REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A SERVICE PROVIDER TO EVALUATE AND COMMERCIALIZE ARC SWEET POTATO VARIETIES AT ARC- VIMP.Closed

Overview

Expression of Interest to appoint a service provider to evaluate and commercialize ARC sweet potato varieties at ARC-VIMP. Eligible parties include organizations/individuals with experience in sweet potato vine multiplication, field evaluation, commercialization, marketing/distribution, and licensing; must demonstrate capacity (land, financials, personnel) to scale production and market development. Briefing is mandatory online via Microsoft Teams (26 Aug 2026, 11:00) and submissions close 18 Sep 2026, 11:00. Submissions must be emailed to MuhanelwaE@arc.agric.za; no physical submissions. (Expression of Interest document ARC/07/08/2026)

Requirements

• Administrative: provide current CSD report, SARS TAX PIN, company registration, and complete Sign Standard bidding documents.
• Mandatory attachments: attend compulsory briefing; complete the expression of interest information template; provide company profile, three years’ financial statements and vine sales records, reference letters, and title deeds/lease agreements.
• Functionality criteria (scored):
  • Experience in sweet potato multiplication (weight).
  • Valid reference letters demonstrating participation in the sweet potato value chain.
  • Availability of arable irrigated land suitable for sweet potato.
  • Revenue from sweet potato vine sales.
  • Project plan showing upscaling, commercialization, evaluation scope, potential evaluation provinces, risk mitigation.
  • Financial stability (audited statements for three years).

How to Apply

• Deadline and briefing: compulsory briefing 26 Aug 2026 (MS Teams link provided in the EOI); final submission 18 Sep 2026, 11:00.
• Submission method: email to MuhanelwaE@arc.agric.za; no physical submissions.
• Documents to submit: admin docs (CSD, Tax PIN, company registration), completed EOI info template, company profile, three years’ financial statements and vine sales records, reference letters, title deeds/leases, and relevant completed forms (see attached template in ARC/07/08/2026).
• Pre-qualifications: willingness to sign an Evaluation and/or License Agreement; ARC access to farms during all stages; protect ARC products; confidentiality. Vetting will follow ARC processes; site visits may be arranged for shortlisted bidders.
• Briefing details: online Teams session on 26 August 2026; join link in the EOI document.
• Where to obtain documents: refer to the Expression of Interest document (ARC/07/08/2026); primary contact for inquiries: Elelwani Muhanelwa (SCM) and technical contacts Sunette Laurie, Keoagile Modisakeng, Cynthia Motsi.