Landing a tender is beneficial for any organisation. Provided that roll-out strategies and budgets are fully accounted for and handled effectively, companies may benefit and also simultaneously create jobs. In exchange they must provide agreed upon services on time.
This means that competition is tough, so it’s important to know what it takes to secure a tender.
Telkom is a partially State-owned organisation from South Africa. Founded in 1991, it is a wireless telecommunications provider and operates in more than 38 countries across Africa. The company is currently the market leader in the broadband space and continues to dominate the fixed access lines. According to an annual 2008 report, Telkom currently has over 400 000 subscribers to its fixed-line broadband services.
The company’s expansion into the South African cellular market as well as its business offerings have indicated a need for on-going services, which creates opportunities for tender to be made available to meet demand.
Tenders range from provision of media print management services, to the provision of fleet and management services.
Tenders are offered in different categories.
Informal processes:
These tenders are not posted on Telkom’s Tender Bulletin. They are instead delivered by post, fax or hand to at least three potential bidders. These tenders are limited to R500 000 and close at a predetermined date. They are offered to specific potential bidders. Proprietary tenders are issued to the sole suppliers of a particular product or service. Restricted tenders apply to work carried out in sensitive locations or for purposes that require more specialized work.
Telkom issues these tenders directly and they are awarded to exemplary suppliers of goods and/or services who have extensive reach within the industry. Any business awarded on this basis must be seen purely as a once-off invitation to do business.
Formal processes:
These tenders are open to all bidders and are published regularly in Telkom’s online Tender Bulletin at www.telkom.co.za.
Generally, they are held open for up to four weeks, with closing time usually at 11:00 on the closing date. Tenders are easy to view so companies can make bids. The system has been streamlined using an electronic tender process (e-RFX.)
Tender applicants can access the supplier registration document attached to the tender and return the completed document to the relevant person. Suppliers can then respond directly to the tender following capturing of relevant information by Telkom. Successful bidders are notified in due course.
Telkom is committed to conducting its business in an ethical manner. The tender process allows all potential suppliers to compete according to a model that is fair, equitable and consistent.