Objectives

The primary objective is to procure certified, sterile ophthalmic surgical instruments for immediate clinical use at Port Shepstone Hospital. The procurement seeks to secure reliable, timely delivery of high-quality eye surgery tools while aligning with provincial supply chain policies that prioritise local economic participation and transparent, competitive bidding.

Scope of Work

This is a once-off supply contract requiring the delivery of the following items within two weeks of order placement:

• PVA Spears: 50 units (packaged 5 per pack)
• Keratome Ophthalmic Micro Surgical Knife: 50 units (packaged 10 per box)
• Ophthalmic Micro Surgical Knife – Lance Tip 15°: 50 units

All quotations must remain valid for 90 days. Pricing must be firm, inclusive of VAT (if applicable), and cover full delivery to the designated hospital location. The contract does not include installation, training, or ongoing maintenance services.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must strictly comply with the following product specifications and quality standards:

• PVA Spears: Sterile, single-use, comprising a spear and handle, manufactured from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), approximately 6–7 cm in length, packaged 5 per pack.
• Keratome Knife: Engineered for corneal limbal incisions during cataract surgery, bevel-up and angled, sized 2.4–2.7 mm, disposable, packaged 10 per box.
• Lance Tip 15° Knife: Disposable lance blade with any colour handle, measuring 75 mm × 225 mm.
• Certification: Proof of SABS/SANS compliance or equivalent recognised quality certification must accompany the quotation.
• Product Condition: All items must be brand new, unused, and possess a minimum remaining shelf life of six months upon delivery.
• Sample Verification: Physical samples may be requested from top-scoring bidders for independent laboratory testing against stated specifications.

Skills and Experience Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate operational capability and regulatory compliance:

• Valid proof of prior medical device delivery experience, evidenced by at least one order confirmation and corresponding delivery note from a public or private healthcare facility.
• A current licence issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorising the manufacture, wholesale, or distribution of medical devices.
• Active registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) with verified tax compliance status.
• Up-to-date CIPC company registration documents and a B-BBEE status level certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Proven logistical and financial capacity to execute a single bulk delivery within the stipulated two-week window.

Notes on Unusual or Complicated Requirements

SAHPRA Licensing Mandate: Suppliers must hold a valid national regulatory licence to trade in medical devices. This ensures all supplied instruments meet rigorous safety, efficacy, and traceability standards required for clinical use.

Multi-Stage Evaluation & Sample Submission: The procurement follows a strict five-stage evaluation process where failure at any administrative or compliance stage results in immediate disqualification. Additionally, the top three scoring bidders will be invited to submit physical samples for objective verification before final contract award.

Preferential Procurement (80/20 System): Twenty percent of total evaluation points are reserved specifically to promote South African-owned enterprises. Bidders must submit verifiable ownership documentation to claim these points; failure to do so does not disqualify the bid but results in zero points for this category.

Anti-Collusion & Cover-Quoting Prohibition: The institution actively monitors for cover-quoting, where multiple entities bid under different names for the same opportunity. Such practices are classified as fraud and corruption, triggering immediate disqualification, potential contract termination, and public sector trading restrictions of up to ten years.