ATNS Tenders 2025: How South African SMEs Can Find, Apply For, And Win

If “ATNS tenders 2025 South Africa” is on your radar, you’re already thinking smart. Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd spends billions annually on technology, maintenance, infrastructure, professional services, and operational support that keep South Africa’s skies safe. That means real opportunities for SMEs, specialist suppliers, and consortiums, if you know where to look and how to compete.

This guide breaks down exactly how ATNS buys in 2025, where to find opportunities, the compliance you must get right, how bids are scored, and practical examples you can adapt. You’ll walk away with steps you can action this week, plus a direct route to verified opportunities via eTender SA.

Understanding ATNS Procurement In 2025

ATNS is a state‑owned company under the PFMA, which means its procurement is regulated, auditable, and competitive. For you, that translates into clear rules, structured evaluation, and predictable timelines, if you’re prepared.

What ATNS Buys: Categories And Contract Types

ATNS operates nationwide across airports, radar sites, communication stations, and data centers. Typical procurement categories include:

• Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS): radios (VHF/HF), radars, ADS‑B, ILS/DME, VORs, satellite comms, and associated spares.
• ICT and cybersecurity: network equipment, data center hardware, virtualization, SIEM/SOC services, endpoint protection, cloud and backup solutions.
• Software and professional services: systems integration, custom development, GIS, analytics, ERP support, cybersecurity maturity assessments.
• Facilities and maintenance: HVAC, electrical works, UPS/generators, solar/energy efficiency upgrades, fire detection/suppression, building maintenance.
• Runway and aerodrome systems: approach lighting, PAPI, AGL cabling, calibration support.
• Calibration and testing: flight inspection support services, equipment calibration (aviation grade), test instruments.
• Security: access control, perimeter fencing, surveillance (CCTV), screening equipment, guarding.
• Training and specialized aviation services: ATC training aids/simulators, e‑learning, human factors, safety management system (SMS) support.
• Corporate and operational services: travel, office supplies, cleaning, catering, printing, branding, events.

Contract types you’re likely to see:

• One‑off supply and install: delivery plus commissioning (e.g., new UPS units at three radar sites).
• Term/maintenance contracts: scheduled and on‑call maintenance over 24–60 months.
• Framework/Panel agreements: multiple suppliers pre‑approved with call‑offs as needed.
• Professional services: deliverables‑based consulting with milestone payments.
• Hybrid: supply plus 3–5 years of support/SLAs.

Trends for 2025: more digital tower tech trials, ADS‑B coverage enhancements, cyber resilience projects, data center modernization, and sustainability projects (solar, lithium batteries, efficient HVAC) at remote sites.

Procurement Methods, Thresholds, And Governance

ATNS follows PFMA, Treasury Instructions, PPPFA (Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act) with the 2022 Regulations, and internal SCM policies. Common methods include:

• Request for Quotation (RFQ): typically below formal bid thresholds: quick turnarounds, multiple quotes.
• Open Tender (RFP/RFB): advertised publicly: suitability for larger, complex works or long‑term contracts.
• Closed/limited bids: where specialized OEMs or safety‑critical constraints apply (still governed and auditable).
• Panels/frameworks: established through open tender, then call‑offs.

Preference point systems under PPPFA Regulations, 2022 are generally:

• 80/20 for bids up to R50 million (80 points price, 20 points specific goals like B‑BBEE).
• 90/10 for bids above R50 million (90 points price, 10 points specific goals).

Note: Organs of state set “specific goals” aligned to transformation and socio‑economic objectives. Always read the specific tender’s preference schedule, ATNS will state the goals and your scoring formula.

Governance you’ll feel as a bidder:

• Compulsory briefings/site visits (especially for works at restricted airside/technical facilities).
• Formal addenda processes (every change is issued in writing).
• Gate checks for compliance before technical evaluation.
• Functionality scoring with thresholds before price/preference.
• Due diligence on references, OEM letters, and financial capacity before award.

Where To Find ATNS Tenders And 2025 Outlook

ATNS Website, Supplier Portals, And eTender Platforms

Your core sources:

• ATNS website: Procurement/Vacancies/Tenders page lists open bids, briefing details, and addenda. Check weekly.
• National Treasury’s eTender Publication Portal: Most ATNS open tenders are mirrored here with downloadable packs.
• Industry portals like eTender SA: Curated, verified ATNS tenders with alerts, filters by category, and deadline tracking, saves time and reduces missed addenda.
• OEM/partner networks: For specialized avionics and CNS equipment, OEMs often know about upcoming replacements and can partner you in early.

Set alerts for keywords like “ATNS,” “CNS,” “AGL,” “ADS‑B,” “ICT support,” and “maintenance.” Use eTender SA to track changes and addenda, miss one update and you can be disqualified.

