Invitation to Quote: RFQ28674 – Supply of Retail / Commercial Shell Shop Units at KSIA

Below is a full breakdown of the opportunity, scope, guidance for proposals, and best practices to maximize your chances.

RFQ Key Information

• RFQ Number / Reference: RFQ28674 KSIA

• Department / Entity: ACSA (Airports Company of South Africa)

• Bid Description: Fit-out / Supply of Retail / Shell Shop Units at King Shaka International Airport

• Location / Premises: King Shaka International Airport, La Mercy, Durban, KZN

• Publication / Issued Date: 14 October 2025 (Tuesday)

• Closing / Submission Deadline: 28 October 2025 (Tuesday), 16:00 (4:00 PM)

• Contact / Enquiries:
    Name: Nomzamo Mbhele
    Email: [nomzamo.mbhele@acsa.co.za]
    Tel: 032-436-6198

• Compulsory Briefing / Site Inspection: Yes, scheduled for 15 October 2025, 12:00 noon (venue: KSIA, Multi-storey Office Block, Ground reception)

• Special Conditions: None (N/A) as listed

• Tender Documents Available / Size:
    RFQ28674 KSIA Advert (4 KB)
    Additional shell unit spec / finishing details likely in annexures

Why This RFQ Is Significant

1. Access to a Premier Commercial Venue
   The shops will be located inside or near airport terminal areas — high foot traffic, captive audience, and strong branding value.

2. Opportunity for Retail and Infrastructure Firms
   Suppliers of interiors, finishes, retail fitouts, and architectural contractors can combine capabilities to deliver turnkey units.

3. One-Off But High-Value Scope
   Though RFQ is “once-off,” excellence in execution positions you for future maintenance, additional units, or retail expansions in ACSA’s other airports.

4. Visibility in the Aviation Commercial Space
   Success here can be a strong reference for other airports, malls, or high-profile commercial contracts.

5. Strict Compliance & Safety Requirements
   As the units must integrate within an airport environment, safety, fire codes, building compliance, and operational constraints are highly significant.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

While specific technical specifications will be in the annexures, typical expected tasks include:

• Supply & Fitout of Shell Units
    Walls, ceilings, partitions, glazing, storefront frames

• Interior Finishes
    Flooring, lighting, signage, display fixtures, power / data outlets

• Mechanical / Electrical Works
    HVAC, wiring, plumbing if required, lighting, connections to building systems

• Compliance & Safety Implementation
    Fire retardant materials, emergency lighting, egress pathways, integration with airport fire / security systems

• Project Management & Coordination
    Scheduling, site access, coordination with airport operations

• Handover & Documentation
    As-built drawings, maintenance manuals, warranties, quality certifications

Because this is a retail unit fitout in an airport, the client will expect high standards in aesthetics, durability, and compliance.

Who Should Ask / Be Eligible

Prospective bidders should ideally:

• Be experienced in retail interiors, commercial shop fitouts, or architectural finishes

• Have capability to manage MEP integration (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) or partner with specialists

• Demonstrate past projects in high-traffic, commercial environments (malls, airports, terminals)

• Be able to interface with airport operations, security, and safety protocols

• Possess strong project management, logistics, and regulatory compliance skill

• Be financially capable to manage cash flow during execution

• Show compliance with BEE / local content, as required by ACSA’s procurement policies

Criteria Likely Used to Evaluate Bids

While the RFQ annexures should list official criteria, likely evaluation factors include:

As a bidder, ensure your submission addresses each of these comprehensively.

How to Prepare a Winning Quotation

Below is a suggested approach and structure to help you prepare a competitive, compelling RFQ response.

1. Register & Download Complete Tender Package

Ensure you have all technical drawings, finishing schedules, annexures, and conditions.

2. Attend the Compulsory Briefing / Site Walk

Date: 15 October 2025 at 12:00 noon
Venue: KSIA Multi-storey Office Block reception
You must attend; missing it may disqualify your bid. Use this opportunity to view site conditions, routing, constraints, and ask clarifications.

3. Site Survey & Measurements

After the briefing, conduct a detailed survey (if permitted) to verify dimensions, structural constraints, utilities, and access for installation.

4. Architectural & Interior Design Response

Prepare your design response including layout plans, renderings, finish material samples, junction details, etc. Show how your solution meets or exceeds the tenant / retail aesthetic requirements.

5. Mechanical / Electrical / Services Integration

If the RFQ calls for MEP works, show how lighting, power, ventilation, cabling, security systems will integrate with existing airport infrastructure.

6. Project Management & Execution Plan

Present a phased schedule, resource deployment, logistics methodology, risk mitigation (deliveries, staging, site rules), and quality assurance checkpoints.

7. Quality Assurance & Compliance

Describe your quality control procedures, inspections, testing, finishing tolerances, adherence to building codes and fire / safety regulations.

8. Pricing Structure / Cost Breakdown

Provide a clear breakdown in your pricing submission: materials, labor, finishing, fixtures, MEP installations, logistics, contingencies. Clearly note exclusions.

9. Warranty, Defects Liability & Maintenance

Offer warranties on finishes, fixtures. Spell out your defects repair period. If ongoing maintenance is relevant, propose options.

10. Compliance, BEE & Local Content

Include your BEE certificates, local supplier involvement, empowerment credentials, and compliance with ACSA’s procurement policies.

11. Returnable Documents & Declarations

Complete all required returnables: declarations, forms, tax clearance, safekeeping, certifications. Ensure every signature and annexure is correctly filled.

12. Final Review & Submission

Use a checklist to cross-check every requirement, ensure your proposal is bound/packaged correctly, and allow time for submission well before 16:00 on 28 October 2025.

Risk & Challenge Mitigation

Value-Add Ideas to Elevate Your Bid

• Propose modular retail units which allow tenant flexibility and easier replacement.

• Use sustainable or green materials (recycled content, low-emission finishes).

• Include interactive digital signage provisions or integrated power/data infrastructure.

• Offer fast tenant handover options or phased tenant-ready fitout modules.

• Provide maintenance packages or periodic finish touch-up plans.

• Submit visual 3D renderings or VR walk-throughs of your proposal to help ACSA visualize outcome.

These extras help your submission stand out, showing value beyond base compliance.

Next Steps & Call to Action

This RFQ for the retail shell units at King Shaka International Airport is an exciting opportunity for interior, architectural, fitout, and retail infrastructure firms to showcase their capabilities. Because the project merges high aesthetics, functionality, and compliance in an operational airport environment, the right bidder will combine design finesse with logistical excellence and safety compliance.

To succeed:

• Attend the compulsory briefing and site walk

• Study every line of the tender specs and annexures

• Present a methodical, transparent, and risk-aware proposal

• Highlight your experience in retail / airport environments

• Demonstrate your safety, compliance, and quality systems

• Offer solutions that go beyond the minimum — value-adding extras matter