Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure reliable, regulation-compliant specimen transportation equipment to strengthen cold chain integrity and ensure the safe, secure handling of diagnostic samples within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s HAST Unit.

Scope

The contract covers a one-off supply and delivery of laboratory-grade transportation and monitoring equipment to the designated facility in Pietermaritzburg. The procurement includes:

• Sixty (60) pressure canisters (1.5L) with foam inserts
• Twelve (12) plastic insulated ambient diagnostic crates
• Twelve (12) digital laboratory thermometers

Technical Requirements

• Insulated Diagnostic Crates: Must be UN3373 compliant, constructed as an insulated ambient cooler measuring approximately 590mm × 390mm × 310mm, weighing 4kg, and designed to securely hold six 1.5L canisters packaged separately.
• Pressure Canisters: Each unit must have a 1.5L capacity, rated at 0.95Kpa, with a diameter of 150mm, height of 190mm, and weight of 315g. Must include custom foam inserts to stabilise specimen tubes during transit.
• Digital Thermometers: Must be Temp-Chex Digital II models, NIST-traceable, with an operational range of -50°C to 70°C. Suitable for continuous monitoring of refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and ambient environments.
• All goods must conform to applicable SANS/SABS standards, withstand standard transit conditions, and be supplied with manufacturer warranties. Physical samples will be required for technical evaluation against these specifications.

Skills & Compliance Requirements

• Bidders must demonstrate proven capability in supplying certified medical and laboratory equipment, including reliable logistics and after-sales support.
• Valid SAHPRA certification is mandatory for all suppliers distributing medical devices or equipment in South Africa.
• Complete administrative submission is required, including company registration, Central Supplier Database (CSD) verification, and completed preferential procurement claim forms.
• Suppliers must adhere to standard government contract conditions, including performance security, strict delivery timelines, and penalty clauses for delays or non-conformance.
• The evaluation utilises an 80/20 scoring model, allocating up to 20 points to enterprises that are 100% owned by historically disadvantaged persons (Black Africans).

Explanation of Specialised Terms

• UN3373 / IATA P.I. 650: An international aviation packaging standard for Category B biological substances. It mandates triple-layer containment systems that prevent leakage, protect against physical damage, and comply with global safety regulations during specimen transport.
• NIST-Traceable: Indicates that the thermometer’s calibration is directly linked to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, ensuring measurement accuracy, reliability, and compliance with scientific and healthcare auditing standards.
• SAHPRA Certification: Regulatory approval issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. It verifies that medical devices and equipment meet national safety, quality, and efficacy requirements before distribution.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African public procurement framework where 80 points are awarded based on competitive pricing and 20 points on socio-economic transformation goals. In this tender, full points are granted to companies with 100% Black African ownership.