3rd Call for Proposals (CFP) Integrated Earth Observations Solutions (IEOS)

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in collaboration with the National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat (NEOSS) is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals (CFP) on the Integrated Earth Observations Solutions (IEOS)

Applicants are requested to familiarise themselves with the information provided in this Call for Proposals (CFP).

Theme: “Empowering Communities to drive local Impact”

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 25 April 2025

DATE AND TIME OF SUBMISSION: Monday, 26 May 2025, 16:30

MODE OF SUBMISSION: Email, info@neoss.co.za and neoss@csir.co.za

1.    INTRODUCTION

This Call for Proposals (CFP) invites the submission of Earth Observation (EO) solutions that integrate EO data or technologies to address pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges. 
Proposals must focus on the practical use and application of EO data, geospatial information, and space-based technologies, clearly demonstrating their value and measurable impact on targeted communities. 
Applicants are expected to outline how their proposed solutions will enable more effective responses to local development needs and enhance South Africa’s capacity to respond to complex service delivery challenges faced by communities. 

2.    BACKGROUND  
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has been instrumental in promoting the use of Earth Observation in the country through its participation in initiatives such as the Group on Earth Observation (GEO).  These engagements have shaped national strategies including the South African Earth Observation Strategy and the South African Group on Earth Observation (SA-GEO) framework. To support the development of Earth observation industry in the country, DSTI, through South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has established, NEOFrontiers programme which supports the development of capacity and capability, products and services within the EO value chain. More information can be found here https://tuksnovation.co.za/neofrontierseisf-rules/.  

SANSA also established the Integrated Earth Observation Solutions (IEOS) programme which builds on this foundation by supporting the practical application of EO data and geospatial technologies to tackle community-level challenges and promote evidence-based decision-making. The IEOS programme is structured to align with South Africa’s broader developmental priorities, including sustainable development, economic inclusion, climate adaptation, and spatial equity.
This Call for Proposals seeks to harness local expertise and foster innovation in EO technologies to develop solutions that respond to key national and regional development priorities, such as climate resilience, food security, disaster management, and urban planning.

SANSA operates under the SANSA Act 36 of 2008 and is mandated to coordinate and integrate space science and technology activities in South Africa. It ensures the availability and utilisation of EO data to inform policy, support decision-making, and promote inclusive development. Key national strategies, including the Decadal Plan and the National Space Science and Technology Strategy (NSSTS), recognised the critical role of EO in building a capable state, future-proofing education, and improving the quality of life in communities. The SANSA national strategies and policy briefs can be found here: https://www.sansa.org.za/documents/. 
Access to accurate and timely geospatial data is essential to achieving national goals such as the National Development Plan (NDP), the District Development Model (DDM), and South Africa’s climate response commitments.

Through this CFP, SANSA invites technical proposals from South African Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to implement EO solutions that align with the strategic objectives of the IEOS programme. The aim is to leverage EO capabilities to address national and regional development priorities such as disaster risk reduction, food and water security, climate adaptation, and smart urban development.
 

3.    AIM 
The primary aim of this Call for Proposals is to support projects that contribute to the development of integrated EO solutions with a focus on practical applications and community impact. The objectives of the IEOS Programme.

• Support localised decision-making and service delivery by enabling the use of EO and geospatial tools to strengthen evidence-based planning, monitoring, and service delivery in underserved and vulnerable communities.
• Align EO solutions with National and Local Development Frameworks to ensure that EO-based applications are integrated into key government strategies such as the National Development Plan (NDP), District Development Model (DDM), climate resilience policies, and spatial equity programmes.
• Build EO capabilities among MSMEs and Community-Based entities to strengthen the technical and operational capacity of MSMEs, non-profits, and grassroots organisations to design, implement, and sustain EO-derived services that generate local socio-economic value.
• Promote citizen science and Community-Generated Data to support the development of mechanisms for citizen science and participatory data collection, enabling communities to contribute localised, ground-truth information that enhances the accuracy, relevance, and credibility of EO solutions.
• Empower local participation and ownership in EO Projects to ensure that communities are active partners throughout the project lifecycle—from design to implementation and evaluation—by embedding local knowledge, needs, and leadership into EO solution development and governance.
   

