Virtual Services Tenders

This is a Request for Information (RFI) to evaluate the maturity and suitability of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) for deployment within Eskom's Operational Technology (OT) environment. The tender process will be conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective manner. Communication must be in writing and in English. Eskom reserves the right to accept or reject any variation, deviation, or alternative tender, and may cancel the tender at any time before a contract is concluded. Tenderers must comply with eligibility criteria and ensure Eskom receives the complete tender by the closing date and time. Proof of posting or courier delivery does not equate to proof of delivery. Eskom will not accept tenders submitted by email unless stated otherwise. For e-tendering, tenders must be uploaded and finalized via the Eskom Tender Bulletin site. All references to time mean South African Standard Time (SAST). Eskom will not compensate tenderers for costs incurred in preparing and submitting a tender. Tenderers must check tender documents on receipt and notify Eskom of any discrepancies. Mandatory tender returnables must be submitted by the closing date and time. Failure to submit an original tender and a copy in paper form will result in disqualification. Tenders must be submitted in English and completed in ink. Signatories will be held liable for the tender. Tenders must be valid for acceptance within the validity period. Tenderers must treat all matters as confidential. Site visits and clarification meetings stipulated as compulsory must be attended; failure to do so will result in disqualification. Tenderers are entitled to seek clarification in writing. Pricing must include all duties, taxes, and other levies. Rates and prices must be fixed for the duration of the contract. Alterations to tender documents are not permitted unless necessary to correct errors and must be initialed. Alternative tenders may only be submitted if a main tender is also submitted and permitted. Clarification and correction of prices may be requested during evaluation, but mandatory returnables cannot be submitted after the closing date. Eskom may disqualify a tender if misrepresentation or falsification of information is found. Successful tenderers may be required to provide cataloguing information and ensure materials are labelled according to Eskom's specifications. Eskom will respond to requests for clarification before the closing date. Eskom may issue addenda to amend tender documents. Late tenders will be returned unopened. Tenders will be opened in the presence of tenderer representatives who choose to attend, or electronically for e-tendering. Eskom will not disclose information relating to the evaluation until after the award. Tenders may be rejected if collusion, bid rigging, or fraudulent activity is proven. Eskom will determine basic compliance before detailed evaluation. Failure to comply with basic compliance requirements will render the tender non-responsive. Mandatory tender returnables are required by the closing date and time. Prequalification criteria must be met if stipulated. Designated material information is required by contract award. Functionality will be scored against criteria, and a minimum threshold must be met. Eskom will assess financial risk. Prices will be evaluated according to tender data criteria. Arithmetical errors will be checked, and discrepancies will be addressed with the tenderer. BBEEE level will be scored, and proof must be provided. Specific goals will be scored with supporting documentation. Tenders will be ranked according to pricing and specific goals. A contract may be awarded to a tenderer that did not score the highest points only in accordance with section 21f of the PPPFA. Reverse e-auction may be utilized in certain inquiries. Eskom will notify the successful tenderer before the expiry of the validity period.