The National Research Foundation (NRF), on behalf of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under reference number NRF/SAAO/RFQ/114444 for the appointment of a panel of service providers to supply and deliver food items and kitchen essentials to SAAO facilities in Cape Town and Sutherland over a 12-month period. Deliveries will be made on an “as and when required” basis, with official purchase orders issued 48 hours prior to delivery. Submissions must be emailed by 15:00 on Monday, 9 February 2026.
A non-compulsory online briefing will be held on 30 January 2026 at 11:30 via Zoom.
Scope of Supply: Comprehensive Grocery and Kitchen Essentials
The successful suppliers will deliver a wide range of food and kitchen items, including:
- Fresh produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples
- Cleaning agents, dishwashing liquids, and hygiene consumables
- Paper towels, bin liners, and disposable kitchenware
- Specialty items for remote site operations in Sutherland
All goods must comply with South African National Standards (SANS) and relevant food safety legislation. Suppliers must hold a valid Certificate of Acceptability for Food Premises issued by the Department of Health.
Delivery Requirements: Dual-Site Logistics
- Cape Town Site: 1 Observatory Road, Observatory, 7925
- Sutherland Site: Fraserburg Road, Sutherland, Northern Cape
- Deliveries must occur between 08:00 and 10:30 on the scheduled day
- All transport, handling, and delivery costs must be included in unit pricing
- Reusable crates or containers must be unpacked on-site and not invoiced
Suppliers may quote for one or both locations, but must clearly indicate their service area.
Mandatory Documentation and Compliance
Bidders must submit:
- Valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration number
- SARS Tax Compliance PIN
- B-BBEE Certificate or sworn affidavit
- Certificate of Acceptability of Food Premise (mandatory)
- Three verifiable client references from the past three years for similar grocery supply contracts
- Completed pricing schedule with firm, VAT-inclusive rates
All documents must be submitted in a single email with the subject line: “NRF/SAAO/RFQ/114444 – [Your Company Name]”.
Evaluation Criteria: 80/20 Preferential Procurement System
Quotations will be scored using the 80/20 system:
- 80 points: Price (lowest compliant quote = 80; others scored proportionally)
- 20 points: Specific Goals, including Black, women, youth, disability, and military veteran ownership
Only complete, responsive, and compliant submissions will be evaluated. The NRF reserves the right to appoint multiple suppliers to form a delivery panel.
Submission Guidelines and Key Deadlines
- Non-Compulsory Briefing: 30 January 2026 at 11:30
Join Zoom Meeting - Closing Date & Time: 9 February 2026 at 15:00 (CAT)
- Submission Method: Email only to scm@saao.ac.za
- Format: Single PDF attachment containing all documents and completed pricing schedule
- Late or incomplete submissions will be disqualified
Bid validity must be 60 days from the closing date.
Related opportunity: Red Cross Hospital Seeks Beef Supplier – 3-Year Contract
Access Tender Documents and Contact Information
Download the complete RFQ package:
For inquiries:
- Technical: Mr. Louis Human – 021 447 0025 | louish@saao.ac.za
- SCM: scm@saao.ac.za – 021 447 0025
All questions must be submitted in writing. The NRF reserves the right to cancel the RFQ or award no contract.
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