Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure and deliver a single multi-parameter bench top meter for laboratory analysis to the City of uMhlathuze. The procurement seeks a qualified supplier capable of providing specialized scientific instrumentation that meets strict municipal quality, safety, and regulatory standards, while adhering to transparent public sector procurement procedures.

Scope

The scope covers the complete supply, delivery, and warranty provision of the specified laboratory meter, including all required probes and accessories. It also mandates comprehensive administrative compliance, requiring the supplier to submit documentation aligned with municipal procurement policies. This includes mandatory database registrations, tax compliance verification, preferential procurement point claims, and standardized declaration forms addressing conflicts of interest, past supply chain practices, and independent bidding certification. Quotations must be priced exclusive of VAT, with all delivery and ancillary costs included. The submitted quotation must remain valid for thirty days, and payment will be processed within thirty days of invoice receipt.

Technical Requirements

• Instrument Type: Bench top laboratory meter with an IP54 ingress protection rating, ensuring resistance to dust and water spray.
• Measured Parameters: pH/ORP, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, resistivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and ion-selective electrodes (ISE) for ammonia, ammonium, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and sodium.
• Functional Features: Automatic buffer recognition; configurable calibration alerts and reminders with selectable intervals from two hours to seven days; USB connectivity for automatic data export to personal computers or flash drives.
• Performance Specifications: Conductivity range of 0.01 µS/cm to 200.0 mS/cm with matching resolution; DO range of 0.1–20.0 mg/L (1–200% saturation) with 0.1 resolution; pH range of 0–14 units with selectable resolution (0.001/0.01/0.1); temperature range of -10°C to 110°C with 0.1 resolution; TDS range up to 50.0 g/L as NaCl.
• Data Management: Internal memory capacity of at least 500 records, with automatic storage that complies with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO standards for audit-ready record keeping.
• Included Components: DO, conductivity, and pH probes must be supplied with the main unit.
• Warranty: Minimum twelve-month manufacturer warranty.
• Documentation: Full technical specifications must accompany the quotation. Any modifications to the tender form must be manually signed by the bidder to remain valid.

Skills & Compliance Requirements

No specialized technical training or engineering skills are required from the supplier beyond standard commercial supply capabilities. However, the supplier must demonstrate strong proficiency in public sector procurement compliance and logistics for sensitive scientific equipment. Key requirements include:

• Mandatory registration with the Central Suppliers Database and the Municipal Council Database; failure to register results in immediate disqualification.
• Submission of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate and Letter of Good Standing.
• Ability to claim preferential procurement points under the 80:20 scoring system (80 points for price, 20 points for designated groups) by providing certified proof of ownership demographics, such as black economic empowerment status, rural/township residency, or representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Completion of standard municipal declaration forms confirming independent bidding, absence of collusive practices, and no history of contract terminations, fraud, or corruption.
• Familiarity with GLP ISO compliance terminology and data logging standards, ensuring the instrument meets laboratory audit requirements.