Objectives

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) aims to procure a complete field-portable VIS-NIR spectroradiometer system to accurately measure spectral radiance, irradiance, and reflectance across visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared wavelengths. The instrument will support remote sensing field research, including geological mapping, environmental and climate monitoring, vegetation and soil analysis, mineral exploration, forestry studies, and radiometric calibration transfer.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder must supply, deliver, configure, and commission one fully integrated spectroradiometer system. The scope includes provision of all mandatory optical accessories, calibration documentation, software licences, power supplies, protective transport cases, operator training, and dedicated technical support. Delivery must adhere to international commercial terms ensuring full risk and cost transfer to the supplier until arrival at the designated SANSA facility. The contract period spans two years from commencement, requiring reliable after-sales service and maintenance throughout.

Technical Requirements

• Spectral Range: Continuous coverage from 350 nm to 2500 nm.
• Spectral Resolution: ≤2.8 nm FWHM at 700 nm, ≤8 nm at 1500 nm, and ≤6 nm at 2100 nm.
• Wavelength Accuracy & Reproducibility: ±0.5 nm or better accuracy; 0.1 nm or better reproducibility.
• Sampling Interval: ≤2 nm (350–1000 nm) and ≤4 nm (1000–2500 nm).
• Detector Technology: Silicon and extended-range InGaAs arrays or equivalent.
• Acquisition Speed: Typical scan time of one second or less.
• Optics & Inputs: Fibre-optic interface with interchangeable fore-optics providing a defined field of view suitable for canopy and soil measurements.
• Environmental & Operational Features: Automatic/user-adjustable exposure control, dark correction, white/dark reference measurement support, rechargeable field power, and rugged portability.
• Data & Software: USB connectivity, open-format data export (CSV/ASCII), Windows-compatible control software with visualisation, basic processing, and NDVI calculation capabilities.
• Compliance & Support: Valid calibration certificate with stated uncertainty, minimum 24-month warranty, two operator training sessions, and dedicated technical support for two years.
• Mandatory Accessories: Two fibre-optic cables, two white reflectance panels, three battery/charger units, one handheld field device, connection adapters, protective case, and comprehensive documentation.

Skills and Operational Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate organisational capacity and technical competence to execute the contract. Key requirements include employing sufficiently qualified and experienced personnel, maintaining compliance with national labour and employment legislation, and ensuring staff can communicate effectively in official provincial languages. The supplier must implement health, safety, and environmental management plans, maintain professional indemnity insurance, and uphold strict confidentiality and intellectual property protocols. Personnel changes require prior written notice and equivalent qualification verification.

Key Terms and Conditions

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): An Incoterm requiring the supplier to bear all costs, risks, import duties, taxes, and logistics until the equipment is delivered to SANSA’s specified location.

FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum): A standard photometric measurement used to define spectral resolution; lower values indicate higher precision.

80/20 Preference System: A procurement evaluation model allocating 80 points to price competitiveness and 20 points to transformation goals (51% black ownership, 40% black women ownership, and 51% black youth ownership), requiring certified proof of equity structure.

Functionality Threshold: Bids must achieve a minimum of 85 out of 100 quality/functionality points before financial offers are evaluated.