Helicopter maintenance, repair, logistics and training support for as350b3 and h125 aircraft – sanparks (kruger national park)

Closing date: 29 September 2026, closing time: 11:00 am. Mandatory briefing session: Not applicable. Bid validity period: 150 days from closing date.

Bidding procedure enquiries: SCM Manager Mr. Fhatuwani Matshili, Supply Chain Management, Tel: 013 735 4311, Email: [email protected]. Technical enquiries: David Simelane, Tel: 013 735 4311. Submission address: Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office, Skukuza Admin Block, Kruger National Park.

Bids must be delivered to the Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office, Skukuza Admin Block, Kruger National Park, before the closing time. The bid box is open Monday to Friday 08h00-16h00. Late bids will not be accepted. No bids from RSA-based bidders will be accepted via internet or e-mail; no faxed or emailed documents accepted. Bids must be submitted on official forms, not retyped, completed in black ink, and one original initialled on each page and signed where required. A digital copy on a USB/memory stick must be included in the bid envelope, with a key tag marked with the tender reference number and company registered name. Returnable documents: SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule), SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure), SBD 6.1 (Preference Claim Certificate) with B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, SBD 7.2 (Contract Form). Additional information: Tax PIN, B-BBEE certificate/affidavit, CSD registration proof, proof of address, company registration documents. Mandatory requirements (Annexure A), functionality requirements (Annexure B), pricing schedule (Annexure C), and additional information (Annexure D) must be included. Bids must remain valid for 150 days after closing. Bidders must not contact SANParks staff other than the named officials. Counter conditions or amendments to bid conditions will invalidate the bid. Bidders' terms and conditions are not acceptable.

Evaluation is in three phases. Phase 1 (Mandatory): Bidders must hold a valid SACAA Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) approval with ratings for Airbus Helicopter AS350 and H125 Airframe and Avionics (certified copies). Must provide proof of direct access to Airbus Helicopters OEM technical data and genuine spare parts supply channels (AirbusWorld, eOrdering, approved partner status, or valid agreement with approved organisation). Must provide proof of valid Hangar Keeper's Liability Insurance and Products and Completed Operations Insurance with minimum R60 million cover (signed letter of undertaking accepted at submission, final policies before award). Must hold valid ISO 9001:2015 certification. Must provide proof of financial capability: signed Letter of Intent or funding commitment of R20 million or more from a registered financial institution, commercial bank, development finance institution, or accredited funding provider, not older than three months from tender advertisement date. Must be registered with COIDA and provide a valid Letter of Good Standing from the Compensation Fund with nature of business related to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Phase 2 (Technical/Functional): Bidders must score a minimum of 75 out of 100 points. Scoring: Company experience (30 points) - minimum five appointment letters and reference letters from different clients demonstrating 10+ years experience (30 points), 7-9 years (20 points), 4-6 years (10 points), less than 4 years (0 points). Competency of resources: SACAA Airbus AME with 10+ years experience (25 points), 7-9 years (15 points), 4-6 years (10 points), less than 4 years (0 points); SACAA and Airbus Helicopters qualified/approved AS350B3/H125 Airframe Instructor with 10+ years instructional experience (25 points), 7-9 years (15 points), 4-6 years (10 points), less than 5 years or no instructor (0 points). Training and skills transfer: Training plan covering maintenance, repair, inspection, troubleshooting, logistics support and continued airworthiness management, with 7 requirements (20 points), 5-6 requirements (15 points), 3-4 requirements (10 points), fewer than 3 or no programme (0 points). Phase 3 (Price and Specific Goals): 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system applies as the acquisition is estimated above R50 million. Price points 80 or 90, Specific Goals 20 or 10.

