Objectives

The primary objective is to secure a reliable, compliant supplier for sterile, adult-specific diathermy pads to ensure patient safety during surgical procedures. These pads function as grounding electrodes that safely dissipate high-frequency electrical currents, preventing thermal injuries or burns to patients during electrosurgery.

Scope

This is a one-off quotation for the supply and delivery of diathermy pads to Wentworth Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. The scope encompasses:

• Supply of 15 boxes, with each box containing 12 individual pads.
• Timely delivery to the designated hospital facility as stipulated in the contract.
• Provision of products that fully comply with technical specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must supply products that strictly adhere to the following specifications:

• Type & Configuration: Non-split, universal type designed specifically for adult use.
• Electrical Design: Monopolar configuration supplied without an attached connecting cable.
• Sterility & Packaging: Each pad must be individually sterile and sealed in a single-piece pouch. Boxes must contain exactly 12 units.
• Quality & Standards: Products must be new, unused, and conform to relevant South African National Standards (SANS/SABS). Expired or second-hand goods are strictly prohibited.
• Shelf Life: All supplied items must have a minimum remaining validity of six months from the date of delivery.
• Sample Verification: The top three scoring bidders may be requested to submit physical samples for technical evaluation. Failure to provide compliant samples will result in disqualification.

Skills & Compliance Requirements

While no specialized technical skills are explicitly mandated, bidders must demonstrate robust administrative, regulatory, and procurement compliance capabilities, including:

• Mandatory registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD) with verified tax compliance status.
• Valid licensing from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorizing the import, export, manufacture, or wholesale distribution of medical devices.
• Competence in completing and submitting all mandatory official forms, including the General Conditions of Contract (GCC), Special Conditions of Contract (SCC), Bidder’s Disclosure (SBD4), and Preference Points Claim Form (SBD 6.1).
• Ability to provide verifiable proof of South African ownership (BBBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, ID copy, and CIPC registration) to claim preference points.
• Understanding of public sector procurement regulations, including strict adherence to delivery timelines, pricing firmness, anti-collusion clauses, and performance security obligations.

Key Terms & Clarifications

Diathermy Pads: Disposable medical electrodes used in electrosurgery to provide a safe, low-resistance pathway for electrical current, grounding the patient to prevent burns.

Monopolar Without Cable: Indicates a self-contained dispersive electrode design that operates independently without requiring a separate connecting wire to the electrosurgical generator.

SAHPRA License: A statutory regulatory permit required in South Africa for any entity legally handling, distributing, or manufacturing regulated medical devices.

80/20 Preference Point System: A procurement scoring model where 80 points are awarded based on competitive pricing and 20 points are allocated for specific socio-economic goals (in this case, full points for South African-owned enterprises).

Cover-Quoting Prohibition: A strict compliance rule forbidding multiple affiliated companies from submitting separate bids for the same contract to artificially influence pricing or evaluation outcomes. Violation results in immediate disqualification and potential restriction from public sector contracts.