The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a formal Request for Proposal (TNPA/2026/06/1234/6969/RFP) for the provision of construction plant hire services. This strategic 36-month contract, operating on an “as and when required” basis, is designed to support the ongoing maintenance, development, and expansion of infrastructure assets at the Port of Durban, ensuring operational efficiency and continuity.
Scope of Services
The appointed service provider will be responsible for supplying specialized construction equipment to meet the dynamic needs of the port. Key deliverables include:
- Provision of construction plants on a “wet rate” basis (including skilled operators with valid medicals) within 48 hours of a formal request.
- Supply of specific machinery as required, including crane trucks (up to 35 tons), long-reach excavators (up to 40 tons), medium-sized bulldozers (25 tons), 15-ton dump trucks, and front-end loaders (20 tons).
- Management of the establishment, de-establishment, and security of all plants on-site to ensure proper completion of works.
- Strict adherence to TNPA’s Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) specifications, including the maintenance of an on-site SHE file.
Non-Compulsory Briefing Session
While not mandatory, a virtual clarification briefing is highly recommended for prospective bidders to gain a deeper understanding of the project scope and technical specifications. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at 10:00 for approximately one hour via Microsoft Teams.
- Meeting ID: 310 413 632 709 688
- Passcode: 9Nj7t3YA
Compulsory Technical and Eligibility Requirements
Bidders must ensure the following documentation and compliance measures are met, as failure will result in disqualification:
- A valid SABS/SANS standards certificate for all construction plants listed in the scope of work
- Completion of the Electronic Pricing Schedule (Bill of Quantities) on the Transnet eSupplier portal
- A valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) Pin or CSD registration number
- A Letter of Good Standing from the Compensation Fund (COIDA)
- A Health and Safety Plan aligned with the Transnet SHE Specification
- Proof of plant ownership or signed letters of intent to hire for the specified main plants
- Three traceable references for similar plant hire services
Related opportunity: GSDM Tender: Road Rehabilitation Machine Hire
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will undergo a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process. Bidders must first pass the technical pre-qualification criteria, including the submission of valid SABS/SANS certificates. Qualifying bids will then be evaluated on technical capability, company experience, and financial stability, before proceeding to the final pricing and specific goals adjudication using the applicable preferential procurement point system (80/20 or 90/10).
Submission Guidelines and Documents
Completed bid documents must be submitted via the Transnet e-tender submission portal or as directed in the SBD 1 form. The strict closing time is 14:00 on Wednesday, 18 November 2026. Late, faxed, or emailed submissions will not be accepted. Bids must remain valid for 180 business days from the closing date. For technical or procedural enquiries, contact Nozipho Khumalo at 031-361-8589 or TNPAtenderenquiriesdbn@transnet.net.
Prospective bidders can access the complete RFP documentation free of charge via the official National Treasury eTender portal:
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