Quarterly Pipeline, Key Dates, And Planned Frameworks

ATNS’s fiscal year runs April–March. Expect spikes in:

• Q1 (Apr–Jun): renewals, maintenance kick‑offs, panel refreshes.
• Q2–Q3 (Jul–Dec): majority of strategic ICT and infrastructure bids: weather allows more site works.
• Q4 (Jan–Mar): close‑outs: some urgent replacements to use budgets.

Likely 2025 opportunity themes (based on sector trends and previous cycles):

• CNS modernization: selective radar refurbishments, ADS‑B infill, VHF upgrades, remote site power stabilization.
• Cybersecurity uplift: SOC enhancements, endpoint and network hardening, identity and access management, incident response retainers.
• Data center and network refresh: core switching, storage, backup, DR improvements.
• Airfield systems: lighting refurbishments, AGL cabling upgrades, calibration support contracts.
• Renewable/efficiency projects: solar plus lithium storage at remote stations: HVAC replacements.
• Panels/frameworks: ICT services, instrumentation calibration, general maintenance, and professional services.

Watch for compulsory briefing dates and long lead items (OEM gear with 8–16 week lead times). Good planning beats last‑minute scrambling.

Eligibility, Registrations, And Compliance

CSD, Tax Compliance Status, And B-BBEE Requirements

At minimum, get these right before you even download a bid pack:

• CSD registration: Your Central Supplier Database profile must be active and accurate (banking, directors, commodities). ATNS validates your CSD number.
• Tax compliance status (TCS): Issued by SARS and verifiable online. Expired TCS = disqualification.
• B‑BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit: For EME/QSE based on turnover and sector codes. Ensure the version and signatory are valid: expired or incorrect format loses preference points.
• Company documents: CIPC registration, shareholding, ID docs of directors, and resolution to sign.
• COIDA letter of good standing: Often required for works and services.
• CIDB grading: Needed for construction‑type works: check the class (e.g., EB, EP) and grade.
• Insurance: Public liability and professional indemnity where relevant: ATNS may specify minimum cover amounts.

Practical tip: Create a “tender‑ready” folder with all current documents plus calendar reminders for expiries.

Industry-Specific Standards: Aviation Safety, Security, And Quality

Aviation is safety‑critical, so ATNS often asks for:

• OEM authorization letters for avionics/CNS equipment, spares, and software updates.
• Compliance with SACAA regulations and ICAO standards relevant to the scope.
• Safety and security clearances for personnel accessing restricted sites: PSIRA registration for guarding.
• Quality systems: ISO 9001 as a strong plus: ISO 27001 for information security: OEM‑specific certifications for installers.
• Health and Safety: OHS Act compliance, site‑specific safety plans, method statements, and PPE.

If you’re new, partner with an OEM or specialist to meet these thresholds. Subcontracting to a suitably qualified entity can be both compliant and strategic.

Step-By-Step: Preparing A Winning Bid

Decode The Scope, Technical Specs, And Site Briefings

• Read the entire bid pack twice. First for a big picture, then line‑by‑line against a requirements matrix you create.
• Extract all mandatory requirements (must/shall) into a checklist. Tag each with where you’ll prove it (CVs, OEM letters, datasheets, project references).
• Attend compulsory briefings. Prepare questions about site conditions, access windows, OEM constraints, and warranty ownership.
• For multi‑site projects, map travel and access logistics. ATNS sites can be remote: add buffer time and spares.

Pricing Strategy, SBD Forms, And Mandatory Documents

• Build a priced bill of quantities (BoQ) or pricing schedule that mirrors the tender’s format exactly.
• Separate supply, installation, commissioning, training, and maintenance line items. ATNS wants transparency.
• Consider life‑cycle costing: spares, software updates, calibration, and travel. If a price schedule includes “maintenance years 2–5,” populate them, don’t leave blanks.
• SBD forms: Expect SBD 1 (invitation), SBD 3.x (pricing), SBD 4 (declaration of interest), SBD 6.1 (preference points/specific goals), SBD 6.2 (local content when designated), SBD 8 (past SCM practices), SBD 9 (independent bid determination). Complete and sign correctly.
• Mandatory attachments: Tax pin, CSD summary, B‑BBEE proof, OEM letters, CIDB (if applicable), COIDA, insurance, JV agreements, subcontractor letters of intent.

Pricing tips:

• Match model numbers, firmware, or revision levels in specs. Where offering equivalents, provide side‑by‑side spec compliance and explicit confirmation of interoperability.
• Factor currency risk. Many aviation items are imported, consider forward cover or pricing escalation clauses if allowed.
• Include realistic delivery lead times and a project schedule: ATNS will assess feasibility.

