Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider to supply a rental space in Kimberley that will serve as office facilities for the permanent staff of the Kimberley Tri-biome (KIMTRI) Landscape within the Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Observation Network (EFTEON). The office space will support administrative functions and accommodate staff, visitors, interns, and researchers involved in scientific activities.

Scope

The scope includes providing a suitable rental property with:

• Office facilities for at least one scientist (~9–16 m²) and shared offices (~12–16 m²) for technicians, with privacy considerations.
• Open plan shared space (~25–40 m²) for visiting students, interns, and researchers.
• Laboratory spaces for soil and vegetation processing (~20 m²), weighing and microscopy (~20 m²), and instrumentation calibration.
• Storage facilities for instrumentation and field equipment (~20 m²).
• Secure, covered parking for at least 2 vehicles, with access for staff and visitors.
• Electrical, water, and other essential services, including reliable internet and cell signal.
• Proximity within 5 km of the SAEON-Arid Lands Node offices and Sol Plaatje University.
• Office move-in date targeted for mid-January 2026, with a 4-year rental period, including annual escalation.

The property must also support maintenance, security, and scientific engagement activities, with the property owner responsible for major repairs and upkeep.

Technical Requirements

The rental space must meet the following technical specifications:

• Office spaces with windows and electrical connections, including at least one individual office (~9–16 m²) and shared offices (~12–16 m²).
• Open plan shared workspace (~25–40 m²) for 3–5 workstations.
• Laboratory areas with appropriate lighting, ventilation, and plumbing for soil and vegetation processing, weighing, microscopy, and instrumentation calibration.
• Storage rooms with cupboards or shelving for equipment and reagents.
• Secure, covered parking for at least 2 vehicles.
• Reliable mains electricity, water supply, and waste disposal.
• Good internet connectivity and cell phone signal.
• Space for visiting researchers and interns, with flexible shared arrangements.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder should demonstrate:

• Experience in providing office and laboratory rental spaces suitable for scientific research and environmental monitoring.
• Ability to meet technical specifications for laboratory setup, including installation of workbenches, refrigeration, and ventilation systems.
• Capability to ensure security, maintenance, and timely repairs of the property.
• Proficiency in coordinating property modifications, including installation of non-fixed equipment such as workbenches and lab furniture.
• Understanding of environmental and scientific engagement needs, supporting the activities of EFTEON and KIMTRI.
• Compliance with health and safety regulations, including occupational health and safety standards for work on NRF sites.