Shuttle and Transfer Services

Armscor, South Africa's state-owned defence acquisition agency, has issued a Request for Information (RFI/ABL/01/2026) seeking suitably qualified shuttle and transfer service providers to support its business units, the Department of Defence (DOD), and other stakeholders over a twelve-month period. The services will be called upon on an ad hoc basis through AB Travel, Armscor's in-house travel management company, which arranges ground transportation for travellers. Services are expected to cover routine and on-demand transport within designated areas, including Armscor facilities, airport transfers, special event transport, and specialised vehicles for persons with disabilities. Bidders must be able to operate in all South African provinces, provide shuttle services on demand seven days a week at any time of day or night, supply luggage carriers of various sizes, and provide backup vehicles in the event of breakdowns or accidents. Required vehicle types span standard sedans, luxury sedans, semi-luxury sedans, 5 to 16-seater vehicles, and semi-luxury coaches of up to 60 seats.

Compliance is central to this opportunity. Successful providers must hold a valid Public Operating License (issued through the National Public Transport Regulator for interprovincial services), roadworthy certificates and permits for all vehicles, and adequate public liability insurance. Vehicles must be well maintained and fitted with air conditioning, power steering, central locking, airbags, and a working GPS device. Drivers must be professional, hold valid commercial driver's licences and Professional Driving Permits, have completed advanced driving training from an accredited academy, and maintain a neat appearance with company identification. Where cross-border passenger transport is involved, a Cross-Border Permit from the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency is required. Providers must also comply with the Traffic Act 29 of 1989, as amended, and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) where personal data is handled.

Operational expectations include a minimum of 95% on-time arrivals, a 60-minute quotation turnaround for urgent requests and 2 to 3 hours for normal requests, a dedicated Key Accounts Manager available 24/7, real-time vehicle tracking, route optimisation software, and regular performance and management reports. Bidders must submit at least three positive client references from shuttle or transfer work completed between 2022 and 2026. This RFI does not require pricing at this stage; it gathers market information ahead of a subsequent RFQ process, which will lead to the placement of orders and signed service level agreements. The project is classified as Restricted, and all submissions are subject to Armscor security prescriptions. Hard copy submissions are due by 10 November 2026 at 11:00.