Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure a reliable supply of medical-grade anti-embolism stockings for Grey’s Hospital to facilitate deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylactic compression for patients. The procurement seeks to secure compliant, clinically effective products at competitive rates while adhering to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s supply chain management policies and national preferential procurement legislation.

Scope

The tender covers the supply of knee-high (below-knee) anti-embolism stockings in white, featuring an open-toe design. The required quantities are distributed across five sizes: Small (12 pairs), Medium (48 pairs), Large (48 pairs), Extra Large (24 pairs), and Extra Extra Large (12 pairs). All goods must be delivered directly to Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. The quotation validity period is set at 90 days, and no fixed contract period is stipulated, indicating a direct supply arrangement rather than a long-term framework agreement.

Technical Requirements

• Compression Specifications: Class 1 graduated compression delivering 18mmHg at the ankle and 14mmHg at the calf.
• Material & Design: Soft-touch fabric with adequate elasticity, a stretchable top seam, label-free construction, and smooth seams to prevent skin irritation.
• Quality Standards: Compliance with British Standard BS6612 and German Standard RAL-GZ387.
• Product Condition: New, unused items with a minimum remaining shelf life of six months upon delivery.
• Documentation & Compliance: Full completion of all mandatory returnable forms, including tax clearance certificates, Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration, BBBEE verification, and bidder disclosure declarations.
• Sample Submission: Physical samples must be submitted alongside the quotation for technical evaluation.

Skills Requirements

No specialized technical skills are explicitly mandated; however, bidders must demonstrate:

• Proven capability to source, stock, and deliver certified medical compression garments within agreed timeframes.
• Familiarity with South African public procurement compliance, including accurate completion of Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) and tax regulatory requirements.
• Financial stability to support order fulfillment and meet potential performance security obligations.
• Understanding of preferential procurement scoring mechanisms to correctly claim specific goal points.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Graduated Compression: A therapeutic garment design that applies maximum pressure at the ankle, gradually decreasing toward the knee to enhance venous blood return and reduce DVT risk.
• Class 1 Compression: A light medical compression category (approximately 14–18 mmHg) clinically indicated for DVT prevention and mild venous insufficiency.
• 80/20 Preference System: A South African public procurement evaluation model allocating 80 evaluation points to price competitiveness and 20 points to designated social goals (in this instance, 51%+ Black ownership).
• Cover-Quoting: An illegal procurement practice where multiple affiliated entities submit bids for the same contract to manipulate pricing; strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate disqualification.