Compliance Checklist: Mandatory Vs Weighted Criteria

Split your checklist into two buckets:

• Mandatory (gate): attendance at compulsory briefing, signed forms, minimum certifications, OEM authorization, tax compliance, CIDB grade, local content declarations where applicable. Miss one and your bid is non‑responsive.
• Weighted (scored): technical approach, methodology, key personnel CVs, relevant experience, quality plan, risk management, project schedule, value‑adds.

Build a compliance matrix mapping each requirement to page numbers in your bid. Make it easy for evaluators to award you points.

Evaluation, Scoring, And Preference Points

Functionality Thresholds And Technical Scoring

ATNS usually applies a functionality threshold, e.g., you must score 70/100 on technical to proceed to price and preference evaluation. Typical technical criteria and weights:

• Relevant experience and track record on similar scale/complexity (20–30%).
• Qualifications, certifications, and CVs of key personnel (15–25%).
• Methodology, implementation plan, and risk mitigation (20–30%).
• OEM support/authorization, warranties, and spares strategy (10–20%).
• Quality, safety, and security controls (10–15%).

Include evidence: signed reference letters, completion certificates, photos, acceptance reports, and contactable client references.

80/20 vs 90/10, Subcontracting, And Local Content

• 80/20 vs 90/10: For most SME‑sized bids (≤R50m), you’ll be in the 80/20 system. Your price competitiveness and specific goals points both matter. Above R50m, 90/10 increases the weight of price.
• Specific goals: ATNS will publish its goals allocation (often linked to B‑BBEE, women/youth/people with disabilities ownership, localization, or job creation). Provide evidence to claim points.
• Subcontracting: Where the tender requires designated subcontracting to certain categories (e.g., 30% to EMEs/QSEs), you must submit a subcontracting plan and signed commitments. Even when not mandatory, strategic subcontracting can boost capability and specific goals.
• Local content: If the tender designates sectors (e.g., steel/valves, transformers, certain cables, PPE), you must submit SBD 6.2 with Annexures C/D/E and meet the minimum local content percentage. SABS verification or independent auditors may be required. Non‑compliance is fatal.

Pro tip: If designation conflicts with an OEM requirement, ask a clarification early. Don’t assume exemptions.

Practical Examples And Templates

Sample Compliance Pack And Bid Outline

Use this structure to keep your bid tight and evaluator‑friendly:

• Section 1: Cover letter and summary of offer (one‑page executive summary with price, lead time, and key value‑adds).
• Section 2: Mandatory documents pack (SBDs, TCS pin, CSD summary, B‑BBEE proof, OEM letters, CIDB/COIDA/insurance, JV agreements, attendance register).
• Section 3: Technical proposal
• Understanding of requirements and site conditions.
• Detailed methodology and project plan (Gantt chart with milestones and access windows).
• Quality, safety, and security plan (ISO references, OHS method statement, site risk assessment).
• OEM support, spares list, and warranty terms.
• Team: organogram, CVs, certifications, PSIRA clearances if applicable.
• Past performance: three to five relevant projects with contactable references.
• Section 4: Pricing schedule and BoQ (exact format as issued: include escalation assumptions and exclusions as allowed).
• Section 5: Compliance matrix (table mapping every requirement to a page number).

Template snippet for a compliance matrix:

• Requirement: “Provide OEM authorization for XYZ Model 123.” Evidence: “Annexure B, page 22.”
• Requirement: “Minimum ISO 9001.” Evidence: “Certificate, Annexure C, page 27.”
• Requirement: “Attend compulsory briefing.” Evidence: “Signed register, Annexure A.”

Worked Example: Maintenance Or ICT Support Tender

Scenario: ATNS issues a 36‑month ICT support tender for network switches and firewalls across 12 sites.

Your approach:

• Scope decoding: Identify device counts, models, software versions, SLAs (e.g., 4‑hour response, next‑business‑day fix), and change window rules.
• Teaming: Partner with an OEM‑certified gold partner for escalations and RMA.
• Methodology: Propose a service desk with ITIL processes, monthly patching cycles, quarterly health checks, and vulnerability remediation aligned to ATNS change control.
• Spares strategy: On‑site spares at two hubs (OR Tambo and Cape Town), plus central stock with courier SLA.
• KPIs: Availability (≥99.5%), incident resolution, time to restore, first‑time fix rate, and security patch SLAs.
• Risk register: Device EOL/EOS, hardware lead times, site access delays, and mitigation (advance purchase of critical spares, vendor support contracts).
• Pricing: Fixed monthly fee per site tier, plus rate card for out‑of‑scope changes. Include escalation formula (e.g., CPI‑linked) if allowed.
• Value‑adds: Quarterly performance reports with trend analysis, training for ATNS staff, and a mini‑DR test annually.

