Objectives

The primary objective is to procure and supply 3,000 boxes of heat moisture exchangers to support clinical operations at Victoria Mxenge Hospital under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The procurement aims to secure a reliable, cost-effective supply of essential medical consumables while complying with national public procurement legislation and preferential procurement policies.

Scope

The tender covers a one-off supply of heat moisture exchanger filters intended for theatre use. The successful bidder will be responsible for delivering the full quantity directly to the designated hospital facility. The scope includes ensuring all products meet statutory quality standards, remain within their required validity period, and comply with the attached technical specifications. Delivery costs must be fully incorporated into the quoted price, and the contract is governed by standard General and Special Conditions of Contract applicable to provincial health department procurement.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must supply single-use, sterile-packaged heat moisture exchangers that strictly adhere to the following specifications:

• Clear housing design
• Low flow resistance combined with high filtration efficiency
• Capability to maintain high heat and humidity levels
• Integrated CO₂ monitoring port
• Compatibility with ISO standard 15mm and 22mm fittings
• All units must be new, unused, and possess a remaining shelf life of at least six months from the date of delivery. Second-hand or expired products are strictly prohibited.
• Bidders must formally confirm compliance with these specifications using the provided declaration form.

Skills Requirements

As this is a goods-supply tender rather than a service or construction contract, no specialized professional or technical skills are mandated. Suppliers are expected to demonstrate standard commercial capability, including financial stability, logistical capacity for timely delivery, and full administrative compliance. Mandatory prerequisites include active registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), valid tax clearance verification via a SARS PIN, and proper completion of all returnable documentation (SBD forms, preference claim forms, and bidder disclosure declarations).

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME): A disposable medical filter used primarily during anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation. It captures heat and moisture from a patient’s exhaled breath and returns it during inhalation, preventing airway drying, reducing infection risk, and improving respiratory outcomes.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A procurement scoring model where 80 points are allocated based on competitive pricing and 20 points are awarded for specific socio-economic goals, specifically promoting fully South African-owned enterprises. Proof of ownership structure must be submitted to claim these points.
• CSD Registration & SARS PIN: Standard South African public sector compliance mechanisms. CSD verifies a supplier’s legal and operational standing, while the SARS PIN enables real-time validation of tax compliance status prior to contract award.