Supply and delivery of a high-power rated power amplifier (nrf/sarao SRFI/27/2026-27)

Closing date: Friday, 27 November 2026 at 12:00 PM.

Compulsory briefing session: N/A (none).

Register interest: complete the online form (link provided) as soon as possible after the advert date, 3 November 2026, to enable SARAO to contact bidders during the advert period.

Last date for submission of enquiries: three (3) working days before the closing date.

Enquiries (procedural and technical):

• Email: [email protected]

Fraud/corruption reporting:

• Toll-free: 0800 701 701
• Sms: 39772

Delivery address:

Sarao

Liesbeek House, River Park

Liesbeek Parkway, Settlers Way

Mowbray, Cape Town, 7705

Submission method: National Treasury e-submission portal (https://admin.etenders.gov.za). Bids submitted by any other method will not be accepted. Log in with CSD details, search by tender number, upload before closing.

Two-envelope system: submit two electronic folders (or two sealed envelopes if paper-based):

• Folder 1: Administrative and Technical Proposal (no pricing details — including pricing here may lead to disqualification)
• Folder 2: Price Offer

Returnable forms (all must be completed and signed):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder details and offer cover page.
• SBD 3.1 (Pricing Schedule): the price offer.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure): declares any state employment or relationships with the procuring entity; false disclosure disqualifies.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE and specific goal points.
• Proof of authority (e.g. company resolution) for the signatory.
• CSD number or SARS tax compliance PIN/certificate.
• B-BBEE certificate or EME/QSE sworn affidavit (if claiming preference points).
• Evidence for specific goals (job creation, ESD) if claimed.

Disqualification risks:

• Late bids (after closing time/date) are not considered.
• Altering the bid document content (except as instructed by SARAO) leads to disqualification.
• Including pricing in the technical folder may lead to disqualification.
• Failure to submit both technical and financial offers in a two-envelope system makes the bid invalid.
• Bidders listed on the National Treasury Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers are invalid.
• Bidders restricted from doing business with any organ of state are invalid.
• False or misleading information, or deliberately withheld material information, leads to disqualification.
• Bids must be signed by a duly authorised person.
• No alternative tender offers will be accepted.
• Bidders may submit only one tender offer (as a single entity or as a member of a joint venture/consortium).
• Each party to a joint venture/consortium must submit separate SBD 1, 4 and 6.1 forms.
• Bids must be held valid for 90 days from closing date; extension may be requested (max additional 90 days).

Evaluation stages:

• Stage 1: Submission of returnable documents and forms (mandatory). All mandatory criteria must be met to proceed.
• Stage 2: Functionality evaluation (mandatory). Bidders must submit datasheets matching specifications, a completed Compliance Matrix (Schedule A) indicating 'comply' for all mandatory requirements, and two or more reference letters from previous customers for supply of measurement equipment. Failure to submit required evidence results in disqualification. No second opportunity to submit missing evidence, except at NRF discretion when only one bid is received.
• Stage 3: Price and preference (80/20 system).

Price points: 80 (formula: Ps = 80 × (1 − (Pt − Pmin) / Pmin)).

Preference points: 20 (maximum).

Total: 100.

Preference points breakdown (specific goals):

• B-BBEE Level of Contributor (max 4 points): Level 1-3 = 4; Level 4-6 = 2; Level 7-8 = 1; Non-compliant = 0.
• Ownership (max 8 points): At least 51% Black-owned = 3; at least 51% Black female-owned = 3; at least 51% Black youth-owned = 1; at least 51% owned by people with disabilities = 1.
• Support for SMMEs (max 4 points): Bidder is an EME or QSE = 4.
• Community Development (max 2 points): Direct job creation (skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled) in last 3 years = 2.
• Enterprise and Supplier Development (max 2 points): Investment in ESD beneficiaries in last 3 years, with ESD spend of at least R20,000 = 2.

Award: to the bidder with the highest combined price and preference score, subject to final tax compliance verification.

Supply and delivery of one (1) high-power rated power amplifier for the SARAO RFI team's EMC test facility in Grabouw.

Purpose: to complete the capability for radiated susceptibility testing across the full frequency range of 2 MHz to 18 GHz, specifically covering the 80 MHz to 1 GHz range (currently limited).

