Aerial isr services for agricultural monitoring in kwazulu-natal using manned aircraft

The tender is for the appointment of a service provider to deliver aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services. The focus is on monitoring agricultural commodity production and infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal using manned aircraft. The service must align with the Terms of Reference (Section J, pages 37-47) and meet the department’s operational and data requirements.

Closing date: 13 August 2026 at 11h00. No other dates (e.g., briefings, site visits) are specified in the document.

Administrative enquiries: Mrs. Nompumelelo Madlala, Tel: 033 355 9369, Email: [email protected]. Technical enquiries: Mrs. Zanele Pakkies, Tel: 033 343 8035, Email: [email protected]. Submission address: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 1 Cedara Road, Cedara 3200, Supply Chain Management Bid Box.

Submit bids by 13 August 2026 at 11h00 to: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 1 Cedara Road, Cedara 3200, Supply Chain Management Bid Box. Late, telephonic, faxed, emailed, or telegraphed submissions are not accepted. Use official bid forms (SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, etc.) without retyping. Each page must be initialed. Photocopies are allowed but require original signatures. Bids must be sealed in separate envelopes with bidder name, bid number (DARD 18/2026), and closing date clearly marked. No bids will be accepted after the deadline, regardless of proof of posting. Bids must be complete and include all required documents (e.g., pricing schedules, tax compliance, B-BBEE certificates). Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Required documents: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 4 (Bidder’s Disclosure), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form), SBD 7 (Contract Form), pricing schedules (SBD 3.1 or 3.3), tax compliance certificate/PIN, CSD registration proof, B-BBEE certificate/affidavit, and authority to sign (e.g., company resolution). Submit to: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 1 Cedara Road, Cedara 3200, Supply Chain Management Bid Box.

Provide aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services for agricultural commodity production and infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal using manned aircraft. The scope includes monitoring, data collection, and reporting on agricultural activities and infrastructure. Bidders must demonstrate capability to execute the service as described in the Terms of Reference (Section J, pages 37-47). Inspections or evaluations may be conducted to verify service quality. Non-compliant services may be rejected, and costs for re-inspection or substitution will be borne by the supplier.

Bidders must submit Annexure A (Bidder’s Past Experience) to demonstrate relevant experience. The bid must include a declaration of independence (no collusion with competitors or officials). Bidders listed in the Register for Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers are automatically disqualified. Foreign suppliers must disclose residency, branch, or tax status in South Africa.

Pre-bidding testing costs are the bidder’s responsibility. The department may inspect premises, services, or supplies at any stage (during execution or post-delivery). If inspections reveal non-compliance, the supplier bears the cost of re-inspection and must replace non-compliant items immediately. Rejected supplies remain at the supplier’s risk until replaced. The purchaser may cancel the contract for breach of conditions or act per GCC Clause 23.

Submit a pricing schedule (SBD 3.1 for firm prices or SBD 3.3 for professional services). Include: total bid price in ZAR (all taxes included), ceiling price for all phases, breakdown of costs per phase/man-days, and travel expenses (actual costs with proof). Specify if rates are firm or adjustable (e.g., via CPI or exchange rate variations). For non-firm prices, provide a breakdown of cost factors (e.g., labour, transport) and index-based escalation formulas. Offers must remain valid for 180 days from the closing date.

Submit a pricing schedule (SBD 3.1 or SBD 3.3) with firm prices in ZAR, inclusive of all applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, SDL). Prices must remain valid for 180 days from the closing date. For professional services, provide a ceiling price covering all phases, including expenses (e.g., travel, man-days). Travel expenses must be actual costs with proof (e.g., rate/km, airfare class). Specify if rates are firm or subject to adjustments (e.g., CPI). Non-firm prices require a breakdown of factors (e.g., labour, transport) and index-based escalation formulas. Delivery costs must be included in the bid price. Payment terms and performance security (e.g., bank guarantee) may be required as per Special Conditions of Contract (SCC).

Mandatory compliance: Register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) at www.csd.gov.za. Submit a valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN (via SARS e-filing at www.sars.gov.za) or a printed TCS certificate. If no TCS PIN is available, provide a CSD number. For consortia/joint ventures, each party must submit separate TCS/CSD documentation. B-BBEE: Submit a B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) to qualify for preference points. Foreign suppliers must confirm residency, branch, or tax liability in South Africa; if none apply, TCS registration is not required. Bids from state employees or entities with state-employed directors/members are disqualified. Failure to comply with any requirement may invalidate the bid.

B-BBEE compliance is mandatory for preference points. Submit a B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs). EMEs (annual revenue ≤ R10M) and QSEs (annual revenue R10M–R50M) must confirm ownership percentages (Black, Black Female, Black Designated Groups). Affidavits are valid for 12 months. Failure to submit proof forfeits preference points.

The supplier warrants that all goods/services are new, defect-free, and meet specifications. Warranty period: 12 months after delivery/acceptance or 18 months after shipment, whichever is earlier. The supplier must repair/replace defective items at no cost to the purchaser. If the supplier fails to remedy defects, the purchaser may take corrective action at the supplier’s expense. Performance security (e.g., bank guarantee) may be required within 30 days of contract award. Contract terms include General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and Special Conditions of Contract (SCC), with SCC taking precedence in case of conflict.

Bids must be delivered by 13 August 2026 at 11h00 to the Supply Chain Management Bid Box at 1 Cedara Road, Cedara 3200. Late, telephonic, faxed, emailed, or telegraphed submissions are not accepted. Use official forms (not retyped). Each page must be initialed. Sealed envelopes must display bidder name, bid number (DARD 18/2026), and closing date. Incomplete or non-compliant bids may be rejected.

The 80/20 preference point system applies. 80 points are allocated for price (lowest acceptable tender determines scoring), and 20 points for specific goals (e.g., B-BBEE). Bidders must submit proof for preference points. The department may conduct site inspections or evaluations to verify service quality. The tender process may be cancelled or terminated at any stage, including after bid evaluation or award notification.