The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under reference ISC01REQ002717 for the Provision of Catering Services for a community engagement event in eMlondozi (Steynsdorp), Mpumalanga, on 18 December 2025. The event will host 40 attendees, including local farmers, stakeholders, and ARC representatives, as part of the Council’s ongoing rural outreach and agricultural development initiatives. The RFQ was published on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, with a strict closing deadline of Monday, 15 December 2025 at 09:00 AM.
Tender Overview and Event Context
This one-day event supports ARC’s mandate to strengthen ties with farming communities and promote sustainable agricultural practices in rural Mpumalanga. The successful caterer will play a vital logistical role in ensuring participants are well-fed and engaged in a professional, hospitable environment. Given the remote location, reliability, punctuality, and adherence to food safety standards are paramount.
Detailed Menu and Service Requirements
The caterer must provide a full hot meal for 40 people, comprising:
- Starch: Pap and rice
- Protein: Beef stew and grilled chicken
- Vegetables: Spinach, pumpkin, and beetroot
- Gravy
- Fresh fruit: One apple and one banana per person
- Drinks: 500ml bottled water per person
In addition, the service provider must bring their own tables, as none are available on-site. All food must be prepared off-site and delivered ready to serve by 12:00 PM at the eMlondozi (Steynsdorp) venue. Meals must be served in a hygienic, organised manner, with all waste removed after the event.
Mandatory Documentation and Compliance
To be considered responsive, bidders must submit the following via email:
- A completed and signed RFQ document
- Valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN
- Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD)
- Valid Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) for food handling
- B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit
- Company profile with evidence of experience in rural or institutional catering
Failure to include the CoA or any other mandatory document will result in automatic disqualification.
Submission Guidelines and Key Deadlines
- RFQ Published: 10 December 2025
- Closing Date & Time: 15 December 2025 at 09:00 AM
- Submission Method: Email only to MtungwaF@arc.agric.za
- Email Subject Line: Must read “ISC01REQ002717 – Catering Services at eMlondozi”
Late, faxed, couriered, or hand-delivered submissions will not be accepted. The quoted price must be firm, inclusive of VAT and delivery, and valid for 60 days.
Evaluation Criteria and Preference Points
The RFQ will be evaluated under the 80/20 Preferential Procurement System:
- 80 points for price competitiveness (lowest compliant quote receives full points)
- 20 points for specific empowerment goals (Black, women, youth, and disability ownership)
All preference claims must be substantiated with certified documentation. Only compliant and technically responsive bidders will be considered for award.
Related opportunity: Western Cape Catering Tender: 3-Year Panel for Service Providers
How to Access Official Tender Documentation
The complete RFQ documentation is available for download from the National Treasury’s eTenders portal:
For inquiries, contact Mr. Fumani Mtungwa at 012-310-2618 or MtungwaF@arc.agric.za.
With only five days to respond and a remote rural location, this RFQ offers professional caterers in Mpumalanga a time-sensitive opportunity to support national agricultural development. Bidders are strongly urged to review all specifications immediately and submit complete, compliant proposals before the 15 December 2025 deadline.
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