Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure and deliver a specialized neonatal medical device to support fluid management and hematological optimization during cardiac surgery. The contract also aims to align with national procurement policies by prioritizing price competitiveness while allocating preference points to enterprises owned by youth.

Scope

The tender covers the supply and delivery of one hemoconcentrator set under a twelve-month contract at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. The scope encompasses the provision of new, unused medical equipment that meets strict clinical specifications, timely delivery to the designated facility, warranty support, and compliance with South African public supply chain management regulations. Shortlisted bidders may be required to submit physical product samples for final technical evaluation.

Technical Requirements

• Device Classification: Hemoconcentrator set designed specifically for infant and neonatal patients.
• Materials & Construction: Housing must be medical-grade biocompatible polycarbonate; membrane must be hollow fiber type. All components must be non-pyrogenic and biocompatible.
• Design & Configuration: Transparent/clear appearance, compact/small surface area, user-friendly setup, integrated spike, and inlet tubing fitted with a male luer connector.
• Tubing & Accessories: Includes ¼-inch silicone tubing for the raceway, plus 3/16-inch and 1/16-inch tubing to enable conversion to Modified Ultrafiltration (MUF). Must incorporate a pressure monitoring isolator.
• Clinical Function: Capable of performing both conventional and modified ultrafiltration during cardiac surgery to extract excess fluid/volume and improve patient hematocrit.
• Compliance & Quality: Products must be brand new, unused, carry a minimum shelf life of one year, and fully adhere to every listed specification. Bidders must formally acknowledge compliance by initialing each criterion.
• Documentation: Valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, SARS tax clearance, B-BBEE verification certificate or sworn affidavit, completed SBD forms, and proof of youth ownership if claiming preference points.

Skills Requirements

As this is a goods supply contract, no clinical, surgical, or specialized technical skills are required from the bidder. Suppliers must, however, demonstrate robust commercial and logistical capabilities, including efficient inventory management, reliable last-mile delivery to healthcare facilities, and competent after-sales service for warranty claims. Familiarity with medical device distribution standards, regulatory compliance, and public sector contracting procedures is expected.

Explanation of Specialized Terms

• Hemoconcentrator Set / Ultrafiltration Device: A sterile extracorporeal medical apparatus used during open-heart surgery on neonates. It filters the patient's blood to remove excess plasma and inflammatory fluids while retaining red blood cells, thereby concentrating hemoglobin and improving oxygen-carrying capacity post-procedure.
• Modified Ultrafiltration (MUF): A perfusion technique that applies controlled negative pressure to the blood circuit after cardiopulmonary bypass. It draws out residual fluid and cytokines, reducing systemic edema and accelerating cardiac recovery in vulnerable infant patients.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A standard South African public procurement evaluation model where 80% of scoring points are awarded based on competitive pricing, and 20% are reserved for specific socio-economic development goals, in this case, prioritizing youth-owned businesses.