maintenance
- Leak detection and repair
- Sewer line jetting and camera inspection
- Borehole, water tank, and submersible pump maintenance
- Gutters, downpipes, and storm water drains
- Irrigation system maintenance
Compulsory Briefing Session Details
A mandatory briefing session will be held on Friday, 24 April 2026 at 11:30 at the SAAO Auditorium, 2 Observatory Road, Observatory, 7925. Attendance is compulsory; failure to attend will result in disqualification from the bidding process.
Mandatory Returnable Documents
Failure to submit any of the following mandatory documents will disqualify the bid:
- Signed SBD 1 form
- Signed and completed SBD 3.1 (pricing schedule)
- Signed and completed SBD 4
- Signed and completed SBD 6.1
- Proof of valid Public Liability Cover (minimum R500,000)
- Valid Letter of Good Standing or COIDA certificate
- Proof of address within 60km radius of SAAO Observatory (utility bill or lease agreement)
- Company profile
- CVs with trade certificates for Plumber, Plumber Assistant, and General Worker
- Active PIRB registration under the bidding company’s name
- Valid SACPCMP safety officer registration
- Three signed reference letters (not older than 36 months) from previous plumbing clients
Applicants must hold a minimum CIDB contractor grading of 1SO or higher. This requirement ensures service providers possess the technical capacity and financial standing to deliver quality plumbing solutions at a premier scientific research facility.
Submission Guidelines and Deadlines
Quotations must be submitted by Wednesday, 06 May 2026 at 11:00. Proposals should be comprehensive, VAT-inclusive where applicable, and address all technical specifications outlined in the tender documentation. Late submissions will not be considered.
Contact Information for Enquiries
All technical and administrative enquiries should be directed to the Supply Chain Management team:
- Email: scm@saao.ac.za
- Telephone: 021-447-0025
- Physical Address: 2 Observatory Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
Related opportunity: SAHPRA Seeks Electrical Contractor for Cape Town Office Maintenance
Download Tender Documentation
Prospective bidders can access the complete tender document via the National Treasury eTender Portal:
This contract presents a valuable opportunity for established plumbing contractors to support critical infrastructure at South Africa’s flagship astronomical research facility while building a professional relationship with a leading national research entity.
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