Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider to facilitate and manage the registration of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) under the Civil Aviation Regulations of South Africa. The successful bidder will assist the Mossel Bay Municipality in obtaining a Remote Operator Certificate (ROC) to enable legal operation of RPAS for municipal activities such as surveying and inspections. The overall goal is to ensure compliance with SACAA regulations and support municipal operational needs through effective registration and regulatory adherence.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Conducting initial consultation and assessment of RPAS requirements.
• Preparing and submitting all documentation required for ROC application, ensuring compliance with SACAR Part 101.
• Advising on safety standards, risk assessments, safety management systems (SMS), and operational procedures.
• Submitting applications to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and following up until approval.
• Providing training to municipal personnel on responsibilities and operational requirements related to RPAS.
• Facilitating inspections by the CAA and supporting responses to queries or requests.
• Offering ongoing advisory services on regulatory compliance, reporting, and renewal of the ROC.

The work will be carried out in phases, including application development, OPSPEC, Safety Management Manual, SMS setup, and final approval, with associated third-party costs as applicable.

Technical Requirements

• Preparation and submission of comprehensive ROC application documentation in line with SACAA regulations.
• Development of safety protocols, risk assessments, and safety management systems.
• Facilitation of CAA inspections and compliance checks.
• Provision of training manuals and capacity building for municipal staff.
• Support in ongoing regulatory compliance and renewal processes post-approval.

The bidder must demonstrate experience in RPAS registration, compliance, and regulatory processes, and provide detailed documentation for each phase of the registration process.

Skills Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of South African Civil Aviation Regulations, specifically SACAR Part 101.
• Experience in preparing and managing ROC applications for RPAS.
• Ability to develop safety management systems and operational procedures compliant with SACAA standards.
• Proven track record in liaising with civil aviation authorities and facilitating inspections.
• Capacity to train municipal personnel on RPAS operational and regulatory responsibilities.
• Strong project management skills to coordinate phases from application to final approval.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills to ensure clarity and compliance throughout the process.