SBD Forms Guide 2026
Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs) are the official forms prescribed by National Treasury for all government procurement in South Africa. Every tender pack includes a selection of SBD forms that bidders must complete, sign, and submit. Missing or incorrectly completed SBD forms is the #1 reason bids are disqualified.
10
SBD Form Types
6
Mandatory in Most Tenders
100%
Must Be Signed & Dated
Critical: Use the Forms in the Tender Pack
Always use the exact SBD forms included in the specific tender document. Some organs of state modify the standard forms (e.g., adding specific goals to SBD 6.1, or custom declarations). Using generic forms instead of the tender-specific versions can lead to disqualification.
All SBD Forms Explained
Invitation to Bid
MANDATORYThe official invitation document issued by the procuring organ of state. Contains the bid number, closing date, compulsory briefing session details, and submission requirements.
Tax Clearance Certificate Requirements
MANDATORYRequires bidders to submit a valid Tax Compliance Status from SARS. Since 2016, this is auto-verified via CSD — but some organs of state still request the physical PIN.
Pricing Schedule — Firm Prices
MANDATORYUsed when the contract price is fixed for the duration. Bidders enter unit prices, quantities, and totals. No price escalation clause applies.
Pricing Schedule — Non-Firm Prices
Used for contracts exceeding 12 months where price escalation is permitted. Includes CPIX-linked adjustment formulas.
Pricing Schedule — Professional Services
For consulting and professional services bids. Includes hourly/daily rates, travel costs, and disbursements.
Declaration of Interest
MANDATORYBidders must declare if any directors, shareholders, or members are employed by the state, or have any relationship with persons employed by the organ of state issuing the bid.
Preference Points Claim Form
MANDATORYThe form where bidders claim B-BBEE preference points under the 80/20 or 90/10 system. Must be accompanied by a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
Declaration for Local Production & Content
Required for designated sectors where local content thresholds apply (e.g., furniture, clothing, electrical cable). Must declare % of local content.
Declaration of Bidder's Past SCM Practices
MANDATORYBidders declare whether they have been restricted from doing business with government, whether any director has been convicted of fraud/corruption, and whether they have abused the SCM system.
Certificate of Independent Bid Determination
MANDATORYBidders certify that their bid was prepared independently, without collusion with competitors. This is an anti-collusion declaration required by the Competition Act.
Top 5 SBD Form Mistakes That Disqualify Bids
1. Not signing and dating every SBD form
Authorised signatory must sign and date each form. Use the same name as on the company resolution.
2. Submitting old/generic versions instead of the tender-specific forms
Always photocopy or download the SBD forms from the actual tender document.
3. Leaving the SBD 4 Declaration of Interest blank when "not applicable"
You must still complete the form — write "N/A" or "None" in the relevant fields, then sign.
4. Claiming incorrect B-BBEE points on SBD 6.1
Your claimed level must match your uploaded B-BBEE certificate. Mismatches cause disqualification, not correction.
5. Forgetting SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination)
This anti-collusion form is mandatory. Omitting it is an automatic disqualification under the Competition Act.
Related Resources
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