Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure and deliver high-quality, compliant optical corrective devices to support public healthcare services at St Chads Community Health Centre. The contract aims to ensure equitable access to essential vision care for patients while adhering to provincial health supply chain management standards and preferential procurement legislation.

Scope

This is a once-off supply contract for 300 units of prescription and ready-made eyewear. The requirement is divided into two categories:

• 200 units of custom-fitted single vision, bifocal, and multifocal spectacles.
• 100 units of ready-made reading glasses.

All goods must be delivered directly to the designated health facility in Ladysmith. The scope includes provision of standard accessories, optional low-vision assistive devices, replacement parts, and a comprehensive warranty period. Physical samples are mandatory for evaluation prior to award.

Technical Requirements

• Lens Materials & Options: Lenses must be manufactured from CR39 organic plastic, polycarbonate (mandatory for paediatric frames), or high refractive index materials for strong prescriptions. Available finishes include clear, full-tint, gradient-tint, and photochromic CR39, with anti-reflective coatings and prism corrections permitted.
• Prescription Ranges: Standard powers cover sphere 0.00–6.00 and cylinder 0.00–3.00. Higher prescriptions (>±10.00) require knife-edge grinding or high-index alternatives. Bifocal and multifocal reading additions must range from +1.00 to +4.00 in 0.25 diopter increments.
• Frames: Must be SABS-approved, feature flexible temples or spring bows, accommodate pupillary distances between 40–80mm, and be available in multiple sizes, colours, and age-appropriate designs (including infant frames).
• Accessories & Packaging: Each set must include a protective case, cleaning cloth, and child safety strap. Suppliers must quote unit prices for frame replacements, lens replacements, tint adjustments, and hardware kits.
• Quality & Compliance: Products must be new, unused, valid for a minimum of six months upon delivery, and conform to SANS/SABS standards. A twelve-month warranty applies from date of acceptance.
• Delivery: All delivery, packaging, and incidental service costs must be included in the quoted price. Delivery periods must be explicitly stated.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• Bidders must submit verifiable proof of similar past contracts or supply orders.
• A current registration certificate from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for a qualified optometrist must be attached to the submission.
• Suppliers must be actively registered on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD) and maintain valid tax compliance status.
• Quotations must comply with the 80/20 preferential procurement framework, with twenty evaluation points allocated specifically for South African-owned enterprises.
• Complete disclosure of any personal or business relationships with Department of Health officials is mandatory via the standard conflict-of-interest declaration.
• Pricing must be firm, inclusive of VAT (if applicable), and remain valid for ninety days.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Biofocal/Multifocal/Bifocal: Bifocal lenses contain two distinct optical zones for distance and near vision. Multibocal and biofocal lenses provide a continuous, seamless progression of power across multiple viewing distances without visible segment lines.
• HPCSA: The statutory regulatory body responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing the professional conduct of optometrists and other health practitioners in South Africa.
• SABS/SANS: National standards bodies that certify product safety, durability, and manufacturing quality. Compliance ensures the eyewear meets rigorous public health and consumer protection benchmarks.
• CSD: The national electronic registry used by all South African government entities to verify supplier legitimacy, financial standing, and compliance history before contract award.
• 80/20 Preferential Procurement System: A scoring methodology where eighty percent of the evaluation weight is assigned to competitive pricing, while twenty percent rewards specific socio-economic goals, here prioritising historically disadvantaged or locally owned businesses.
• SBD 4: A standardized legal declaration requiring bidders to disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest involving public sector employees, ensuring transparent and fair procurement processes.