Protective Clothing and Uniforms Supply Panel

Okhahlamba Local Municipality in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, is appointing a panel of suppliers for the supply and delivery of protective clothing and uniforms over a period of three years from the date of appointment. The panel covers EPWP workers, general workers, administrative staff and cleaners, traffic officers, fire fighters, disaster management teams, roads and stormwater, technicians, handymen, housing, PMU, electrical and mechanical staff. Requirements range from everyday workwear such as cotton conti suits, denim reflective jackets, high-visibility garments, golf shirts, rain suits and safety boots, to specialised items. The specialised items include flame-retardant and acid-resistant workwear, SABS-approved gumboots, and traffic officer uniforms with rank insignia. Fire and rescue requirements are the most technical. They include structural firefighting suits, hoods, gloves, boots and helmets that must comply with NFPA 1971 (2018 edition), with supporting certificates from accredited test houses such as UL. Chief and station officer dress uniforms, flame-retardant overalls to EN ISO 11612 and EN 1149 standards, and rescue gloves to EN 388 are also specified. Garments must carry the municipal logo, EPWP branding, departmental insignia or employee names as specified in the bid documents.

Evaluation is based on an 80/20 preference point system, with 80 points for price and 20 points for specific goals. These goals include black ownership, women, youth, persons with disabilities and local (uThukela district, KZN or national) location. Bidders must first score at least 70% on functionality. Functionality is assessed on proven track record of supplying personal protective clothing, with 10 points per appointment letter or purchase order of at least R50 000 from the past five years (maximum 70 points), and on the number of municipalities or government departments served in the past five years, with 6 points each (maximum 30 points). Shortlisted bidders may be asked for samples and presentations. Successful bidders are rotated fairly across the panel, with preference given to higher functionality scores and proven specialist experience. Prices must be VAT exclusive, include transport and mark-up, and be firm for the contract period, with annual escalations for years one to three. Payment is due within 30 days of a valid invoice.

Mandatory submissions include a CSD registration report (not older than three months), a valid tax clearance certificate with SARS status verification PIN, company registration documents, certified IDs of directors, a B-BBEE certificate, and proof of residence or lease agreement where applicable. Bidders must also provide a SABS Manufacturing Capability Report, dated within twelve months, for the fire fighting garments. Failure to submit this report will render the tender null and void. Bid documents cost R400 (non-refundable), and the bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope by 12:00 on 8 December 2026, either by hand or courier, as electronic or faxed submissions are not accepted. Bids remain valid for 90 days. This tender offers a long-term, recurring supply opportunity for suppliers with strong PPE manufacturing and distribution capability, and it provides a reliable government revenue stream for suppliers who can meet the technical standards.