R25m tender to customise 10 hi-tech police vehicles
THE South African Police Service is getting hi-tech counter-terrorism response vans fitted with the latest chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear detection devices.
The company that wins the tender will customise and convert 10 panel vans to create multifunctional response vehicles capable of dealing with potential terrorist threats.
The tender went out last month and closed last Wednesday.
It will cost about R25-million to buy and modify the vans.
While police were reluctant to say why they were buying the vehicles, experts said the vehicles had several functions, including counter-terrorism, and the move was a precautionary one.
The vehicles will be equipped with hazmat suits, radiation detectors, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatuses, a generator and emergency decontamination tanks.
They will also be fitted with drawers, a table, hanging rack, small fridge, decontamination chemicals, ladders, spotlights and a public announcement system.
One of their primary functions is to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents across the country.
The tender documents state that police will supply the bulk of the specialist equipment as well as the 10 Nissan NV350 panel vans to the successful bidder.
According to bid documents, five companies have applied for the tender to convert the vans.
The vehicles, which will be allocated to the explosive unit, formerly known as the bomb unit, will also be used to assist the criminal record and crime scene management division and forensic services.
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