The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) is essential to the foundation of South Africa’s public sector ICT (information and communication technology). However, SITA 740, one particular aspect of its activities, has recently attracted more attention and inquiry.
What precisely is SITA 740, then? What makes it significant? And what effects does it have on South African government agencies and businesses?
What Is SITA 740?
SITA 740 refers to a government-wide transversal contract established by the State Information Technology Agency. It governs the procurement and supply of ICT hardware, software, and related services for government departments and public sector entities across South Africa.
In simpler terms, it’s a centralized contract that allows national and provincial departments to easily procure tech solutions from a list of pre-approved vendors—all under standardized terms and pricing.
This contract aims to streamline procurement, ensure value for money, and promote transformation within the ICT sector.
Why SITA 740 Matters
Whether you’re a supplier, government official, or IT professional, SITA 740 is important because it simplifies how ICT services and products are acquired across the public sector.
Here’s why it matters:
- Efficiency & Cost Savings
Government departments don’t need to go through lengthy procurement processes for every purchase. SITA 740 standardizes everything, which saves time and money. - Transparency
All transactions under this contract follow a strict set of rules and pricing models, reducing the risk of irregularities and promoting fairness. - Access for SMEs & B-BBEE Compliant Vendors
The framework supports Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and gives smaller, local businesses the opportunity to provide services to the government—opening doors to real growth and transformation.
How to Become a SITA 740 Supplier
If you’re a vendor looking to do business with the government, getting onto the SITA 740 list can be a major step.
Here’s what the process generally looks like:
- Monitor Tender Bulletins
SITA regularly publishes open calls for suppliers via the eTender Portal or SITA’s own website. You’ll want to keep an eye out for these opportunities. - Submit a Bid
This will include your company’s compliance documents, technical offerings, B-BBEE status, and pricing. - Evaluation & Award
Bids are scored based on a mix of functionality, price, and transformation metrics. If successful, your company gets added as an official SITA 740 supplier. - Service Delivery & SLA Management
Once approved, you’ll work under specific Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to deliver services to government departments.
Key Categories Covered Under SITA 740
The SITA 740 contract covers a wide range of ICT products and services. Some of the most common include:
- Desktops, laptops, and peripherals
- Networking equipment
- Software licensing
- IT support services
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Cloud and data center services
Basically, if it’s tech-related and needed by a government department, it likely falls under the SITA 740 framework.