Supply, delivery and installation of a line array speaker system for the Opera House at Artscape, Cape Town, to replace and upgrade the main left and right clusters. The system must be compatible with the existing Meyer Sound setup, include a minimum of 18 self-powered line array tops, a processor, rigging and training. Bids close 23 November 2026.
Artscape, the Cape Town-based performing arts facility on D.F. Malan Street in Foreshore, is inviting suitably qualified service providers to supply, deliver and install a new line array speaker system for the Opera House performance venue. The project replaces and upgrades the main left and right speaker clusters and must operate seamlessly alongside the existing Meyer Sound system, which includes centre cluster CQ2 speakers, side fill CQ2 units, front fills M1D speakers, HP 700 subwoofers and a Galileo 616 speaker processor. Artscape's building houses several major companies, including Cape Town Opera, the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and Fine Music Radio, so compatibility and reliable performance are central to the requirement.
The technical specification calls for a minimum of 18 self-powered line array tops, flown in arrays of nine per side. Each enclosure must provide at least 110 degrees of horizontal coverage with variable vertical angles, a minimum SPL of 145 dB, two 10-inch low-frequency drivers and one 3 to 5-inch high-frequency driver, and a frequency range of 55 Hz to 16 kHz. Maximum array weight is 600 kg per side and maximum box width is 880 mm. The system must include quick-release rigging pins, Powercon power, analogue XLR and Milan AVB digital inputs, and removable casters. The scope also covers a line array speaker processor with at least four analogue inputs, eight analogue outputs, AVB Milan networking with redundancy, 24-bit/96 kHz sample rate and remote control via Wi-Fi and LAN. Cabling, two hanging grids (bumper bars) and two 6 m, 2-ton safety steel cables with PVC covering are also required. Bidders must describe the goods they propose, and any deviations from the specification must be declared.
Evaluation follows a gated process. Bidders must first pass administrative compliance, including a valid tax compliance status PIN or original tax clearance, completed standard bid documents (SBD1, SBD3.1, SBD4, SBD6.1, SBD8 and SBD9), and a company profile. Functionality is scored out of 100, with technical specification (60 points), experience (5 points), after-sales support (5 points for 24/7/365 support, 10 points for spare parts and a 48-hour interim loaner system, and 10 points for a one-year replacement or three-year repair warranty) and training (10 points for training all Artscape sound technicians in setup, operation and tuning, with tuning tools supplied) contributing to the score. A minimum of 70 points is required to proceed. Remaining bids are evaluated on the 80/20 preference system, with 80 points for price and 20 points for B-BBEE status, where a level 3 or better rating is required. Bidders must submit one original and one copy of the bid documents plus a USB electronic copy, with a compulsory briefing session on 3 November 2026 at 11:00 at the Stage Door. Bids close on 23 November 2026 at 13:00, and must remain valid for 150 days.
This opportunity offers a significant contract for a specialised audio supplier to deliver a flagship installation at one of South Africa's leading performing arts venues. Successful bidders will gain high-profile reference work and a long-term relationship with a major arts institution, while also supporting the technical standards of the Western Cape performing arts sector. Bidders should carefully review the technical specification, warranty and training obligations, and the compulsory briefing requirement before submitting a response.
Professional audio and sound system suppliers and integrators with experience in large-venue line array installations, particularly those certified to supply and support Meyer Sound or comparable AVB-networked systems. Businesses should have a 24/7 technical support capability, spare parts supply, the ability to provide interim loan systems within 48 hours, and a B-BBEE level 3 or better rating. Suppliers with theatre or opera venue references, and those able to deliver technician training, are best positioned to compete. Businesses without a valid CSD registration, tax compliance status, or the ability to attend the compulsory briefing should not apply.
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