Scope of work: Maintenance, repair, logistics, and training support for AS350B3 and H125 helicopters in the Kruger National Park for five years. Fleet: H125 (ZS-HYI), H125 (ZS-HJN), H125 (TBC), AS350B3 (ZS-OPK). Maintenance services: Scheduled line and base maintenance of airframe, mechanical, hydraulic, fuel components, engine LRUs, avionic LRUs, and ground support and technical equipment. Unscheduled maintenance: defect rectification and ad-hoc repairs. Deep-level maintenance: mandatory periodic inspections (150-hour, 600-hour, annual). 12-year calendar inspections for ZS-HYI and ZS-HJN in 2025/2026 per Airbus Helicopters manuals. Warranty support: contractor must be approved for Airbus parts warranty and exchange parts. Logistics: AOG support within 72 hours from receipt of signed quotation, component tracking software per airframe, technical records management. Packaging, handling, storage, and transportation of A- and E-Class spares and GS&TE to Skukuza stores. Manage shelf-life materials with at least 75% remaining shelf life. Manage import and export permits for spares. Asset and configuration management: provide complete AS350 airframe and engine component overview after major maintenance, including Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives. LRU considered Beyond Economic Repair if repair costs exceed 60% of replacement value. Ensure compliance with STCs, modifications, SBs, ASBs, and ADs. Infrastructure: contractor must provide SACAA certified facilities, subject to inspection before award, capable of supporting required maintenance. Must be able to perform maintenance at contractor base and at SANParks sites. Must assist Skukuza maintenance facility with apprentice training and technical support, and allow a SANParks Qualified Aircraft Engineer to be added to their manpower. Quality assurance: SANParks representatives (Chief Pilot, Responsible Person, AME) have free access to workshops and facilities for audits and inspections. Contractor must establish quality control system per SACAA requirements, including implementing approved SACAA Airbus Helicopter maintenance schedule for AS350 (150-hour and 600-hour MPI). Training: supplier must be aligned with a SACAA approved Aviation Training Organization (ATO) with accredited Airbus AS350 Certified Type Rated Helicopter Pilot Instructor. Provide initial type rating training for pilots and engineers, recurrent training, and apprentice support. Issue certificates of competence upon completion. Provisioning and spares supply: provide a comprehensive spares supply and pricing framework. Provide a rate card for consumables and general spares (filters, seals, O-rings, gaskets, lubricants, bulbs, hardware). For spares not on rate card, provide quotation within 24 hours including net price, taxes, shipping, and estimated delivery time. 12-year inspection spares pricing structure: Tier A - fixed price for mandatory consumables and scheduled replacements; Tier B - variable pricing for inspection-discovered defects with fixed hourly labour rate and fixed percentage mark-up on emergency-ordered spares, subject to written approval; Tier C - ancillary services: full paint strip and re-paint of both aircraft in SANParks colour scheme, and corrosion treatment at fixed rate per square metre or per hour.

Bidders must submit a detailed Training and Skills Transfer Programme covering maintenance, repair, inspection, troubleshooting, logistics support, and continued airworthiness management of AS350B3 and H125 helicopters. The programme must include curriculum, trainees, schedule, theoretical and practical training, assessments, reporting, mentorship, and certification. The training plan must include at least 5 personnel trained annually, at least 40 hours of theoretical training, at least 80 hours of practical training, formal competency assessments, quarterly progress reports, completion certificates, and a dedicated instructor/mentor. Bidders must also provide a contingency strategy for emergencies, urgent, public strike, own strike, vehicle breakdown, and festive season.

Company experience: Bidders must demonstrate a proven track record of successfully executing and completing contracts of a similar nature, scope, and complexity within the last ten years. Evidence must be in the form of at least five appointment letters and corresponding reference letters from different clients. The letters must be signed and dated, and clearly indicate client name and contact details, project scope and services rendered, aircraft type (AS350B3 and/or H125), contract commencement and completion dates, and maintenance, repair, logistics support, and/or training services provided. Letters must be on client's letterhead with full contact details. Scoring: 30 points for 10+ years experience, 20 points for 7-9 years, 10 points for 4-6 years, 0 points for less than 4 years. Key personnel: Bidders must submit detailed CVs and certified copies of qualifications for all key personnel. Certified copies must not be older than six months. At least one SACAA Airbus Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) with a minimum of 10 years' experience on Airbus helicopters AS350 type is required. CVs must include current employer, position, years of experience, and detailed maintenance activities, line/base maintenance, major inspections, repairs, and modifications completed on AS350 type. A SACAA and Airbus Helicopters qualified/approved AS350B3/H125 Airframe Instructor with a minimum of 10 years' instructional experience is required. CVs must include current employer, position, years of experience, and a detailed outline of relevant experience.

