Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure certified, sterile surgical instruments specifically designed for ophthalmology procedures at Grey’s Hospital. The procurement aims to secure reliable suppliers capable of delivering compliant medical devices that meet strict clinical, regulatory, and quality standards, while aligning with provincial supply chain policies that prioritise economic transformation and value for money.

Scope

The scope encompasses the supply and delivery of ten boxes of iris hook retractors with stoppers to the theatre department at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. Each box contains five units. The quoted pricing must remain firm for a validity period of ninety days, with all delivery costs included in the final price. The procurement follows a structured four-stage evaluation process: administrative compliance, specification adherence, potential sample verification, and final assessment based on pricing and preferential points. No fixed contract duration is specified beyond the quote validity period.

Technical Requirements

• Product Specifications: Iris hook retractors with stoppers, precisely 8mm in length and 0.8mm in diameter.
• Sterility & Usage: All units must be sterile and explicitly intended for ophthalmology surgery.
• Packaging: Supplied in boxes containing five units each.
• Quality & Shelf Life: Products must be brand new and unused. Items must retain a minimum of six months’ shelf life upon delivery; expired or second-hand goods will be automatically rejected.
• Regulatory Licensing: Bidders must provide a valid licence issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorising the manufacture, import, export, or wholesale distribution of medical devices.
• Documentation: Mandatory submission of fully completed official quotation forms, SBD 4 (Disclosure of Interest), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim), General Conditions of Contract (GCC), Special Conditions of Contract (SCC), and specification compliance declarations. Missing any returnable document results in disqualification.
• Sample Verification: The institution may request physical samples from the top three scoring bidders via email. A compulsory sample register must accompany submissions. Suppliers with prior successful deliveries to the hospital may submit proof of past orders instead, though sample submission remains advisable.

Skills Requirements

This tender involves the straightforward supply of standard medical equipment rather than complex engineering, construction, or specialised services. Consequently, no advanced technical or professional qualifications are mandated. Suppliers must demonstrate standard commercial competencies, including inventory management, logistics coordination, regulatory compliance administration, and precise documentation preparation. Familiarity with public sector supply chain protocols, Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, and tax compliance verification is essential for successful participation.

Notable Terms & Conditions

• Preferential Procurement (80/20 System): Twenty points are allocated to companies that are at least fifty-one percent black-owned. Proof must be submitted via a BBBEE verification certificate or sworn affidavit. Failure to provide proof results in zero points for this category but does not disqualify the bid.
• SAHPRA Licensing: The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority regulates medical devices in South Africa. A valid licence confirms the supplier meets national safety, efficacy, and quality standards for importing or distributing surgical instruments.
• Cover-Quoting Prohibition: Submitting multiple quotations to manipulate pricing or gain unfair advantage is classified as fraud. Violations lead to immediate disqualification and potential restriction from public sector contracts for up to ten years.
• Delay Penalties: Late delivery incurs financial penalties calculated daily using the current prime interest rate applied to the delayed goods' value. Repeated delays may trigger contract termination and supplier blacklisting.
• Tax Compliance: Suppliers must maintain active tax clearance status verified through the CSD. Non-compliant tax records result in automatic rejection per National Treasury directives.