Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure and deliver high-quality paediatric closed suction catheters to support critical respiratory care at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. The procurement aims to ensure patient safety, maintain sterile airway clearance protocols, and comply with provincial health supply chain and regulatory standards.

Scope

The tender covers the one-off supply and delivery of 280 units of paediatric closed suction catheters to the designated hospital facility. The contract operates on a fixed validity period of 90 days, requiring firm pricing. All delivery costs to the prescribed destination must be included in the quoted price. Late submissions will be automatically rejected, and expired or second-hand products are strictly prohibited.

Technical Requirements

• Dimensions & Connection: Diameter 3.3 mm (10 French), length 40.5 cm (16 inches), featuring a double swivel elbow connection compatible with all standard endotracheal tubes.
• Material & Safety: Transparent, soft, and pliable tubing to prevent airway irritation, inflammation, or perforation. Must be entirely free of metal components to ensure MRI compatibility. Features a rounded atraumatic tip to protect delicate paediatric mucosal lining.
• Functionality: Includes colour-coded centimetre/millimetre depth markings for accurate insertion guidance. Equipped with a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental dislodgement. Must display radiopaque markings and tip visibility for X-ray confirmation. Includes a usage-duration sticker indicating when replacement is due.
• Packaging & Certification: Supplied in sterile packaging with clear expiry dates. Must hold valid FDA and CE certifications. Products must have a minimum of six months' shelf life remaining upon delivery.

Skills & Compliance Requirements

As this is a goods supply tender, requirements focus on organisational capacity, regulatory compliance, and delivery capability:

• Valid SAHPRA licence authorising the manufacture, import, export, or wholesale distribution of medical devices.
• Active registration and successful verification on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD).
• Updated CIPC registration documents and B-BBEE verification certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Proven operational capacity to fulfil a one-off order of 280 units within agreed timeframes, with no history of contractual defaults or failed deliveries.
• Ability to produce, package, and submit physical product samples if shortlisted during the evaluation phase.

Explanation of Key Technical & Procurement Terms

• Closed Suction System: A medical device that enables airway clearance without disconnecting the patient from ventilatory or oxygen support, thereby maintaining lung expansion and significantly reducing cross-infection risks.
• Radiopaque Markings: Catheter materials infused with contrast agents (e.g., barium or tungsten) to ensure the device is clearly visible under X-ray imaging, preventing misplacement or retained fragments.
• Atraumatic Tip: A smooth, non-sharp catheter end specifically designed to minimise tissue trauma during insertion into sensitive paediatric airways.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African public procurement evaluation model where 80% of scoring is allocated to price competitiveness and 20% to socio-economic transformation goals (specifically promoting youth-owned enterprises).
• SAHPRA Licensing: Mandatory regulatory approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for entities handling medical devices, ensuring compliance with national safety, efficacy, and quality standards.