Tender Summary: Supply & Delivery of Needlefelt T900L

Objectives

The primary objective is to procure and deliver high-performance industrial needlefelt material to support operations at the Regional Laundry Cato Manor. The contract ensures the reliable functioning of waxing ironer rollers, maintains production quality, and prevents machinery damage through strict adherence to engineered specifications.

Scope

• Item: Supply and delivery of 20 units of Polyester/Needle Felt T900L, custom-cut to size.
• Delivery Destination: Designated facility in Pietermaritzburg.
• Contract Duration: Once-off supply.
• Quotation Validity: 90 days from the closing date.
• Evaluation Structure: Three mandatory stages: administrative compliance, physical sample verification, and price/preference scoring.

Technical Requirements

All supplied materials must meet or exceed the following engineering parameters:

• Construction: 100% polyester scrim reinforced needle felt with asymmetric/multi-filament yarn architecture optimized for laundry ironer applications.
• Weight: 900gsm ± 5%.
• Thickness: 5mm ± 7.5%.
• Dimensions: 6400mm length × 3200mm width, precisely cut to match ironer specifications.
• Surface Treatment: Heat-set and hydrolysis-resistant finishes.
• Thermal Limits: Maximum continuous operating temperature of 150°C; maximum surge temperature of 170°C.
• Mechanical Performance: Elongation at 50N/5cm must not exceed 1.5%; shrinkage at 170°C must not exceed 3.0%.
• Product Condition: Brand new, unused, and possessing a minimum shelf-life validity of six months post-delivery.
• Sample Testing: Physical samples must be submitted when requested for independent technical validation against all listed clauses.

Skills & Compliance Requirements

No formal academic qualifications are stipulated; however, bidders must demonstrate:

• Industrial manufacturing or supply capacity capable of producing precision-engineered felts within tight dimensional, thermal, and mechanical tolerances.
• Expertise in custom cutting and finishing processes that preserve material integrity and conform to original equipment specifications.
• Full proficiency in South African public procurement compliance, including active Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration, valid tax clearance status, and accurate completion of standard bidding declaration (SBD) forms.
• Ability to provide legally verifiable documentation proving ownership structure for preference point eligibility.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Needlefelt T900L: A specialized industrial fabric created by mechanically interlocking polyester fibers using barbed needles. The "T900L" code denotes a target density of 900 grams per square meter and a heavy-duty laundry grade. It is critical for ironer padding because precise heat retention, pressure distribution, and chemical resistance prevent roller degradation and ensure consistent textile finishing.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African procurement scoring model where bids receive a maximum of 100 points: 80 points are awarded based on competitive pricing, and 20 points are allocated for designated socio-economic goals. This tender awards full points exclusively to enterprises that are 100% owned by Black Africans.
• SBD Forms & CSD Registration: Standardised government procurement instruments. SBD forms capture mandatory bidder declarations, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and preference claims. CSD registration is a national Treasury-mandated verification system that confirms a supplier meets baseline legal, tax, and regulatory requirements before participating in state contracts.