Objectives

The primary objective is to secure a reliable, compliant, and cost-effective supply of disposable soda lime for clinical use in anaesthetic procedures at Grey’s Hospital. The procurement aligns with public sector supply chain management principles, ensuring continuous availability of critical theatre consumables while promoting transformation through preferential procurement policies.

Scope

The contract encompasses the supply of 36 boxes of disposable soda lime over a twelve-month period, delivered at a scheduled rate of three boxes per month. Each box contains six individual units. All goods must be delivered directly to Grey’s Hospital, with delivery costs fully incorporated into the quoted price. The quotation validity period is ninety days, and the procuring entity reserves the right to award the contract in whole or in part based on compliance, pricing competitiveness, and preference point allocation.

Technical Requirements

• Machine Compatibility: Products must be fully compatible with Dräger anaesthetic machines.
• Shelf Life & Condition: Items must be new, unused, and carry a minimum shelf life of two years from the date of delivery. Expired, damaged, or second-hand products will be rejected.
• Packaging: Supplied in standardized boxes containing six units each.
• Regulatory Licensing: Bidders must submit a valid licence issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) permitting the manufacture, import, export, or wholesale distribution of medical devices.
• Quality Verification: The institution may request physical samples from top-scoring bidders for independent testing. Non-compliant samples result in immediate disqualification.
• Delivery Adherence: Strict monthly delivery of three boxes throughout the twelve-month term is mandatory, with all logistics costs included in the bid price.

Skills & Compliance Requirements

No specialised technical skills are explicitly mandated; however, successful execution requires demonstrated operational and administrative capacity:

• Regulatory & Financial Compliance: Valid CSD registration, SARS tax clearance verification, SAHPRA licensing, and BBBEE status documentation or sworn affidavit.
• Logistical Management: Inventory control and distribution capabilities to guarantee timely monthly deliveries without disruption.
• Administrative Proficiency: Ability to complete all official quotation forms in full, issue compliant tax invoices, and adhere to contractual reporting obligations.
• Transformation Compliance: Provision of verifiable proof of at least 51% Black ownership to claim preference points under the specific goals framework.

Notes on Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Soda Lime Clic Disposable: Soda lime is a calcium hydroxide-based granule used as a carbon dioxide absorbent in closed anaesthesia circuits. The “Clic” designation refers to a proprietary connector or housing configuration engineered for rapid, leak-proof attachment to Dräger anaesthetic machines, ensuring safe gas exchange during surgical procedures.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: Evaluation awards 80 points based on price competitiveness and 20 points for designated social objectives. Full points are allocated to enterprises with at least 51% Black ownership, supporting national economic transformation mandates.
• Sample-Driven Scoring: Unlike conventional tenders, this process requires shortlisted bidders to physically submit product samples upon request. Samples undergo technical scrutiny before final preference points are allocated, adding a rigorous quality-assurance step to the evaluation.
• Performance Penalties & Termination: Delayed deliveries trigger daily financial deductions calculated at the prevailing prime interest rate applied to the value of undelivered goods. Persistent non-performance may result in contract cancellation, financial claims for excess replacement costs, and potential ten-year restrictions from future public sector procurement.