Position
- Service Provider: Supply and Delivery of Individual Equipment Balaclavas for the South African Army Headquarters
- Tender Number: CPSC/B/134/2026
- Client: Department of Defence (South African Army)
- Contract Type: Outsourced supply and manufacturing contract
Job Description
The appointed service provider will be responsible for the design, manufacture, quality assurance, packaging, and delivery of military specification balaclavas for South African Army personnel.
The supplier must manufacture products that comply with strict military requirements relating to:
- Fabric quality.
- Colour specifications.
- Garment construction.
- Durability.
- Comfort and fit.
- Testing standards.
- Packaging and identification requirements.
The successful bidder will be required to produce approved samples before full-scale manufacturing and ensure that all delivered items meet Department of Defence specifications.
Key Responsibilities
1. Product Manufacturing
The service provider must:
- Manufacture military balaclavas according to approved technical specifications.
- Use approved knitted fabric materials and components.
- Ensure correct dimensions, stitching, seams, and finishing.
- Produce items in the required colour and construction style.
- Maintain consistent quality throughout production.
2. Material Management
Responsibilities include:
- Source compliant fabrics, elastic materials, sewing threads, and labels.
- Ensure all materials meet required standards.
- Maintain records of material specifications and suppliers.
- Prevent the use of non-approved components.
3. Sampling and Approval Process
The supplier must:
- Produce pre-production samples.
- Submit samples for Department of Defence approval.
- Make corrections if samples do not meet specifications.
- Obtain approval before starting bulk production.
4. Quality Control and Inspection
The supplier must:
- Conduct inspections during manufacturing.
- Test finished products for compliance.
- Identify and correct defects.
- Maintain quality assurance records.
- Cooperate with Defence inspection authorities.
Quality checks include:
- Fabric weight.
- Colour fastness.
- Dimensional stability.
- Stitch quality.
- Seam strength.
- Overall workmanship.
5. Packaging and Labelling
The supplier must:
- Package products according to Defence requirements.
- Provide correct labels and markings.
- Include required information such as:
- Item description.
- National Stock Number (NSN).
- Manufacturer details.
- Care instructions.
- Ensure products are protected during transport.
6. Delivery Responsibilities
The supplier must:
- Deliver completed balaclavas to:
DOD Mobilisation Centre – De Brug, Bloemfontein
- Meet agreed delivery schedules.
- Provide delivery documentation.
- Ensure quantities supplied match contract requirements.
Technical Requirements
The successful supplier should demonstrate capability in:
Textile Manufacturing
- Industrial knitting and garment production.
- Manufacturing of knitted headwear.
- Experience with military or protective clothing is advantageous.
Production Capability
Ability to:
- Produce bulk quantities.
- Maintain consistent quality.
- Meet delivery deadlines.
- Manage production planning.
Quality Management
Knowledge of:
- Textile testing procedures.
- Fabric inspection.
- Defect identification.
- Quality assurance systems.
Compliance Knowledge
Understanding of:
- Military procurement requirements.
- South African standards (SANS).
- Defence inspection processes.
- Product documentation requirements.
Minimum Supplier Requirements
The bidder should have:
- A registered business entity.
- Experience in textile manufacturing or supply.
- Suitable production facilities or access to approved manufacturing partners.
- Skilled personnel in knitting, sewing, and garment finishing.
- Quality control procedures.
- Ability to provide samples.
- Financial and operational capacity to fulfil the order.
- Ability to comply with government tender requirements.
Preferred Experience
Advantageous experience includes:
- Previous Department of Defence supply contracts.
- Military clothing manufacturing.
- PPE manufacturing.
- Government procurement projects.
- Large-scale textile production.
Key Skills Required
- Textile production management.
- Garment construction knowledge.
- Quality inspection.
- Manufacturing planning.
- Procurement and logistics management.
- Documentation and compliance management.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work with strict specifications.
Contact for technical information:
Major P.P. Magagula – 072 352 9007
Tender enquiries:
Captain M.G. Mmekwa
Email: MMANTWA.MMEKWA@DOD.MIL.ZA
Tel: 012-649-6642