4.    TARGETED INITIATIVES
This call is directed towards Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and NPC/NGOs in South African including those working in areas such as environmental monitoring, geospatial analysis, data science, remote sensing or community development projects.  SANSA is committed to fostering inclusive growth and diversity within the EO community and welcomes applications from MSMEs across all regions of South Africa.

Targeted Initiatives Include;

• Citizen Science and Participatory Mapping Initiatives: Projects that empower communities to generate, validate, and use EO-linked data through inclusive, locally driven approaches.
• EO-Based Solutions for Localised Planning and Service Delivery: Applications that use EO data to inform decisions in sectors such as water and sanitation, housing, infrastructure, and public health.
• Community Data Stewardship and EO Literacy Programmes: Initiatives that build local capacity to understand, manage, and apply EO data, foster long-term sustainability and local ownership.

• Establishment of Space Science Hubs at Community or District Level: Support the creation of local Space Science Hubs that serve as multi-purpose centres for Earth Observation awareness, data access, STEM education, EO-based decision support, and community engagement.

   

5.    SELECTION PROCESS 
All proposals will undergo a two-stage review process. Initially, applications will be evaluated against the eligibility criteria. If an application meets ALL the criteria, it will then be assessed according to the Technical Evaluation Criteria. Only applications deemed eligible will progress to the technical evaluation stage.

5.1 Applicant Eligibility
Eligibility will be assessed following the criteria outlined below:

5.1.1 NEOSS Community of Practice Registration
The applicant is encouraged to register for one or more of the NEOSS Communities of Practice (CoPs) listed in paragraph 2 - Background. Registration can be completed online at NEOSS Registration at www.neoss.co.za. 
5.1.2 Tax and BBBEE Compliance Requirements
The applicant must be fully compliant with applicable tax laws, regulations, and obligations as stipulated by SARS, and must submit a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC). Application for tax compliance status (TCS) may be made via e-filing through the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za . Applicants must also be fully compliant with the BBBEE requirements and also provide a valid copy of their BBBEE certificate or affidavit.
5.1.3 National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) Registration
Applicants are required to self-register on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD), which centrally administers supplier information for all organs of state and facilitates the verification of key supplier information. Registrations can be completed online at www.csd.gov.za . To enable the CSIR to verify information on the CSD, applicants must provide their unique CSD registration reference number.
5.1.4 Proposal Template Format and Annexures
All submissions must strictly adhere to the provided template, which should include a thorough project description, objectives, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and a comprehensive budget. Proposals should be submitted in MS Word and Pdf. The Annexures must all be signed.  Please note that a budget exceeding R 500,000 (Exclusive of VAT) will not be considered.
5.1.5 Timely Submission
Proposals must be submitted to The Secretariat, NEOSS at info@neoss.co.za and neoss@csir.co.za no later than 16:30, 26 May 2025. Proposals submitted after the specified due date and time or to an incorrect email address will not be considered.

5.2 Technical Evaluation
All eligible proposals will undergo a rigorous technical assessment to ensure alignment with the aim, objectives, and targeted initiatives of the IEOS Programme. 
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following five core criteria:
5.2.1 Strategic Alignment and Relevance (20 points)
The proposed project must clearly demonstrate alignment with the IEOS programme’s aim and objectives, particularly in supporting localised service delivery, community empowerment, and integration of EO solutions into public planning. Proposals must explicitly address one or more of the targeted initiatives and explain how the project contributes to national frameworks such as the National Development Plan (NDP), the District Development Model (DDM), and climate resilience strategies.

5.2.2 Technical Capacity, Team Expertise and Past Experience (20 points)
Applicants must demonstrate their technical and organisational capacity to execute the proposed project successfully. This includes a track record of delivering relevant EO, GIS, or geospatial projects and the qualifications of the team, particularly with respect to community-based work. Proposals should list key personnel (minimum 3–5) with EO/GIS experience and describe roles and responsibilities.

