Water-Wise and Biodiversity Garden Installation

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking a qualified contractor to construct and install a water-wise and biodiversity garden at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in Brummeria, Pretoria. The project is a re-measurement contract priced against a Bill of Quantities and drawings set (SANBI WATERWISE 2026 series). The scope covers all associated earthworks and site preparation, installation of hardscape elements, pathways and edging, supply and planting of indigenous, water-wise and biodiversity-supportive species, installation of irrigation and water-wise landscape interventions, and construction of feature garden and educational or demonstration elements. All products must be SANS-approved, and works must comply with SANS standards and the General Conditions of Contract for Construction Works (2015). The practical completion period is four months from commencement, followed by a three-month establishment and maintenance period for the planted areas.

Tenderers must hold a CIDB contractor grading of 3SH or higher. Joint ventures are permitted, provided the lead partner holds at least 2SH and the combined grading meets the requirement. Bids are evaluated in three stages: eligibility and administrative compliance, functionality (minimum 70 out of 100 points), and then price and preference (80/20 or 90/10 system). Functionality scoring weighs the methodology and project plan, five reference letters from clients for similar work completed in the last ten years, verifiable similar projects, and the experience of full-time Contracts Manager and Site Agent. A professional CHS Officer registered with SACPCMP must also be nominated. Mandatory submissions include a CSD report showing tax compliance, a COIDA Letter of Good Standing, a CIDB registration proof, signed SBD forms, plant documentation (rollers, compactors and tipper trucks are referenced), and a compulsory site briefing certificate. A compulsory site briefing takes place on 3 November 2026 at 11:00, with one representative per company. The tender uses a two-envelope system, and bids must be delivered in person to the Biodiversity Centre by 11:00 on 17 November 2026.

For the successful contractor, the project offers a substantial public-sector landscape construction opportunity with a clear, defined scope. Contract security is set at 10% of the contract sum, retention is 10% reducing to 5% at completion, and the defects liability period is 12 months. Latent defects liability runs for five years. The contractor must also provide practical skills training to designated SANBI staff during the maintenance period, covering irrigation and ongoing management of the water-wise garden. The project also reinforces SANBI's conservation and climate-resilience objectives, making it a visible reference project for landscape and biodiversity contractors.