Persistent Organic Pollutants Phase-Out Consultancy

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), as the national focal point for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), is procuring a professional service provider for a 24-month assignment. South Africa is a Party to the Convention and is obligated to phase out POPs. The assignment covers dicofol, methoxychlor, chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and their salts and related compounds, as well as polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, which are proposed for listing under the Convention.

The scope of work includes a detailed inventory of production, quantities, imports, exports, uses, contaminated sites, waste, and releases to the environment; development of chemical-specific phase-out plans with risk reduction options; a socioeconomic impact assessment identifying safer, technically and economically feasible alternatives while avoiding regrettable substitution; stakeholder identification, consultation and reporting, with POPIA-compliant evidence of engagement; and an assessment of the effectiveness and enforcement of South Africa's POPs Regulations. Deliverables comprise a project inception report, inventory study report, phase-out plan, socioeconomic impact assessment report, stakeholder engagement report, regulatory assessment report, and a close-out report. The project must be completed within 24 months of signing the Service Level Agreement and receipt of an official order.

Evaluation follows a phased process: pre-compliance checks, mandatory requirements (professional registration with SACNASP, HPCSA or SACI for the Project Team Leader and Expert 1), functionality scoring out of 100 (with a 60% minimum threshold covering project plan and methodology, team leader and expert experience, a project management specialist, and client reference letters), then price and preference points under the 80/20 system. Pricing must include all costs and VAT at 15%, with an offer valid for 120 days, and bids are submitted via the Environment House bid box in Arcadia, Pretoria. Bidders should note that the department may conduct security vetting, requires senior staff continuity throughout the contract, and expects monthly progress reporting with bi-weekly meetings during the first two months.