Brief for design and construction of climate-controlled structure to cover palaeontological dig site at the West Coast Fossil Park (WCFP).

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this request for quote is to invite experienced service providers to submit quotes for the production of a purpose built climate-controlled structure to protect the palaeontological dig site in the WCFP.

The fossils on display in the dig site have been protected by modified agricultural tunnels since 1999, and it has become evident that these structures do not provide adequate protection for the fossil bones as some of them are deteriorating. It is therefore a matter of urgency to replace the existing tunnel with an appropriate climate controlled structure to ensure the longterm survival of this invaluable national heritage treasure.

2. BACKGROUND

The WCFP is a National Heritage Site governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko). The fossil site is world renowned and highly significant for research purposes as it encompasses a time period, between 5 and 10 million years ago, when there were interesting and important environmental changes taking place.

The fossil site is suitable for public palaeontology and is used to promote palaeo-tourism and for educational purposes for both school groups and university students. “Fossils and Evolution” is a theme that has been incorporated into the school curriculum, and this is the only site in the Western Cape where teachers can bring their classes to see “in-situ” fossils and learn more about fossilization and related aspects of palaeontology. In addition, local university lecturers in geology, palaeontology, archaeology and biological sciences use the site for field excursions for their students and for research purposes. This unique appeal has drawn tertiary level studies from various institutions abroad including Arizona State University, Los Angeles County Museum and the Smithsonian Institution in the USA.

3. SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS AND APPOINTMENT CONDITIONS

3.1 The service provider is required to design and deliver a rigid structure that fulfills the following conditions:

Covers an area over the dig site of approximately 18m x 27m
Uses gabion foundations (does not penetrate the ground surface)
Uses UV resistant cladding
Totally waterproof
Allows adequate diffused natural sunlight for daytime viewing of fossil site
Maintains a relatively constant daytime temperature of 20 degrees centigrade
Totally windproof and dustproof
Excludes birds and other animals
Includes 65m of suitable internal walkways, 2m wide with balustrades for groups of up to 60 visitors that meet required safety measures
Walkways to accommodate wheelchair access
If climate control needs to be powered it must be driven by solar power with minimal sound emission

3.2 The service provider is expected to demonstrate the requisite competence to provide the service, including the appointment of a Site Agent.

3.3 The service provider must be a South African Citizen or a company or entity registered in or already having an established presence in South Africa.

3.4 The service provider to allow for weekly feedback meetings with the WCFP team to ensure continuity and progress.

3.5 The service provider is required to submit plans for municipal approval by Saldanha Bay Municipality.

3.6 The service provider to be fully cognisant of the requirements for a Built Environment submission, for a National Heritage Site pursuant to Section 27 of the National Heritage Resources Act.

Check the following SAHRIS sites:

https://sahris.org.za/forms/sahra/formally-protected-permit-form

The person making the application is required to set up a profile, on SAHRIS; and can do this here: https://sahris.org.za/user/register

4. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO ACCOMPANY THE QUOTATION

4.1 A Company Profile that includes a listing / description of similar previous projects including contactable references from the client / employer of each such project.

4.2 CSD Report with Tax Status Pin confirming that the supplier is tax compliant with the SA Revenue Services.

4.3 A Valid B-BBEE Certificate or Sworn Affidavit.

5. QUOTATION

Shall be valid for a minimum period of 30 working days calculated from the closing date for submissions.

5.1 A detailed plan with pricing structure, warranties and guaranties must be submitted. The pricing structure must be inclusive of VAT, any disbursements, professional fees and escalations, where applicable.

5.2 The lowest or sole quotation received will not necessarily be accepted.

5.3 WCFP reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation in response to this invitation and to withdraw its decision to seek provision of these services.

5.4 Quotations to be submitted on or before the 26th April 2024 and must be emailed to the following individuals:
Ms Pippa Haarhoff – pjh@fossilpark.org.za
Mrs Louise Jacobs – finance@fossilpark.org.za

5.5 Enquiries may be directed to Ms Pippa Haarhoff listed above.

Park Director: Ms. P.J. Haarhoff. Trustees: Adv. D.J. Mitchell (Chairperson), Ms. V. Baduza, Dr. M.C. Dlamuka, Dr. R. Govender

Registration no. IT 1721/2006 (inter vivos trust), PBO no.054863 (public benefit organisation), Website: www.fossilpark.org.za

Request for Quotation: Design and construction of cover for dig site