Drone-Based Research Support Services for iThemba LABS.
Khanyisa Maqwara
In plain English
Provision of 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 specific goals.
Always check the official documentDescription
iThemba LABS is seeking a service provider for drone-based research support. The project involves providing land access, operational consultation, and optional drone pilot services for a two-year period. The work will take place at iThemba LABS in Cape Town and at a field trial site within 150km of the facility. Key deliverables include mission planning, technical advice, safety reviews, and assistance with regulatory certifications for unmanned aircraft systems. The service provider must facilitate field trials involving the placement of research equipment on the ground. The closing date for this tender is 09 October 2026.
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
- Proof of landowner consent for radioactive source placement
- Possession of required safety equipment (fire extinguishers and first-aid)
- Valid aviation certifications (RPL, RPC, UASOC) and insurance
- Technical registration for drone equipment
- Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit
Contact & how to apply
Name: Khanyisa Maqwara
Email: scm2@tlabs.ac.za
Phone: 021-843-1379
How to apply: Submit your quotation via email to scm2@ilabs.nrf.ac.za before 11:00 am on the closing date of 09 October 2026.
Related tenders
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.
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%.
Supply and Support of Drone System for Eskom.
Eskom Holdings SOC Limited seeks tenders for the supply, delivery, training, and technical support of a drone system for inspection in fossil power plants over 12 months. The drone must perform 3D scanning, Lidar navigation in GPS-denied environments, and thermal imaging in harsh conditions. Deliverables include one drone, accessories, software, training, and technical support. The project is at Eskom Research in Rosherville, with a 70% functionality threshold required. Governed by NEC3 TSC3 Option A, submissions close on 28 October 2026 at 10h00.
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.
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.
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.