Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure the supply and delivery of specialized mice, rat, and rabbit cages and associated equipment to the Ovi Campus at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The goal is to establish suitable animal housing facilities that meet specified standards for research purposes, ensuring animal welfare, hygiene, and operational efficiency.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Supply, delivery, and installation of various animal cages for mice, rats, and rabbits at ARC's Ovi Campus.
• Provision of cages with specific specifications such as size, material, and features (e.g., stainless steel or polycarbonate, leak-proof water bottles, environmental enrichment, removable panels).
• Provision of adjustable stainless steel racks, accessories, and related equipment.
• Quantity ranges from minimum of 12 units up to 120 units per animal type, with pricing quoted per unit.
• Inclusion of manual and automated ventilation options (IVC).
• Adherence to specified technical and quality standards for animal welfare and operational compatibility.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

For Mice Cages:

• Type: Monogamous pair or trio, adult mice (g: 25-30)
• Floor area: Minimum 330 cm²; per animal: 100 cm²
• Height: Minimum 12 cm
• Material: Stainless steel or polycarbonate plastic, washable, chemical disinfectable, autoclave compatible
• Features: Leak-proof water bottles with silicone rings, washable feeders, litter collection trays, environmental enrichments, solid floors, adaptable for ventilation systems

For Rats:

• Type: Adult rats (g: 400-600)
• Floor area: 800-900 cm²; per animal: minimum 700-900 cm²
• Height: Minimum 20 cm
• Same material and feature requirements as mice cages, with options for manual and automated ventilation

For Rabbits:

• Type: Socially harmonious adults (kg: 3-5)
• Floor area: 4200-6000 cm²; per animal: minimum 4200-6000 cm²
• Height: 45-60 cm
• Features: Leak-proof water bottles, washable feeders, litter trays, environmental enrichments, transparent removable side panels, adaptable for ventilation

Additional Equipment:

• Adjustable stainless steel shelf racks with wheels, bumpers, and washability features
• Accessories as per detailed specifications

Skills and Skills Requirements

The tender specifies that bidders must demonstrate:

• Experience in supplying, delivering, and installing animal cages and related equipment, supported by reference letters from contactable clients (minimum of 3 references, with at least 5 years of experience).
• Project management expertise, with CVs of personnel assigned to the project, particularly the project manager with at least 4-10 years of relevant experience.
• Technical capability to meet detailed specifications, including materials, design, and functionality (e.g., compatibility with washing, disinfection, autoclaving, ventilation systems).
• Financial stability and good legal standing, with no negative credit listings or legal disputes.
• Compliance with procurement policies, including B-BBEE certification and adherence to relevant standards and regulations.

Summary

This tender aims to acquire high-quality, compliant animal cages and accessories, supported by proven experience and technical capability, to enhance ARC's research facilities. Bidders must demonstrate their ability to meet detailed technical specifications, provide relevant references, and ensure timely delivery and installation, all within the stipulated legal and financial frameworks.