thala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the appointment of a suitably qualified service provider to establish, operate, and provide technical advisory services at the eThekwini Bakery Facility. This tender, reference number RFP12/26, represents a strategic opportunity for experienced industry players to support economic development and MSME growth in KwaZulu-Natal for a period of thirty-six (36) months.
The facility, established by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) through its implementing agent IDFC, is designed to serve as a shared production hub, training center, and business incubator for MSMEs and Cooperatives in the bakery sector. The successful service provider will be instrumental in operationalising this facility and ensuring its sustainability.
Essential Tender Details
- Tender Number: RFP12/26
- Closing Date: 18 August 2026, at 11:00 AM
- Compulsory Briefing: 04 August 2026 at 10:00 AM, Seda Building, Durban
- Validity Period: 120 days
Compulsory Briefing Session
Attendance at the compulsory briefing session is mandatory for all prospective bidders. Failure to attend will lead to disqualification.
- Date: Tuesday, 04 August 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Venue: 127 Johanes Nkosi Street, Seda Building, Durban, 4000
Scope of Services
The appointed service provider will be responsible for the full operation and management of the incubator, including:
- Adherence to Bakery and Laboratory Procedure Manuals: Ensuring quality management, environmental health and safety, and proper material handling and storage.
- Recruitment and Onboarding of MSMEs and Cooperatives: The facility aims to support approximately 205 MSMEs and Cooperatives per year, totaling 600-650 over the 36-month period .
- Capacitating the Bakery Incubator: Managing resources and raw materials within the facility.
- Training of MSMEs and Cooperatives: Providing training in bakery manufacturing, financial management, pricing, packaging, marketing, and quality assurance.
- Interim Project Monitoring: Reporting on the progress and supporting the certification of program graduates.
Key Competencies and Accreditation Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate experience and hold specific accreditations:
- Operating a Bakery Incubator: Proven experience in running a similar program.
- FoodBev SETA Accreditation: A valid accreditation for training in the food and beverage sector is crucial if formal training is conducted.
- Registered Facilitators, Assessors, and Moderators: Required for the training component.
- Food Safety and Hygiene Certification: Such as HACCP/GMP/R638 compliance.
- In-house Food Testing Laboratory: Capability to assist with product development and testing for MSMEs.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation follows a three-stage process:
Stage 1: Administrative Compliance
- Registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD)
- Good standing with SARS
- Completed and signed SBD forms (SBD 1, SBD 4)
- Proof of compulsory briefing attendance
- Valid FoodBev SETA or QCTO accreditation
- Valid Food safety and hygiene certification (HACCP/GMP/R638 Compliance)
Stage 2: Functionality Evaluation (Minimum 70 points)
- Methodology (30 points): Detailed approach to operating and maintaining the facility.
- Company Experience (30 points): References for similar projects, with three or more references scoring the maximum points.
- Company Resources, Qualifications, and Professional Registration (40 points): CVs and qualifications for key personnel:
- Facility Centre Manager: Post-graduate degree/Diploma in Business Admin and 5+ years’ experience in MSME development.
- Bakery Trainer: Baking/Culinary Arts degree, FoodBev SETA facilitator accreditation, 3+ years’ experience.
- Bakery Manager: Degree/Diploma in Hospitality Management, Business Admin, or Culinary Arts, 3+ years’ management experience.
- Food Technologist: Diploma in Food Technology, 3+ years’ experience.
Stage 3: Price and Specific Goals
- Price: 80 points
- Specific Goals: 20 points, with evidence of Black Ownership (≥51%), Women Ownership (≥33%), Youth Ownership (≥33%), or Persons with Disability Ownership (≥25%).
Submission Instructions
One original and one electronic (USB) copy of the bid must be submitted to the Ithala Trade Centre at 29 Canal Quay Road, Durban, by the closing date.
Related opportunity: Eskom Seeks Frozen Food Suppliers for Tutuka Power Station
Contact Information
Enquiries:
- Supply Chain Management Unit
- Email: tenders@ithala.co.za
- Telephone: 031-907-8911
Closing Date: 18 August 2026 at 11:00 AM
Download Official Tender Documents
Bid Document:
RFP12-26 – Appointment of a Service Provider within the Bakery Industry.pdf
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