Objectives

The primary objective is to secure a one-off supply of 50,000 units of large, high-absorbency disposable medical underpads (commonly referred to as linen savers) for clinical, surgical, and maternity use at King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex. The procurement aims to ensure reliable access to infection-control products that protect mattresses, reduce cross-contamination risks, and minimize linen laundering costs.

Scope

• Supply and delivery of 50,000 units of large linen savers.
• Items are designated for temporary bed and mattress protection to trap bodily fluids and safeguard hospital textiles.
• Delivery must be made to the Main Stores receiving zone at the hospital complex.
• The contract is once-off, with quotations required to remain valid for 90 days.

Technical Requirements

• Dimensions: Large size measuring 510mm x 650mm.
• Layer Construction: Six-ply high-absorbency design featuring a soft, hydrophobic, hypoallergenic non-woven top sheet for rapid fluid wicking; a minimum six-ply virgin cellulose pulp core maintaining uniform thickness to prevent shifting or shredding when wet; and a continuous waterproof polyethylene or non-slip plastic back sheet to eliminate strike-through leakage.
• Sealing: All four edges must be securely heat-sealed to contain materials and fluids under heavy load.
• Packaging: Supplied in clear plastic inner sleeves containing exactly 100 units each, consolidated into robust, stackable corrugated master cartons clearly labeled with batch/lot numbers and manufacturer information.
• Condition & Handling: Products must be delivered completely dry, hygienically clean, and palletized or tightly bound. Any cartons exhibiting moisture damage, tears, or structural compromise will be rejected upon receipt.
• Compliance: Must meet applicable South African National Standards (SANS/SABS) for medical disposables.
• Samples: Physical product samples must accompany the initial quotation submission.

Skills & Experience Requirements

• Bidders must demonstrate proven capacity by providing valid proof of at least two previous successful deliveries of similar medical underpads or linen savers to any organ of state across all spheres of government.
• Bidders with a recorded history of failing to fulfill state contracts without acceptable justification will be disqualified.
• Suppliers must maintain active Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, current SARS tax clearance status, and hold a valid B-BBEE verification certificate or sworn affidavit.

Key Terms & Unusual Requirements

The tender utilizes an 80/20 preferential procurement system, awarding 80 points for competitive pricing and 20 points exclusively for promoting South African-owned enterprises. Claimants must submit CIPC ownership documentation to qualify for these points.

Evaluation proceeds through five stages, culminating in a mandatory sample verification phase. The three highest-scoring responsive bidders will be shortlisted to submit physical samples; failure to provide compliant samples results in automatic disqualification. This ensures final product quality aligns with clinical standards before contract award.

Standard public sector provisions apply, including daily penalties calculated at the prevailing prime interest rate for late deliveries, post-award performance security requirements, and strict termination clauses for default, corruption, or insolvency. Quoted prices must be firm for the contract duration, and all logistics costs must be fully incorporated into the unit price.