Provision of a network solution for Broadband Connection Points including installation and support along with associated services

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 |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Department of Rural and Community Development Provision of a network solution for Broadband Connection Points including installation and support along with associated services 72000000 €2,000,000 not stated Open procedure not stated Ireland 3 years, with possible 2 extensions of 1 year each 18/10/2024 12:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the provision, installation, and support of a network solution for Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across approximately 280 sites in Ireland. The contractor will be responsible for deploying a multi-function router at each site, which will provide routing, switching, and firewall management services, as well as wireless access points and a central management router.

The key activities include:

• Installation of Network Equipment: Deploying routers and access points at each of the 280 BCP sites.
• Configuration and Setup: Configuring network settings to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Support Services: Providing ongoing support and maintenance from 09:00 to 18:00, seven days a week, with a one-hour response time for issues.
• Management Services: Implementing a central management system for monitoring and managing the network infrastructure.
• Training: Offering training for local administrators on the use and management of the network equipment.
• Documentation: Supplying comprehensive documentation for the installed systems and processes.

The contractor must ensure that all installations are completed within a six-month period following the contract award. The solution must meet specified performance and security standards as outlined in the tender documents.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued by the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of a broader initiative to enhance digital connectivity in rural areas of Ireland. The project aligns with government policies aimed at improving broadband access and supporting community development through technology. The initiative is part of the national strategy to ensure equitable access to digital services across all regions. The incumbent provider is not specified in the tender documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

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

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,000,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million for any one claim.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million for any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million in the aggregate per insurance year.
• Cybersecurity Insurance: €5 million in the aggregate per insurance year.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Two comparable projects completed within the last three years, demonstrating the ability to deliver similar solutions.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Must be able to operate within Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with a minimum scoring threshold of 50% required for each criterion to qualify for further consideration.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing template provided in Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide two case studies of similar projects, with values between €100,000 and €500,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a term of three years, with the possibility of two one-year extensions. Payment terms will be in accordance with the Services Contract, with all prices quoted being inclusive of all costs except VAT. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will include response times for support services and network uptime. Liquidated damages may apply for failure to meet service levels. The contractor must also ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, social, and labor laws.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• A relatively low turnover requirement of €1,000,000, which may attract a larger number of smaller firms, potentially affecting the quality of bids.
• The requirement for two comparable projects may limit participation from newer firms without sufficient experience.
• The absence of specified certifications may lead to variability in the quality of submissions.
• The tight timeline for installation (six months) may pose challenges for bidders in terms of resource allocation and project management.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate the necessary technical and financial capacity. Viable bidders will likely have experience in IT and network solutions, with relevant certifications and insurance coverage. Consortiums or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities to meet the requirements. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at 10-15 days, considering the documentation and project planning required. The presence of a government initiative may signal a favorable environment for SMEs, but the lack of an incumbent may increase competition.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: BCPnetwork Tender Final.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement