Government Tenders for Cleaning, Facilities and Security Companies
Cleaning, facilities and security tenders are some of the most accessible for SMMEs — recurring, people-heavy service contracts. The registrations you need (including PSIRA), how to price them, and why payment risk matters.
Cleaning, facilities management and security are among the most accessible public tenders for small businesses: recurring service contracts, lower capital requirements, and steady demand across every department and municipality. They are also people-heavy, which makes labour compliance and pricing the make-or-break factors.
The registrations that gate these sectors
- PSIRA registration is mandatory to bid on security tenders — no PSIRA, no security work
- COIDA Letter of Good Standing, because your staff work on the client's premises
- CSD registration and a compliant tax status
- B-BBEE affidavit (most cleaning/security SMMEs are EMEs or QSEs)
- Sometimes proof of compliance with sectoral wage determinations
Pricing a people-heavy contract
Your price is mostly wages, plus consumables, equipment, supervision and a management margin. Cost the labour at the correct sectoral minimum, build in supervision and replacements, and add the cost of late payment — because the next point matters.
Will they pay? It matters more here
On a cleaning or security contract you pay staff every month whether or not the buyer has paid you. A municipality that pays in 120 days can sink an otherwise profitable contract. Check the buyer's payment record before you commit, and line up bridging finance if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need PSIRA registration to bid on security tenders?+
Yes. PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) registration is mandatory to provide security services to government, so it is a returnable on security tenders.
What registrations do cleaning tenders require?+
Usually CSD registration, a compliant tax status, B-BBEE proof, and a COIDA Letter of Good Standing because staff work on the client's premises. Security tenders add PSIRA.
Are cleaning and security tenders good for small businesses?+
Yes — they are recurring, people-based and lower-capital, which suits EMEs and QSEs. The key risks are pricing labour correctly and the buyer paying on time.
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