Objectives

The primary objective is to procure high-quality, single-use nitrile examination gloves specifically engineered for infection prevention and control protocols, including protection against high-consequence pathogens such as the Ebola virus. The tender seeks to secure a reliable, once-off supply that meets stringent clinical safety standards while advancing local economic participation through structured preferential procurement policies.

Scope

The procurement covers a one-time supply of 200 pairs of nitrile mid-forearm gloves to be delivered to Ngwelezane Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. The order comprises 100 pairs in Medium size and 100 pairs in Large size, packaged in boxes. Delivery must be completed within three weeks (15 working days) from contract award. The quotation remains valid for 90 days. The contract is classified strictly as a goods supply with no ongoing maintenance or installation obligations beyond standard delivery and warranty compliance.

Technical Requirements

• Material & Composition: 100% synthetic nitrile, completely powder-free.
• Colour: Cream-white.
• Dimensions: Extended cuff reaching the mid-forearm with a minimum total length of 280 mm.
• Thickness: Minimum fingertip thickness of 120 micrometres to ensure tear and puncture resistance.
• Design: Single-use, disposable, ambidextrous, and non-sterile.
• Packaging: Supplied in boxes containing 100 pairs per size.
• Quality Assurance: Must be SABS approved. Products must retain a minimum shelf life of six months upon delivery; expired or second-hand items will be rejected.
• Sampling: Physical samples must be provided upon delivery for verification against specifications.
• Compliance: All offers must state firm pricing, include VAT where applicable, and cover full delivery costs. Late submissions, incomplete documentation, or failure to meet specification thresholds will result in immediate disqualification.

Skills Requirements

No specialised technical expertise is mandated, but bidders must demonstrate operational and regulatory competency to fulfil the contract successfully. This includes:

• Holding a valid licence from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorising the manufacture, wholesale, or distribution of medical devices.
• Maintaining active registration and verified status on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD) with compliant tax clearance documentation.
• Demonstrating proficiency in public sector procurement compliance, including accurately completing mandatory statutory forms (SBD 4, SBD 6.1) and adhering to the General and Special Conditions of Contract.
• Managing logistics to guarantee timely delivery within the 15-working-day window and providing warranty support for defective goods.
• Understanding the preferential procurement evaluation framework to correctly claim socio-economic points.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Double Gloving Protocol: The specification mandates a layered wearing technique where an inner glove is positioned beneath the surgical gown sleeve and an outer glove is placed over it. This protocol minimises skin exposure during high-risk procedures and requires suppliers to ensure glove dimensions and elasticity accommodate this stacking method without compromising dexterity, fit, or barrier integrity.
• SAHPRA Licensing: Suppliers must possess a current regulatory licence from the national health products authority. This ensures all supplied medical devices meet rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality management standards before entering public healthcare facilities.
• 80/20 Preference System: A standard South African public procurement evaluation method where 80% of scoring is based on price competitiveness and 20% on designated social goals. In this instance, the 20 points are exclusively allocated to promote South African-owned enterprises, requiring bidders to submit ownership certificates and BBBEE documentation to claim these points.