Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure and deliver clinically reliable adult regional saturation sensors to support continuous, non-invasive monitoring of tissue oxygenation in adult patients at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. The procurement aims to maintain uninterrupted critical care and surgical operations while complying with South African public sector procurement legislation, with a specific focus on advancing socio-economic transformation through preferential allocation to youth-owned enterprises.

Scope

This is a one-off supply contract for 100 units of Somasensor standard adult sensors. The successful supplier will be responsible for the complete delivery of goods to the hospital's designated location within an agreed timeframe. The scope encompasses all associated costs, including transportation, secure packaging, and applicable taxes. Quotations must remain valid for 90 days, and pricing must be firm throughout the contract period. The institution reserves the right to request physical samples from top-scoring bidders for technical and clinical verification prior to final contract award.

Technical Requirements

• Product Compatibility: Sensors must integrate seamlessly with existing Somantics Inv Oximeter 5100C monitors and other INVOS-compatible cerebral/somatic oximetry systems.
• Functionality: Utilises near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to provide continuous, real-time regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) readings for brain and muscle tissue monitoring.
• Physical Specifications: Standard adult size (approximately 7 cm × 3 cm adhesive patch), exclusively designed for patients weighing over 40 kg. Features a green and white hypoallergenic adhesive pad, black cable, and blue connector.
• Materials & Safety: Constructed from medical-grade, latex-free polymers with integrated optical emitters/detectors and shielded flexible insulation. Must be non-sterile and intended for single-use applications.
• Packaging: Individually sealed pouches, typically supplied in cartons of 10 or 25 units.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supplier must hold a valid South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) licence permitting the manufacture, import, export, or wholesale distribution of medical devices.
• Quality & Shelf Life: All supplied units must have a minimum remaining shelf life of six months upon delivery. Goods must conform to applicable SANS/SABS standards where relevant.
• Warranty: Supplier warrants that all items are new, unused, and free from defects in design, materials, or workmanship. Warranty coverage lasts 12 months post-delivery acceptance or 18 months from shipment, whichever expires first.

Skills and Capacity Requirements

• Regulatory & Documentation Management: Demonstrated ability to compile and verify mandatory compliance documents, including SAHPRA licensing, Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration, tax clearance status, and updated CIPC records.
• Logistical & Supply Chain Capability: Proven experience in sourcing, warehousing, and delivering sensitive medical equipment to public healthcare facilities within strict timelines, including proper cold-chain or climate-controlled handling if applicable.
• Financial & Administrative Proficiency: Capacity to submit accurate official quotation forms, adhere to preferential procurement scoring matrices, and manage contractual obligations such as performance security and invoice processing.
• Operational Readiness: Understanding of public sector contracting frameworks, including General Conditions of Contract (GCC), Special Conditions of Contract (SCC), penalty clauses for delayed delivery, and dispute resolution protocols.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS): A non-invasive optical measurement technique that emits specific light wavelengths into tissue. Oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin absorb light differently, allowing the device to calculate real-time regional oxygen saturation levels without blood draws.
• SAHPRA Licensing: Mandatory regulatory authorisation issued by South Africa's health product regulator. It ensures that entities handling medical devices meet national safety, efficacy, quality, and traceability standards before distribution to healthcare facilities.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A statutory procurement scoring model where 80% of evaluation points are awarded based on competitive pricing, and 20% are allocated to specific socio-economic goals. In this tender, the full 20 points are reserved for enterprises owned by youth, incentivising economic participation while maintaining cost-effectiveness.