Objectives

The primary objective of this Request for Quotations (RFQ) is to procure a new, advanced 3D printer for the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Electronics team. The current 3D printer is heavily utilised, and the team also supports other internal teams with 3D-printed parts. This acquisition aims to significantly upgrade the existing K1 Pro printer by offering multicolour printing, a larger build bed, and support for a wider range of materials, thereby increasing production capacity and capability.

Scope

The successful supplier must deliver one “Reality K2 Plus” 3D printer with a CFS (Multi-Filament Dispenser) system, or an equivalent product that meets the technical requirements. The supply includes the printer with its filament dispenser, and delivery is required to the SARAO facility in Mowbray, Cape Town, within three working days after receipt of the official purchase order.

Technical Requirements

• Multicolor printing: Must support multiple filament colours in a single print job (using the CFS dispenser).
• Larger bed size: A larger build volume than the current K1 Pro, allowing bigger parts to be printed.
• Wider material compatibility: Ability to print with a broader range of filament materials (e.g., plastics, composites).
• Equivalent products: The quote may offer a substitute brand/model only if it meets these key specifications—multicolor, large bed, and material range. Any proposed equivalent must be clearly identified.

The RFQ explicitly mentions “Reality K2 Plus” – this is the preferred model, but an equivalent is acceptable. The CFS (Multi-Filament Dispenser) is an accessory that automatically feeds multiple filaments, enabling colour changes and multi-material prints without manual swapping.

Skills and Compliance Requirements

Suppliers must meet specific legal, financial, and administrative requirements to be evaluated further:

Suppliers must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD). Quotations must be valid for 60 days from the closing date. Only firm prices are accepted; no prices subject to exchange rate variations. The evaluation will follow a two-phase process:

• Phase 1 – Administrative compliance: Checking that all mandatory documents are submitted and completed.
• Phase 2 – 80/20 preferential point system: Price scores 80 points, B-BBEE contribution scores up to 20 points. The highest combined score wins, subject to standard conditions.

Additional compliance requirements:

• No collusive bidding – declaration required.
• No state‑employed persons involved without disclosure.
• Payment terms: 30 days from receipt of valid invoice and delivery/acceptance; no pre‑payment.
• SARAO’s terms and conditions take precedence over any supplier terms.

Notable Conditions

• SARAO reserves the right to vary the scope of, withdraw, or reissue the RFQ, and is not obliged to accept the lowest quotation.
• The contract will be governed by National Treasury’s General Conditions of Contract.
• Firm prices only; VAT must be shown separately.
• Delivery location: SARAO, Liesbeek House, River Park, Gloucester Road, Mowbray, Cape Town.

In summary, this tender is a straightforward quotation for a specific high‑end 3D printer with multicolour capability intended to boost in‑house prototyping and production. The main skill requirements on the supplier side are the ability to submit the required administrative documents, offer a competitive price, demonstrate B‑BEE status, and deliver the product quickly and without defects on arrival.