Tender Summary: Service of Oxygen Tanks & Vacuum Pumps

Objectives

The primary objective is to procure a qualified contractor to perform comprehensive maintenance and servicing of the medical gas bank (oxygen tanks/manifolds) and vacuum pump systems at Town Hill Hospital. The service ensures continuous, safe, and fully compliant operation of critical hospital infrastructure in accordance with national health, safety, and engineering standards.

Scope of Work

The contractor will execute the complete servicing of the medical gas and vacuum plant, encompassing the following deliverables:

• Compilation and submission of a company health and safety file.
• Service of oxygen manifolds and non-return valves (NRVs).
• Testing and pressure calibration of the oxygen regulator bank.
• Inspection and servicing of the associated electrical control panel.
• Full servicing of vacuum pumps, including replacement of filters, seals, gaskets, and lubricating oil.
• Reinstallation and commissioning of the moisture trap bottle.
• Installation of new service kits for six oxygen points and six vacuum points.
• System-wide leak detection testing.
• Issuance of a Certificate of Conformity for gas installations.
• Execution of daily, weekly, and annual maintenance routines as outlined in the attached checklist.

All work must be completed within two weeks of order placement. The contract mandates a minimum three-month guarantee for general work and materials, and a twelve-month guarantee for electrical and mechanical installations.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate strict adherence to the following technical and regulatory standards:

• Compliance with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Codes of Practice, National Building Regulations, KZNPA Standard Preambles, General Electrical Specifications, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
• Submission of a Certificate of Compliance covering all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building work upon project completion.
• All supplied materials must be new, unused, and conform to specified quality standards. Expired or second-hand products are strictly prohibited.
• Work must be executed without disrupting ongoing hospital operations. Any damage caused by negligence will be rectified at the contractor’s sole expense.
• Pricing must be firm, inclusive of all labour, transport, overheads, and VAT (if applicable), with delivery costs fully incorporated.
• A penalty rate of 0.04% per day will apply for delayed performance beyond the agreed delivery period.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

To ensure competent execution, bidders must meet the following mandatory skill and accreditation criteria:

• SAQCC Gas Accreditation: Mandatory proof that the company and its technicians hold current accreditation for medical gas system maintenance.
• CIDB Grading 1ME: Valid registration with the Construction Industry Development Board for mechanical engineering works.
• Proven Experience: Submission of completion certificates or documented proof of similar past work involving medical gas and vacuum plant servicing.
• OHS Documentation: Provision of a comprehensive company safety file and verifiable proof of technician training qualifications.
• Site Briefing Attendance: Mandatory attendance at a compulsory site inspection/briefing session on 22 October 2026 at 10:00 at the SCM Stores. Failure to attend results in immediate disqualification.

Explanation of Unusual Terms

• SAQCC Gas Accreditation: A national certification scheme verifying that gas installation and maintenance personnel meet stringent safety and technical standards required for handling medical-grade gases in healthcare facilities.
• CIDB 1ME Grading: The foundational tier of mechanical engineering classification under the Construction Industry Development Board, permitting contractors to execute small-value mechanical projects safely and competently.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A public procurement evaluation model where eighty percent of scoring is based on price competitiveness, and twenty percent is allocated to socio-economic goals, specifically favouring enterprises registered and operating within the Msunduzi or eThekwini Municipalities.
• Certificate of Conformity for Gas Installations: A legally mandated document issued by an accredited professional confirming that the medical gas system has been installed, tested, and commissioned in full compliance with South African safety regulations.