Institutional Repository ServicesClosed

Overview

The SAMRC seeks information on Institutional Repository (IR) platforms and related services to support Open Access, metadata interoperability, digital preservation, and research visibility. This RFI invites IR vendors and service providers to share capabilities, deployment options, licensing, pricing models and best practices to inform future procurement. Respondents should have a South African presence or arrangements for SA support, and provide references for similar installations.

Requirements

• Company information, SA presence, local support capability, and references for similar installations.
• Manufacturer authorization or distribution rights to supply and support the proposed platform (where applicable).
• Complete Respondent Information Schedule (Part A and Part B) with authorised representative details and evidence of rights (see RFI document).
• Details of relevant experience (past five years) with reference contacts.
• Detailed repository platform information: platform name, vendor, version; deployment model; licensing; architecture; upgrade approach; timelines; hosting options; data portability.
• Functional coverage: Dublin Core, OAI-PMH, metadata configuration, submission workflows, RBAC, full-text search, Open Access support, digital preservation, APIs, analytics, onboarding, and branding capabilities (identify gaps and costs where applicable).
• Technical requirements: infrastructure, security, integrations (e.g., ORCID, DOI, Crossref, AD/SSO, SWORD, REST APIs), hosting regions, data residency, third-party licenses.
• Support and maintenance: service desk, SLAs, incident procedures, training, knowledge transfer, exit support.
• Implementation approach: governance, phases, data migration, testing, training, change management, go-live plan, timeline.
• Pricing and commercial information: non-binding indicative pricing (capital vs recurring), licensing, hosting, migration, professional services, and assumptions (currency, tax).
• Market intelligence: risks, trends, standards, and opportunities (e.g., interoperability, preservation, automation).

How to Apply

• Deadline: 02/10/2026 at 11:00 (SAST). Queries to tenders@mrc.ac.za (see metadata).
• Submission method: via email to tenders@mrc.ac.za.
• Documents to submit (see RFI2602 Repository Services Final 16.9.26V2.docx): Respondent Information Schedule Part A & B; evidence documents; Service Provider Response Schedule; repository platform and related information.
• Pre-qualification: provide Central Supplier Database number and SA presence details; include primary contact and authorised signatory (see Part A & B).
• Attachments: include evidence of ownership or distribution rights where applicable (see Part A).
• Note: Indicative pricing is for market analysis only; responses are voluntary and not a contract. See accompanying document RFI2602 for full Schedule details.