Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to secure a reliable supply of hospital-grade pillowslips and polyester-filled pillows for patient use at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. The procurement emphasizes strict adherence to national quality and safety standards, timely delivery, and alignment with provincial preferential procurement policies aimed at supporting local economic development.

Scope

The contract encompasses the supply of 2,400 units in total:

• 1,200 units of white pillowslips (50 × 75 cm)
• 1,200 units of polyester-filled pillows (70 × 44 cm)

All goods must be delivered to the designated hospital facility in Kwamashu. The quotation validity period is 90 days, with no fixed contract duration specified. Suppliers must deliver new, unused products that remain valid for a minimum of six months upon receipt. Late submissions, expired stock, or second-hand items will be automatically disqualified.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must strictly comply with the following manufacturing, quality, and packaging specifications:

• Standards: Mandatory compliance with SABS 11394/1983 (pillows) and SABS 1401 Part 3 (pillowslips). Proof of SABS/SANS approval must be submitted.
• Materials: Pillows require a polyester casing filled with 0.5 kg solid-core virgin polyester fibre. Pillowslips must be constructed from 65% cotton and 35% polyester fabric, bleached and fully pre-shrunk.
• Construction: Thread count must be 1,800R or better for pillows and 180 or better for pillowslips. Stitching must use M80 mercerised thread at a density of 5 stitches per 10 mm. Raw seams must be hemmed 2.5 cm wide and double-stitched.
• Marking & Labelling: Each item must feature “KZN” in 20 mm royal blue lettering across the entire face. A size tab must be sewn onto every unit, displaying the item number, dimensions, manufacturer name, and month/year of production.
• Packaging: Items must be individually wrapped in plastic.
• Samples: Compliant bidders will be invited to submit physical samples for verification. Failure to provide acceptable samples results in elimination from the evaluation process.

Skills & Capability Requirements

As this is a goods-supply tender, formal professional certifications are not required. However, bidders must demonstrate operational, financial, and administrative capacity:

• Provide verifiable proof of previous successful deliveries to private or public health facilities, OR submit a recent bank statement/balance sheet demonstrating financial stability equivalent to at least 40% of the quoted value.
• Maintain active, verified registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD).
• Submit a valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) and proof of SARS tax compliance.
• Demonstrate manufacturing or distribution capabilities capable of meeting volume, quality, and delivery timelines without compromising quality control.

Key Terms & Clarifications

• 80/20 Preference Point System: A standard South African public procurement scoring model where 80 points are allocated to price competitiveness and 20 points to specific socio-economic goals. Full points are awarded to enterprises operating within the Inanda, Ntuzuma, and Kwamashu catchment areas, requiring proof of residence or business location.
• SABS/SANS Approval: Certification by the South African Bureau of Standards confirming that manufactured goods meet nationally mandated safety, durability, and hygiene benchmarks suitable for healthcare environments.
• GCC/SCC: The General and Special Conditions of Contract define legal obligations, including a 12-month warranty against defects, penalty clauses for late delivery (calculated at the current prime interest rate), termination rights for default, and dispute resolution procedures.
• Performance Security: Upon contract award, the successful supplier may be required to furnish a performance guarantee (e.g., bank guarantee or certified cheque) within 30 days to secure contractual obligations.