Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commissioning, Training and ongoing support of a fully automated 5HL brewing system

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contract encompasses the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, training, and ongoing support of a fully automated 5HL brewing system. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the system meets specified operational requirements and standards.

Key activities include:

• Supply and Delivery: Provision of a fully automated 5HL brewing system, including all necessary components and accessories.
• Installation: Setting up the brewing system at the designated location, ensuring all equipment is properly configured and operational.
• Commissioning: Testing the system to confirm it operates according to the specified requirements, including calibration of all components.
• Training: Providing comprehensive training for staff on the operation and maintenance of the brewing system. This includes:
• Initial training sessions at installation.
• Additional training sessions, with a minimum of 5 days of training expected over the contract term.
• Ongoing Support: Offering technical support and maintenance services, including:
• A minimum one-year warranty covering all software, hardware, and parts.
• A planned maintenance (PM) visit at the end of Year 1.
• Support for troubleshooting and repairs as needed.
• Documentation: Providing user manuals and operational documentation for the brewing system.
• Performance Monitoring: Implementing a data-saving system that records operational data daily for a minimum of 4 weeks.

The contractor must ensure that the system is fully operational and meets all specified requirements within the agreed timeline.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Teagasc to enhance its capabilities in agricultural and food development through the acquisition of a modern brewing system. The initiative aligns with broader governmental objectives to support innovation and efficiency in the agri-food sector. Teagasc aims to improve research and development in brewing processes, thereby contributing to the advancement of the industry. The procurement is timely, given the increasing demand for automated systems that enhance productivity and quality in food production.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €2,000,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must provide evidence of meeting these criteria to be considered for evaluation.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on the best balance between price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template, adhering to any page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule as per Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide 2 relevant case studies demonstrating experience with similar projects, with values ranging from €100,000 to €500,000.
• Declarations: Include the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders in the specified format.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: Initial term of 12 months, with the possibility of up to three 12-month extensions.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Goods Contract, with all prices quoted being inclusive of shipping, packaging, and delivery costs.
• Warranty: A minimum of one year warranty must be included in the quoted price, covering all software, hardware, and parts.
• Performance metrics: Specific SLAs/KPIs related to system uptime and support response times are not detailed but will be part of the contract.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated with 14 days' notice if breaches are not remedied within 30 days.
• Intellectual property: Ownership of any intellectual property developed during the contract will remain with the contractor unless otherwise specified.
• Sub-contracting: Allowed, but the prime contractor must be designated.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €2,000,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, potentially favouring larger incumbents.
• Lack of specified certifications: The absence of mandatory certifications may lead to variability in quality and compliance among bidders.
• Limited geographic constraints: No specific geographic constraints are mentioned, which may broaden the pool of potential bidders.
• Tight timelines: The requirement for rapid commissioning and training may pose challenges for bidders with limited resources.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in supplying and supporting automated systems. Bidders should ideally have:

• A proven track record in similar projects, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
• The capacity to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to provide training and ongoing support.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities to meet the tender requirements. Preparation for the bid may require approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the documentation and the availability of required information. The presence of a significant turnover threshold may indicate a competitive environment, potentially favouring established suppliers.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: C4016 - Fully automated 5HL brewing system - RFT.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement