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["#","CLARIFICATIONS","RESPONSES"]
[1,"Kindly advise if it will be uploaded to your portal.\n","The tender documents have been uploaded on the Transnet Portal at https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net under the old eTender Portal"]
[2,"What lubricants are currently in use?  I’d appreciate a little history of what was used before and the remarks made.\n\n","The current oil complies to LMOA Gen 7 Perfomance Category within the parameters below:\n\nSAE No.20W-40\nViscosity, cSt @ 40 °C 140\nViscosity, cSt @ 100 °C 15,1\nViscosity Index, min. 110\nFlash Point, °C, min. 220\nPour Point, °C, max.-3\nTotal Base No., mg KOH/g, min.10.5"]
[3,"(RFP reference: Section 3 clause 6.4 & 6.1; Annexure A Section 4.1–4.5; Phase 1 criteria)\nThe specification requires an approval / compliance letter from both GE (Wabtec) and GM EMD (Progress Rail) for each oil tendered, and clause 6.1 excludes \"qualified\" or \"tentative\" oils (4.4 / 4.5). For the Wabtec (GE) side, will Transnet accept an approval established via the rebrand / identically-formulated route (Annexure 1, Section D.2, supported by a sworn affidavit) together with documented confirmation that the additive technology used in the tendered oil holds current Wabtec approval — where the branded OEM approval letter is being finalised — or must a branded OEM letter in the bidder's product name be in hand at the closing date?","Bidder must submit the approval/compliance letter from both GE (Wabtec) and GM EMD (Progress Rail) addressed to the bidder for the oil tendered.\n\nTransnet will accept approved oils that have successfully undergone all the laboratory and bench tests specified by both locomotive engine manufacturers, GE and GM EMD, and have completed full-scale field evaluations as required by the locomotive manufacturers."]
[4,"(RFP reference: Annexure A clauses 4.1 / 4.3 vs 4.4; Progress Rail approval letter wording)\nWhere an OEM (Progress Rail) letter recognises the tendered oil as \"worthy of full-scale field test\" and acceptable as a rebrand/reblend for the OEM's internal listing, and this is accompanied by the additive supplier's written confirmation that all required field testing has been completed (a \"Field Test Complete\" confirmation), will Transnet regard the oil as an \"Approved\" / \"Preferred\" oil under clauses 4.1 / 4.3 (i.e. satisfying Phase 1) rather than merely a \"Qualified\" oil under clause 4.4?","Bidder must submit the approval/compliance letter from both GE (Wabtec) and GM EMD (Progress Rail) addressed to the bidder for the oil tendered.\n\nTransnet will accept approved oils that have successfully undergone all the laboratory and bench tests specified by both locomotive engine manufacturers, GE and GM EMD, and have completed full-scale field evaluations as required by the locomotive manufacturers."]
[5,"(RFP reference: Section 3 clause 6.5 vs Section 5 Returnable Documents (Phase 2))\nClause 6.5 requires laboratory test certificates from \"a laboratory acceptable to Transnet,\" while the Returnable Documents list and Phase 1 criteria refer to a SANAS-accredited laboratory. Please confirm which requirement governs, and whether test data generated by the OEM and/or the additive supplier's accredited laboratories will be accepted alongside a South African SANAS-accredited certificate.","Transnets will accept only tests results/reports from SANAS accredited laboratories."]
[6,"(RFP reference: Section 3 clause 6.8 (Lubricant Compatibility))\nTo certify compatibility of the offered oil with the oil currently in service (clause 6.8), can Transnet provide the brand, specification and/or key characteristics of the diesel locomotive engine oil presently in use across the affected fleets, so that a meaningful compatibility statement and, if required, supporting laboratory data can be provided?","The current oil complies to LMOA Gen 7 Perfomance Category within the parameters below:\n\nSAE No.20W-40\nViscosity, cSt @ 40 °C 140\nViscosity, cSt @ 100 °C 15,1\nViscosity Index, min. 110\nFlash Point, °C, min. 220\nPour Point, °C, max.-3\nTotal Base No., mg KOH/g, min.10.5"]
[7,"(RFP reference: Section 4 clause 5 (Respondent's Samples) & clause 6 (Pre-production samples))\nThe sample submission deadline in Section 4 has not been populated. Please confirm whether a product sample and/or pre-production sample will be required for this RFP and, if so, the required quantity, delivery address and deadline.","As specified in RFP the samples may be required and Transnet will afford bidders impacted by this requirement adequate timelines."]