Quality assurance: SANParks representatives (Chief Pilot, Responsible Person, AME) shall have free access to all workshops and facilities to conduct or witness audits, inspections, and tests. The contractor must establish and maintain a quality control system in accordance with SACAA requirements, including experience in implementing the approved SACAA Airbus Helicopter maintenance schedule for AS350 (150-hour and 600-hour MPI) including the correct use of margins. The contractor must hold a valid ISO 9001:2015 quality management system certification. Training: The supplier must be aligned with a SACAA approved Aviation Training Organization (ATO) with an accredited Airbus AS350 Certified Type Rated Helicopter Pilot Instructor. Training must include initial type rating training for pilots and engineers, recurrent training, and apprentice support. Certificates of competence must be issued upon successful completion.

Pricing must be submitted on SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule) and include a detailed and comprehensive price proposal. Prices must be fully inclusive of all costs, including disbursements, overheads, delivery to the specified SANParks business unit, VAT, customs or excise duty, and any other duty. The pricing schedule includes a bill of quantities with 47 items (e.g., O-rings, gaskets, valves, elements, gearboxes, servos, starter generator, ELT, battery, heat shield kit, engine inspection, lubricants, and tool rental). Labour rates must be provided for: licensed AME day rate, technician day rate, licensed AME weekend rate, technician weekend rate, 12-year mandatory inspection labour (defects excluded), Airbus instructor approval (SACAA approved and certified), and transport (AA rate). For items not listed in the bill of quantities, a 15% mark-up/handling fee is allowed, and an original quotation from the OEM or distributor must accompany the quotation. Total bid price must be VAT inclusive. Prices must be firm for 150 days from the closing date. SANParks reserves the right to negotiate with the recommended bidder prior to signing the contract. The service provider must indicate the exchange rate used for the quotation. Prices are based on foreign exchange rates at the time of tender submission; adjustments may be requested for exchange rate fluctuations, calculated using the applicable rate published by a recognized financial institution on the date of order confirmation or invoicing, subject to contract terms and SANParks approval.

Pricing must be on SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule) and must be fully inclusive of all costs, including disbursements, overheads, delivery to the specified SANParks business unit, VAT, customs or excise duty, and any other taxes. Bidders must indicate the exchange rate used for the quotation. Prices are based on foreign exchange rates at closing date; adjustments may be requested for exchange rate fluctuations, calculated using the applicable rate published by a recognised financial institution on the date of order confirmation or invoicing, subject to contract terms and SANParks approval. The pricing schedule includes a bill of quantities with 47 items (e.g., O-rings, gaskets, valves, filters, gearbox overhauls, servo overhauls, starter generator overhaul, ELT bench test, battery deep cycle, heat shield kit, engine 800hr inspection, lubricants, tool rental). Labour rates: licensed AME day rate, technician day rate, licensed AME weekend rate, technician weekend rate, 12-year mandatory inspection labour (defects excluded), Airbus instructor approval hourly rate, transport (AA rate). For items not listed in the bill of quantities, a 15% mark-up/handling fee is allowed, and an original quotation from the OEM or distributor must accompany the quotation. Total bid price must be VAT inclusive and presented in South African Rand. Prices must remain firm for 150 days from closing date. SANParks reserves the right to negotiate with the recommended bidder prior to signing the contract. Bidders must provide proof of financial capability: a signed letter of intent or funding commitment of at least R20 million from a registered financial institution, commercial bank, development finance institution, or accredited funding provider, not older than three months from advertisement date.

Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide proof of registration. Bidders must submit a valid tax compliance status (TCS) PIN or certificate from SARS. No bids will be considered from persons in the service of the state, companies with directors who are persons in the service of the state, or close corporations with members who are persons in the service of the state. Bidders must submit a B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate or Sworn Affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) to qualify for preference points. Bidders must be registered with COIDA and provide a valid Letter of Good Standing from the Compensation Fund with nature of business related to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Bidders must hold a valid SACAA Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) approval with specific ratings for Airbus Helicopter AS350 and H125 Airframe and Avionics. Bidders must provide proof of direct access to Airbus Helicopters OEM technical data and genuine spare parts supply channels. Bidders must hold a valid ISO 9001:2015 certification. Bidders must provide proof of Hangar Keeper's Liability Insurance and Products and Completed Operations Insurance with minimum R60 million cover. Bidders must provide proof of financial capability of at least R20 million. Bidders must submit a valid tax compliance status (TCS) PIN or certificate. Bidders must complete and sign SBD 1, SBD 3.1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, and SBD 7.2. Bidders must not be on the National Treasury's restricted suppliers list or Tender Defaulters list. Bidders must not have any intention to sell the bidding company within the next 12 to 60 months, as SANParks reserves the right not to award to such bidders. Bidders must not subcontract 100% of the scope of work. Bidders must not submit more than one tender, either individually or as a partner in a JV or consortium, unless the JV/consortium agreement explicitly states joint and several liability.

The bid is subject to the General Conditions of Contract issued per Treasury Regulation 16A, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000, and the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2022. The Special Conditions of Contract are supplementary to the General Conditions of Contract; where they conflict, the Special Conditions prevail. Bidders must be registered with COIDA and provide a valid Letter of Good Standing from the Compensation Fund with nature of business related to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. The contractor must provide a contingency strategy for emergencies, urgent, public strike, own strike, vehicle breakdown, and festive season.

SANParks was established in terms of the National Parks Act, 57 of 1976, and continues to exist in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. Its mandate is to conserve, protect, control, and manage national parks and other defined protected areas and their biological diversity. As a public entity, SANParks is governed by the Public Finance Management Act and is listed as a Schedule 3 Part A public entity.

The successful bidder must enter into a Service Level Agreement with SANParks. The bidder's standard conditions of tender are deemed to be renounced. SANParks may award to more than one bidder based on size or geographic considerations. SANs may cancel or terminate the tender process at any time, including after closing date, presentations, or evaluation. The bidder must indemnify SANParks against all claims and damages arising from injury to persons or property caused by the bidder's actions. SANParks is committed to empowering previously disadvantaged individuals and communities; gender equity, skills transfer, and economic empowerment should govern the bidder's approach. No portion of the tender may be sublet or assigned without SANParks' consent. No alteration, amendment or variation to the tender conditions is permitted. SANParks may terminate the tender in the event of breach. SANParks may cancel the tender if conditions are breached without rectification within seven days of written notice. The contract may be terminated for failure to meet minimum operational requirements, gross negligence, failure to respond to operational enquiries, or non-compliance with legal requirements. Either party may terminate with 30 days' notice. Due diligence review may be conducted before award. The service provider must ensure supplied pumps conform to applicable statutory standards and regulations. Service providers must act in good faith and provide full services for the contract period. SANs responsibilities: give indication of unsatisfactory performance, review monthly reports, effect payment within 30 days from receipt of original invoices. Bidder responsibilities: keep records of service rendered, provide checklists and monthly reports, submit invoices with checklists and completion certificates on the last day of each month, and indicate a contingency strategy for emergencies, urgent, public strike, own strike, vehicle breakdown, festive season.

The evaluation is in three phases. Phase 1 (Mandatory): compliance with mandatory requirements, including SACAA AMO approval, OEM access, insurance, ISO 9001:2015, financial capability, COIDA registration, and CSD registration. Phase 2 (Technical/Functional): Bidders must score a minimum of 75 out of 100 points. Criteria: Company experience (30 points), Competency of resources (20 points for AME, 20 points for Instructor), Training and skills transfer (20 points). Phase 3 (Price and Specific Goals): 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system applies. Price points 80 or 90, Specific Goals 20 or 10. Bidders must achieve the minimum threshold of 75 points for functionality to proceed to Phase 3.