VVUZA

Drone-Based Research Support Services for iThemba LABS

Khanyisa Maqwara

This tender closed on 2 October 2026

Bidding is no longer open. Browse open general purpose tenders or see the related tenders below.

In plain English

iThemba LABS is procuring land access, operational support, consultation, and optional pilot/drone services for drone-based research activities. Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and provide a B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit if claiming preference points.

Always check the official document
Closing date
2 October 2026
Location
iThemba Old Faure Rd Cape Town 7130-Cape Town-Cape Town-7130
Estimated value
R 950 000
Published
23 September 2026
Tender no.
iLABS-RFQ-2025-26-207

Description

iThemba LABS is seeking a service provider for drone-based research support. The work involves providing land access, operational support, and technical consultation for aerial research activities. Services will be performed at the iThemba LABS facility in Cape Town and at field trial locations within 150km of the site. Key deliverables include mission planning, site assessments, safety reviews, and assistance with regulatory procedures like UAS certification. The contract will span two years. The project requires the ability to support the deployment of a 3 kg research payload and ensure safe flight operations.

What you need to qualify

  • CSD registration — Registration on the Central Supplier Database — required to do business with government.
  • Tax clearance — A valid SARS tax compliance status (PIN) showing your tax affairs are in order.
  • B-BBEE certificate — A B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit confirming your contribution level.
  • Other registration — An industry registration the tender requires (e.g. PSIRA, NHBRC, a professional or trade licence).

Full requirements

  • Registered on National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD)
  • Valid Tax Compliance Status PIN
  • Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit
  • Valid Remote Pilot Licence (RPL/RPC) with endorsements
  • Valid Unmanned Aircraft System Operator Certificate (UASOC)
  • Valid UAS aircraft registration and Letter of Authority (UASLA)
  • Proof of landowner permission for flight areas and radioactive source usage

Contact & how to apply

Name: Khanyisa Maqwara

Email: scm2@tlabs.nrf.ac.za

Phone: 021-843-1379

How to apply: Submit your quotation and all mandatory documents via email to scm2@tlabs.nrf.ac.za before the closing date of 02 October 2026 at 11:00 am.

Download tender documents

Related tenders

General Purpose28 Oct 2026

Radiation Protection Dosimetry Service for NRF iThemba LABS.

The National Research Foundation (NRF) iThemba LABS seeks tenders for occupational and environmental radiation protection dosimetry services. The project includes measuring and reporting radiation doses for personnel and environmental monitoring in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Key tasks involve managing monitoring cycles, maintaining records for the National Dose Registry, and providing electronic dose results within 14 days. The contract duration is five years. Bidders must show experience with at least three similar projects in the last three years and provide qualified technical staff, ensuring compliance with the Hazardous Substances Act and international safety standards.

iThemba Old Faure Rd Cape Town 7130-Cape Town-Cape Town-7130R 6 500 000
Security15 Oct 2026

Supply and maintenance of a security crime prevention drone.

The Alfred Duma Local Municipality seeks a service provider for the supply, maintenance, and training of a security crime prevention drone in Ladysmith. The project includes a commercial-grade drone with thermal imaging and high-resolution sensors, a three-year warranty, and training for two municipal employees. The provider must assist with Civil Aviation Authority registration and compliance. A compulsory briefing session is on 21 September 2026. The contract requires a fixed-price quote and will be evaluated on an 80/20 preference system with a minimum functionality score of 60%.

BL NDLOVU-LADYSMITH-LADYSMITH-3370R 1 500 000
General Purpose12 Oct 2026

Airborne Hyperspectral Surveys for Geoscience.

The Council for Geoscience seeks a service provider for airborne hyperspectral surveys in the Vioolsdrif and Springbok areas of the Northern Cape. The project involves acquiring, processing, and delivering high-resolution hyperspectral imagery. The provider must supply aircraft, systems, and personnel, delivering data in ENVI-readable format with GPS and IMU synchronization. Experience in hyperspectral data management is required, with strict specifications on sampling distance and geolocation accuracy. The contract is for two months, including inception and progress reports.

Council for Geoscience, 280 Pretoria Street Silverton Pretoria-Silverton-Pretoria-0184R 4 500 000
Technology05 Nov 2026

Airborne survey services for City of Tshwane.

Tender for the appointment of a professional service provider to conduct an airborne survey, acquiring digital aerial imagery, lidar surveys including DTM, DSM, DEM, and contour data, georeferenced ortho-images, and survey control points for the City of Tshwane on an as-and-when-required basis for three years.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SPARTIAL PLANNING-Pretoria-Pretoria-0002R 3 000 000
Technology09 Oct 20267d left

Procurement of Labware LIMS Support Services.

Mintek seeks bids for Labware LIMS support services, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line support over 12 months. Deliverables include administrative support, documentation updates, user guides, and a 600-hour ad-hoc development work bucket. Work is primarily at Mintek's Randburg premises, with remote support allowed. Bidders must be authorized Labware partners with experienced staff in IT or Laboratory Science and ITIL expertise. The contract includes strict incident resolution timelines and monthly progress meetings.

200 Malibongwe Dr, Praegville-Randburg-Randburg-2194R 1 800 000
General Purpose02 Oct 2026today

ILS Replacement Monitoring at Three Airports

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) seeks a Joint Monitoring Team of Consultants for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) replacement at Cape Town International Airport, Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, and George Airport. The project involves project management, technical oversight, contract administration, and quality assurance over 24 months. Key tasks include construction supervision, health and safety management, payment certification, and project close-out documentation. The work requires experience in navigational aids and adherence to aviation safety standards. The project follows the NEC3 Professional Services Contract (Option E). A compulsory briefing session is on 31 August 2026, with submissions due by 02 October 2026.

Cape Town International Airport-Matroosfontein-CITY OF CAPE TOWN-8000R 15 000 000