Site briefings are one of the easiest ways to get disqualified in South African tenders. The rules are strict, the paperwork is unforgiving, and the attendance register is final.
12 mistakes that get bids rejected
- Missing a mandatory briefing (automatic disqualification).
- Arriving late and being denied entry.
- Sending the wrong representative (not listed in the tender).
- Forgetting your ID or company letter.
- Not signing the attendance register correctly.
- Ignoring issued addenda after the briefing.
- Assuming the briefing is optional when it’s mandatory.
- Failing to ask clarification questions.
- Not collecting the attendance certificate.
- Submitting a bid without the certificate (when required).
- Submitting a different attendee name on forms.
- Using the wrong reference number on your cover letter.
What to bring to every briefing
- Original ID and company authorization letter
- Company stamp (when needed)
- Questions prepared in advance
- A copy of the tender notice
Use this rejection analysis to avoid other admin pitfalls.
After the briefing
- Review addenda and adjust pricing or scope.
- Confirm compliance documents using the SBD forms guide.
- Re-check the document requirements in the document checklist.
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