5.2.3 Practical Application, Impact, and Value to Communities (25 points)
The project must clearly articulate its anticipated impact on communities, particularly those that are underserved or vulnerable. Proposals should demonstrate how the EO solution responds to tangible challenges and improves quality of life, livelihoods, and decision-making capacity. Impact may include service delivery improvements, EO literacy, local capacity-building, job creation, or support to local government or NGOs.

5.2.4 Feasibility and Implementation Plan (20 points)
The project should have a realistic and structured implementation plan, detailing timelines, deliverables, milestones, and resource allocation. Feasibility will be assessed based on clarity, resource availability, and risk mitigation. The plan should indicate whether the project is short-, medium-, or long-term and outline pathways to sustainability or scalability.

5.2.5 Community Involvement, Participation, and Data Co-Creation (15 points)
The proposal must show how it integrates community knowledge, fosters active stakeholder participation, and builds local ownership. Proposals that include citizen science, participatory mapping, or locally generated data will score higher. Projects should reflect how EO tools and knowledge will be localised and embedded in community or municipal-level planning. 

6.    SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
NEOSS, as an initiative hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), adheres to the Terms and Conditions set forth by the host entity. These terms ensure compliance with the operational policies and guidelines of the CSIR and govern the conduct of all activities associated with NEOSS. The following key principles outline the Terms and Conditions applicable to NEOSS:

6.1      Reservations 
The CSIR expressly reserves the following rights: 
•    To reject all or any proposals 
•    To waive any or all irregularities in the proposals submitted 
•    To retain the right not to select any application/s even if meeting all the requirements.

6.2      Personal Information
Each Party consents to the other Party holding and processing “personal information” (as defined in the POPI Act) relating to it for legal, personnel, administrative and management purposes (including, if applicable, any “special personal information” relating to him/her, as defined in the POPI Act). Notwithstanding the generality of the aforesaid, each Party hereby undertakes to comply with all relevant provisions of the POPI Act and any other applicable data protection laws. The Applicant further agrees to comply with all CSIR’s reasonable internal governance requirements pertaining to data protection. 

Each Party consents to the other Party making such information available to those who provide products or services to such parties (such as advisers, regulatory authorities, governmental or quasi-governmental organisations and potential purchasers of such Party or any part of their business).

While performing any activity where a Party is handling personal information as a “responsible party” (as defined in the POPI Act), each Party undertakes that it will process the personal information strictly in accordance with the terms of the POPI Act, this Contract, and the other Party’s instructions from time to time, and take appropriate operational measures to safeguard the data against any unauthorised access.

Each Party acknowledges that in the course of conducting business with each other, each Party intends to maintain and process personal information about the other Party in an internal database. By signing this Contract, each Party consents to the maintenance and processing of such personal information. 

Where relevant, the Applicant shall procure that all of its personnel, agents, representatives, contractors, sub-contractors and mandataries shall comply with the provisions of this clause 30 (Personal Information). The CSIR shall be entitled on reasonable notice to conduct an inspection or audit Applicant s compliance with the requisite POPI Act safeguards.

6.3      Conflict of Interests
Applicants must include a signed copy of the attached Conflict of Interest Statement with the bid and declare any potential conflicts of interest among team members, subcontractors, or other affiliated entities involved in the project.

6.4     Contractual Arrangements 
The successful applicant/s will be required to enter into a written Agreement with the CSIR, an entity responsible for the management and hosting of NEOSS, on behalf of the DSI. In addition, applicants will be expected to comply with any further requirements as stipulated by SANSA, the funding agency.

6.5      Collaboration 
Collaboration between organisations, community members, institutions, and companies to jointly deliver a project is encouraged. Only the Project lead applicant can submit the application form and enter into the project agreement with the CSIR. The application should identify all other members of the proposed group and include a letter of support from each of the project partners. Each letter of support should include:

• details of the project partner
• an overview of how the project partner will work with the lead applicant and any other project partners in the group to complete the project
• an outline of the relevant experience and/or expertise the project partner will bring to the group
• the roles/responsibilities the project partner will undertake, and the resources it will contribute (if any)
  It is the responsibility of the lead Applicant to ensure that all formal arrangements are in place with all parties

6.6     Intellectual Property
Intellectual property will be managed in accordance with the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, 2008.

