Introduction
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope is a multinational project that will deliver the largest and one of the world’s most technologically advanced radio astronomy facilities. In 2012, South Africa, along with eight African Partner Countries, received the right to host the mid-frequency component of the SKA – known as SKA_MID. The SKA telescope project will be carried out in phases. Consequently, the first phase in South Africa will be referred to as SKA1_MID. For further information, please visit here.
Invitation to Interested Companies
The SKA Observatory is undertaking a market survey. The survey is in preparation for future procurement opportunities which will be available to the South African industry. Consequently, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) invites interested parties to review the market survey information for each of the listed contracts below. Subsequently, interested parties are to register their interest on the SKA Observatory procurement portal. The deadline for registration is 30th July 2021. Registered parties will subsequently receive invites to pre-qualify for relevant procurement opportunities.
Contract opportunities (NEC4)
The contract opportunities are listed as follows:
- Contract 1 (CIDB 9CE, 9EP or higher): Design and Delivery of Infrastructure (Access Roads, Power & Fibre Reticulation Networks, Antenna Foundations, Temporary Accommodation, Water & Sanitation, Security and Weather, Visual & STI Monitoring Stations)
- Contract 2 (CIDB 8GB, 8EB or higher): Design and Delivery of Building Upgrades (including Power Facility, Grid Power and Building Management System)
- Contract 3: Design and Delivery of Site Monitoring Systems (including weather stations and visual monitoring)
- Contract 4: Design and Delivery of Mobile Radio System
Interested persons may access the SKA Observatory procurement portal via this link.
Note: This market survey does NOT constitute the initiation of any procurement process. The SKA Observatory will undertake the said process at a later date. Furthermore, the procurement opportunities – made available by the SKA Observatory – shall follow the terms of approved SKA Observatory procurement policies and procedures. In addition, SARAO is NOT issuing these opportunities. Furthermore, they shall not follow the terms of the Public Finance Management Act and associated national regulations such as the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 (PPPFA).
Local (Karoo) Opportunities
In respect of Contract 1, lead contractors are to sub-contract up to 30% of the value of the contracts; this is excluding major equipment and materials to the following;
- Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs); and
- Qualifying Small business Enterprises (QSEs) resident within 150km of the project site (primarily Carnarvon, Williston, Brandvlei and Van Wyksvlei Local Municipalities).
Should no suitable local enterprises be available, opportunities shall extend across the Northern Cape Province. Similar conditions are in place for Contract 2. However, no minimum percentage applies due to the highly specialised nature of the works. The lead contractors shall facilitate these opportunities only AFTER the SKA Observatory awards the main contracts.
For more information, please visit here.
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