Objectives

The primary objective is to procure a reliable supplier for high-quality, single-use footwear protection to support infection prevention and control protocols within provincial healthcare facilities. The procurement specifically supports clinical safety measures for the Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) and Ebola response initiatives, ensuring staff and patient safety in high-risk clinical environments.

Scope

The scope covers a one-off supply and delivery of disposable medical footwear covers to multiple designated hospitals and clinics within the Umgungundlovu Health District and associated provincial facilities. The required quantities are approximately 2,100 pairs of disposable shoe covers and 1,158 pairs of disposable boot covers. All delivery, freight, and handling costs must be included in the quoted price. The contract operates on a single-delivery basis with a quotation validity period of ninety days.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must supply products that strictly conform to the following specifications and regulatory standards:

• Material & Construction: Items must be manufactured using flash-spun polyethylene, a non-woven fabric production method that creates lightweight, breathable, yet highly effective liquid barriers. Boot covers must be knee-length, tear-resistant, puncture-proof, and free of flaking outer films. Shoe covers must feature a slip-retardant sole and an elasticated top opening.
• Safety Features: Boot covers require integrated anti-slip traction and dual elastication (ankle and knee) for secure fitting. Both items must provide complete fluid resistance.
• Quality & Shelf Life: All goods must be brand new, unused, and carry a minimum remaining shelf life of six months upon delivery. Expired or refurbished products are strictly prohibited.
• Regulatory Compliance: Suppliers must hold a valid licence from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) permitting the manufacture, wholesale, or distribution of medical devices.
• Sample Testing: The institution reserves the right to request physical samples from the lowest-quoted bidders for independent compliance verification. Non-compliant samples result in immediate disqualification.

Skills Requirements

This tender prioritises operational capability and administrative compliance over specialised professional qualifications. Required competencies include:

• Logistics & Distribution: Demonstrated capacity to manage multi-site deliveries, coordinate timely drop-offs at various hospital addresses, and maintain accurate delivery documentation.
• Public Procurement Compliance: Proficiency in navigating South African government bidding processes, including mandatory Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, SARS tax clearance validation, and strict adherence to the General Conditions of Contract.
• Preferential Procurement Structuring: Understanding of the 80/20 preference point system, a standard South African procurement framework that awards eighty points based on competitive pricing and twenty points to enterprises with at least fifty-one percent black ownership. Bidders must be equipped to submit verified BBBEE certificates or sworn affidavits to claim these points.
• Contractual Risk Management: Ability to sustain firm pricing throughout the validity period, manage warranty obligations for defective goods, and comply with penalty clauses for delayed deliveries.