DEADLINE: 23RD JULY, 2024
NIGERIAN COMMUNICATION SATELLITE LIMITED (NIGCOMSAT)
OBASANJO SPACE CENTRE, LUGBE-ABUJA
(FEDERAL MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, INNOVATION AND DIGITAL ECONOMY)
INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, LAUNCH, IN-ORBIT TEST AND COMMISSIONING OF HIGH-THROUGHOUT SATELLITES (HTS) FOR NIGCOMSAT – 2 & 3 SATELLITES
1. INTRODUCTION
The Nigerian Communications Satellite, in compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Acts, 2007, intends to increase its fleet of satellites to address a broad array of the communication needs of the country in the areas of Broadcasting, Broadband and Internet services by procuring the manufacture and launching of a High-throughput satellite (HTS). To this end, interested, experienced and competent satellite manufacturers/contractors/service providers are invited to bid for the following projects.
2. SCOPE OF WORK/SERVICE
Implementation of the project for the design, manufacture, launch, in-orbit test and commissioning of High-Throughput Satellite (HTS).
LOT 1: NIGCOMSAT-2(A) SATELLITE NETWORK
NIGCOMSAT-2 SATELLITE network aims to enhance global communications by providing high- speed data, voice, and video transmission services in the Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) using L- band, C-band, Ku-band, & Ka-band frequencies.
2.1.1 Key Components:
1. Satellite Bus: The structural framework that includes
- Electric power systems:
- Thermal control:
- Onboard data Handling (OBDH)
- Propulsion system (Chemical and/or electric):
- Attitude control systems:
2. Payload:
- L-Band (optional)
- EB5 (1207.4) MHz-20.46MHz receiver reference bandwidth.
- LI (1573.42-1577.42) MHz
- C1 (6696.42-6700.42) MHz
- L5 (1166.45-1186.45) MHz
- C5 (6629.45-6649.45) MHz
- C-Band 6200-6900MHz/3900-4200 MHz
- Ka-band Transponders: Operates in the 27.5-31.10 GHz/17.5-21.10GHz range, suitable for high-capacity data transmission and internet services.
- Ku-band Transponders: Operates in the 13.40-14.75 GHz/10.95-12.75GHz range, commonly used for satellite TV and data communications.
- Steerable beams: The Ka and Ku payload should have steerable beams over the footprint.
- Cross-strapping: The system should provide these capabilities between beams based on the future baseline footprint design.
3. Antenna Systems: Multiple high-gain antennas to ensure efficient signal transmission and reception in bath L, C, Ka, and Ku bands.
4. Power System: Solar panels and batteries to provide a consistent power supply for satellite.
5. Communication System
- Equipment for signal processing, frequency conversion, and amplification to ensure reliable data transmission.
- Software Defined Network (SDN): The payload should have capacity and capability to carryout software defined network capabilities.
6. Launch service provider:
- A launch vehicle capable of delivering the satellite into a Geostationary orbit (GEO) example: Ariance 5, long March 4B, Space X Falcon 9 etc,
- Vehicle type and configuration available
- Location(s) of launch facilities; close to the geo-belt
- Site infrastructure and support capabilities
- Launch success history and reliability; high launch heritage.
7. Ground Segment:
Network of ground stations for controlling the satellite, monitoring its health, and managing data transmissions. Moreso, gateways for the deployment of broadband services.
8. Gateway: Specify appropriate gateways and vendors.
9. Coverage Area:
a. Ka-Band Coverage (tentative): The Ka-band service spans the West Africa region, including Mauritania, Central Africa, and some parts of Southern and Eastern Africa, excluding most parts of Northern and Southern Africa. Broadcast spot beams on Ka-band shall be extended to cover coastal territorial waters to develop a new business service tailored towards blue economy vessels.
b. Ku-Band Coverage Area (tentative): The coverage areas shall encompass Africa using two unique beams, each intersecting and covering the ECOWAS region.
c. C-Band Coverage (tentative): The coverage areas shall encompass ECOWAS region to the horn of Africa and Southern Africa.
d. L-Band Coverage (tentative) (optional): Global L. Band Coverage with Peak EIRP over West Africa is to have a global beam to meet all Navigational augmentation services.
