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NRF Seeks Computing Equipment for MeerKAT Project

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The National Research Foundation (NRF), through the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), has issued an open tender (NRF/SARAO SCBF/45/2026-27) for the supply, delivery, and support of computing and networking equipment. This strategic procurement is critical for the MeerKAT Band 5B Project, supporting advanced prototyping, data processing, and network interconnectivity required for South Africa’s world-class radio astronomy initiatives.

Scope of Supply

The successful bidder will be responsible for supplying, assembling, and delivering three primary groups of enterprise-grade hardware, complete with applicable warranties and technical support:

  • MeerKAT Band 5B Correlator-Beamformer Processing Nodes (commercial off-the-shelf servers configured to exact specifications).
  • High-speed Nvidia/Mellanox network switches to ensure seamless interoperability and sufficient bandwidth for increased data processing demands.
  • Next-Generation Imaging Servers and associated processing nodes to support the expanded array size and higher-frequency imaging requirements of the MeerKAT Extension.
    Bidders must demonstrate OEM or authorized reseller status for key components, including Supermicro chassis, AMD EPYC CPUs, and Nvidia networking hardware.

Mandatory Compliance Requirements

To be considered responsive, bidders must submit a comprehensive compliance package. Essential documentation includes:

  • A valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration report with an active MAAA status.
  • A current SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN.
  • A valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
  • Documentary evidence proving the bidder’s capability to assemble servers and effect warranty and support plans without voiding manufacturer guarantees upon user expansion.
  • Proof of financial and technical capacity to meet an 8 to 12-week lead time for delivery.

Pricing and Currency Regulations

All pricing must be submitted in South African Rand (ZAR), inclusive of all applicable taxes. For components relying on imported goods or services, bidders must use the United States Dollar (USD) as the underlying foreign currency baseline. The conversion from USD to ZAR must strictly utilize the exchange rate published by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) at 11:00 AM on the Tender Base Date, Tuesday, 10 November 2026. Price adjustments will only be considered if the variance between the base rate and claimed rate exceeds 3%, supported by official customs and bank remittance documentation.

Submission Guidelines

There will be no briefing session for this procurement. Bidders must note a critical submission condition: all bids must be submitted exclusively via the National Treasury e-Tender portal. Physical, emailed, or faxed submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Bidders may deliver items in batches as they become available, provided partial deliveries do not delay the overall project timeline. The strict closing time is 12:00 on Tuesday, 17 November 2026. Submitted bids must remain valid and irrevocable for 60 days from the closing date. For technical enquiries, contact SARAO Tender Enquiries at 021-506-7300 or tender-enquiries@sarao.ac.za.

Related opportunity: Rand West IT Equipment Supply Tender Now Open

Prospective bidders can access the complete tender documentation and submit their proposals via the official National Treasury e-Tender portal:

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