Request for Information (RFI) for
Collimation Lattice Tower/Mast
establishment and Lease at
Gatsberg, Laingsburg
(Version2)
Date of issue: 30 May 2024
Response deadline: 14 June 2024 at 11:00 am
1. Introduction
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is seeking information from potential
tower providers regarding the construction and long-term leasing of a collimation tower
in Laingsburg, Western Cape, South Africa. The purpose of this Request for Information
(RFI) is to gather input from vendors on the design, construction, and maintenance of
the proposed Gatsberg Collimation Tower site, which will enable critical calibration and
testing of the earth station communication systems in SANSA Matjiesfontein site.
The proposed location for the new collimation tower is Gatsberg Mountain
(32°56'18.28"S, 21°9'2.17"E), situated approximately 65 km from the main Matjiesfontein
site. Access to the site involves a 65 km tar road, followed by a 17 km gravel road, and a
20 km 4x4 route. The scope of this project covers the construction of the collimation
tower and all supporting infrastructure, adhering to the requirements set forth by SANSA.
The key components of the project which include: a 15-meter lattice tower, alternative
electricity generation through solar and wind power, security measures, including a 3-
meter perimeter fence, specialized containers with restricted access areas and
environmental control systems and leasing of property and access road.
SANSA intends to lease the facility for 30 years, considering the Laingsburg weather
conditions. All expenses related to the construction of the collimation tower, container,
access road, power, and security requirements will be incorporated into the long-term
rental agreement. This agreement will also include a once-off bulk amount for
construction for 30 years, ensuring the long-term use of the tower facility.
Through this Request for Information (RFI), the South African National Space Agency
(SANSA) seeks innovative and cost-effective solutions that align with technical
specifications. Vendors’ submissions will refine requirements and inform the subsequent
Request for Quotation (RFQ) process. The goal is to select a vendor capable of
delivering a cutting-edge collimation tower facility. By participating, vendors showcase
expertise and contribute to space research and communication technologies in South
Africa.
Figure 1 New Proposed Gatsberg Collimation Tower in MTJ
2. Technical Specifications:
2.1 Tower Specifications
Proposed tower specifications are defined in Table 1 Proposed Tower Specifications
Table 1 Proposed Tower Specifications
No. Specification Description Value
Overall height of the tower from
1 Height base to top 15 meters
2 Design Type of tower design Lattice mast
Primary material used for the
3 Material tower structure Galvanized Steel
Maximum wind speeds the tower Equal to the needs of cell
4 Wind Load Rating can withstand phone tower
Antenna Load The total weight of antennas the Equal to the needs of cell
5 Capacity tower can support phone tower
Type of foundation system used
6 Foundation Type (e.g., concrete pier, monopile) concrete
Foundation Depth of the foundation below To be determined based on soil
7 Depth ground conditions and tower loads
Must the tower be grounded for
8 Tower Grounding lightning strikes Yes
Aesthetic considerations that To be determined based on
Aesthetic need to be taken to blend into environmental conditions and
9 considerations. the environment tower loads
The life expectancy of the tower
10 Life Span when well maintained. 30 years plus
2.2 Equipment Shelter Specifications
a) The shelter needs to be a standard 4m x 4m container with a life expectancy
of 30 years plus.
b) The equipment shelter must be as close as practical to the tower antennae to
reduce cable losses.
c) The shelter must have equipment for environmental controls to maintain
operating temperature (ventilation, air conditioners and dehumidifiers)
d) The shelter must have adequate access control (locks, security monitoring,
intrusion alarm etc.).
e) The container must have power supplied to it at 240v (50Hz) with at least 5 sets
of plugs each on its breaker. (1x for environment control and 4x separate
systems/full-length server racks)
f) The maintenance of shelter, power and air conditioner will be the
responsibility of the tower lease company.
g) The container must be set up in such a way that the tower lease company
can maintain their equipment without being able to gain access to the other
systems within the container by sub-dividing and still allowing free flow of air
for cooling.
h) The shelter needs to be on a cement slab with some ground clearance below
it.
2.3 Fencing Requirements
The fence must circumvent the Lattice Tower, the specified shelter, space for
another shelter, solar power array and secure parking for one vehicle within the
fence with the gate closed. The fence must be maintained by the tower construction
company.
2.4 Access Road and Site Access
a) Clear vegetation, create and maintain an access road suitable for
construction and 4x4 vehicles.
b) The road must be accessible 24-7, 365 days a year for SANSA maintenance
staff with 4x4 vehicles.
c) Install two gates on the 20km proposed access road (see Figure 2 Proposed
Access Road)
d) Management of lease of access roads going through multiple farms.
e) Ongoing maintenance on the access road to keep access to the site
possible.
Figure 2 Proposed Access Road
2.5 Electricity/Power requirements
a) Electrical power 240v at 50Hz needs to be generated using Solar and wind
sources.
b) The power requirements are 3000 watts excluding the power used by the
environmental control/monitoring systems, and electric fence.
c) Enough battery capacity needs to be allocated to the site to keep
equipment working if there is not enough solar/wind power being generated.
d) The power system needs to be upgradable for future power needs.
e) Power needs to be supplied to the container, tower, and fence security
system.
f) A power availability of SLA 99% needs to be adhered to.
g) The power supply system and batteries need to be maintained by the tower
construction company for the full span of the lease agreement.
2.6 Security Requirements
a) Alarm system.
b) Motion detection within the site perimeter.
c) Remotely accessible security camera on site
d) Site gate and container entry alarm notifications send to SANSA maintenance
staff via a Microwave internet link.
2.7 Provided by SANSA
a) Internet access to the site in the form of a Microwave link between MTJ and
Gatsberg Tower.
b) Wi-Fi access point at the site as there is no cell phone coverage.
c) Integrate alarm systems output into SANSA monitoring systems.
d) Provide maintenance staff to maintain NASA, SANSA, and other parties’
equipment on Gatsberg Tower
3. RFI Documentation Deliverables
Please provide any of the following documentation that will assist for the proposed
collimation tower site:
1. Proposed basic design for Gatsberg Collimation lattice tower, shelter, fence,
environmental control, power design and site drawings.
2. The estimated site establishment cost and estimated monthly agreement site
lease cost.
3. The maintenance support that will be offered for the lease period.
4. Estimated time that it takes to complete all lease agreements and to
complete the site build.
5. Any additional costs associated with transportation, insurance, or other
relevant factors.
6. Any additional suggestions on better the site design are welcome.
SANSA deeply appreciates the participation of all vendors in this RFI process. We
encourage you to submit comprehensive responses outlining your proposed solutions
and capabilities. Based on the information received, we will further refine our
requirements and issue a formal RFQ inviting shortlisted vendors to submit
competitive bids.
4. Submission dates and contact details.
Vendors are kindly requested to provide their responses to this RFI in duplicate to
SANSA by no later than 14 June 2024 at 11:00 am.
Submissions can be made in person at the SANSA offices located at
Farm 502JQ,
Space Operations Office,
Hartebeesthoek site,
Westrand District
Or electronically to [email protected]
Thank you for your time and interest in this project. We look forward to
hearing from you.
5. Vendor responses
Vendors must prepare their responses using the following format.
5.1 Company Information
5.1.1 Vendor Contact Details
Registered Company Name
Company Registration Number
VAT Registration Number
Registered Address
Trading Address
Main Telephone Number
Website Address
5.1.2 Vendor Background
Abridged History
Description of the Company’s primary line of business
5.1.3 Vendor Offering
Respond to the key factors for consideration about the solution presented within this
document.
