What should be included in a city or provincial pest control RFP?
The criteria laid out in a Request for Proposal (RFP) need to be carefully thought out in order to ensure that they adhere to the regulations that govern a particular province or city. We've outlined the most important criteria to consider at a provincial or city level, as well as some of the challenges that are often encountered.
Cities and provinces have specific pest concerns – make sure that your pest control RFP thoroughly details these.
Large cities and urban areas cities frequently have problems with rat or cockroach infestations. The pest control companies hired by a city need to have the expertise to deal with this problem on a large-scale. Head-offices of provinces would need the infrastructure and know-how to deal with potential outbreaks that could result in disease. At provincial level, a company would need to have many branches across the province or, failing that, they would have to be able to travel efficiently to clients with their equipment. In addition, companies operating in urban areas should offer sustainable solutions and have a policy where they promote the employment of locally-based staff.
Health, safety and environmental concerns are crucial inclusions in a city or province's pest control RFP.
Citywide or provincial pest control is a sensitive procedure as the harmful chemicals they use can have adverse effects on the local population. A supplier that outlines their health and safety policies in clear terms is preferable. Some suppliers will point to the fact that their services are green (non-harmful to the environment). Make sure checks are done regarding these claims contained in their pest control RFP – the health, safety and environmental considerations that they make must be in line with rules that govern that your province or city.
Accreditations and certifications must be provided on request.
Make sure that your pest control RFP contains a section on valid accreditations or certifications. Relevant accreditations on a provincial or city level in South Africa include the South African Pest Control Association, National Pest Management Association (NPMA), Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) and the Pest Control Service Industries Board (PCSIB). A high quality supplier will be in accordance with relevant governmental acts applying to the industry. Reputable pest control companies, like The Specialists comply fully with the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993.
The BEE status of any pest control services employed must be in line with municipal or provincial regulations.
Your pest control RFP needs to include a section where bidding companies need to indicate their level of BEE compliance. It comes under the blanket of National Government legislation in South Africa, and therefore it applies on a City and Provincial level. It should form part of their company structure best practice.
A pest control company with an established reputation will more often than not, offer quality service.
The length of time that a company has been in business is often indicative of the quality of their service, as well as their reach within a province or city. A company like The Specialists is an accredited pest control services supplier, and their history speaks for itself. They've been in business since 1978 which is twenty-six years and counting.
[hs_action id="1098"]
Image Credit: Olivia J Mathews
