High-Power RF Power Amplifier Supply

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), is procuring one high-power RF power amplifier for its commercial Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facility in Grabouw. The facility is the only one in South Africa able to perform radiated susceptibility testing to the MIL-STD-461 highest target level of 200 V/m across 2 MHz to 18 GHz. Its current amplifier, over 30 years old and no longer supported, has failed, and the smaller 200 W SARAO-owned amplifier cannot reach the required test levels. As a result, tests in the 80 MHz to 1 GHz range are currently run at lower levels than clients request, even though such requests make up almost 70% of the facility's workload. The new amplifier is intended to close this gap and support the facility's goal of SANAS accreditation for full-compliance measurements across the entire frequency range.

The mandatory technical specifications are: an operating frequency of 80 MHz to 1 GHz; a minimum output power of 1000 W across the full band; a three-phase power supply (220 to 240 V, 50 Hz) with maximum consumption of 10 kW; a mismatch tolerance of at least 90%; gain variation of no more than ±3 dB; an adjustable gain range of at least 20 dB; automatic gain control; and support for continuous-wave, amplitude-modulated, or pulse-modulated inputs. The unit must have an N-type RF input and sample connector, a 7/16 DIN-type RF output connector, internal cooling, built-in fault monitoring, logging and protection, and controller software with GPIB or Ethernet interfacing. It must be rack-mountable or a desktop instrument and supplied with its own transit case. Low system noise is desirable but optional. Suppliers must provide datasheets, a completed compliance matrix, a user guide, a troubleshooting guide, a calibration certificate, and a 3-year warranty. Bidders must also submit at least two reference letters from previous customers to whom they have supplied measurement equipment.

The tender uses a two-envelope system, with technical and administrative proposals submitted separately from the price offer, which must not appear in the first envelope. Evaluation follows an 80/20 price and preference model, and bidders must be registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) before award. Delivery is to SARAO at Liesbeek House, Mowbray, Cape Town, during weekday operating hours (08:00 to 16:00), with a maximum lead time of five months. Bids close on 27 November 2026 at 12:00 and must be submitted through the National Treasury e-Tender portal. Bids remain valid for 90 days. Sourcing this equipment is a strategic investment in South Africa's accredited EMC testing capability, supporting defence, aerospace, automotive, and electronics clients who depend on compliant test results.