Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commissioning and Validation of a Dry Cryogenic Probe station for Tyndall National Institute

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

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| University College Cork Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commissioning and Validation of a Dry Cryogenic Probe station with optical access for Optical Device Testing for Tyndall National Institute Scientific Equipment & Laboratory €199,185.00 not stated Open procedure N/A Cork, Ireland not stated 21st November 2024, 14:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, and validation of a Dry Cryogenic Probe station with optical access specifically designed for Optical Device Testing at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork (UCC). The successful contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the probe station meets the technical specifications and operational requirements outlined in the tender documents.

Key activities include:

• Supply and Delivery: Provision of the Dry Cryogenic Probe station, including all necessary components and accessories.
• Installation: Setting up the probe station at the designated location within the Tyndall National Institute.
• Commissioning: Ensuring the probe station is fully operational and meets all specified performance criteria.
• Validation: Conducting tests to confirm that the probe station operates according to the required standards for optical device testing.
• Training: Providing training for up to three laboratory staff on the operation of the probe station immediately after installation.
• Documentation: Supplying all relevant manuals, technical documentation, and compliance certificates as part of the delivery.

The contractor must adhere to a timeline for delivery and installation, which is expected to be completed within 38 weeks of receipt of the purchase order. The contractor is also required to provide facility requirements to UCC at least eight weeks prior to equipment delivery.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated as part of UCC's ongoing investment in advanced scientific research capabilities, particularly in the field of optical device testing. The Tyndall National Institute aims to enhance its research infrastructure to support cutting-edge projects in photonics and materials science. The decision to procure this equipment aligns with UCC's strategic goals to foster innovation and maintain its competitive edge in scientific research. There is no incumbent supplier mentioned in the tender documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria to be considered for this tender:

• Turnover Requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €398,000 for each of the previous three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million.
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past Experience: Bidders must demonstrate successful delivery of three comparable projects within the last five years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification from the tender process.

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 value for money. Bidders must achieve a minimum score of 60% across all qualitative criteria to avoid elimination.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method Statement: A response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: CVs of key personnel involved in the project, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed using the specified template.
• Case Studies: Three examples of similar projects, with values ranging from €100,000 to €200,000.
• Declarations: Including the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Bona Fides, Tax Clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders.gov.ie, adhering to file size limits.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and Extensions: The contract term is not explicitly stated, but extensions may be possible under the same terms and conditions.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made according to the Goods Contract, with specific conditions outlined in the contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in detail, but performance metrics will likely be tied to the successful installation and validation of the probe station.
• Liquidated Damages: Not specified.
• Termination Clauses: Not specified.
• IP Ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting Rules: The successful bidder must designate a prime contractor responsible for the contract, regardless of subcontractor involvement.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• Turnover Requirement: The minimum turnover requirement of €398,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Complexity of Installation: The technical nature of the installation and commissioning may favor incumbents or larger firms with established capabilities in this area.
• Timeline Pressure: The requirement for delivery and installation within 38 weeks may be challenging for some bidders, particularly if unforeseen delays arise.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate the necessary technical expertise and financial stability. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in supplying and installing scientific equipment, particularly in cryogenic or optical testing.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to form consortia or subcontract with larger firms if needed.

Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 10-15 days, considering the documentation and compliance requirements. The presence of a minimum turnover threshold and the technical complexity of the project may signal a competitive environment, potentially favoring established firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: ED 34 RFT Goods UCC-2024-27.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact Email: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on eTenders.gov.ie.
• Important Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement