This Tender Has Expired

• Issue date: 03/02/2026
• Last date for submission of enquiries/clarifications: 16/02/2026 @ 16:30 ([email protected])
• Closing date and time for receipt of proposals: 18/02/2026 @ 16:30 (SA time)
• CSIR business hours for receipt: 08:00‑16:30

Email: [email protected]

Phone: null

Address: null

Department: Supply Chain Unit

• Submit proposals electronically to [email protected]; no hard‑copy submissions.
• Two separate emails are required: one for the Technical Proposal and one for the Pricing Proposal. Use the RFP number and description in the email subject line.
• Proposals must be signed by an authorised person.
• All files must be labelled clearly; if the total size exceeds 25 MB, split the submission into multiple emails.
• Do NOT use cloud‑sharing services (WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
• Submissions received after the closing date/time (16/02/2026 @ 16:30) will be rejected and may be returned unopened.
• Submissions to the wrong email address will be rejected.
• All times are South African Standard Time and submissions must be received within CSIR business hours (08:00‑16:30).

Phase 1 – Elimination: any late submission, wrong email address, inclusion on the NT Register of Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers, or failure to submit mandatory returnable documents results in automatic disqualification. Phase 2 – Technical Evaluation: weighted criteria (total 100 %): Suitability of airship infrastructure (30 %), licensed remote pilot availability (20 %), years of airship experience (20 %), contactable references (15 %), airship safety certification/SACAA ROC registration (15 %). A bidder must achieve at least 60 % overall and at least 50 % on each individual criterion; otherwise they are eliminated. Phase 3 – Price and Preference Points: only bidders who meet the technical thresholds are scored on price and any applicable preference points (per Annex G). The highest total score (technical + price + preference) determines the award, subject to PPPFA provisions.

Scope: Provide unmanned, remotely piloted airship services on an “as‑required” basis for radar flight trials over a two‑year period. Minimum airship requirements – payload capacity ≥ 25 kg, flight altitude ≥ 200 m AGL, wind tolerance ≥ 20 knots, ability to repeat flight paths within specified tolerances. Provide a Gigabit Ethernet data link (minimum 40 Mbit/s in visual range) with a directional ground‑station antenna (avoid 5‑6 GHz band). Supply a licensed remote pilot with valid remote‑pilot licence and relevant experience. Airship must be safety‑certified and registered with SACAA (ROC). Supplier responsibilities include airship operation, data‑link provision, flight safety, execution of prescribed flight patterns, integration of radar payload, and provision of test‑site access and support for CSIR personnel. Deliverables: technical proposal (company profile, airship specifications, test‑site description, safety certification, service breakdown, client references) and compliance matrix indicating conformity with minimum specs.

Pricing must be quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) inclusive of all taxes, with any escalation or exchange‑rate adjustments clearly identified. Use the Pricing Schedule (Annex D) and provide a detailed cost breakdown for initial installation, subsequent flight trials, airship rental, pilot/crew costs, transport, subsistence and any other costs. Include annual inflation rate and financial year‑end date. Submit a completed pricing schedule on official letterhead, a valid CSD registration report, and a B‑BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit. Provide tax compliance documentation (SARS TCS PIN or certificate).

• Register on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide the registration number.
• Tax compliance is mandatory; submit SARS TCS PIN or tax clearance certificate (proof required within 7 working days if requested).
• Minimum B‑BBEE level 3 (or provide a valid affidavit).
• No fronting – the CSIR may investigate ownership structures and will disqualify bidders that cannot prove the absence of fronting within 14 days of notice.
• Bidders listed on the NT Register of Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers are ineligible.
• All documentation must be in English and comply with POPI Act requirements.
• Provide all mandatory returnable documents listed in Annex E.