[8,"RFP reference: Section 2 clause 6; Section 5 (Returnable Documents); Section 9)\nFor a bid submitted as a Joint Venture / consortium, please confirm that: (a) evaluation of B-BBEE and Specific Goals will be on a single consolidated JV scorecard; and (b) OEM approvals, the ISO 9001:2015 quality management certificate, and the technical/formulation evidence held by one JV partner will be accepted as satisfying the corresponding requirements for the JV as a whole.","Yes, Transnet confirms that a Consolidated BBBEE JV Certificate will be evaluated for a JV.\n\nIn terms of OEM approvals, all role players would need to posses ISO 9001:2015 certificates.\n"]
[9,"(RFP reference: Section 3 clause 6.2 Phase 2 (Previous experience))\nFor the Phase 2 \"previous experience supplying lubricants\" criterion: (a) please confirm that the reference letters / completion certificates may relate to the supply of lubricants generally (any lubricant products and any industry), rather than being specific to diesel locomotive engine oil; and (b) where the bid is submitted by a consortium in which the manufacturer of the tendered oil is the subcontractor (not the lead bidding entity), please confirm that reference letters and the supply datasheet provided in respect of that manufacturer (i.e. TORQ as subcontractor, rather than the lead bidder) will be accepted for scoring","a)Transnet will accept reference letters for the supply of similar lubricants issued to the \"lead\" bidder.\n\n\n\nb) Datasheets provided from the manufucaturer of the lubricant will be accepted. \n"]
[10," (RFP reference: Section 3 clause 3.1; Section 4 pricing schedule (line items 9023860 & 9023936))\nThe scope lists two line items — 9023860 (bulk / tank) and 9023936 (drum). Across the seven delivery centres (Koedoespoort, Germiston, Bloemfontein, Durban, Salt River, Uitenhage and Saldanha), please confirm which sites require bulk (tank) deliveries and which require drums only, together with the anticipated split or volume per site where available, so that the logistics and delivery plan can be accurately structured.","We have  attached Annexure I: Delivery Locations which indicates the depots that Transnet has nationwide for deliveries.\n\nThe frequency will be on an as and when basis."]
[11,"(RFP reference: General — bid structure)\nFor a bid comprising an established locomotive-oil manufacturer/blender and a B-BBEE partner, does Transnet express any preference (or see any evaluation advantage/disadvantage) between the parties bidding as a formal Joint Venture versus one party bidding as the principal contractor with the other named as manufacturer/sub-contractor under clause 11.13?","Transnet will not dictate on how a bidder tenders."]
[12,"Please could you advise whether a bidder will be disqualified if they do not submit a valid BBBEE certificate?","The BBBEE certificate falls under returnable documents used for scoring, which means that failure to provide will not result in disqualification but a bidder being given an automatic score of zero. "]
[13,"I am trying to access the RFP _TE/2026/07/0002/114547/RFP on the Transnet E-Tender Portal but I am not winning, is it back on or you are still to load it?","The RFP was loaded on the Transnet e-tender portal in the 2nd of July 2026, please follow the link  https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net under the old eTender Portal"]
[14,"The tender requires the completion of the Job Creation Form. Kindly advise whether bidders will be disqualified if no new jobs are created as part of their proposal, or whether this requirement will simply be deemed not applicable where no job creation is anticipated.\n\nIn addition, please clarify whether bidders will be required to dispense product directly into tanks. If so:\n•\tAre the tanks inspected and maintained on a regular basis?\n•\tWill bidders be permitted to inspect the tanks prior to verify that they meet the required standards and specifications?\n•\tShould a tank be found to be non-compliant or not fit for purpose, will Transnet be responsible for rectifying the issue before dispensing can take place?","The Job Creation schedule falls under returnable documents used for scoring, which means that failure to provide jobs will not result in disqualification but a bidder being given an automatic score of zero. \n\nBidders will be allowed to dispense product directly into tanks. \n•\tThe tanks are inspected and maintained on a regular basis by Transnet.\n•\tThe supplier is allowed to inspect and verify that the tanks meet the required standards and specifications.\n•\tTransnet will be responsible for rectifying issues for non-compliant or not fit for purpose tanks \n"]
[15,"We are currently preparing our submission for RFP No. TE/2026/07/0002/114547/RFP – Supply and Delivery of Diesel Locomotive Engine Oil for Various Locomotive Fleets, however, we are experiencing difficulties locating the tender on the Transnet e-Tender Portal.\nWe have searched both the previous and the new Transnet tender platforms, including the new portal at https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net, but the tender does not appear under the advertised tenders. We are therefore unable to log our intent to bid or proceed with the electronic submission, despite the RFP document instructing bidders to submit via this portal. \nRFP - Goods Diesel Locomotive Engine Oil.pdf\nCould you kindly assist by:\n•\tConfirming whether the tender has been published correctly on the e-Tender Portal;\n•\tProviding the direct link to the tender, if available; or\n•\tAdvising us on the appropriate process to access and submit our response.\n","The RFP was loaded on the Transnet e-tender portal on the 2nd of July 2026, please follow the link  https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net under the old eTender Portal to access and submit your response."]
