Question NW2092 to the Minister of Transport
01 October 2020 - NW2092
Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether a tender process has been followed in order to replace the SA Civil Aviation Authority’s calibration Cessna Citation aircraft that crashed in January 2020; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the closing date of the tender and (b) where was the tender advertised; (2) whether a successful bidder has been selected; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who is the successful bidder and (b) what are the details of experience of the successful bidder in terms of (i) qualifications and (ii) calibration equipment for aircrafts?
Reply:
1. South African Civil Aviation Authority has followed a tender process for the replacement of the Cessna Citation Aircraft that crashed in January 2020.Three separate tender bids were issued.
(a) irst tender was advertised on the 13 July 2018 and closed on the 10 August 2018
Second tender was advertised on the 12 April 2019 and closed on the 10 May 2019 and
Third tender was advertised on the 01 November 2019 and closed on the 22 November 2020.
(b) The tenders were advertised as follows:
- First and Second tender - SACAA website and National Treasury e-Tender Portal.
- Third tender - SACAA website, National Treasury e-Tender Portal and Tender Tiger (International Advertising portal).
2. Whether a successful bidder was selected:
(a)
- The first tender was cancelled as none of the bidders met the functionality requirements of the bid;
- The second tender was also cancelled as none of the bidders met the functionality requirements;
- The third tender was also cancelled as the price for the successful bidder for a second-hand used aircraft was more expensive than a brand-new aircraft from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). After engagements with the National Treasury (NT), SACAA received approval from NT to acquire a new aircraft directly from the OEM manufacturer.
b) (i)
National Treasury approved that SACAA can purchase a new aircraft directly from the OEM as it is more cost effective than the tendered price for a used aircraft.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and SACAA’s financial position a Board decision was taken to delay the acquisition of the Aircraft until the next financial year.
No contract has been concluded with the OEM as yet.
b) (ii)
A separate tender will be issued for the calibration equipment and the process of the calibration is underway.