Request for Proposals (RFP)Closed

Overview

CSIR seeks proposals for the development of a Cube Satellite Bus design and Verification Testing to integrate an Optical Payload. Bidder capability should cover CubeSat bus design, hardware-in-the-loop testing (AIT/Flat-Sat), and integration of a fire-detection optical payload, with space heritage and space-grade development experience (minimum 3 years). Key areas include subsystem design, testing, and documentation to support launch-readiness.

Requirements

• Proven CubeSat bus design, verification and AIT capabilities, with in-house examples and space heritage.
• Detailed technical specifications for satellite bus subsystems that support the payload (BC&DH/OBC, Structure, BEPS, Communications, ADCS, Thermal, Propulsion if applicable, Payload interface and ICD).
• Ability to manufacture and test subsystems to space-grade tolerances; FEM analysis capability.
• Availability of qualified personnel with defined responsibilities and years of space-related experience.
• Evidence of spaceborne subsystem/component heritage (minimum 3 years) and references from at least two clients.
• Compliance: CSD registration and SARS Tax Compliance; BBBEE considerations; adherence to PPPFA evaluation rules; submission of all mandatory returnable and essential documents (see Annexure A–I).

How to Apply

• Submission deadline: 09 October 2026 at 16:30; inquiries by 25 September 2026 at 16:30.
• Submission method: electronically to tender@csir.co.za; split into PART 1 Technical Proposal and PART 2 Pricing Proposal (two emails) with RFP No. in subject (see document for exact formatting) (see attached RFP).
• Documents to complete/submit: Annexure A (SBD 1), Annexure B (Technical Specification), Annexure C (Technical Evaluation Matrix), Annexure D (Pricing Schedule) – pricing must be in Annexure D; Annexure E (Proposal Form & Returnables); Annexure F–J (NDA, certificates, BBBEE, etc.) (see Annexures in attached documents).
• Registrations/compliance: CSD registration and SARS Tax Compliance PIN; provide CSD/TCS as applicable; ensure compliance with national procurement rules and fronting safeguards.
• Briefing/clarifications: Enquiries must be in writing to the CSIR; no explicit mandatory briefing session is stated in the excerpt. Site evaluations may be requested as part of due diligence.
• Where to obtain documents: CSIR tender documentation package (Annexures A–J) within the attached RFP file (RFP No. 3724.1/09/10/2026).

Notes:

• Pricing should be in South African Rand, including taxes, and detailed in the Pricing Schedule (Annexure D) — include all costs (travel, freight, etc.) (see Annexure D).
• The award will be based on a 3-phase evaluation: Phase 1 elimination, Phase 2 technical (max 100 points, with 50%+ thresholds per criterion and 70% overall), Phase 3 price and preference (80/20 split) (see Annexure C).
• Validity period: 90 days from closing date.