[16,"Bidder respectfully requests that Transnet extends the closing date of RFP TE/2026/07/0002/114547/RFP by ten (10) business days from the current closing date as the tender requires bidders to obtain, validate and align extensive product specific evidence from international locomotive OEMs, lubricant manufacturers and accredited laboraties against a mandatory 100% technical-compliance threshold. Material clarifications concerning OEM approvals, confidential formulation information, lubricant compatibility, laboratory accreditation and the apparent inconsistency between Annexure D's formular driven escalation and Section 4's price adjustment provisions may directly affect the technical and commercial structure of submission, granting limited extension  equally to all prospective bidders would promote fairness, meaningful competition, accurate and comparable pricing and complete technically responsive bids, thereby reducing the risk that otherwise capable bidders are rendered non-responsive due to insufficient time before the current closing date.","Please note that Transnet is still in discussions regarding extension of the tender.\n\nPricing and Price Adjustment Mechanism\nWith regard to pricing, bidders are required to complete the Year 1 pricing in Annexure D: Pricing Schedule Calculator. The pricing for subsequent years will be automatically calculated using the standardised escalation applicable to all bidders.\nThe resulting pricing must then be transferred to Section 4: Pricing and Delivery Schedule to ensure that all bidders are evaluated on a consistent and comparable basis.\nIn terms of the Pricing Adjustment provisions contained in Section 4, the bidder's prices will remain fixed annually. However, where the cumulative change in the relevant cost components, calculated in accordance with the bidder's proposed price adjustment formula, results in an increase or decrease of 5% or more, either the bidder or Transnet may request a price adjustment.\nAccordingly, bidders are still required to submit a proposed price adjustment formula applicable for the duration of the contract. This formula will be used to determine whether the applicable 5% threshold has been reached and to calculate any subsequent price adjustment in accordance with the contract provisions."]
[17,"Current oils/ reference oils for compatibility. Please provide exact brand names, product names, formulations where available and manufacturers of the SAE 20W/40 locomotive crankcase oils currently used by Transnet.","The current oil complies to LMOA Gen 7 Perfomance Category within the parameters below:\n\nSAE No.20W-40\nViscosity, cSt @ 40 °C 140\nViscosity, cSt @ 100 °C 15,1\nViscosity Index, min. 110\nFlash Point, °C, min. 220\nPour Point, °C, max.-3\nTotal Base No., mg KOH/g, min.10.5"]
[18,"Please confirm whether the exact offered product must hold full current approval from both locomotive OEMs, or whether an oil fully approved by one OEM and supported by compliance evidence from the other will be accepted.","Bidder must submit the approval/compliance letter from both GE (Wabtec) and GM EMD (Progress Rail) addressed to the bidder for the oil tendered."]
[19,"Please confirm that current approval or compliance letters issued by Wabtec in respect of former GE Transportation engines and by Progress Rail in respect of former GM EMD engines will satisfy clause 6.4.","Bidder must submit the approval/compliance letter from both GE (Wabtec) and GM EMD (Progress Rail) addressed to the bidder for the oil tendered."]
[20,"Clause 6.1 exclude oils falling under clauses 4.4 and 4.5, namely qualified oils and oils with tentative approval. Please confirm that only fully approved oils as defined in clause 4.1 will be accepted and that no qualified or tentatively approved oil will be eligible.","Transnet will accept approved oils that have successfully undergone all the laboratory and bench tests specified by both locomotive engine manufacturers, GE and GM EMD, and have completed full-scale field evaluations as required by the locomotive manufacturers.\n\nBidders to take note that D.1.2 is not applicable, as only approved oils will be accepted as indicated  above."]
[21,"This is important because Annexure A's internal Annexure 1 includes a D.1.2 section for a \"Qualified Oil\", even though the main specification says qualified oils are unacceptable."]
[22,"Annexure 1, Section D.1.2 of the Annexure allows a bidder to certify that an oil is regarded as a \"Qualified Oil\", whereas clauses 6.1 and 7.2 state that qualified oils will not be accepted and no field trials will be undertaken. Please confirm whether secton D.1.2 must be deleted or marked \"Not applicable\" by all bidders."]
[23,"Will Transnet accept results from a foreign ISO/IEC 17025- accredited laboratory whose accreditation body is an ILAC mutual Arrangement signatory?","Transnets will accept only tests results/reports from SANAS accredited laboratories."]
[24,"Please confirm: The maximum acceptable age of laboratory test reports; Whether reports must relate to the exact current formulation; Whether they must relate to a recent production batch, and  Whether certificates of analysis may supplement full laboratory reports. ","Transnets will accept the latest Gen 7 tests results/reports that have been approved by both locomotive OEMs GE (Wabtec) and GM EMD (Progress Rail)"]
[25,"We note your confirmation that all partners in a joint venture must be ISO 9001:2015 compliant.\n\nAt the time of tender submission, we will be submitting a Teaming Agreement with our proposed partner. While our partner is ISO compliant, Bidder is currently in the process of obtaining its ISO certification.\n\nWe would appreciate clarification as to whether, at the time of tender submission, a letter or other documentary evidence confirming that Bidder's process is underway would be considered acceptable, pending the final issuance of the certification.","At the time of tender closure, all role players would need to posses ISO 9001:2015 certificates."]