Drinking Water Dispenser Supply & Bottled Water

Onderstepoort Biological Products Limited (OBP) has issued Request for Quotation RFQ/OBP301/2026/27 for a 24-month contract covering the supply, installation, maintenance and servicing of drinking water dispensers at its Onderstepoort facility, together with the continuous provision of potable bottled water and the exchange of empty bottles on an as-needed basis. The contract is awarded on an 80/20 price-and-preference basis under the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, and the closing date for submissions is 9 November 2026 at 14:00.

The scope comprises three main components. First, the successful bidder will supply and install 19 hot/cold drinking water dispensers, ensure they are fully operational on installation, and provide user instructions. Monthly rental of dispensers is included as an option where applicable, for a 24-month period. Second, the service provider must carry out quarterly preventive maintenance, cleaning, sanitisation, component inspection and functional testing on all 76 dispensers, replace dispensing taps approximately every six months per machine where required, and repair or replace faulty units within 24 hours of fault notification. Detailed service records must be maintained for audit purposes. Third, the provider must supply an estimated 36,000 litres of sealed purified drinking water in 18/20-litre bottles over the contract period, compliant with SANS 241 or an equivalent recognised potable water standard. A valid water quality certificate or laboratory test report must accompany each delivery or be provided on request, and empty bottles must be exchanged within 24 hours. The estimate is based on approximately four bottles per machine per month.

Bidders must submit a company profile, proof of ability to supply and service water dispensers, dispenser data or specification sheets, sample quality certificates or recent water analysis reports, and two reference letters for comparable portable water supply contracts completed within the last 36 months. The SBD4 bidder's disclosure form, a CSD report and CSD registration, and a valid BBBEE certificate are also required. Missing mandatory documents result in immediate disqualification. Suppliers must register in advance on OBP's e-procurement portal, quotes must be submitted online as a PDF on company letterhead, and all prices must be VAT exclusive with the offer validity and lead time stated. Payment is 30 days after statement. The contract is governed by the General Conditions of Contract (July 2010).

For the successful supplier, the contract offers a stable, multi-year public-sector revenue stream with recurring maintenance and consumable income, and a clear, well-defined scope with measurable service levels. Strong service reliability, responsive fault management and rigorous hygiene and water-quality compliance will be key differentiators in evaluation.