Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a panel of suitable service providers to supply helicopter services on an ad-hoc basis across South African National Parks (SANParks) for a period of three (3) years. The services aim to support wildlife management activities such as wildlife removals, anti-poaching operations, species management interventions (e.g., contraception, translocations), wildlife surveys, and emergency responses. The goal is to ensure timely aerial support to enhance ecological conservation, biodiversity protection, and operational efficiency within the parks.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Provision of Small Turbine Engine Helicopters (e.g., Jet Ranger, Long Ranger, R66) and Four-seater Piston Driven Engine Helicopters (similar to R44 Raven II).
• Access to a B3e helicopter on an ad hoc basis, including leasing options.
• Operational support for various activities such as wildlife census, game capture, sling operations, wildlife darting, and emergency management.
• Service coverage across multiple parks including Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra, Camdeboo, Karoo, Mokala, Augrabies Falls, Meerkat, Richtersveld, Golden Gate Highlands, Marakele, Mapungubwe, Bontebok, Table Mountain, West Coast, Tankwa Karoo, Namaqua, Kruger National Park, among others.
• Provision of aircraft with specified technical features, communication systems, safety equipment, and insurance coverage.
• Operational support for island maintenance, elephant contraception, carnivore management, rhino ear-notching, collar replacements, and other wildlife management activities.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications and requirements include:

• Aircraft must hold valid Air Operating Certificates (AOC) and Operations Specifications (OpsSpec) issued by SACAA, with appropriate classifications (e.g., General Air Service Class iii, Aircraft Category H2).
• Helicopters should have a minimum capacity of 1,400 kg for the Airbus H125 B3e and be equipped with emergency flotation devices, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and communication systems.
• Helicopters must be fitted with ground-to-air radios, internal communication systems, and attachment points for wildlife darting operations.
• Provision of third-party and passenger liability insurance with a minimum coverage of R50 million per incident, including coverage for darting and hazardous operations.
• Helicopters should meet safety, visibility, and operational standards suitable for wildlife surveys, darting, sling operations, and emergency responses.
• Leasing arrangements for aircraft (e.g., Airbus H125 B3e) on a dry rate basis, with fuel, maintenance, and incidental costs managed separately.

Skills Requirements

The skills and experience required from service providers include:

• Qualified pilots with valid commercial helicopter licenses, including specific ratings and endorsements for the aircraft type.
• Minimum flying hours: at least 500 hours for aerial census, game capture, and sling operations; at least 1000 hours for turbine/piston helicopter operations.
• Proof of pilot proficiency tests, medical certificates, Crew Resource Management (CRM) certificates, and Dangerous Goods (DG) certificates.
• Demonstrated experience in wildlife management activities such as darting, game capture, sling operations, and emergency response.
• Provision of at least three (3) reference letters from clients confirming successful provision of similar helicopter services over at least two (2) years.
• Capability to operate aircraft safely in various environmental conditions, with adherence to SACAA regulations and SANParks safety standards.
• Ability to provide timely, reliable, and flexible aerial support on an ad hoc basis, including backup arrangements for mechanical failures.