Objectives

The primary objective of this Request for Quotation is to engage a qualified service provider to design, supply, install, and commission a reliable network infrastructure for Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Laboratory. The project aims to establish high-speed, stable connectivity for critical diagnostic equipment, ensuring seamless real-time data transmission, system redundancy, and compliance with national health laboratory operational standards.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder will deliver an end-to-end networking solution encompassing structured cabling, hardware installation, power protection, and licensing. Key deliverables include:

• Installation of a 15U floor-standing network cabinet, Cat 6 copper data points, patch panels, brush panels, and fully labelled patch and fly leads.
• Fiber optic deployment comprising approximately 1,500 metres of OS2 single-mode 4-core fibre, including metal trunking, splicing, patch panels, and labelling.
• Power protection and distribution: two 6KVA Smart UPS units, two 6-way surge-protected rackmount PDUs, and a 16A double electrical extension cord.
• Network switching hardware: one Cisco Catalyst 9200L-24P switch, accompanied by a five-year DNA Advantage software license and five-year SmartNet Total Care support contract.
• Four 1G single-mode SFP transceivers, structural supports (cable trays, pipes, junction boxes), core drilling, and comprehensive project labour for implementation and commissioning.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must satisfy strict administrative, functional, and contractual benchmarks:

• Administrative Compliance: Submission of a fully completed and signed RFQ package, valid SARS Tax Clearance PIN/Certificate, Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration number, B-BBEE verification certificate or sworn affidavit, and a signed Declaration of Interest.
• Functional Evaluation: A minimum score of 80% is mandatory to progress. Scoring is based on reference letters for comparable network cabling projects completed within the last five years (40%), a detailed project execution proposal (15%), and evidence of certified personnel (30%).
• Pricing & Contractual Terms: All rates must be quoted in South African Rand, excluding VAT in unit prices but inclusive in the final total. Quotes must remain fixed for the contract duration and maintain a 90-day validity period. The supplier must adhere to the National Treasury General Conditions of Contract.

Skills Requirements

The executing team must demonstrate specialised technical competencies and proven industry experience:

• Minimum of two dedicated personnel must hold recognised certifications in structured cabling (Molex, Krone, or equivalent) and fibre optic installation/splicing.
• Proven track record in delivering healthcare or laboratory-grade network infrastructure projects.
• Ability to develop a comprehensive project methodology covering site preparation, cabling routing, equipment mounting, fibre splicing, switch configuration, and commissioning.
• Proficiency in managing Cisco enterprise networking licenses and long-term support contracts.
• Strong understanding of South African public procurement compliance, including tax validation, CSD registration, and B-BBEE preference point claims.

Key Terminology & Specialised Services

POCT (Point-of-Care Testing): Diagnostic medical testing performed at or near the patient's location rather than in a centralised laboratory. It requires ultra-reliable, low-latency network connections to transmit results instantly to hospital information systems without interruption.

Cisco DNA Advantage & SmartNet Total Care: Proprietary Cisco software licensing and maintenance programmes. DNA provides advanced network automation, security analytics, and assurance features, while SmartNet delivers 24/7 technical support, hardware replacement, and software updates for five years.

80/20 Preference Point System: A standard South African public procurement evaluation model. Eighty percent of the final score is allocated to price competitiveness, while twenty percent is awarded for socio-economic transformation goals, primarily verified through B-BBEE certificates or sworn affidavits.

Molex/Krone Certification: Manufacturer-specific accreditation for technicians who terminate and manage copper and fibre cabling. Ensures installations meet international performance standards for bandwidth, signal integrity, and physical durability.