Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to secure a reliable, compliant, and cost-effective supply of red direct thermal labels for medication labelling at St Mary’s District Hospital, Marianhill. The procurement also aims to support local economic development by applying preferential procurement policies that prioritise South African-owned enterprises.

Scope

The scope encompasses a one-off supply of twenty (20) rolls of direct thermal labels. Deliveries must be made to the hospital’s designated facility. The quotation validity period is ninety (90) days, and the contract is classified as a single delivery event. The procuring institution reserves the right to accept or reject any submission, and late quotations will be excluded from consideration.

Technical Requirements

• Dimensions: 38mm × 25mm (or equivalent)
• Configuration: Self-adhesive with a 25mm core, containing 1,000 labels per roll
• Printer Compatibility: Must function seamlessly with Zebra GC420t label printers
• Printing Technology: Direct thermal (heat-activated, requiring no ink or ribbon)
• Colour: Red label stock
• Quality Standards: Must hold SABS approval; all items must be new, unused, and valid for a minimum of six months post-delivery
• Documentation & Compliance: Bidders must submit fully completed official quotation forms, SBD 4 (Disclosure of Interest), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim), Central Supplier Database (CSD) verification, B-BBEE status documentation, and SARS tax clearance certificates
• Sample Submission: A physical sample must be provided with the quotation or upon formal request for specification verification
• Performance History: Bidders with a documented history of unexcused delivery failures will be disqualified

Skills Requirements

No specialised technical or professional skills are mandated for this procurement. However, bidders must demonstrate operational capacity to fulfil the order within agreed timelines, manage logistics for timely delivery, and maintain strict compliance with public sector procurement regulations. Familiarity with healthcare supply chain documentation standards and the ability to accurately prepare and submit mandatory returnable forms are essential.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

Direct Thermal Labels: These labels feature a heat-sensitive coating that darkens when exposed to the heated print head of a thermal printer. They eliminate the need for ribbons or ink, reducing maintenance costs and operational complexity. The red variant is specifically designated for internal medication labelling protocols.

80/20 Preference Point System: A procurement evaluation framework where eighty percent of the total score is allocated to price competitiveness, and twenty percent is awarded for specific socio-economic goals, primarily promoting South African-owned enterprises.

Cover-Quoting Prohibition: A strict anti-fraud measure that prevents multiple entities from submitting competing bids for the same contract to artificially influence pricing or award outcomes. Verification processes are employed, and violations result in immediate disqualification.

Confirmation of Firm Price: Suppliers must formally verify in writing that their quoted prices and delivery periods remain binding before purchase orders are issued. This requirement mitigates the risk of contract cancellations caused by supplier non-performance or price fluctuations.