SVUH-24010 ICT Security Systems and Associated Services for St Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH)

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 provision of ICT security systems and associated services for St. Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH). The work is divided into two distinct lots:

• Lot 1: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solution and Associated Services

• Supply of an EDR solution, including all necessary subscriptions, licenses, support, maintenance, and professional technical services.

• Customisation phase required before production and implementation.

• Potential for adding or removing licenses during the contract term.

• Lot 2: License Renewal and Upgrade of VPN Systems with Prisma Access Technology

• Upgrade of the existing Global Protect VPN on Palo Alto Firewalls to Prisma Access technology.

• Includes all licenses, support, maintenance, and professional technical services.

• Renewal of current Palo Alto firewall licensing support and services, expiring in 2025.

• Customisation phase required before production and implementation.

• Option to activate additional features as they become available.

The contractor will be responsible for the implementation, rollout, support, and monitoring of these systems, ensuring compliance with SVUH's operational requirements.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with SVUH's strategic objectives to enhance its ICT security infrastructure. The hospital aims to upgrade its existing systems to meet evolving cybersecurity threats and improve operational efficiency. The decision to procure these services is driven by the need for advanced security measures, particularly in light of increasing cyber threats in the healthcare sector. The hospital has previously relied on existing vendors for similar services, but this tender opens the opportunity for new suppliers to contribute to its ICT security framework.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement

• Minimum average annual turnover of €135,000 for each of the last three financial years.

• Insurance

• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.

• Product Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.

• Cyber Insurance: €3 million limit in the aggregate per insurance year.

• Certifications

• Not specified for this tender.

• Past experience

• Minimum of 2 reference contracts completed or ongoing within the last three years, each with a minimum value of €50,000.

• Personnel

• Not specified for this tender.

• Geographic / facility constraints

• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document (using the provided template, no page limit specified).
• CVs for key personnel (no specific page count mentioned).
• Pricing schedule (using the specified template).
• Case studies demonstrating relevant experience (minimum of 2, with values of at least €50,000).
• Declarations including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit (if applicable) details not specified.
• Submission via the eTenders portal, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a term of four years, with the possibility of extending for up to three additional 12-month periods. Payment terms will be specified in the Goods Contract. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) will be established to ensure compliance with service delivery expectations. Liquidated damages may apply for non-compliance with agreed timelines. Intellectual property ownership will remain with the contracting authority, and subcontracting arrangements must be disclosed and approved.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The turnover requirement of €135,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The need for a customisation phase before implementation could lead to delays if not managed effectively.
• The requirement for two reference contracts may exclude newer entrants to the market.
• The contract's reliance on specific technologies (Palo Alto Firewalls, Prisma Access) may favour incumbents familiar with these systems.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with relevant experience in ICT security systems and a proven track record in similar projects can credibly bid. The tender allows for consortium or subcontracting arrangements, enabling smaller firms to collaborate with larger enterprises. Bid preparation is expected to require several days, factoring in the need for detailed documentation and case studies. The presence of established incumbents may signal a competitive landscape, but the open procedure allows for new entrants to participate.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: SVUH24010 Request for Tender (RFT)_FINAL.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email for clarifications: via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement.