Overview

Wentworth Hospital, part of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, invites quotations for the once-off supply of sterile surgical sutures described as “Vicryl 1 TH Round Body Swaged Heavy Taper”. This is a goods quotation subject to the preferential procurement framework and its related regulations.

Objectives

• To procure surgical suture materials for use in surgical procedures at Wentworth Hospital.
• Specifically, the sutures are intended for closing the inner body layers after a caesarean section in order to prevent bleeding.
• To secure a competitively priced, compliant and reliable supply of this consumable item.

Scope

• Item: Suture Vicryl 1 TH Round Body – sterile, swaged heavy taper – box of 12 units.
• Quantity: 210 boxes.
• Packaging details: 12 sutures per box; 50 boxes per case; supply in case form
• Contract duration: once-off
• Quotation validity period: 90 days
• Compulsory site visit briefing session: not applicable.

Technical requirements

The item is a surgical suture with the following required characteristics, according to the specification:

• Suture type: "Vicry 1TH" – meaning a size-coded absorbable synthetic suture (brand “Vycry” is a braided absorbable polyglactin-type material).
• Sterile– suitable for surgical use
• Swaged needle: the needle is pre–fixed to the suture
• Heavy taper point
• Roundbody needle
• Needle configuration: 40 mm, half-circle
• Thread length: 90 cm
• Metric size: 4 in the stated product code.

The product must conform to SABS/ SANS standards, be new and unused, with no products accepted that are expired, second-hand or invalid-products must have good shelf life.

Skills, supplier compliance and capacity requirements

• Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration is required; bidders must be in good standing.
• Must havevalid updated CIPC registration.
• Tax matters must be in order and tax clearance / CSD compliance verified.
• A valid SAHPRA licence is required, demonstrating authorisation to manufacture, import/export, wholesale or distribute the medical device covered by the quotation if applicable.
• Bidders must submit proof of previous performance: a copy of at least one valid order and corresponding delivery note showing that they have previously supplied medical goods to a private or public health facility.
• Must complete all mandatory administrative forms, including the bidding disclosure SBD4, preference claim SBD6.1, and accept the General and Special Conditions of Contract.
• Bidders must not have defaulted on a previous Wentworth Hospital order without acceptable reasons.
• Suppliers must disclose any relationship with departmental/health employees or any related party, and avoid conflicts of interest or collusive bidding arrangements.

Award and evaluation approach

• Evaluation is staged: administrative and mandatory requirements; capacity to deliver precedence; specification compliance; price and specific goals; and finally sample quality.
• Preference: the 80/20 system applies to this quotation (price points = 80; specific goals = 20).
• The specific goal is 20 points for South African-owned enterprises, supported by a B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, together with an identity document.
• The highest scoring responsive bidders may later be asked to submit samples; only a compliant sample will be accepted.

Important plain-language notes

Because sutures are a medical product with specific technical labels, the following needs explanation:

• Vicryl refers to a brand of braided absorbable synthetic surgical suture: it gradually dissolves in the body as tissue repairs.
• Round body describes a needle with a circular cross-section, intended to pass through tissue without making a cutting hole.
• Swaged means the needle is already permanently attached to the suture thread, reducing trauma during surgery.
• Heavy taper is a pointed needle design that remains narrow to ease/interferest dense or tough soft tissues.
• 1 TH is part of the suture/needle designation used in this product description; the full specification stated by the hospital must be met.