Tender Summary: Water Coolers

Objectives

The primary objective of this procurement is to acquire six (6) freestanding water coolers for Northdale Hospital to maintain adequate hydration facilities for patients. The tender also aims to secure cost-effective, compliant equipment while advancing provincial economic transformation through structured preferential procurement policies.

Scope

The contract encompasses the supply, delivery, and handover of six new freestanding water coolers to Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. The scope includes provision of a two-year warranty, strict adherence to technical specifications, and compliance with standard public sector contracting frameworks. Bidders must submit firm pricing valid for ninety days, with all transportation and delivery costs fully incorporated into the quoted amount. Only compliant, new products will be considered, and late submissions will be automatically rejected.

Technical Requirements

• Design: Freestanding, floor-mounted unit
• Capacity: Compatible with 15-litre water bottles
• Functionality: Cold water dispensing via a push-to-fill tap
• Features: Integrated drip tray to prevent floor spillage
• Compliance: Must hold SABS approval and meet all stated quality standards
• Condition: Strictly new and unused; second-hand or exported goods are prohibited
• Warranty: Minimum two-year manufacturer warranty
• Evidence: A clear colour photograph of the exact product quoted must be attached to the submission
• Pricing: All-inclusive delivered price, firm for ninety days, VAT-inclusive where applicable

Skills Requirements

This tender involves the supply of standard commercial goods and does not mandate specialized technical or professional skills. Bidders are expected to demonstrate basic commercial capacity, including:

• Active registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD)
• Valid SARS tax clearance verification
• Proven ability to deliver goods within agreed timeframes without prior defaults
• Capability to provide documentary proof for preference point claims (e.g., BBBEE certificates or sworn affidavits for youth-owned enterprises)

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• 80/20 Preference Point System: A scoring methodology where 80 points are allocated for competitive pricing and 20 points for meeting specific socio-economic goals (in this case, youth enterprise ownership). Points influence final ranking but do not override mandatory specification compliance.
• SBD Forms (Standard Bidding Documents): Mandatory government forms. SBD4 requires full disclosure of any personal or business relationships with state employees to prevent conflicts of interest. SBD6.1 is used to claim preference points for designated demographic groups.
• Performance Security & Penalty Clauses: Upon contract award, the successful supplier may be required to furnish a performance guarantee. Delays in delivery incur daily financial penalties calculated at the prime interest rate. Repeated non-performance may result in contract termination and a restriction from future public sector procurement for up to ten years.
• Sample Submission Requirement: Unlike conventional tenders, bidders must attach a clear colour image of the actual product being quoted directly within their submission. Failure to provide this visual evidence will render the quotation non-responsive.