FCT091C Fresh Fruit and Vegetables to the Health Service Executive Mid-West and South Regions

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 |-------|-------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| The Office of Government Procurement FCT091C Fresh Fruit and Vegetables to the Health Service Executive Mid-West and South Regions Supplies €6,032,000 Not stated Open procedure 2 Mid-West and South Regions 12 months, with up to 3 extensions of 12 months 23/10/2024 13:00 Not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the supply and delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables to the Health Service Executive (HSE) across two designated regions: Mid-West and South. The contractor is expected to manage the procurement, storage, and distribution of these goods to various HSE locations, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

Key activities include:

• Supply and Delivery: Provision of fresh fruit and vegetables to all HSE locations within the Mid-West and South regions.
• Volume Requirements: The contractor must meet specific volume requirements as outlined in the pricing schedule.
• Quality Assurance: Adherence to quality standards for fresh produce, including organic options, with a minimum of 10% of the total value being organic.
• Logistics Management: Coordination of delivery schedules to ensure timely supply to HSE facilities.
• Reporting: Regular reporting on supply levels, quality assessments, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Sustainability Practices: Implementation of environmentally responsible practices in sourcing and packaging, in line with the Government's Green Public Procurement Strategy.

The contract is divided into two lots:

• Lot 1: Fresh fruit and vegetables for HSE Mid-West (all locations).
• Lot 2: Fresh fruit and vegetables for HSE South (all locations).

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of the HSE's ongoing efforts to enhance food supply chains and improve the quality of food provided in healthcare settings. The initiative aligns with the Government's Green Public Procurement Strategy and aims to support local producers while ensuring that the HSE meets its nutritional standards. The Office of Government Procurement oversees this tender, reflecting a strategic push towards more sustainable and efficient procurement practices within the public sector.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover Requirement:

• Minimum average annual turnover of €1,556,000 for Lot 1 (HSE Mid-West).

• Minimum average annual turnover of €1,460,000 for Lot 2 (HSE South).

• Aggregate minimum turnover of €2,578,000 for both lots.

• Insurance:

• Employer’s Liability: €13.0 million for any one claim.

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

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

• Motor Insurance: €6.5 million 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.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

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

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method Statement / Response Document: Use Appendix 1A, with no specified page limit.
• CVs: For key personnel, no specified page count.
• Pricing Schedule: Must follow the format in Appendix 2.
• Case Studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: All submissions must be made via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and Extensions: Initial contract term of 12 months, with up to three extensions of 12 months each.
• Payment Terms: Not specified for this tender.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated Damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination Clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP Ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Allowed, but the successful Tenderer must designate a Prime Contractor responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• Turnover Thresholds: The minimum turnover requirement of €2,578,000 may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• Geographic Constraints: The requirement to supply to all locations within the Mid-West and South regions may pose logistical challenges for smaller bidders.
• Quality Assurance: Stringent quality and sustainability requirements may necessitate additional investments in sourcing and logistics, impacting pricing strategies.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for:

• Credible Bidders: Firms with experience in supplying fresh produce, capable of meeting the turnover and insurance requirements.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: Allowed, enabling smaller firms to partner with larger entities to meet requirements.
• Bid Preparation Effort: Estimated at several days to compile necessary documentation and pricing schedules.
• Pwin Signal: The presence of a minimum turnover requirement and potential incumbents may indicate a competitive landscape, but opportunities exist for SMEs through partnerships.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: FCT091C RFT.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1A — Tender Response Document
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement