Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Services

Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) is inviting bids for the appointment of a service provider to deliver a comprehensive drinking water quality monitoring programme within its municipal jurisdiction over a three-year period from the date of appointment. The scope covers the full monitoring cycle, including sampling, laboratory analysis, data management, scientific reporting and Blue Drop advisory services, all aligned with SANS 241 drinking water standards. Routine bi-weekly sampling must be carried out at 110 sample points, with residual chlorine measured on-site at the time of collection. Annual full SANS determinand analyses are required at 60 selected sites, and quarterly monitoring of specified determinands is required at borehole sample points. Follow-up sampling after non-compliances, and ad-hoc sampling on instruction from a Water Quality Specialist, are also included. Analysis data must be uploaded to the Department of Water and Sanitation's IRIS system on time and accurately, and the provider must support the Municipality with Blue Drop audit preparation, attend Blue Drop audit meetings and conduct an annual review of the Water Safety Plan. Samples must be refrigerated to approximately 4°C and delivered to the laboratory within a specified time window, with evidence of sampling and delivery times submitted monthly. Results must be submitted monthly on certificates of analysis bearing the laboratory's name. Key requirements include proof of participation in a recognised Proficiency Testing Scheme with acceptable z-scores (or a service level agreement with a laboratory meeting this requirement), a sampling and transportation plan, a fully functional laboratory in the Rustenburg jurisdiction within six months of appointment with proof of SANAS accreditation application, a Laboratory Manager registered with SACNASP, a Laboratory Technician holding an ISO 17025 certificate with signatory rights, two trained samplers with valid drivers licences, and at least two roadworthy bakkies suitable for transporting samples in compliant cooler boxes.

The tender is evaluated in two stages. Functionality is scored out of 100, with a minimum of 70 points required to progress. Functionality weights are: company experience in drinking water quality monitoring (30 points, based on similar projects completed 2020 to 2026, each with appointment letters and contactable references), bank rating (5 points), key personnel experience and qualifications (60 points), and fleet availability (5 points). Shortlisted bids are then evaluated on an 80/20 preference point system, with 80 points for price and 20 points for specific goals. Specific goals include Rustenburg jurisdiction location, rural or township business location, and ownership by black people, persons with disabilities, youth and women, verified through the Central Supplier Database (CSD) report. Mandatory documents include proof of payment of the non-refundable R1 000 tender document fee, a full CSD registration report confirmed at least seven days before closing, a valid tax compliance status, a signed MBD forms set, municipal rates and taxes statements for the company and directors, and a USB containing scanned bid documents submitted alongside the hard copy. Bids must be submitted in sealed packaging clearly marked with the bid number, and late submissions will not be accepted. A compulsory briefing session is scheduled for 17 November 2026 at the Rustenburg Local Municipality Water Department, and the closing date is 4 December 2026 at 10:00. Bids remain valid for 90 days. Prospective bidders should read the full tender document carefully, as the terms of reference refer to both SANS 241:2015 and SANS 241:2025, and the sample transport time is stated differently in two sections, so clarification should be sought through the listed contact persons before submission.

This contract offers a long-term, rate-based revenue opportunity for accredited laboratories and water quality specialists willing to deliver regulated monitoring services in a major municipal jurisdiction. It supports public health protection by ensuring safe drinking water for residents and helps the Municipality maintain compliance with Blue Drop regulatory requirements, strengthening the credibility of its water services. For service providers, the contract provides a stable three-year pipeline of work with annual price escalation guided by the Consumer Price Index, along with ad-hoc work at pre-agreed rates. Successful bidders gain a documented track record of municipal water monitoring, which can support future public sector bids.