Objectives

The primary objective is to procure clinically appropriate modular nutritional supplements to support wound healing and general patient supplementation at Ngwelezane Hospital. The tender aims to secure a reliable supplier capable of delivering compliant products within a strict timeline while adhering to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s procurement policies and socio-economic transformation mandates.

Scope

The scope encompasses a once-off supply of 150 single-serving modular powder supplement sachets (42.75g each) to Ngwelezane Hospital. The contract includes delivery to the designated hospital facility, provision of physical product samples for clinical verification, adherence to a 90-day quotation validity period, and full compliance with general and special conditions of contract. Evaluation follows a four-stage process: administrative compliance, specification verification, pricing/preference scoring, and sample assessment.

Technical Requirements

• Product must be a gluten-free, orange-flavoured modular powder supplement suitable for oral or enteral administration.
• Each 42.75g sachet must contain specified active ingredients including whey protein, Bimuno prebiotic, L-arginine, L-glutamine, Vitamin C, and an optimal zinc-to-copper ratio.
• Minimum expiry date of six months from the date of delivery.
• Goods must be new, unused, and conform strictly to the attached clinical specifications.
• Mandatory submission of physical samples prior to or on the closing date; failure to provide samples results in immediate disqualification.
• Full compliance with SARS tax clearance, Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration, and completion of all Standard Bidding Document (SBD) forms.
• Pricing must be firm, inclusive of VAT (if applicable), and fully cover delivery costs to the hospital.

Skills & Supplier Capabilities

Bidders are not required to hold specialized professional certifications but must demonstrate operational capacity to source and supply regulated medical nutrition products. Suppliers must possess logistical competence to manage timely deliveries to healthcare facilities, inventory management skills for short shelf-life items, and proficiency in navigating public sector procurement compliance. Familiarity with pharmaceutical/nutritional product specifications and experience supplying to public health institutions are highly advantageous.

Key Terminology & Clarifications

• Modular Powder Supplement: A specialized clinical nutrition product formulated with isolated nutrients to address specific metabolic or healing needs, typically used alongside standard diets for patients requiring targeted nutritional intervention.
• Bimuno Prebiotic: A patented galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) ingredient known to support intestinal flora balance and modulate immune responses.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African preferential procurement framework allocating 80 points to competitive pricing and 20 points to designated socio-economic goals, specifically prioritizing enterprises owned by black women.
• SBD & CSD: Standardized government bidding forms and a national supplier registry used to verify tax compliance, company registration, and procurement eligibility.