2.1.2 Phases of the Project:
i. Design and Development:
- Engineering the satellite bus and payload with a focus on L-band, C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-hand capabilities.
- Rigorous testing to ensure reliability and performance.
ii. Launch Preparation:
- Final integration of components and extensive pre-launch testing.
- Coordination with launch provider and scheduling
iii. Launch and deployment
- Launching the satellite and achieving the target Geostationary Orbit.
- Initial deployment of antennas and payloads, followed by in-orbit testing
- Project timeline
iv. Operation
- Continuous data transmission and communication services
- Regular monitoring and maintenance of satellite systems from the group control.
v. End of life
- Safely decommissioning the satellite by moving it to a graveyard orbit or controlled re-entry.
2.1.3 expected outcomes:
- Expanded global brand band internet coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
- Enhanced satellite TV broadcasting with more channels and higher quality.
- Improved secure communications for government and military applications
- Contribute to global connectivity and the information economy.
- Engineering complexities in handling quad-band communications.
- Ensure minimal interference between adjacent satellites and adjacent channels on L, C, Ku and Ka bands.
- Overcome atmospheric attenuation, particularly in the Ku and Ka-bands.
- Reliable long-term operation in the harsh space environment.
2.1.4 Scope of services
Respondents should provide information on the following areas:
- Launch Vehicles
-Vehicle type and configurations available.
-Launch success history and reliability
- Launch Site:
- Location(s) of launch facilities
- Site infrastructure and support capabilities.
- Payload Integration: Process, facilities, and requirements
- Gateways: Specify possible gateways.
- Ground Segment Infrastructure.
- Launch Schedule:
-Proposed timeline from contract award to launch date.
-Availability of launch windows.
-Lead times (period between the initiation of the satellite project and its actual launch into space) and flexibility.
- Support services:
- Pre-launch, integration and testing services.
- Post-launch Services: Support, monitoring, and contingency plans
- Mission Assurance: Quality control, risk management, and insurance options
- Experience with similar payloads previous experience with launching communication satellites, specifically in L-band, C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band.
- References from past clients (if available)
2.1.5 Satellite Specifications:
- Weight Approximately: Nano, Mini, Medium & Large [X] Tonnes
- Dimensions: [X]x[X]x[X]meters
- Orbit: Geostationary
- Power requirements [X]kW
2.1.6 Cost: ROUGH ORDER OF MAGNITITUDE 9ROM0 estimate proposition be forwarded.
Submission requirements
Please include the following in your response:
- Company profile and contact details: Name, address, point of contact, and relevant experience
- Technical Capabilities: Detailed description of payload, Bus, and launch vehicles and services with heritage.
- Past Performance Examples of previous successful launches
- Schedule. Typical timeline from contract award to launch
- Other relevant information: Any additional details that may assist in the decision-making process.
2.2 Category B
LOT 2: NIGCOMSAT-2 (B) SATELLITE NETWORK
NIGCOMSAT-3 SATELLITE network aims to enhance global communications by providing high- speed data, voice, and video transmission services in the Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) using Ku- band & Ka-band frequencies.
2.2.1 Key Components:
1. Satellite Bus: Same as above
2. Payload:
- Ka-band Transponders: Operates in the 27.5-31.10 GHz/17.5-21.10GHz range, suitable for high-capacity data transmission and internet services.
- Ku-band Transponders: Operates in the 13.40-14.75 GHz/10.95-12.75GHz range, commonly used for satellite TV and data communications
- Steerable beams: The Ka and Ku payload should have steerable beams over the footprint.
- Cross-strapping: The system should provide these capabilities between beams based on the future baseline footprint design.
3. Antenna Systems: Same as above.
4. Power system: same as above
5. Communication System: Same as above
6. Launch service provider: Same as above
7. Ground Segment: Same as above
8. Gateway: same as above
9. Coverage Area: Same as above.
2.2.2 Phases of the Project:
1. Design and Development:
- Engineering the satellite bus and payload with focus on Ku-band and Ka-band capabilities.
- Rigorous testing to ensure reliability and performance.
