Spatial Transformation Research & Municipal Data Services NEW

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is seeking a suitably qualified service provider to undertake spatial transformation research across selected municipalities. The appointed provider will collect and analyse municipal data in at least 13 municipalities, comprising all eight metropolitan municipalities and five intermediary cities (Polokwane, Rustenburg, Msunduzi, George and Mbombela). The work forms part of SALGA's 2026/2027 Annual Performance Plan under its socio-economic development and spatial transformation sub-programme. Key deliverables include a project inception report, a Situation Assessment Report reviewing existing spatial transformation tools and indicators, municipal profiles and dashboards for each selected municipality, and up to three stakeholder validation sessions convened by SALGA. The provider must also submit each municipal data set to populate the SALGA Spatial Transformation Barometer digital hub, and produce a final Municipal Spatial Transformation Annual Report 2026/2027 in two Microsoft Word formats: a comprehensive report and a concise high-level summary. The estimated delivery period is three and a half to four months, with a final output deadline of 29 February 2027. The document contains one reference to 2026 for this deadline, which appears to be a typographical error. Intellectual property and all data, materials and products will vest in SALGA, and the successful bidder must sign a confidentiality agreement and a Service Level Agreement.

Bidders are evaluated in three phases. Phase 1 is a mandatory pre-compliance check, which requires CSD registration; non-compliant bids are disqualified. Phase 2 assesses technical functionality out of 100 points, with a minimum threshold of 70 points. Approach, methodology and work plan account for 40 points, relevant project experience for 35 points (supported by appointment letters or reference letters from clients, with SALGA reserving the right to verify them), and team qualifications and experience for 25 points. The project team leader must hold a Master's or PhD in Town and Regional Planning or a related field, with at least 20 years of experience in research, spatial analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and local government planning. Phase 3 applies the 80/20 preference point system: 80 points for price and 20 points for B-BBEE status level (10 points) and specific goals (10 points), including black women-owned SMMEs and youth-owned enterprises. Bidders must submit proof of B-BBEE status and their quotation must include a VAT-inclusive tariff breakdown, activity-based budget, charge-out rates, and assumptions such as travel costs. Consultant rates may not exceed the DPSA Guide on Hourly Fee Rates for Consultants.

This tender offers a significant opportunity for research, planning and data analytics firms with demonstrated experience in local government performance measurement, indicator development and GIS-based spatial analysis. Bidders must also demonstrate transfer of skills to the SALGA team and outline how they will provide governance assistance. Proposals must be submitted through the SALGA supplier portal (scmportal.salga.org.za) by the closing date of 5 November 2026. Questions must be submitted before the cut-off of four days prior to closing, through the SCM department. Late submissions will not be accepted, and SALGA reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, including all proposals.