The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Press invites qualified printers to submit proposals for a panel to provide litho and digital printing services for its offices in Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban. This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to establish a panel of service providers for a 24-month contract period, ensuring reliable, high-quality book production on an as-and-when-required basis.
Tender Overview
The HSRC seeks to appoint a panel of experienced printers capable of delivering professional, publication-grade printed materials. The contract will run for 24 months from the date of signing. Proposals must be submitted by 3 September 2026 at 16:00. The 80/20 preference point system will apply: 80 points for price and 20 points for specific goals related to B-BBEE .
Scope of Work
The appointed printers will manage the complete print production lifecycle, including:
- Printing Production: Full CMYK colour printing of books, posters, and banners from print-ready PDF files.
- Binding: Thread-sewn and PUR-bound bookbinding, either internally or through reliable partners.
- Finishing: Cover lamination, UV spot varnish, embossing, and other requested finishes .
- Proofing: Provision of hardcopy or digital proofs for mandatory HSRC Press sign-off before final production.
- Packaging & Delivery: Secure packaging and delivery to the HSRC Press warehouse in Cape Town and other designated addresses.
Mandatory Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in book printing.
- Machinery: Ownership and operation of both litho and digital printing machines.
- Print Runs: Ability to handle minimum runs of 1-10 copies (Print-on-Demand) and maximum runs of up to 3,000 copies.
- Turnaround: 7 working days for POD/small orders; 10 working days for larger orders after proof sign-off.
- Samples: Submit two hard copy samples of recent thread-sewn and PUR-bound books to the HSRC Press Cape Town office.
- Site Inspection: Successful bidders will undergo a site inspection.
Evaluation Process
Stage 1: Mandatory Requirements – Bidders must meet all criteria to proceed.
Stage 2: Functionality – Bidders are assessed on:
- Experience (25 points): Years of experience and three signed reference letters from recent clients.
- Project Management (30 points): Detailed project plan, timeline, and quality control measures.
- Capacity (20 points): Ability to do process printing, in-house binding, and multiple projects.
Minimum threshold for Stage 2 is 75% (56.25 points).
Stage 3: Site Inspection – Verification of operational workflows and equipment .
Minimum threshold for Stage 3 is 80% (20 points).
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Submission and Enquiries
- Submission Method: Online via the e-Tender portal.
- Closing Date: 3 September 2026 at 16:00.
- Technical Enquiries: Noel Muller (nmuller@hsrc.ac.za).
- SCM Enquiries: Mavis Magoleng (mmagoleng@hsrc.ac.za).
- No Briefing Session: Refer to the Terms of Reference for details.
