Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure ten (10) surgical sponge holders for clinical use at RK Khan Hospital under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The procurement aims to secure reliable, high-quality medical instruments that meet stringent clinical, safety, and sterilization standards to support routine surgical procedures.

Scope

The scope covers a once-off supply contract for the delivery of surgical sponge holders to the designated hospital facility. The contract includes the provision of new, unused instruments that fully comply with the prescribed technical specifications, along with standard delivery logistics. The quotation validity period is set at ninety days, and contract evaluation follows an 80/20 preferential procurement model prioritizing price competitiveness and transformation targets.

Technical Requirements

• Instrument Type: Surgical sponge holder designed for routine clinical procedures.
• Dimensions: Approximately 20–25 cm in length.
• Material: High-quality stainless steel construction.
• Durability & Sterilization: Must be reusable, autoclavable, and fully compatible with repeated cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization cycles.
• Design Features: Equipped with appropriate gripping jaws, a secure handle mechanism, and smooth operation. Engineered for easy maintenance and strict hygiene compliance.
• Quality Standards: Goods must be brand new, unused, and conform to applicable South African National Standards (SANS/SABS). Second-hand, refurbished, or expired products are strictly prohibited. All supplied items must maintain a minimum validity period of six months upon delivery.
• Sampling: Bidders must submit a physical sample for technical evaluation prior to the closing date, or upon formal written request by the procuring entity. All inspection and testing costs are borne by the bidder.

Skills Requirements

This tender does not mandate specialized professional skills, clinical certifications, or technical qualifications for the supplier. As a straightforward supply contract for standard medical instruments, compliance relies on administrative, logistical, and regulatory capabilities rather than specialized expertise. Suppliers must demonstrate standard public sector procurement compliance, including active Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration, valid tax clearance status, and appropriate Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) documentation.

Notable Terms and Conditions

Autoclavable: Refers to equipment specifically engineered to withstand high-pressure saturated steam sterilization at elevated temperatures without structural degradation or loss of functionality, ensuring safe reuse in clinical environments.

Preferential Procurement (80/20 System): Evaluation allocates 80 points to price and 20 points to specific social goals. Full preference points are granted to enterprises at least 51% owned by Black people, in line with national transformation policies.

Conflict of Interest Declaration (SBD 4): Bidders must formally disclose any personal, familial, or business relationships with employees of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Undisclosed relationships constitute a false declaration and result in immediate disqualification.

Cover-Quoting Prohibition: Submitting multiple bids through different corporate entities for the same opportunity is classified as corruption and acquisition fraud, leading to automatic disqualification and potential restriction from public sector contracts.

Performance Security: The successful bidder may be required to furnish a performance guarantee (e.g., irrevocable bank guarantee or certified cheque) within thirty days of contract award to secure履约 obligations.

Delay Penalties: Late delivery incurs financial penalties calculated at the current prime interest rate per day of delay. The purchaser retains the right to source substitute goods, return delayed items at the supplier's expense, or terminate the contract for default.