Objectives

The primary objective of this quotation is to secure a reliable supplier for the provision of sterile, non-absorbable synthetic polyester surgical sutures to support clinical procedures at Addington Hospital, operating under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.

Scope

The supplier is required to deliver four (4) boxes of non-absorbable synthetic polyester sutures, containing six units per box, to Addington Hospital. Pricing must be firm and valid for ninety (90) days. All delivery costs must be included in the quoted price, and goods must be delivered within the timeframe specified by the institution. The procurement is governed by standard General and Special Conditions of Contract, with strict adherence to administrative, technical, and compliance evaluation stages.

Technical Requirements

• Material & Composition: Sterile, synthetic, non-absorbable surgical suture manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET/polyester).
• Specifications: Minimum length of 40 cm, braided/multifilament construction, designed for soft-tissue approximation and ligation.
• Performance: Must exhibit reliable knot security and optimal handling characteristics for surgical use.
• Needle Integration: Must be supplied with a compatible surgical needle tailored to the intended clinical application.
• Packaging & Labelling: Individually sterile packs requiring clear labelling of material type, size, length, needle details, lot/batch number, expiry date, and manufacturer.
• Regulatory Standards: Must comply with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements and South African medical device regulatory frameworks.
• Shelf Life: Products must retain a minimum of 75% remaining shelf life upon delivery.
• Evaluation Sample: A physical or photographic sample must be submitted to verify compliance with the technical specification.
• Quality Certification: Mandatory proof of SABS or SANS approval for the supplied product.

Skills & Experience Requirements

• Proven Delivery Track Record: Submission of valid documentation showing at least one prior order accompanied by a signed delivery note from a public or private healthcare facility.
• Supplier Registration & Compliance: Active verification on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD), updated CIPC registration documents, valid BBBEE status certificate or sworn affidavit, and SARS tax clearance verification.
• Legal Declarations: Completion of the Bidder’s Disclosure (SBD 4) form to declare any conflicts of interest, state employment ties, or related enterprise interests, alongside compliance with anti-collusion and preferential procurement legislation.
• Preference Claims: Submission of the SBD 6.1 form with supporting documentation to claim points for promoting South African-owned enterprises.

Notes on Unusual or Complicated Terms

• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African public procurement scoring methodology where 80 points are awarded for competitive pricing and 20 points for specific socio-economic goals (here, prioritising South African-owned enterprises).
• SBD Forms: Standardised National Treasury templates used across government procurement to capture mandatory legal, financial, and ethical declarations from bidders.
• CSD Registration: The Central Suppliers Database is a mandatory national registry managed by National Treasury; suppliers must be registered and verified to qualify for any government contract.
• Shelf Life Clause: The requirement for a minimum 75% remaining shelf life ensures medical consumables remain chemically stable and safe for clinical use, minimising waste and patient risk associated with near-expiry stock.