Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure helium lines and associated components for SARAO’s radio astronomy facilities. The procurement aims to ensure high-quality, compliant helium supply hoses, valves, and fittings that meet technical standards for use in sensitive scientific environments, with an emphasis on inspection, certification, and leak testing to maintain the integrity of helium systems.

Scope

The scope includes the supply, inspection, testing, cleaning, and delivery of helium supply hoses, manual valves, fittings, and related components as specified in the technical documentation. The procurement covers:

• Helium supply hoses (welded and straight fittings)
• Manual valve assemblies with appropriate fittings
• O-rings, dust plugs, adaptors, and other hardware
• Inspection, leak testing, cleaning, and pre-charging with helium

The supply must adhere to specified standards, including ISO certifications, and must be suitable for high-purity helium applications in a scientific environment.

Technical Requirements

• Hoses and components must be ISO standards approved and previously manufactured or supplied by OEMs with proof of certification.
• All welded components must be performed by certified welders according to ISO 3834-2:2021 standards.
• Products must undergo helium leak testing at 26 bar (max leak rate 2.5 x 10^-5 mBar·L/sec) and be cleaned and purged for high-purity helium use.
• Hoses and fittings must be inspected and approved by SARAO before full batch production.
• Delivery includes pre-charged helium with a certificate of conformity (CoC) for high-purity helium (99.999%).
• All components must be cleaned, tested, and delivered ready for installation in high-purity helium systems.

Skills and Competencies Requirements

• Certification in welding, specifically ISO 3834-2:2021, with proven experience of over 5 years in welding high-pressure, high-purity components.
• Employees involved in welding must possess NQF level 4 or higher qualifications and have at least 8 years of relevant welding experience.
• Proven track record in manufacturing and supplying helium hoses, welded assemblies, and related components, with documented quality control processes.
• ISO 9001:2015 certification or equivalent quality management system certification, including OEM authorization for the supply of helium components.
• Leak testing capability with calibrated equipment and documented procedures.
• Experience in high-vacuum cleaning, purging, and helium leak testing processes suitable for ultra-high purity applications.

Overall, the successful bidder must demonstrate technical competence, quality assurance, and compliance with international standards to deliver reliable, certified helium supply hoses and components suitable for SARAO’s sensitive scientific infrastructure.