Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure a reliable and compliant supplier for the provision of Epson ink cartridges to support clinical and administrative operations at Addington Hospital, under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.

Scope

The scope covers the supply, delivery, and handover of specified ink cartridges to the hospital's receiving and dispatch department. The procurement includes:

• Six standard colour cartridges: Black, Cyan, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Magenta, and Yellow.
• One specialised cartridge compatible with the Epson PP100III Disk Producer for use in the X-ray department to print on blank CD discs.

All quotations must remain valid for ninety days. Delivered goods must be unexpired for a minimum of six months upon receipt. The contract operates under standard government procurement frameworks, including preferential procurement regulations and general/special conditions of contract.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must satisfy the following technical and quality standards:

• Compatibility: Cartridges must be fully compatible with the specified Epson printer models, particularly the PP100III Disk Producer.
• Condition & Shelf Life: All items must be brand new, unused, and free from manufacturing defects. Second-hand or expired products are strictly prohibited.
• Sample Submission: A physical or colour picture sample of each cartridge type must be submitted alongside the quotation for end-user evaluation before the closing date.
• Standards Compliance: Goods must conform to applicable South African National Standards (SANS/SABS) and meet all specification requirements outlined in the bidding documents.

Skills & Experience Requirements

While the tender focuses on product supply rather than specialised technical labour, bidders must demonstrate proven operational capability and regulatory compliance:

• Demonstrated Delivery Experience: Submission of at least one valid purchase order and signed delivery note from a public or private healthcare facility, proving prior successful supply of similar goods.
• Administrative & Regulatory Compliance: Valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) report, SARS tax clearance verification, updated CIPC registration documents, and a valid BBBEE status certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Performance Track Record: Bidders must have a clean delivery history. Any documented failure to deliver without acceptable justification will result in disqualification.

Notable Terms & Clarifications

Optical Media Printing Cartridge: The PP1001-compatible cartridge is engineered specifically for direct printing onto blank CD surfaces. Unlike standard paper-printing inks, these require specialised pigments that chemically bond to optical coatings to prevent smudging, fading, or degradation during long-term storage.

Preference Point System: Evaluation follows an 80/20 scoring model, allocating twenty points to South African-owned enterprises to advance transformation goals. Points are awarded based on verified ownership documentation submitted with the bid.

Anti-Collusion & Cover-Quoting Prohibition: The contract strictly forbids submitting multiple bids under different company names for the same opportunity. Automated and manual verification processes will detect cover-quoting, resulting in immediate disqualification and potential ten-year restrictions from public sector procurement.