RFI: review of technical specifications for crutches and walking aids (RT40-1-2024)

This is a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input for the review of technical specifications for the supply and delivery of crutches and walking aids to the state. The RFI includes a structured questionnaire covering suitability for public healthcare use, clinical requirements, technical specifications for crutches and walking aids, standards and regulatory compliance, product durability and lifecycle costs, supply chain and service delivery, local content and economic development, warranty and after-sales support, environmental and sustainability considerations, and pricing and market intelligence. Respondents are also asked general questions about restrictive specifications, minimum technical requirements, emerging technologies, and improvements to the current transversal contract RT40-2024.

This is a Request for Information, not a formal tender. No scoring or evaluation criteria are stated. The department seeks industry input on the technical specification for crutches and walking aids. Respondents are asked to answer structured questions covering suitability for public healthcare, clinical requirements, technical specifications, standards and regulatory compliance, durability and lifecycle costs, supply chain and service delivery, local content, warranty and after-sales support, environmental considerations, and pricing and market intelligence. Responses are to be provided in the answer column of the attached spreadsheet.

The RFI covers the supply and delivery of crutches and walking aids to the state. The draft specification lists the following items, each with detailed technical requirements:

• Elbow crutches (CKS 112) in paediatric, child, adult, and heavy-duty adult versions; extruded anodised aluminium or stainless steel for heavy duty; load capacity up to 150kg per pair (standard) or ±120kg per crutch (heavy duty); must comply with the latest issue of CKS 112.
• Axilla crutches (SANS 491 Type 2) in laminated saligna wood, sizes 1-4 (paediatric to large adult); adjustable heights from 725mm to 1500mm; must comply with the latest issue of SANS 491 Type 2.
• Arm pads for axilla crutches, sized to fit the respective crutch sizes.
• Tips/ferrules with washer in various inner diameters (16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm), moulded rubber PVC, non-marking, non-slip with steel insert.
• Gutter crutches (CKS 112) for child and adult use; height adjustable 720-940mm (child) and ±915-1140mm (adult); padded upholstery gutter with velcro straps.
• Rollator gutter for adult use; non-folding anodised aluminium frame; height adjustable 960-1015mm; front castors ±75mm.
• Pulpit walkers (folding, without wheels) in sizes extra small to large; height adjustable from 350mm to 900mm; folding mechanism with spring-loaded pins.
• Pulpit walkers (folding, with wheels/castors) in sizes extra small to large; front castors ±75mm diameter, non-marking, rubberized.
• Reverse walker for paediatric/child use; folding anodised aluminium frame; height adjustable 450-525mm; front castors ±75mm.
• Wheels/castors (±75mm diameter, non-marking, rubberized) compatible with reverse walker, rollator gutter, and pulpit walkers.
• Walking sticks: T-handle (aluminium, height adjustable 650-930mm), bent (polished batang rattan cane, max height ±1040mm), tripod (steel base, height adjustable 700-930mm), and quadruped (steel base, height adjustable 700-930mm or 700-1100mm).
• Heel walkers in small, medium, and large sizes; orthopaedic cast rubber, ribbed, wide flexible platform.

Respondents are asked to comment on the suitability of these specifications and to propose improvements.

Respondents are asked to indicate whether their company is registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and, if not, to state their registration status. The RFI also asks what evidence of compliance with standards (e.g., CKS 112, SANS 491) suppliers should provide at bid submission stage, what product testing certificates should be mandatory, and what quality management certifications manufacturers should possess. Questions also cover local content and local manufacturing participation.

This is a Request for Information regarding the review of technical specifications for crutches and walking aids. The document is primarily an invitation to bid with standard terms and conditions; no detailed scope is provided.

Bidding procedure enquiries: Brenda Mashifane / Melita Makgato, telephone 012 315 5877 / 012 315 5141, email [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]. Facsimile: N/A.

Bids must be delivered to the Tender Information Centre at 240 Madiba Street, Pretoria, 0001 by the closing time. Late bids will not be accepted. Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided (not to be re-typed) or online. Bidders must register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to upload mandatory information (business registration, directorships, tax compliance status, banking information). If not registered on CSD, a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or printed TCS must be submitted with the bid. Each party in a consortium, joint venture, or subcontractor arrangement must submit separate proof of TCS/PIN/CSD number. The successful bidder will be required to fill in and sign a written contract form (SBD7).

This bid is subject to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 2000 and the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2022. No specific evaluation split or minimum qualifying scores are stated in the document.

This is a Request for Information regarding the review of technical specifications for crutches and walking aids. No specific technical requirements are detailed in the document.

Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to upload mandatory information (business registration, directorships, tax compliance status, banking information). If not registered on CSD, a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or printed TCS must be submitted with the bid. Each party in a consortium, joint venture, or subcontractor arrangement must submit separate proof of TCS/PIN/CSD number. Bidders must ensure compliance with their tax obligations. Foreign suppliers must answer the questionnaire regarding residency, branch, permanent establishment, and source of income in South Africa.