Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified supplier to deliver, install, and commission one Biological Safety Cabinet (Class II, Type A2) for Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd. The appointment aims to secure a fully compliant, factory-certified unit accompanied by required qualification documentation, while adhering to national preferential procurement regulations.

Scope

The scope covers the end-to-end supply chain for a single biological safety cabinet, including manufacturing verification, delivery, professional installation, and provision of IQ/OQ documentation. The contract is subject to the General Conditions of Contract (July 2010) and utilises an 80/20 evaluation model, allocating 80% weight to price competitiveness and 20% to socio-economic transformation targets. Suppliers must also submit mandatory compliance declarations and proof of prior market experience.

Technical Requirements

• Configuration: Class II, Type A2 biosafety cabinet with a motorised front window constructed from 6mm two-layer laminated toughened glass with anti-UV treatment.
• Sash & Controls: Nominal sash opening of 200 mm (maximum 480 mm), adjustable via foot-pedal or touchscreen. Controlled by a colour touch-screen microprocessor system.
• Filtration & Airflow: Dual filters rated at 99.99%+ efficiency (0.3 μm). Two ULPA filters (99.9995% efficiency at 0.12 μm) equipped with life indicators. Airflow parameters: inflow 0.53±0.025 m/s, downflow 0.33±0.025 m/s. System operates on 70% air recirculation and 30% exhaust.
• Environmental & Safety Features: Sound emission ≤65 dB. Illumination ≥1000 Lux provided by a 16 W LED lamp and 40 W UV lamp. Integrated visual and audio alarms trigger for abnormal airflow velocity, filter replacement needs, unsafe sash height, high filter pressure, and power failure.
• Construction & Utilities: Main body manufactured from cold-rolled steel with antibacterial powder coating. Work zone lined with 304 stainless steel. Equipped with foot master casters, waterproof power sockets (combined load capacity 500 W), and compatibility with AC 220V 50/60Hz or 110V/60Hz.
• Dimensions: External: 1800 × 760 × 2200 mm. Internal work zone: 1625 × 600 × 660 mm.
• Standard Accessories: Two LED lamps, two UV lamps, base stand, foot switch, and drain valve.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• Vendor Authorisation: Valid OEM documentation confirming authorised distributor status, formal partnership, and technical support authorisation.
• Proven Track Record: Documentary evidence (stamped/signed invoices, delivery notes, or reference letters) demonstrating successful supply of the exact or equivalent product within the past 48 months.
• Technical Documentation: Submission of original manufacturer datasheets, certificates of analysis, product brochures, complete specification sheets, and clear product photographs.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Ability to complete all mandatory SBD declaration forms, maintain valid BBBEE certification aligned with preference thresholds, and adhere to public sector procurement legislation.
• Installation & Qualification Competence: Technical capability to execute and formally document IQ/OQ procedures, ensuring the installed unit meets all airflow, filtration, and safety benchmarks upon commissioning.

Key Terms Explained

• IQ/OQ (Installation/Operational Qualification): Formal engineering documentation that verifies equipment is correctly installed and consistently operates within predefined technical and safety parameters.
• Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet: A laboratory containment device providing personnel, product, and environmental protection through HEPA/ULPA filtration, characterised by a downward laminar airflow and a ventilation ratio of 70% recirculated air to 30% exhausted air.
• 80/20 Preference System: A statutory procurement evaluation framework where 80% of the scoring is based on competitive pricing and 20% is allocated to specific socio-economic goals, primarily BBBEE ownership metrics.
• SBD Forms: Standard Bid Documents required by South African public procurement law to formally declare absence of conflicts of interest, state employment ties, and collusion with competitors.