Provision of the Supply, Delivery, and Installation of a Computerised Inspection Microscope

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 involves the supply, delivery, and installation of a Computerised Inspection Microscope for Dublin City University (DCU). The microscope must be capable of examining a range of sample types and must integrate into DCU's existing Core Technologies suite. The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Supply and Delivery: Provide a microscope with a magnification range from 1x to 5000x, including the ability to reuse optics from the existing Keyence VHX-2000E system.
• Installation: Install and commission the microscope within three months of delivery, ensuring compliance with European standards and regulations.
• Technical Specifications: The microscope must include:
• Digital camera and modular lenses.
• Motorised XY stage and focus with stitching function.
• 3D surface reconstruction capabilities via z-stack convolution.
• Software compatible with Windows 10 or newer.
• Training: Provide training for at least four university personnel on equipment operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Warranty and Support: Offer on-site warranty coverage, including hardware and software maintenance, and provide options for extended warranty and service contracts.

The contract may also include the option to purchase an additional microscope during the contract term.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with DCU's ongoing commitment to enhance its research capabilities and technological infrastructure. The university, which serves over 20,000 students across multiple faculties, aims to maintain its position as a leading research-intensive institution. The acquisition of advanced scientific equipment, such as the Computerised Inspection Microscope, supports DCU's strategic objectives in research and education. The tender is being issued at a time when DCU is expanding its technological resources to support its academic and research missions.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

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

• Turnover requirement: Confirmation that the tendering party's turnover exceeded €200,000 during each of the last three years.
• Insurance: Confirmation of the following insurances being in place:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of successful delivery of at least two comparable projects within the last three years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also demonstrate compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous compliant tender, with the lowest cost tender receiving the maximum score under the cost criterion.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided Tender Response Document (TRD) template.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, adhering to page limits as specified in the TRD.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule in the specified format.
• Case studies: Provide details of at least two comparable projects.
• Declarations: Include Tax Clearance Access Number, Declaration of Bona Fides, and compliance with statutory obligations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made electronically via the eTenders postbox facility.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Duration: Initial contract term of one year, with the option to extend for up to four additional years based on performance and budget availability.
• Payment terms: Not specified for this tender.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Equipment must be installed and commissioned within three months of delivery.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: DCU reserves the right to award the contract to the next highest scoring tenderer if the successful tenderer fails to deliver satisfactory services.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Bidders may rely on the resources of other entities to meet eligibility requirements.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The requirement for a minimum turnover of €200,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Technical specifications: The detailed technical requirements may favour established suppliers with existing capabilities, potentially disadvantaging new entrants.
• Warranty and support: The need for comprehensive warranty and service options may impose additional costs on bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate the required financial and technical capacity. Viable bidders would typically be firms specializing in scientific equipment or laboratory services, with relevant certifications and experience.

• Consortium or sub-contracting: Allowed, provided that all parties meet the eligibility criteria.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Bidders should anticipate several days to prepare a comprehensive response, including documentation and pricing.
• Pwin signal: The presence of established suppliers in the market may indicate a competitive landscape, but the tender is open to SMEs that can meet the specified requirements.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITT DCU-24022-G Computerised Inspection Microscope.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments: Tender Response Document, Technical Specification Document, and Terms and Conditions Appendix.