Where tenders are advertised, what RFQ/RFP/bid means, and the path from browsing to winning.
Key facts
Government spends heavily through public procurement, and it’s open to compliant small businesses — if you understand the system.
Where tenders live
National Treasury runs the eTenders portal where national, provincial and many municipal departments publish opportunities. It’s free to browse and needs no login to view — but you must be CSD-registered to actually bid.
The types you’ll see
- RFQ (Request for Quotation) — smaller purchases, quick turnaround
- RFP (Request for Proposal) / advertised bid — larger, formal tenders with a full bid pack
The path to winning
- Register on the CSD and keep your details current
- Monitor the eTenders portal (set alerts) for relevant opportunities
- Download the full bid pack — scope, SBD forms and returnable schedules
- Compile a complete, compliant bid and submit before the deadline
Most bids are lost on administrative non-compliance, not price — so get your registrations and documents right first (see the readiness checklist).
Need help with this? Bekin Consulting can handle it for you — from registration to filing.
Related guides
- CSD registration — the gateway to bidding
- Tender-readiness checklist & SBD forms
- How tenders are scored: PPPFA preference points
- Sector registrations: CIDB, PSIRA, ECSA & more
General information for South Africa, current to 2026 — not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm current rules with SARS, CIPC or the DSD before acting.