Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to secure a qualified supplier for the one-off provision of essential postnatal hygiene products to support maternal healthcare services at Nkandla Hospital. The procurement aims to ensure timely delivery of compliant, high-quality maternity pads while adhering to provincial preferential procurement policies.

Scope

The contract covers the supply and delivery of 2,000 packets of maternity pads without loops. This is a single-delivery, once-off agreement with a quotation validity period of 90 days. All logistics, transportation, and handling costs must be included in the quoted unit price. Goods must be delivered directly to Nkandla Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. The procuring institution reserves the right to negotiate prices if quotations are deemed non-market related.

Technical Requirements

• Product Description: Maternity pads without loops, intended to absorb and contain heavy post-delivery bleeding (lochia).
• Physical Specifications: Length 330–380 mm; width 120–150 mm at centre, expanding to 150–180 mm at ends; thickness 10–15 mm uncompressed (expanding to 25 mm+ when wet); weight 40–65 g per pad.
• Packaging: Supplied in packets of 12 units.
• Quality & Shelf Life: Goods must be new, unused, and conform to applicable South African National Standards (SANS/SABS). Products must retain a minimum of six months' shelf life upon delivery.
• Sample Evaluation: At least the three highest-scoring bidders will be required to submit physical samples for objective testing. Samples will be requested electronically, and non-compliant samples result in automatic rejection.
• Delivery & Warranty: Delivery must occur within the timeframe specified in the contract. The supplier warrants all goods against defects for 12 months post-delivery or 18 months from shipment, whichever occurs first. Delayed deliveries incur daily penalties calculated at the current prime interest rate.

Skills Requirements

This procurement involves standard goods supply and does not require specialised technical or professional qualifications. Suppliers must demonstrate foundational commercial and operational capacity, including:

• Valid CIPC business registration and active Central Supplier Database (CSD) verification.
• Tax compliance clearance and a valid BBBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Proven logistical capability to source, store, and deliver medical/hygiene products within stipulated deadlines.
• Ability to complete all mandatory administrative documentation, including disclosure of interest, anti-collusion declarations, and preference point claim forms.
• Understanding of public sector contracting obligations, including performance security provisions and defect liability procedures.

Key Procurement Terms & Clarifications

• Maternity Pads Without Loops: These are standard postpartum sanitary pads that lack adhesive wings or fastening strips. They are designed to be positioned securely inside underwear rather than attached to it, minimising skin irritation and allowing flexible movement during heavy postnatal bleeding.
• Evaluation Framework: A strict five-stage compliance process applies. Administrative, mandatory, and specification failures result in immediate disqualification. The final award utilises an 80/20 preference point system (80 points for price, 20 points for youth-owned enterprises).
• Performance & Termination Clauses: The successful bidder may be required to submit performance security within 30 days of award. Contracts may be terminated for default, fraud, corruption, or insolvency, with potential restrictions from future public sector procurement for up to ten years.