Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to provide comprehensive real-time aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services from aircraft platforms to support the City of Cape Town's safety and security operations. This includes delivering real-time video streaming, evidence capture, aerial mapping, and operational support through both manned and unmanned aircraft systems.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Provision of ISR services using both manned (fixed-wing or rotary-wing) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/RPAS).
• Operational support for scheduled and emergency aerial surveillance, including after-hours and ad-hoc activations.
• Equipping aircraft with specified sensor packages, including high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and geo-location systems.
• Live streaming of video feeds with specified quality, latency, and security features.
• Data management, storage, and personnel requirements aligned with regulatory standards.
• Support for multiple simultaneous operations, including deployment from mobile platforms and mutual aid agreements.

Technical Requirements

General Requirements

• Airborne ISR capabilities with real-time video streaming, evidence capture, and aerial mapping.
• Support for scheduled and emergency operations, including after-hours and weekends.
• Aircraft must be equipped with sensors such as 1080p cameras with ≥30x optical zoom, thermal imaging (≥640×512 pixels, ≥30Hz), and integrated geo-location metadata.
• Live streaming must support minimum 1080p resolution, 30 fps, max 3 seconds latency, and adaptive bitrate.
• Data storage to be accessible 24/7 with no limits, retaining data for at least 6 months post-contract.
• Personnel must meet SACAA regulations, including pilots with appropriate licenses and thermal imaging operators.

Schedule A: Manned Aircraft ISR Services

• Aircraft must have a minimum endurance of 3 hours, operate up to 10,000 ft AMSL, and be certified for IFR operations.
• Regulatory compliance with SACAA AOC or validated foreign equivalent.
• Minimum crew: Pilot in Command (CPL or ATPL) and Sensor Operator.
• Base of operations within Cape Town metro, with aircraft capable of night and IMC operations.

Schedule B: Unmanned Aircraft ISR Services

• Operational endurance of at least 8 hours on-site, with BVLOS capability up to 3 km, above 400 ft AGL.
• Platform must be IP43 rated or better, suitable for thermal imaging and GIS data collection.
• Personnel: Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) with BVLOS endorsement and Sensor Operator with relevant operational experience.
• Mobile operations vehicle required for deployment near operational areas.

Additional Technical Requirements

• Integrated sensor packages with stabilization, auto-tracking, and high-resolution imaging.
• Secure, encrypted live streaming with user access controls.
• Data management compliant with POPIA, including secure storage, retrieval, and audit trails.
• Personnel to maintain currency and regulatory compliance, including ongoing training and certification.

Skills and Skills Requirements

• Qualified pilots with SACAA CPL or ATPL licenses for manned aircraft; experience in ISR and public safety operations.
• Unmanned platform operators with SACAA RPC and BVLOS endorsements.
• Thermal imaging and sensor operators with experience in evidence collection and analysis.
• Technical staff capable of aircraft maintenance, sensor calibration, and data security management.
• Personnel familiar with live streaming technology, cybersecurity, and data storage protocols.
• Compliance officers knowledgeable of SACAA regulations, POPIA, and supply chain management policies.