Objectives

The tender aims to provide comprehensive real-time aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services from aircraft platforms to support City of Cape Town's safety and security operations. This includes aerial mapping, evidence capture, operational support, and real-time video streaming to enhance public safety and strategic response capabilities.

Scope

The scope encompasses two main schedules:

• Schedule A: Provision of manned aircraft (fixed-wing or rotary-wing) equipped with ISR sensor packages for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Schedule B: Provision of unmanned aircraft systems (RPAS/UAS) with ISR payloads for similar surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.

Services include scheduled and ad-hoc operations, emergency activations, aerial mapping, evidence collection, live streaming, data management, and personnel deployment across multiple locations within and around the City of Cape Town.

Technical Requirements

General Requirements

• Real-time video streaming with minimum 1080p resolution, 30 fps, and maximum 3 seconds latency.
• Aircraft platforms (manned and unmanned) must be equipped with specified sensors, including high-resolution cameras (minimum 20 MP for stills), thermal imaging (640x512 pixels, -20°C to +150°C), and integrated geo-location capabilities.
• Operational platforms must support live streaming, data storage, and evidence management with embedded metadata.
• Support for after-hours, weekend, and emergency operations with flexible scheduling.
• Personnel must meet SACAA regulations, including appropriate licenses and experience in public safety operations.
• Aircraft must comply with ICAO, SACAA, and other relevant aviation and safety standards, including IFR certification for manned aircraft and BVLOS approval for unmanned systems.
• Data management systems should allow 24/7 access, with data retention for a minimum of 12 months post-contract.

Schedule A: Manned Aircraft

• Endurance: Minimum 3 hours continuous flight.
• Operating altitude: Up to 10,000 ft AMSL.
• Regulatory compliance: Valid SACAA AOC or foreign validation with written confirmation.
• Personnel: Pilot with CPL or ATPL; sensor operator with relevant experience.
• Base of operations: Within CoCT aerodrome/heliport.

Schedule B: Unmanned Aircraft (RPAS/UAS)

• Endurance: Capable of 8 hours on-site operation.
• Range: Minimum 3 km BVLOS; operation above 400 ft AGL.
• Platform: Multi-rotor, fixed-wing, or hybrid VTOL with IP43 minimum weather resistance.
• Personnel: Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) with BVLOS endorsement; Sensor Operator.
• Base of operations: Mobile command vehicle within 30 km of CoCT.

Skills and Skills Requirements

• Qualified SACAA pilots and remote pilots with BVLOS endorsements for unmanned systems.
• Personnel experienced in public safety, surveillance, evidence collection, and live streaming operations.
• Technical expertise in aircraft maintenance, sensor integration, data management, and cybersecurity.
• Ability to operate in complex environments, including night, adverse weather, and emergency scenarios.
• Knowledge of relevant aviation regulations, safety standards, and data protection laws (POPIA).
• Experience in managing multi-location operations, real-time data streaming, and evidence handling.