Objectives

The primary objective is to procure a reliable supplier for the one-off provision and delivery of specialised medical needles to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. The procurement seeks to ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality, ultrasound-compatible needles for regional anaesthesia procedures while complying with provincial health department procurement legislation and advancing socio-economic transformation targets.

Scope

The scope covers the supply and delivery of 600 units of insulated, echogenic needles (21G × 100mm) to the designated hospital. This is a once-off contract with a quotation validity period of 90 days. The successful supplier must deliver compliant goods within the stipulated timeframe, guarantee a minimum six-month shelf life upon receipt, and participate in a post-evaluation sample submission process. Evaluation utilises an 80/20 preferential procurement framework, prioritising competitive pricing while reserving points for youth enterprise development.

Technical Requirements

• Dimensions & Design: 21 gauge, 100mm length, featuring an insulated shaft, 1cm interval distance markers, a 30° short bevel tip, and flexible tubing compatible with standard syringes and nerve stimulators.
• Material & Safety: Manufactured from stainless steel, pyrogen-free, latex-free, and intended for single-use only.
• Echogenic Properties: Integrated reflectors along the shaft to maximise visibility under ultrasound guidance during nerve block procedures.
• Packaging & Labelling: Sterile, individually sealed in peel pouches. Labels must include trade name, size/specification, sterilisation method, manufacturing site, CE mark, lot number, and expiry date.
• Shelf Life: All delivered units must retain a minimum of six months' validity from the date of handover.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supplier must possess a valid SAHPRA licence permitting the manufacture, import, export, or wholesale distribution of medical devices.
• Administrative Documentation: Full completion of standard quotation forms, SBD declarations, Central Suppliers Database (CSD) compliance, tax clearance validation, and B-BBEE proof where applicable.

Skills Requirements

No clinical or specialised technical skills are required from the bidder. Instead, the supplier must demonstrate strong commercial and logistical competencies, including:

• Proven track record of fulfilling government supply contracts without prior performance defaults.
• Proficiency in navigating public sector procurement workflows, including accurate completion of mandatory compliance and preference point claim forms.
• Capability to manage end-to-end logistics, preserve product sterility during transit, and coordinate timely sample submissions for objective evaluation.
• Financial and operational stability to execute a single delivery of 600 units while adhering to warranty, inspection, and payment terms outlined in the General Conditions of Contract.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Echogenic: A surface treatment or structural design that reflects ultrasound waves, enabling clinicians to clearly visualise the needle's trajectory and placement in real-time during ultrasound-guided interventions.
• Insulated Shaft: A non-conductive coating applied to the needle body to prevent electrical current from a nerve stimulator from travelling along the shaft, ensuring precise nerve targeting and preventing unintended tissue stimulation.
• SAHPRA Licence: A mandatory regulatory permit issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, legally required for any entity handling, distributing, or importing medical devices within South Africa.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A government procurement evaluation methodology where up to 80 points are awarded based on price competitiveness, and up to 20 points are allocated for specific socio-economic goals (here, promoting youth-owned enterprises).
• CSD Registration: The Central Suppliers Database is the national government repository for all prospective suppliers. Active verification is compulsory for bid consideration and contract execution.