Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure folded paper hand towels for routine human hygiene operations at Queen Nandi Regional Hospital. The procurement seeks to secure a reliable, cost-effective, and fully compliant supply of standard hygiene products through a transparent, regulated quotation process that aligns with national supply chain management and preferential procurement frameworks.

Scope

The scope encompasses a one-off supply of 1,500 boxes of folded paper hand towels. Each box contains 20 packs, with each pack comprising 120 sheets. The contract requires direct delivery to the hospital's designated facility in Empangeni. Quotations must remain valid for 90 days, and all transportation and handling costs must be factored into the quoted price. The procuring institution reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation without obligation or further explanation.

Technical Requirements

• Product Specifications: White folded paper towels, approximately 240mm x 324mm per sheet, specifically designed for hand drying and hygiene.
• Packaging Format: Delivered in boxes containing 20 individual packs.
• Quality & Shelf Life: All supplied goods must be new, unused, and free from manufacturing defects. Products must retain a minimum validity period of six months from the date of delivery.
• Standards Compliance: Bidders must confirm whether the offered product meets the stated specifications and conforms to relevant South African National Standards (SANS/SABS).
• Physical Sample: One exact pack of the offered product must be physically submitted alongside the quotation for inspection. Failure to provide a sample results in automatic disqualification.
• Pricing & Delivery Terms: Prices must be firm and fully inclusive of delivery to the prescribed destination. Expired, damaged, or second-hand products are strictly prohibited.

Skills Requirements

No specialized technical expertise or professional certifications are required for this supply contract. However, bidders must demonstrate baseline operational and administrative capacity, including:

• Proven track record in delivering goods, supported by at least one valid past order and corresponding delivery note (public or private sector).
• Active Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration and verified SARS tax compliance status.
• Current CIPC business registration documents and valid B-BBEE status evidence (verification certificate or sworn affidavit).
• Administrative competence to accurately complete, sign, and submit all mandatory compliance, disclosure, and preference claim forms before the closing deadline.

Unusual or Complicated Terms & Conditions

• 80/20 Preference Point System: Evaluation allocates 80 points for competitive pricing and 20 points for specific socio-economic goals. The 20 points are exclusively reserved for enterprises operating within the King Cetshwayo District, requiring documented proof such as a CIPC ownership certificate, utility bill, or official ward councillor confirmation.
• Anti-Cover-Quoting Enforcement: The department conducts cross-entity verification to detect multiple companies bidding under different names for the same opportunity. Evidence of shared control or cover-quoting triggers immediate disqualification for corruption and fraud.
• Four-Stage Mandatory Evaluation: Bids progress through strict sequential filters: administrative compliance, delivery capacity, specification adherence, and price/preference scoring. Failure at any stage results in automatic non-responsiveness and removal from consideration.
• Delay Penalties & Restriction Clauses: Late deliveries incur daily financial penalties calculated at the current prime interest rate. The purchaser may terminate the contract, procure substitute goods at the supplier's expense, and impose a public sector trading restriction of up to ten years for fraudulent, collusive, or corrupt conduct.