EOI for r&d of military-grade infrared concealment materials (3-Year csir partnership)

Closing date for submissions: 24 June 2026 at 16:30 (South African standard time). Last date for enquiries/clarifications: 17 June 2026 at 16:30. Validity period of bids: 90 calendar days from closing date. Bidders may be requested to extend validity if evaluation is not finalised.

All enquiries and submissions must be directed to [email protected]. Use the EOI number and description as the subject line. No other contact with CSIR personnel is permitted during the EOI process. CSIR business hours: 08:00–16:30.

Submit proposals electronically to [email protected]. Late submissions or those sent to incorrect addresses will be rejected. Use the EOI number (8128/24/06/2026) and description as the email subject. Proposals must be split into two parts (Technical Proposal) and sent in separate emails if exceeding 25MB. Cloud solutions (e.g., WeTransfer, Google Drive) are not accepted. File names must be short and simple. Proposals must be signed by an authorised person. Only submissions in English are considered. Mandatory returnable documents (Annexure D) must be included; failure to submit these will disqualify the bid. The CSIR reserves the right to extend deadlines, verify information, request additional documentation, or cancel the process at any stage.

Scope: Research and Development of Infrared Concealment Materials for a military poncho to reduce detectability across SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR bands. The poncho must be durable, field-deployable, and operationally suitable. Key tasks: Material selection, fabrication, and performance testing (no actual tests required; proposals must outline methodology). Deliverables: A full-sized, human-scale military poncho with advanced concealment materials. Proposals must include: Company profile, qualifications, track record evidence, detailed technical proposal, references/recommendations, and solution generation plan.

Pre-qualified suppliers will be approached for quotations on an 'as and when required' basis via Request for Quotation (RFQ) documents. The winning bidder for each RFQ will be determined by price and specific goals. The EOI process is divided into two sections: Section A (General EOI Terms and Conditions) and Section B (Evaluation Methodology).

Technical proposals must include: Company profile and qualifications, track record evidence, detailed technical proposal, references/recommendations, and solution generation plan. Evaluation criteria for qualifications: At least an engineering degree (14/20), master’s in Material Science or related studies (20/20). Proven track record: 1 year in signature management (10/20), 2 years (14/20), 3+ years (20/20). Company profiling: Up-to-date profile (10/10). Solution generation: Detailed technical proposal (25/25). Recommendations: 1 reference (10/25), 2 references (20/25), 3+ references (25/25).

Mandatory: Registration on National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) with a valid CSD number. Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or CSD report required; apply via SARS e-filing (www.sars.gov.za). For joint ventures: Submit signed joint venture agreement, consolidated B-BBEE scorecard, TCS/CSD reports for each partner, proof of ownership, and company registration certificates. No bids from state employees, companies with state-employed directors, or entities listed on the Register of Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers List. B-BBEE compliance: Valid certificate required. Fronting is prohibited and will result in disqualification. All returnable documents (Annexures A, D, E, F, G, H) must be submitted.

Governing Law: South African law applies, with exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts. Confidentiality: Bid information is proprietary to the CSIR and must not be disclosed without written approval. Availability of Funds: CSIR may terminate or suspend the contract if funds are unavailable; bidders will be paid for services delivered up to the termination date. Personal Information: Compliance with POPI Act is mandatory; CSIR may audit bidder’s data protection measures. Indemnity: Bidders indemnify CSIR for costs/damages arising from breach of conditions. Disclaimer: This EOI is not an offer; CSIR accepts no liability for bidder costs or damages. Validity Period: 90 days from closing date; may be extended. Non-compliance with material terms may result in penalties or contract cancellation.

The CSIR reserves the right to: Extend the closing date, correct bid document errors, verify bidder information, request documentary proof, conduct site inspections or product evaluations, award to a non-highest scorer under PPPFA, request audited financials, award in part or whole, award to multiple bidders, cancel/terminate the process at any stage, negotiate post-tender, or disqualify bidders associated with security breaches or fraud. Conflict of interest, corruption, or fraud will result in disqualification. Misrepresentation may lead to contract termination and claims for damages. Bidders bear all preparation costs and participate at their own risk.

Evaluation is conducted in two phases. Phase 1 (Elimination Criteria): Bids are disqualified if late, submitted to the wrong address, from restricted suppliers/tender defaulters, or missing mandatory documents. Phase 2 (Technical Evaluation): Scored out of 100 points with weights: Qualifications (20%), Proven Track Record (20%), Company Profiling (10%), Solution Generation (25%), Recommendations (25%). Minimum 60% required to pass. The CSIR may award to a lower-scoring bidder under PPPFA Section 2(1)(f) if no fraudulent conduct is involved. CSD registration is mandatory.