This Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) seeks bids for the design, manufacture, and verification testing of a Cube Satellite Bus to integrate an optical payload. The scope includes mission concept study, satellite bus design and development up to Engineering Qualification Model (EQM), manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing (MAIT) of flight models, and support for satellite launch. Additionally, the RFP requires human capital development for CSIR employees in space system engineering and AIT. Proposals must include a detailed technical proposal with company profile, technical specifications of satellite bus subsystems, and a financial proposal with a pricing schedule. Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and be tax compliant. The evaluation will consider technical functionality, price, and preference points. Mandatory returnable documents must be submitted by the closing date of April 7, 2026, at 16:30. Electronic submissions are required to tender@csir. co. za.
The bid closing date and time is Tuesday, 07 April 2026 at 16:30.
The bid notice states that payment will be according to the CSIR payment terms and conditions.
The CSIR will award the contract to qualified bidders whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the CSIR, taking into consideration the technical functional solution, price, specific goals and objective criteria.
Bidders are required to submit a company profile that clearly stipulates the company's capability to execute the scope of work, including examples of spaceborne subsystems and components designed and manufactured, experience with space-grade AIT, space heritage, availability of equipment and infrastructure, FEM analysis capability, and names of key personnel with their qualifications and experience.
The bid notice mentions that bidders agree that non-compliance with any of the material terms of this RFP, including penalties for non-compliance with material terms or delayed delivery due to non-performance, will constitute a material breach of contract and provide CSIR with cause for cancellation.
The bid notice does not mention any requirement for a site visit.
The bid notice does not require the submission of samples.
The last date for submission of enquiries or clarifications is not explicitly stated as a deadline for challenges, but enquiries can be directed to tender@csir. co. za.