Development of implementation model for geo stationary fixed satellite platform – RFP in gauteng

Closing: 14 October 2026 at 12:00 PM.

Non-compulsory briefing: 23 September 2026 at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. Bidders must request attendance by email to [email protected] by 22 September 2026.

Bid validity: 90 days from closing.

Clarification questions raised after the briefing will be consolidated and shared with all bidders at least 7 calendar days before closing.

Bidding and technical enquiries: Norman / Amukelani

Phone: +27 11 471 4579 / 4443

Email: [email protected]

Manual submission address: Sentech SOC Ltd, Sender Technology Park, Radiokop Ext 3, Honeydew (tender box). Mark outer envelope for attention Head of Supply Chain Management.

Online submissions via the eTender Portal.

Two-envelope system: Envelope 1 (Technical Proposal) must contain all required forms, supporting documents, and a soft copy PDF on USB. Envelope 2 (Financial Proposal) must contain the pricing schedule/contract data and a soft copy. Both envelopes sealed in one outer envelope marked with bid number, closing date, and bidder details.

Submit manually to the tender box at Sentech SOC Ltd, Sender Technology Park, Radiokop Ext 3, Honeydew, or via the eTender Portal (file size limit 30MB).

Late, telegraphic, telephonic, telex, facsimile, or email bids will not be accepted.

All returnable forms must be completed, signed, and included. Missing documents may render the bid non-responsive.

Financial information must not appear in Envelope 1. Failure to separate envelopes disqualifies the bid.

Bidders must initial every page of the submission.

Stages of evaluation:

1. Administrative responsiveness – all required returnable documents present and correctly completed.
2. Technical evaluation – mandatory criteria must be fully complied with (see below). Bidders who do not meet any mandatory criterion are disqualified.
3. Price and preference – financial proposals of technically compliant bidders are opened and scored according to the PPPFA (assumed 80/20 system for services).
4. Risk assessment – Sentech may disqualify bidders based on identified risks from their responses or other factors.

Mandatory eligibility criteria:

• Statement of commitment to provide programme schedule, risk management plan, and governance model for a GEO satellite project (on letterhead).
• Demonstrate ability to structure and mobilise development finance for infrastructure projects >R1 billion – provide proof of financial close or advanced financing arrangements.
• Proven expertise in designing, manufacturing, and launching GEO satellite systems – list of projects with 2 contactable references.
• Demonstrated technical capacity in ground segment, TT&C, and network operations of GEO systems – list of projects with 2 references.
• Experience managing GEO satellite projects with multiple subcontractors and regulatory interfaces – list of projects with 2 references.

Sentech reserves the right not to award to bidders with poor past performance or who are blacklisted.

Objective: Develop an implementation model for a Geostationary Fixed Satellite platform.

Scope of services (six work streams):

1. Development of funding and financing model.
2. Development of orbital resource access strategy.
3. Satellite system design and engineering.
4. Space segment and ground segment implementation.
5. Skill transfer and capacity development strategy.
6. Implementation roadmap.

Sentech has provided a Concept Note (Annexure A) detailing strategic context, technical architecture, and other background. The deliverable is the implementation model, not the satellite itself.

Bidders must address all six work streams in their proposal.

Pricing format: Bidders must complete the pricing schedule / schedule of rates in Envelope 2 as per the Contract Data.

Bid validity period: 90 days.

Performance security: The GCC requires a performance bond (amount specified in Special Conditions of Contract) to be furnished within 30 days of contract award. No specific amount is given in this document.

Payment terms: Per GCC, payment within 30 days of invoice submission.

No bid bond is mentioned.

Bidders must demonstrate ability to structure financing for projects >R1 billion (mandatory criterion).

Tax compliance: Submit a valid original Tax Clearance Certificate (TCS PIN) or provide a CSD number. For joint ventures, each party must submit its own.

B-BBEE: Submit a valid B-BBEE certificate in both Envelope 1 and Envelope 2. Sentech applies the DTI codes of good practice.

CIDB: If applicable, include CIDB registration number (not mandatory for this tender).

Returnable forms (one line per form):

• SBD1 (Invitation to Bid): captures bidder details and declarations.
• SBD4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses any state employment or connections.
• SBD5 (National Industrial Participation Programme): applicable if imported content is involved.
• SBD6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form): claims B-BBEE points.
• Board Resolutions: authorising the bid and, if applicable, entering into a joint venture.
• Record of Addenda: confirms receipt of any tender amendments.
• Company registration documents and company profile.
• Signed Tender Data and Contract Data.

Subcontracting: The successful bidder may be required to subcontract a specified percentage to designated groups (percentage not stated). Sentech may request a transformation plan within 10 working days if B-BBEE level is insufficient.

Foreign suppliers must answer a questionnaire and may need a tax registration if they have RSA income.

Mandatory eligibility criteria (from the evaluation section):

• Statement of commitment to provide programme schedule, risk management plan, and governance model for a GEO satellite project.
• Ability to structure, secure, and mobilise development finance for large-scale infrastructure projects (>R1 billion) with proof of financial close or advanced financing arrangements.
• Proven expertise in designing, manufacturing, and launching GEO satellite systems (list of projects with 2 contactable references). Operating a GEO system is a bonus.
• Demonstrated technical capacity in ground segment, TT&C, and network operations of GEO systems (list of projects with 2 references).
• Experience managing GEO satellite projects with multiple subcontractors and regulatory interfaces (list of projects with 2 references).

Sentech reserves the right to disqualify bidders with poor past performance or blacklisting, and may also disqualify based on risk assessment after technical evaluation.