Tender Summary

Objectives

The primary objective is to procure a reliable, compliant supplier for a one-off provision of standard office printing paper to support the administrative, clinical, and operational documentation needs of Ceza / Thulasizwe Hospital under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.

Scope

The contract encompasses the supply and direct delivery of 2,500 reams of A4 printing paper, packaged as 500 boxes. The agreement is structured as a single, non-renewable transaction with a quotation validity period of 90 days. All quoted prices must be firm and fully inclusive of transportation and delivery costs to the hospital premises. Late submissions will be automatically rejected.

Technical Requirements

• Dimensions & Weight: A4 size (210 x 297 mm) at 80 g/m².
• Brightness: Minimum 160 CIE whiteness rating.
• Packaging: 500 sheets per ream, bundled as five reams per box.
• Quality Standards: Goods must be brand new, unused, and compliant with relevant South African National Standards (SANS/SABS). Expired or second-hand products are strictly prohibited; supplied stock must retain a minimum shelf-life validity of six months upon delivery.
• Inspection & Sampling: The procuring entity reserves the right to request physical samples for verification against specifications. Failure to provide requested samples results in immediate rejection of the offer.

Skills & Experience Requirements

• Proven Track Record: Submission of at least one verifiable order confirmation and delivery note demonstrating prior successful supply of similar stationery goods to either public or private healthcare facilities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Active registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD) with a validated tax clearance status. Valid Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) verification certificate or sworn affidavit (mandatory for Exempt Micro Enterprises and Qualifying Small Enterprises).
• Administrative Readiness: Complete and accurate submission of all prescribed statutory forms, including Bidder Disclosure (SBD4), General and Special Conditions of Contract, and the Preference Points Claim Form (SBD6.1). Forms must not be retyped or altered without initialing changes.

Key Terms & Complex Clauses

Preferential Procurement (80/20 System): Evaluation uses an 80-point price weighting and 20-point socio-economic goal weighting. Full points are allocated to enterprises owned by youth. Claiming these points requires a certified ID copy of the qualifying owner. Missing proof forfeits the points but does not disqualify the bid.

Delivery Penalties: Late delivery triggers a financial deduction calculated daily using the current prime interest rate applied to the delayed goods' value. Persistent delays allow the purchaser to terminate the contract, purchase substitute goods elsewhere, and claim cost differences from the original supplier.

Anti-Collusion & Cover-Quoting: Submitting multiple quotations through affiliated or linked entities to manipulate pricing or increase winning chances is classified as cover-quoting. This constitutes fraud and corruption, resulting in immediate disqualification and potential exclusion from all public sector contracts for up to ten years.

Performance Security: Upon contract award, the successful bidder may be required to submit a performance guarantee (e.g., irrevocable bank guarantee or certified cheque) within thirty days to secure contractual fulfillment. The guarantee is refunded upon satisfactory completion of all delivery and warranty obligations.