Objectives

The primary objective is to procure and deliver sterile acupuncture needles to support therapeutic interventions for muscle pain relief at the designated provincial hospital. The procurement aims to secure a compliant, financially stable supplier capable of providing high-quality, single-use medical devices within strict regulatory and delivery timelines.

Scope

The tender covers the supply and delivery of forty (40) boxes of sterile acupuncture needles, allocated equally across four specified dimensions:

• 0.22 x 13 mm (10 boxes)
• 0.22 x 25 mm (10 boxes)
• 0.35 x 50 mm (10 boxes)
• 0.35 x 75 mm (10 boxes)

The supplier is responsible for transporting the goods to the hospital, ensuring all items are new, unused, and packaged appropriately. The quotation requires a ninety-day price validity period, firm pricing, and inclusion of all delivery costs. The contract operates under standard government general and special conditions of contract.

Technical Requirements

All supplied needles must strictly comply with the following technical and regulatory specifications:

• Physical Specifications: Sterile, fine, metallic needles consisting of a tip, body, root, and a handle wrapped in copper wire.
• Quality & Usage: Single-use only. Must meet quality standards established by health authorities regulating medical needles.
• Packaging & Shelf Life: Supplied in unit boxes. All products must retain a minimum validity period of six months from the date of delivery. Expired or second-hand items are strictly prohibited.
• Standards Compliance: Goods must conform to applicable SABS/SANS specifications. Bidders must explicitly confirm compliance.
• Regulatory Licensing: Suppliers must possess a valid licence issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorising the manufacture, wholesale, or distribution of medical devices.
• Evidence & Samples: Proof of SABS/SANS approval is mandatory. The institution may request product pictures, brochures, or physical samples during the evaluation phase to verify compliance.

Skills and Experience Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate operational capacity and a proven track record through the following documentation:

• Delivery History: At least one valid order confirmation and corresponding delivery note from a public or private healthcare facility, proving prior successful supply of similar medical goods.
• Financial Stability: Alternatively, a financial statement or balance sheet not older than one month, demonstrating a net asset value of at least forty percent (40%) of the total quoted amount.
• Corporate & Regulatory Compliance: Updated CIPC registration documents, a valid B-BBEE status certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs), and a Central Supplier Database (CSD) compliance report. SARS tax clearance verification is mandatory.
• Performance Integrity: Bidders with a documented history of unexplained delivery defaults or non-compliance will be disqualified from the evaluation process.

Key Contractual and Evaluation Terms

The procurement utilises a five-stage evaluation process covering administrative compliance, delivery capacity, specification adherence, pricing, and sample verification. Pricing is assessed using an 80/20 preference point system, allocating eighty points to price competitiveness and twenty points to specific socio-economic goals, primarily favouring South African-owned enterprises.

Notable Terms Explained:

• Cover-Quoting Prohibition: Submitting multiple quotations to artificially manipulate pricing or gain an unfair advantage is strictly classified as fraud and results in immediate disqualification.
• Prime Interest Rate Penalties: Failure to deliver within the agreed timeframe incurs daily financial penalties calculated based on the current prime interest rate until actual delivery occurs.
• Performance Security: Upon contract award, the successful bidder may be required to furnish a bank guarantee or irrevocable letter of credit to guarantee contractual execution.
• SAHPRA Licensing: This refers to mandatory regulatory authorisation from South Africa's health products regulator, ensuring the supplier legally handles medical-grade needles intended for clinical use.

All prices must remain firm throughout the contract period, include VAT where applicable, and cover full delivery to the prescribed destination. The procuring institution reserves the right to negotiate with shortlisted bidders to ensure optimal value for money before final award.