Tender Summary: CO₂ Incubator for Cell-Culture

Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified supplier to provide one laboratory-grade CO₂ incubator specifically engineered for mammalian cell and tissue culture. The procurement seeks to secure reliable, compliant, and technically advanced equipment that aligns with biological research and vaccine manufacturing standards.

Scope

The scope encompasses the supply, delivery, and comprehensive documentation of a single CO₂ incubator unit. It includes provision of all operational and service manuals, validation records, warranty coverage, and strict adherence to South African public procurement regulations. The supplier must also demonstrate proven experience in delivering equivalent laboratory equipment.

Technical Requirements

• Capacity & Type: Approximately 270–300 litres interior volume; laboratory CO₂ incubator designed for mammalian cell/tissue culture.
• Temperature Control: Range from ambient +5 °C to 50 °C; typical operating setpoint 37 °C; microprocessor/PID-controlled with uniformity of ±0.3 °C at 37 °C.
• CO₂ Management: Range 0–20% (or wider); accuracy ±0.1%; infrared (IR) sensor preferred.
• Humidity: High humidity maintained, preferably 90–95% relative humidity at 37 °C.
• Interior & Shelves: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel interior; minimum three to four adjustable, perforated stainless steel shelves.
• Contamination & Sterilisation: HEPA filtration and/or validated high-temperature decontamination cycle; automated sterilisation cycle preferred (approximately 180 °C).
• Door & Safety: Heated inner glass door to minimise condensation; insulated external door; over-temperature protection with independent safety cut-out.
• Monitoring & Alarms: Digital display for temperature and CO₂ concentration; internal data logging preferred; alarms for high/low temperature, high/low CO₂, door open, and system failure.
• Utilities & Performance: 220–240 V AC, 50 Hz power supply; rapid environmental recovery following door opening; traceable calibration certificates for temperature and CO₂.
• Warranty & Documentation: Minimum 12-month warranty (preferably 24 months); user manual, service manual, calibration certificates, and IQ/OQ documentation required.

Skills & Compliance Requirements

• Mandatory SANAS accreditation with valid certification proof.
• Documented evidence of supplying identical or similar products within the past 48 months (stamped invoices, delivery notes, or reference letters).
• Submission of original manufacturer technical datasheets, Certificates of Analysis (COA), product brochures, and complete specification sheets.
• High-resolution image of the quoted product.
• Completion of all prescribed Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs), including bidder disclosure and preference points claim forms.
• Compliance with the Preferential Procurement Framework Act (2000) using an 80/20 weighting system (80% price, 20% preference).
• Preference points awarded for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) status: up to 10 points for ≥51% black ownership, 8 points for ≥30% women ownership, and 2 points for verified disability ownership.
• Adherence to the General Conditions of Contract (July 2010) and South African public sector procurement legislation.

Notes on Unusual or Complicated Terms

• SANAS Accreditation: Certification by the South African National Accreditation System confirming the supplier’s technical competence and quality management systems meet internationally recognised standards.
• IQ/OQ Documentation: Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification reports, standard in regulated scientific and pharmaceutical environments, verifying that the equipment is correctly installed and consistently operates within specified performance parameters.
• 80/20 Preference System: A government procurement model where 80% of evaluation points are allocated to competitive pricing, and 20% are reserved for socio-economic transformation goals (e.g., BBBEE compliance, women and disability ownership).
• CO₂ Incubator: A precision laboratory instrument that maintains stable temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and humidity to support the delicate growth and maintenance of mammalian cells and tissues.