Request for Proposals (RFP) The Supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of Parallel File System Storage Hardware, Software, Maintenance and Support to the CSIR for a three (3) year periodClosed

Overview

The CSIR seeks the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of Parallel File System Storage hardware, software, maintenance and support for a three-year period. Bidders with experience in HPC storage infrastructure, parallel file systems and data-centre storage operations should bid, capable of delivering 1.0–2.4 PB usable capacity and providing three years of licenses, maintenance and training, plus a robust SLAs and integration.

Requirements

• Proven ability to provide end-to-end HPC parallel file system storage solutions (hardware, software, licenses for three years) plus maintenance and support, including installation and commissioning.
• Capacity options: price proposals for 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4 PB usable storage (no deduplication/compression assumptions).
• Compliance: tax clearance, Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration or Tax Compliance Status, and BBEE requirements; anti-fronting measures. Joint ventures must submit JV agreements and partner documentation.
• Tender rules: two-part electronic submission (PART 1 Technical Proposal; PART 2 Pricing Proposal) to tender@csir.co.za, with RFP reference in subject lines; submissions must be in separate emails; no cloud-transfer services; bids valid for 180 days; retention of 10% will apply on contract.
• Annexures and forms: complete Annexure A (Technical Specifications YES/NO), Annexure E (Pricing Schedule), and return all required forms (Annexures B, F–K) per the RFP.

How to Apply

• Briefing: non-compulsory briefing on 28 September 2026 at 08:00 (Teams link in RFP).
• Submission deadlines: questions by 28 September 2026 at 16:30; closing date 07 October 2026 at 16:30.
• How to submit: electronically to tender@csir.co.za; ensure two separate emails for PART 1 (Technical) and PART 2 (Pricing), with the RFP No and description in the subject.
• Documents to submit: Annexure A (compliance YES/NO), Annexure B (SBD 1), Annexure E (Pricing Schedule), Annexure F (Proposal Form), Annexure G–K as applicable, and any joint-venture documentation if relevant. (Pricing schedules for all seven options must be provided; a detailed BOM is also requested in Annexure E.)
• Where to obtain bid documents: RFP attachments and annexures listed in the documents, including Annexure A–K and pricing files (e.g., Annexure E Excel). The CSIR may also require power, cooling and site information per Annexure C1 during evaluation.