Mandatory functional and performance requirements:

• Operational frequency: 80 MHz to 1 GHz
• Minimum output power: 1000 W over entire operational frequency
• 3-phase power supply connection (220V-240V, 50 Hz)
• Maximum power consumption: 10 kW
• Lowest acceptable mismatch tolerance: 90%
• Maximum gain variation: ±3 dB
• Gain-adjustable range: at least 20 dB
• Automatic gain control functionality
• Handle continuous-wave, amplitude-modulated, or pulse-modulated input signals
• N-type RF input and sample connectors
• 7/16 DIN-type RF output connector
• Internal cooling/fans included
• Built-in fault monitoring, logging and protection
• Low system noise (optional)

Usability requirements:

• Controller software for digital monitoring
• Appropriate interface (GPIB or Ethernet) for digital monitoring
• Rack-mounted unit or desktop instrument type
• Own transit/protective case

Documentation and warranty:

• One manual (user guide and troubleshooting guide)
• Certificate of Calibration
• 3-year warranty

Delivery:

• Packaging must indicate fragile equipment as per OEM requirements
• Estimated lead time to be provided with quotation; maximum lead time 5 months
• Delivery to SARAO, Liesbeek House, River Park, Liesbeek Parkway, Settlers Way, Mowbray, Cape Town, 7705
• Delivery during SARAO operational hours (08:00 to 16:00, weekdays)

No specific methodology or execution plan required beyond the technical specifications and compliance matrix. Bidders must provide datasheets and a completed Compliance Matrix (Schedule A) indicating 'comply' for all mandatory requirements. No method statement is requested.

Bidders must provide two or more reference letters from previous customers to whom the bidder has supplied measurement equipment (e.g. power amplifiers). This is a mandatory functionality criterion.

Bidders should be represented at any briefing/site visit by persons suitably qualified and experienced to comprehend the tender requirements (though no briefing is scheduled for this tender).

Pricing must be submitted on the Pricing Schedule (SBD 3.1) in the second folder/envelope of the two-envelope system. No pricing details may appear in the technical folder.

Price evaluation: 80 points, using formula Ps = 80 × (1 − (Pt − Pmin) / Pmin).

No alternative tender offers accepted.

Bidders may be required to provide a breakdown of rates or prices, or correction of arithmetical errors, during evaluation.

No bill of quantities or schedule of rates specified; the pricing schedule is for the supply of the power amplifier.

Pricing format: Pricing Schedule (SBD 3.1) must be submitted as the price offer in the second folder/envelope.

Price evaluation: 80 points, using formula Ps = 80 × (1 − (Pt − Pmin) / Pmin).

Preference points: 20 points (80/20 system, applicable for requirements with a Rand value between R2,000 and R50,000,000).

No bid security, bonds, guarantees, or retention mentioned.

Bidders are responsible for all costs related to bid preparation and submission.

Bidders may be required to provide audited annual financial statements for the preceding 3 years upon written request.

No minimum turnover requirement stated.

CSD registration: No award may be made to a bidder not registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). Bidders may submit without CSD registration but must be registered prior to award.

Tax compliance: Bidders must be tax compliant with SARS. Provide CSD number, or SARS tax compliance status (TCS) PIN, or printed TCS certificate. For consortia/joint ventures, each party must submit separate TCS PIN/certificate/CSD number. At award, preferred bidder must be tax compliant; if not, must become compliant within 7 days of notification (or extended timeframe granted by SARAO).

State employment: No bids from persons in the service of the state, or companies with directors who are persons in the service of the state.

B-BBEE: To claim preference points, submit a valid B-BBEE certificate, or for EMEs/QSEs a sworn affidavit confirming annual turnover and level of black ownership. Certificates/affidavits must be valid (not expired).

CIDB: Not applicable (supply of equipment, not construction).

Local content: Not specified.

Other: Bidders must not be listed on the National Treasury Register for Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

Additional evaluation criteria beyond the standard stages:

• Stage 2 functionality requires datasheets matching specifications, a completed Compliance Matrix (Schedule A) indicating 'comply' for all mandatory requirements, and two or more reference letters from previous customers for supply of measurement equipment.
• Failure to submit required evidence results in disqualification; no second opportunity except at NRF discretion when only one bid is received.
• Stage 3: Price (80 points) and preference (20 points) using the 80/20 system.
• Preference points are claimed for specific goals: B-BBEE level, ownership, SMME support, community development (direct job creation), and enterprise and supplier development (ESD).
• ESD spend must be at least R20,000 in the preceding 3 years, with signed confirmation letters from beneficiaries.