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Latest RFQ opportunities
RFQ vs tender
Where each fits
Typical value
Under R500,000
R500,000 and above
Evaluation
Lowest compliant quote, usually 80/20 PPPFA
Price + B-BBEE + technical scoring, 80/20 or 90/10
Documents
CSD MAAA, tax PIN, BEE cert, pricing schedule
All RFQ docs plus technical proposal, methodology, references
Timeline
5–14 days from advert to close
21+ days, sometimes months
Advertising
Buyer's notice board or eTenders for >R30K
Mandatory eTenders advert plus departmental website
Best for
First-time SMMEs, small jobs, repeat-purchase items
Established suppliers with delivery track record
Before you bid
Get compliant first
Register on the National Treasury CSD, keep your SARS tax PIN current, and have your B-BBEE certificate or EME affidavit ready. RFQ adverts live on eTenders.gov.za and individual buyer websites, ProTenders aggregates them into one feed.
Read the full how-to guide →FAQ
Common questions about RFQs
What is a Request for Quotation (RFQ)?
An RFQ is a price-led procurement method for goods or services under R500,000. Buyers send a written specification, suppliers return a quote, and the lowest compliant quote usually wins. RFQs are the simplest entry point into government procurement for SMMEs.
RFQ vs tender, what's the practical difference?
RFQs prioritise price and have shorter timelines (5–14 days). Tenders weight technical capability, methodology, and B-BBEE alongside price (21+ days, sometimes months). RFQs are easier to win on price; tenders are easier to win on track record.
How do I find government RFQs in South Africa?
Above R30,000 they must be advertised, usually on eTenders.gov.za or the buyer's website. Below R30,000 buyers can quote directly. ProTenders aggregates the advertised RFQs into one searchable feed with province, value, and keyword filters.
What documents do I need to respond?
CSD MAAA supplier report, valid tax PIN, CIPC docs, B-BBEE certificate or EME affidavit, completed pricing schedule, signed declarations. Each buyer publishes a returnable-documents checklist, read it carefully. Most disqualifications are compliance, not price.
How quickly are RFQs awarded?
Award decisions are usually 7–30 days after the closing date. Government must pay valid invoices within 30 days under Treasury Regulations, though municipalities sometimes run longer.