Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure a reliable, compliant supplier for the one-off delivery of medical-grade paper steri sheets to support infection prevention and instrument packaging at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The procurement seeks to ensure strict adherence to national health product regulations, guarantee product quality and sterility maintenance, and promote local economic participation through a structured preference points system.

Scope

The scope encompasses the supply and direct delivery of 800 packets (bales) of paper steri sheets, with each packet containing 100 sheets, resulting in a total quantity of 80,000 units. The contract is structured as a single delivery arrangement with a quotation validity period of 90 days. All delivery costs must be included in the quoted price, and goods must be delivered to the hospital's designated receiving area. The procurement explicitly excludes second-hand goods and expired products, mandating that all supplied items retain a minimum shelf life of six months upon delivery.

Technical Requirements

• Dimensions & Packaging: 900mm x 1300mm per sheet, packaged in sets of 100 sheets per packet.
• Material & Usage: Medical-grade, single-use, sterile paper manufactured specifically for instrument packaging.
• Performance Characteristics: Must act as an effective microbial barrier to maintain sterility while allowing efficient penetration of sterilizing agents (e.g., steam).
• Durability: Resistant to tearing, puncturing, and brushing, particularly when exposed to moisture or wet conditions.
• Standards Compliance: Must comply with ISO 11607-1, ISO 11607-2, and EN 868-2 standards, alongside all applicable SAHPRA regulations.
• Documentation: Bidders must submit proof of SABS/SANS approval and SAHPRA compliance certification.
• Sample Submission: A compulsory physical sample must be provided for independent quality verification prior to contract award.
• Delivery & Logistics: Supplier bears all risks and costs associated with transportation, handling, and delivery to the specified site within the contracted timeframe.

Skills Requirements

As this is a goods supply tender, formal professional certifications are not mandated. However, bidders must demonstrate the following operational competencies:

• Supply Chain & Logistics Management: Proven ability to coordinate large-volume deliveries, manage inventory, and ensure timely distribution to healthcare facilities.
• Quality Assurance & Technical Support: Capability to source or manufacture compliant medical packaging materials and provide necessary technical documentation, including certificates of analysis, batch testing records, and compliance declarations.
• Proven Track Record: Submission of at least one verifiable order confirmation and delivery note from a public or private healthcare institution demonstrating prior successful supply of similar medical packaging goods.
• Administrative & Financial Stability: Capacity to maintain active Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration, tax compliance, and BBBEE status throughout the contract period.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Paper Steri Sheets: Specialized medical packaging material designed to protect surgical instruments and supplies from microbial contamination during storage and transport. They are engineered to block pathogens while permitting sterilization gases or steam to penetrate during processing, ensuring contents remain sterile until the point of use.
• SAHPRA: The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, the national body responsible for regulating the safety, efficacy, and quality of health products, including medical packaging materials, in South Africa.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A government procurement evaluation framework where 80 points are allocated based on competitive pricing and 20 points are awarded for specific socio-economic goals. In this tender, the 20 points are exclusively allocated to promote South African-owned enterprises.
• CSD (Central Suppliers Database): A mandatory national registry maintained by National Treasury that verifies supplier registration, tax clearance, and BBBEE status. Government entities cannot award contracts to suppliers whose CSD verification has failed.