6.7      Preparation costs and limitation of liability
The Applicant will bear all its costs in preparing, submitting, and presenting any response to this CFP and all other costs incurred by it throughout the CFP process. Furthermore, no statement in this CFP will be construed as placing the CSIR, its employees or agents under any obligation whatsoever, including in respect of costs, expenses or losses incurred by the Applicant (s) in the preparation of their response to this CFP.

An Applicant participates in this CFP process entirely at its own risk and cost. The CSIR shall not be liable to compensate the Applicant on any grounds whatsoever for any costs incurred or any damages suffered as a result of the Applicant’s participation in this CFP process.

6.8     Indemnity
If an Applicant breaches the conditions of this CFP and, as a result of that breach, the CSIR incurs costs or damages (including, without limitation, the cost of any investigations, procedural impairment, repetition of all or part of the CFP process and/or enforcement of intellectual property rights or confidentiality obligations), then the Applicant indemnifies and holds the CSIR harmless from any and all such costs which the CSIR may incur and for any damages or losses the CSIR may suffer.

6.9     Governing law
South African law governs this CFP and the CFP response process. The Applicant agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts in any dispute of any kind that may arise out of or in connection with the subject matter of this CFP, the CFP itself and all processes associated with the CFP.

6.10     Confidentiality
Except as may be required by operation of law, by a court or by a regulatory authority having appropriate jurisdiction, no information contained in or relating to this CFP or an Applicant’s response (s) will be disclosed by any Applicant or other person not officially involved with the CSIR’s examination and evaluation of a Proposal.

No part of the CFP may be distributed, reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, in whole or in part except to prepare a Proposal. This CFP and any other documents supplied by the CSIR remain proprietary to the CSIR and must be promptly returned to the CSIR upon request together with all copies, electronic versions, excerpts, or summaries thereof or work derived therefrom.

Throughout this CFP process and thereafter, Applicant (s) must secure the CSIR’s written approval before the release of any information that pertains to (i) the potential work or activities to which this CFP relates; or (ii) the process which follows this CFP. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in disqualification from the CFP process and civil action.

6.11     Availability of funds
Should funds no longer be available to pay for the execution of the responsibilities of this CFP, the CSIR may terminate the Agreement at its discretion or temporarily suspend all or part of the services by notice to the successful Applicant who shall immediately make arrangements to stop the performance of the services and minimize further expenditure: Provided that the successful Applicant shall thereupon be entitled to payment in full for the services delivered, up to the date of cancellation or suspension.

6.12     Disclaimer
This CFP is a request for proposals only and not an offer document.  Answers to this CFP must not be construed as acceptance of an offer or imply the existence of a contract between the parties.  By submission of its proposal, Applicants shall be deemed to have satisfied themselves with and to have accepted all Terms & Conditions of this CFP.  The CSIR makes no representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or endorsement to Applicant concerning the CFP, whether with regard to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise and the CSIR shall have no liability towards the Applicant or any other party in connection therewith.

7.    ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROJECTS 
CSIR_NEOSS and SANSA may publish non-sensitive details of successful projects on the NEOSS platform unless otherwise prohibited by law. This information may include:
•    Name and logo of your company or organisation
•    Title of the project
•    Description of the project and project aim
•    Project Benefits and outcomes.

Key project highlights may also be shared through official communication platforms, including the website and social media channels, to promote transparency and broader awareness.

8.    SUBMISSION DETAILS
•    Submission Deadline: Monday, 26 May 2025, 16:30.   
•    All applications must be submitted to The Secretariat at info@neoss.co.za  and cc neoss@csir.co.za.

For all inquiries and submission-related correspondence, please contact the Secretariat  at info@neoss.co.za  and cc neoss@csir.co.za . Please note that only written queries submitted via email will be acknowledged and responded to.

9.    ANNEXURES A-D PROPOSAL RESPONSE TEMPLATE