Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure a comprehensive radio planning tool along with its maintenance for a period of five (5) years. The tool aims to support the design, analysis, and optimization of point-to-point radio link networks and point-to-multi-point coverage systems for Eskom. It should facilitate accurate propagation modeling, interference analysis, network optimization, and support for various radio technologies, ensuring reliable and efficient radio network planning aligned with Eskom’s operational requirements.

Scope

The scope encompasses the supply, implementation, and maintenance of a radio planning software tool capable of:

• Designing and analyzing terrestrial radio links and networks across South Africa.
• Supporting multiple prediction models, including ITU-R P.530, P.1546, P.837, and others.
• Conducting interference, diversity, and co-channel analysis.
• Generating coverage and link plots, including reverse coverage and site suitability analysis.
• Supporting import/export of data from antenna manufacturers, radio OEMs, and other planning tools.
• Performing frequency assignment, network optimization, and desensitization analysis.
• Supporting multi-user, networked operation with privilege-based access.
• Providing training, support, and future upgrade policies.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include but are not limited to:

• Compatibility with Windows 7 (64-bit) and above.
• Support for LAN and WAN operation, with specified server requirements.
• Intuitive graphical user interface with logical menu structures.
• Support for latest propagation models (ITU-R P.530, P.1546, P.837, P.1812, etc.) and rain models.
• Capability to perform interference, co-channel, adjacent channel, and inter-modulation calculations.
• Ability to generate and analyze coverage, including reverse plots and clutter modeling.
• Automatic frequency assignment considering international and Eskom-specific plans.
• Support for network optimization, site search, and desensitization analysis.
• Data import/export capabilities in formats such as CSV, Excel, Word, PDF, and GIS formats like GeoTIFF.
• Support for multiple prediction models and the ability to support future models via updates.
• Provision of detailed documentation, user manuals, and training support.
• Security features including password-protected databases.

Skills Requirements

The successful tenderer must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in radio network planning and software development, particularly with similar tools.
• Technical expertise in propagation modeling, interference analysis, and network optimization.
• Capability to support multiple radio technologies (TDMA, CDMA, FDMA, etc.).
• Experience with international standards such as ITU-R, ETSI, and SARB guidelines.
• Ability to provide comprehensive training and user support in South Africa.
• Strong project management skills to ensure timely delivery, installation, and commissioning.
• Support for future upgrades and maintenance, including bug fixes and feature enhancements.
• Qualified personnel with relevant certifications and experience in telecommunications software.