Tender No 9 Compute and Storage

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, installation, commissioning, integration, and support of Replacement Compute & Storage Systems for the Irish Air Navigation Service. This procurement aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Air Navigation Service, which oversees air traffic management and safety in Irish airspace.

The contractor's day-to-day activities will include:

• Supply of Equipment: Provision of compute and storage hardware that meets specified performance and reliability standards.
• Delivery: Transporting the equipment to designated locations, including:
• AirNav Headquarters, Dublin
• Dublin Centre and Control Tower, Co. Dublin
• Control Tower, Cork Airport, Co. Cork
• Control Tower, Shannon Airport, Co. Clare
• North Atlantic Communications Centre, Co. Clare
• Installation: Setting up the hardware in accordance with technical specifications and operational requirements.
• Commissioning: Ensuring that all systems are operational and meet performance benchmarks.
• Integration: Connecting new systems with existing infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
• Support Services: Providing ongoing technical support and maintenance for the duration of the contract, including troubleshooting and system updates.

The contractor will also be responsible for adhering to international standards set by organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of the Irish Air Navigation Service's initiative to modernize its technological infrastructure. The procurement aligns with national policies aimed at enhancing aviation safety and efficiency. The Air Navigation Service of Ireland is a commercial state body responsible for air traffic management and safety in Irish airspace. The current systems are due for replacement to ensure compliance with evolving technological standards and operational demands. The incumbent provider is not specified in the documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €2,500,000.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Product Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €6,500,000
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO 9000 series or equivalent standards.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least three comparable projects within the last three years.
• Personnel: Key personnel must have relevant experience, though specific roles and years of experience are not detailed.
• Geographic 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 documentation:

• Method statement: A response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: To be completed using the specified template.
• Case studies: Three relevant case studies demonstrating past experience, with contract values ranging from €100,000 to €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: Initial contract length of up to 3 years, with an option to extend to 5 years.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the contract terms outlined in Appendix 4.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance metrics are not detailed in the documents.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must be designated.
• Parent-company guarantee: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns for bidders include:

• The minimum turnover requirement of €2,500,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The lack of specified SLAs/KPIs could lead to ambiguity in performance expectations.
• The absence of a mandatory site visit may hinder bidders' ability to assess the operational environment adequately.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid must:

• Have a minimum turnover of €2,500,000, indicating a need for established financial stability.
• Possess the required insurance coverage, which may be challenging for smaller firms.
• Demonstrate relevant experience through past projects, ideally with a focus on IT and software solutions.
• Consortium bidding is permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate.
• Bid preparation may require several days to compile necessary documentation and case studies.
• The presence of a significant turnover threshold suggests that incumbents or larger firms may have an advantage in this tender.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: AirNav ComputeStorage RFT Section 1 - 3.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified; queries must be directed via the eTenders messaging facility.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 4 — Contract Terms and Conditions