For a maintenance tender on AGL lighting:

• Technical: Demonstrate experience with airfield series circuits, CCRs, isolation transformers, and photometric testing.
• Safety: Airside permits, Method of Work Plan, night‑shift capability for low‑traffic windows.
• Local content: If cables are designated, include SBD 6.2 with manufacturer declarations and supporting calculations.
• Pricing: Breakdown for preventative maintenance visits, reactive call‑outs, spares, and after‑hours rates.

After Submission And Contract Performance

Clarifications, Addenda, And Award Notifications

After you submit, monitor the portal for:

• Clarification requests: Respond within the stated timeframe and keep answers consistent with your bid. Don’t introduce new prices unless requested.
• Addenda: ATNS occasionally extends closing dates or updates specs, acknowledge addenda as required.
• Award notices: Published on the ATNS site or National Treasury portal, with winning bidder details and values in many cases. If unsuccessful, request a debrief to improve.

Due Diligence, Contracting, SLA Management, And KPIs

Before award finalization, ATNS may perform:

• Reference checks and site visits to verify your capacity.
• Financial health review (bank letters, management accounts) for long contracts.
• Security vetting for staff accessing restricted facilities.

Contracting and delivery:

• Read service levels and penalties carefully. Negotiate only where the tender allowed qualifications: otherwise, deliver as bid.
• Mobilization plan: Kick‑off meeting, safety inductions, asset registers, and communication channels.
• Reporting: Agree on monthly/quarterly reporting templates, include SLA dashboards, incidents, and continuous improvement actions.
• Change control: Use ATNS’s formal process for scope changes: unauthorized work may not be paid.

Performance tips for renewals and references:

• Track KPIs visibly: availability, MTTR, patch compliance, incident backlog, safety stats.
• Keep a risk/issue log and share it proactively with mitigation steps.
• Document lessons learned and propose enhancements, being a value partner positions you well for the next cycle.

If disputes arise, escalate early via the contract’s governance structure before they become claims.

Conclusion

ATNS tenders in 2025 are accessible if you prepare like a pro: keep your CSD and tax status clean, assemble a rock‑solid compliance pack, decode the technical scope, and price transparently with a feasible delivery plan. Expect functionality thresholds, strict safety requirements, and, on some awards, local content declarations. Partner where you need OEM depth or specialist skills, and use frameworks and panels to build a pipeline of predictable work.

Don’t try to track all this manually. For verified, up‑to‑date “ATNS tenders 2025 South Africa” plus smart alerts and addenda tracking, head to eTender SA today and start winning the opportunities that fit your business.

ATNS Tenders 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find verified ATNS tenders 2025 South Africa opportunities?

Check the ATNS website’s Tenders/Procurement page and the National Treasury eTender Publication Portal for official notices, packs, and addenda. Industry portals like eTender SA help with alerts, filtering, and deadline tracking. Set keyword alerts for “ATNS,” “CNS,” “ADS-B,” “AGL,” and “ICT support.”

How are ATNS tenders 2025 South Africa evaluated?

Bids typically pass a compliance gate (forms, certifications, briefings) before technical scoring against a functionality threshold (often ~70/100). Price and preference then apply using PPPFA 2022: 80/20 for bids ≤R50m and 90/10 above R50m. “Specific goals” points are tender-defined; read the preference schedule carefully.

What documents and registrations are mandatory before bidding to ATNS?

Ensure active CSD registration, a valid SARS Tax Compliance Status, and correct B‑BBEE proof (certificate or affidavit). Common requirements include CIPC docs, director IDs, COIDA, relevant insurance, CIDB (for works), and OEM authorizations for aviation equipment. Keep a tender-ready folder and track expiries to avoid disqualification.

What does ATNS buy in 2025, and which categories look strongest?

ATNS procures CNS equipment (radars, VHF/HF, ADS‑B), ICT and cybersecurity, data center hardware, airfield lighting and AGL cabling, facilities maintenance, calibration/testing, security systems, training, and corporate services. 2025 trends include digital tower trials, cyber resilience, network and data center refreshes, and sustainability projects like solar and lithium storage.

When is the best time to target ATNS tenders during the 2025 fiscal year?

ATNS’s fiscal year runs April–March. Expect Q1 (Apr–Jun) renewals and panel refreshes, Q2–Q3 (Jul–Dec) for major ICT/infrastructure works, and Q4 (Jan–Mar) for close‑outs and urgent replacements. Plan for compulsory briefings and long‑lead OEM items to keep schedules realistic.

Can international suppliers compete for ATNS tenders 2025 South Africa?

Yes, subject to PFMA/PPPFA rules and tender-specific requirements. Foreign bidders often partner locally to meet B‑BBEE goals and site access/security clearances. Where local content is designated, thresholds must be met. Ensure OEM authorization, aviation compliance (SACAA/ICAO), and credible delivery timelines for imported equipment.