2. Launch Preparation:
- Final integration of components and extensive pre-launch testing
- Coordination with launch provider and scheduling.
3. Launch and Deployment:
- Launching the satellite and achieving the target Geostationary Orbit.
- Initial deployment of antennas and payloads, followed by in-orbit testing.
- Project timeline.
4. Operation:
Continuous data transmission and communication services.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of satellite systems from the ground control.
5. End of Life:
Safely decommissioning the satellite by moving it to a graveyard orbit or controlled re-entry
2.2.3 Expected Outcomes:
i. Expanded global broadband internet coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
ii. Enhanced satellite TV broadcasting with more channels and higher quality.
iii. Improved secure communications for government and military applications
iv. Contribute to global connectivity and the information economy. Engineering complexities in handling quad-band communications.
v. Ensure minimal interference between adjacent satellites and adjacent channels on Ku and Ka bands.
vi. Overcome atmospheric attenuation, particularly in the Ku and Ka-bands.
vii. Reliable long-term operation in the harsh space environment.
2.2.4 Scope of Services
Respondents should provide information on the following areas:
Launch Vehicle:
- Vehicle type and configurations available.
- Launch success history and reliability
- Launch Site:
- Location(s) of launch facilities.
- Site infrastructure and support capabilities.
- Payload Integration: Process, facilities, and requirements
- Launch Schedule:
- Proposed timeline from contract award to launch date.
- Availability of launch windows
- Lead times (period between the initiation of the satellite project and its actual launch into space and flexibility.
- Support services:
- Pre-launch, integration and testing services.
- Post-launch Services: Support, monitoring, and contingency plans
- Mission assurance: quality control risk management, and insurance options
- Experience with similar payloads – previous experience with launching communication satellites, specifically in Ku-band and Ka-band
- References from past clients (if available)
2.2.5 Satellite Specification:
- Weight Approximately: Nano, Mini, Medium & Large [X] Tonnes
- Dimensions: [X]x[X]x[X]meters
- Orbit: Geostationary
- Power requirements [X]kW
2.2.6 Cost: ROUGH ORDER OF MAGNITUDE (ROM) estimate propositions be forwarded.
2.27 submission requirements:
Please include the following in your response
- Company profile and contact details: Name, address, point of contact, and relevant experiences.
- Technical Capabilities: Detailed description of payload, Bus, and launch vehicles and services with heritage.
- Past Performance: Examples of previous successful launches
- Schedule: Typical timeline from contract award to launch
- Other Relevant Information: Any additional details that may assist in the decision-making process.
3. CALL FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND EXPRESION OF INTEREST FOR CATEGORY A AND B
Invitation is extended to competent manufacturers/contractors/vendors/partners in satellite industry to provide information and show interest for the design, manufacture, launch, in-orbit test and commissioning of a high-throughput satellite (HTS). This is intended to attract interested bidders that can demonstrate requisite technical know-how, skills and experience in the design, manufacturing, launch and operations of High Throughput Satellites, and have the capacity to offer financing options and ability liability to facilitate e the commercial deployment of the satellite applications.
Interested and qualified Companies are invited to submit necessary information regarding the RFI and EOI.
4. BASELINE REQUIREMENT FOR A AND B
a. A practical knowledge, vast experience and heritage in High Throughput Satellite (HTS) design, manufacture, assembly integration and test (AIT), launch, in-orbit management, LEOP procedure supervision, in-orbit test measurement, in-orbit test phase result correlation and endorsement and de-orbit.
b. An in-depth knowledge and experience in the area of international satellite frequency coordination with other Administration, conversant with ITU Regulations, Space Treaties, and experienced in the applications and securing of satellite orbital slot.
c. Requisite experience in HTS payload design, satellite space and ground segment.
d. Experience and heritage in design, building and modification of ground-station to monitor multiple satellites.
e. Evidence of access to funding for the manufacture and launch of the satellite.
f. Proof of executing a HTS design, build and launch for a country or group of countries, including emerging economies or regions in the last 5 years.
g. Experience in the delivery of satellite-based telecommunications solutions.
h. A good knowledge in satellite communications, applications development and deployment particularly in emerging economies.
i. Ability to provide long-term support in terms of training, internship and Know How Technology Transfer (KHTT) in pre-launch and post launch activities as it concerns control, operations and management of the satellite as well as training on End-of-Life Control Strategy.
5. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Prospective bidders should submit the following documents;
i. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation issued by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Forms CAC 1.1 or CAC2 and CAC7 for local firms. For foreign firms, evidence of being a legal entity registered with appropriate entity in country of origin.
ii. Evidence of Company’s Income Tax Clearance Certificate TCC for the last three (3) years valid till 31st December 2024 or its equivalent for foreign firms;
iii. Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2024 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 15 and above).
iv. Evidence of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2024(this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 5 and above)
v. Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2024;
vi. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 31/12/2024 or valid Certificate issued by BPP;
vii. Sworn affidavit
- disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), or Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars;
- That no director has been convicted in any country for any criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsifications of fact relating to any matter.
- That company is not in receivership, the subject of any form of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceeding.
viii. Firm’s Audited Accounts for the last three years (2021 , 2022 & 2023);
ix. Reference letter from a reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed;
x. Firm’s profile with the curriculum Vitae of key staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their academic/professional qualifications such as COREN, ISO certificates etc;
xi. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including letters of awards, valuation certificates, job completion certificates and photographs of the projects;
xii. Works: List of plants/equipment with proof of ownership/lease
xiii. For Joint/Partnership, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be provided (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Compliance certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Compliance Certificate, IRR & Sworn affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner)
Note: All documents for submission must be submitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company’s letter head paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the CAC, Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No) fax and email address. The letter head paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorized officer of the company/firm.
the pages or folios on which these items are to be found.
Arrangement of documents should follow the order in the list of tender requirements, appropriately paged and signed. It should have a table of contents indicating the pages or folios on which these items are to be found.
6. EVALUATION BENCH-MARK
The prequalification, RFI and EOI will be based on the following criteria;
a. Heritage of HTS technology and technical capability
b. Time of completion, launch capability and orbital slot availability
c. No. of previous projects successfully executed
d. Experience of key personnel
e. Financial capability
7. SUBMISSION OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS
Interested and competent firms/companies are to submit two (2) pre-qualification documents separated by dividers and arranged as indicated above. The documents should be submitted in a sealed envelope properly addresses as shown below and clearly marked with the name of the project and the lot number. Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should bear the name and address of the bidder and dropped in the designated tender Box not later than 11:00am Tuesday, 23rd July, 2024. Also soft copies of the prequalification documents can be submitted through the following email address: N2RFIsubmission@nigcomsat.gov.ng on or before the deadline.
NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE LIMITED (NIGCOMSAT)
Obasanjo Space Centre
Umaru Musa Yar’dua Express way
Lugbe-Abuja
Nigeria.
Email: N2RFIsubmission@nigcomsat.gov.ng
8. OPENING OF EOI/PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND TECHNICAL BIDS
The technical bids will be opened immediately after the deadline for submission by 11:00am Tuesday, 23rd July, 2024 at NIGCOMSAT ltd Auditorium, in the presence of bidders or their representatives, professional bodies and CSOs in the area of transparency and Anti-corruption.
Please ensure that you sign EOI/Bid Submission Register in the office of Director of Procurement, NIGCOMSAT Headquarters, Obasanjo Space Centre, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe-Abuja, Nigeria, as the Nigerian Communication Satellite LTD will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted bids.
e. GENERAL INFORMATION
a) Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorized by the bidder;
b) Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned un-opened
c) All cost will be borne by the bidders;
d) The technical bids will be opened in the presence of bidders or their representatives, CSOs in the areas of Anti-corruption and Transparency and private professional bodies; and will be covered by video recording; invitation link will be sent to bidder who chooses to join the bid opening online;
e) Only pre-qualified bidders will be invited at a later date for collection of tender documents;
f) The Nigerian Communication Satellite LTD is not bound to prequalify any bidder and reserves the right to annul the procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with section 28 of the Public Procurement ACT 2007.
Signed
Management
