Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to engage a competent, accredited service provider to perform precise calibration services on critical molecular biology laboratory equipment. The goal is to ensure that thermal cycling instruments maintain accurate temperature control and operational reliability, thereby supporting high-quality research and diagnostic activities at the veterinary institute.

Scope of Work

The scope encompasses the calibration of nine (9) thermal cyclers across two categories:

• Four (4) GeneAmp PCR system thermal cyclers
• Five (5) CFX96 Real-Time thermal cyclers

The successful supplier will be responsible for executing the calibration procedures, supplying official calibration certificates, and covering all associated travel expenses. Services must be completed within the timeframe specified in the quotation, and all costs must be bundled into a single, all-inclusive price.

Technical Requirements

• Mandatory accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) for both PCR and Real-Time thermal cycler calibration.
• All pricing must be quoted in South African Rand and strictly inclusive of VAT, travel, certificates, delivery, insurance, and any applicable taxes.
• Quotations must explicitly state the validity period, proposed completion/delivery date, and the extent/period of warranty provided.
• Submissions must be printed on official company letterhead, duly signed, and accompanied by a valid Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration number and full CSD report.
• Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) forms must be completed, signed, and returned with the quotation.
• Compliance with the National Treasury General Conditions of Contract and the institution's Supply Chain Management Code of Conduct is mandatory.

Skills and Experience Requirements

• Proven technical expertise in calibrating polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR thermal cyclers, specifically GeneAmp and CFX96 models.
• Documented evidence of relevant past experience, including references or case studies demonstrating successful calibration projects for similar laboratory equipment.
• Ability to generate traceable, internationally recognized calibration certificates that meet SANAS accreditation standards.
• Capacity to manage logistics, including travel to the facility, without compromising service quality or timelines.

Key Terms and Clarifications

SANAS Accreditation: This refers to certification by the South African National Accreditation System, the national body responsible for accrediting testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation confirms that the supplier complies with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, ensuring technical competence, measurement traceability, and reliable calibration results required for scientific and regulatory compliance.

80/20 Preference Procurement System: A South African public procurement framework governed by the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act. Under this system, 80 points are awarded based on competitive pricing, while 20 points are allocated for socio-economic transformation goals. These goals include majority ownership by historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs), women, youth, and persons with disabilities, as well as B-BBEE Level 1–4 status and SMME development. Bidders must claim these points using the designated declaration form and provide verifiable proof; failure to substantiate claims results in zero points for those categories.

Due Diligence and Price Benchmarking: The procuring entity reserves the right to verify bidder credentials, conduct background checks, and compare submitted prices against current market rates. Quotes deemed non-compliant, artificially inflated, or unsupported by required documentation may be disqualified.