Tender Documents Required in South Africa: Complete Checklist

Submitting a tender in South Africa requires specific documentation. Missing even one document can disqualify your entire tender. This guide provides a complete checklist of what you need.

Standard Tender Documents

Every government and municipal tender requires:

1. Company Registration

CIPC company registration certificate
Certified copies of directors' IDs
Company profile

2. Tax Compliance

Tax clearance certificate (TCC) or Tax Compliance Status PIN
Valid and in good standing

3. B-BBEE Status

B-BBEE certificate (from accredited verification agency), OR
B-BBEE affidavit (for EMEs with turnover under R10m)

4. CIDB Registration (for construction)

Valid CIDB registration
Correct grading for tender value
Correct category of work

5. COIDA

Letter of Good Standing from Compensation Fund

6. CSD Registration

Central Supplier Database registration
CSD report/summary

7. Bank Details

Bank confirmation letter or stamped bank statement
Not older than 3 months

SBD Forms (Standard Bidding Documents)

Government tenders require these completed forms:

Form	Description
SBD 1	Invitation to Bid
SBD 2	Tax Clearance Certificate Requirements
SBD 3.1	Pricing Schedule - Firm Prices
SBD 3.2	Pricing Schedule - Non-Firm Prices
SBD 4	Declaration of Interest
SBD 6.1	Preference Points Claim Form
SBD 8	Declaration of Bidder's Past SCM Practices
SBD 9	Certificate of Independent Bid Determination

Additional Documents Often Required

JV Agreement (if joint venture)
Subcontractor details
Project methodology
Work programme/Gantt chart
Safety file
Quality management plan
Environmental management plan
Equipment list
Personnel CVs
Reference letters from previous clients

Municipal Tender Specifics

Municipalities often require additional documents:

Rates clearance certificate
Municipal account statements
Local content declaration
Skills development plan

Common Disqualification Reasons

**Missing documents** - incomplete submission
**Expired certificates** - TCC, COIDA, B-BBEE
**Unsigned forms** - all SBD forms must be signed
**Late submission** - even 1 minute late = disqualified
**Wrong CIDB grading** - under-graded for tender value
**Not on CSD** - mandatory for government work

Pro Tips

Start gathering documents at least 2 weeks before deadline
Create a tender folder with all standard documents
Check expiry dates monthly
Keep multiple certified copies
Always double-check the specific tender requirements

SiteReady Tender Pack

Our R999 tender pack includes:

Professional company profile
All compliance document templates
B-BBEE affidavit (for EMEs)
Complete safety file
Guidance on all required documents

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