Laboratory, Chemical, and Biological Safety training programme and associated consultancy

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 Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) seeks a provider for a comprehensive laboratory, chemical, and biological safety training programme, including associated consultancy services. The objective is to ensure the IBTS workforce maintains high standards of safety and compliance in handling laboratory materials and processes.

The scope of services includes:

• Training Programme Development and Delivery:
• Design and deliver training modules covering laboratory, chemical, and biological safety.
• Training content must address specific risks and protocols relevant to blood transfusion services.
• Delivery methods may include in-person sessions, online modules, or blended approaches.
• Target audience includes staff across various departments within the IBTS.
• Consultancy Services:
• Provide expert advice on laboratory, chemical, and biological safety matters.
• Assist in the review and development of safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Support the IBTS in maintaining compliance with relevant national and EU safety regulations.
• Specific Areas of Focus (Inferred from title):
• Safe handling and storage of chemicals.
• Management of biological hazards, including blood-borne pathogens.
• Laboratory safety protocols, including waste management and emergency procedures.
• Compliance with relevant legislation and best practices in safety management.

The contract duration is for an initial term of 3 years, with the option for the IBTS to extend the term for up to 12 months, in one or two separate extensions. The IBTS estimates expenditure on these services but has not disclosed a specific value. Tenderers must quote prices that remain valid for 6 months from the tender deadline.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to establish a robust training and consultancy framework for laboratory, chemical, and biological safety. The need arises from the IBTS's ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in its operations, which involve the handling of biological materials, chemicals, and complex laboratory procedures.

The procurement aligns with national and EU regulatory requirements for health and safety in the workplace, particularly within a healthcare and laboratory setting. While not explicitly stated, this initiative likely supports the IBTS's broader quality management systems and its mission to provide a safe and reliable blood supply. There is no mention of an incumbent provider in the provided documentation. The strategic driver is to ensure continuous compliance and mitigate risks associated with laboratory and biological safety.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following criteria to be considered for evaluation:

• Economic and Financial Standing:
• Tenderers must declare via eESPD that they satisfy the financial and economic standing requirements.
• Required supporting documentation: Audited financial statements for the last 3 years.
• Alternative documentation may be accepted if a valid reason for not providing standard documents is provided.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7m for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €6.5m limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Professional Indemnity: €1m limit in the aggregate per insurance year.
• Product Liability: [Click here to enter text] (specific amount not stated in the provided extract).
• Tenderers must confirm that their insurance policies cover Ireland and are not aware of exclusions that could materially impact coverage. Formal confirmation from the insurer or broker will be required prior to contract award.
• Technical and Professional Ability:
• Tenderers must declare via eESPD that they satisfy the technical and professional requirements.
• Required supporting documentation: Evidence of successfully providing similar services within the last two years.
• Tenderers must be able to provide supporting documentation without delay upon request.
• Past Experience:
• Evidence of successfully providing similar services within the last two years is required.
• Personnel:
• Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints:
• Insurance policies must include Ireland within their territorial limits.
• Services are to be provided within Ireland.

Tenderers must also complete and submit the European Single Procurement Document (eESPD) and confirm acceptance of the Services Contract terms.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The Services Contract will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). The specific award criteria and their weighting are not detailed in the provided extract but are stated to be "As per tender package".

Tenderers will be evaluated based on the MEAT principle. The highest-ranked tenderer will be awarded the contract, conditional upon submitting required evidence within seven days of request, including declarations, proof of reliability, and supporting documents for selection criteria. Presentations may be required but will not be evaluated.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit the following documentation:

• Electronic Submission: Via the eTenders.gov.ie electronic postbox. Tenders submitted by any other means will not be accepted.
• Format: Documents must be readable using MS Office/PDF. The Contracting Authority is not responsible for corrupted electronic documents.
• Maximum Upload Size: 4GB for combined documents.
• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD): Completed electronically.
• Tenderer’s Statement: Signed scanned copy, printed on tenderer's letterhead, confirming acceptance of RFT terms and Services Contract.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed as per Appendix 2. Prices must be all-inclusive (excluding VAT), in Euro, and remain valid for 6 months from the tender deadline.
• Supporting Documentation:
• Audited financial statements for the last 3 years (for Economic and Financial Standing).
• Evidence of successfully providing similar services within the last two years (for Technical and Professional Ability).
• Insurance certificates covering specified requirements.
• Declarations:
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (Appendix 4).
• Confirmation of compliance with Data Protection Laws.
• Declaration of no conflict of interest.
• Other:
• Tenderers are limited to submitting one tender in their own capacity and one as part of a consortium.
• All queries must be submitted via the eTenders messaging facility by 13:30 on 07/08/2026.

7. Key dates & process

The Standstill Period of 14-16 calendar days will apply after notification of the competition results before a contract can be executed.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: 3 Years, with an option for the Contracting Authority to extend for up to 12 months in one or two separate extensions.
• Payment Terms: As per the Services Contract at Appendix 5. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 days.
• Pricing: Prices quoted must be all-inclusive (excluding VAT) and remain valid for 6 months from the Tender Deadline. Currency variations over the contract term are borne by the Tenderer.
• Termination: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice in circumstances where no queries are raised within a specified period (context unclear from extract). Breach(es) capable of remedy can be terminated with 30 days' written notice.
• Liquidated Damages: Not specified in the provided extract.
• IP Ownership: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Sub-contracting: The successful Tenderer must designate a Prime Contractor responsible for the entire contract, irrespective of subcontracting. Subcontractors must also meet selection criteria and may be subject to specific requirements if their value exceeds 10% of the contract.
• Guarantees/Bonds: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Employee Rights: Tenderers must comply with Council Directive 2001/23/EC (TUPE regulations) and the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Undisclosed Value: The estimated value of the contract is not disclosed, making it difficult for bidders to gauge the scale and potential profitability.
• Insurance Specificity: While most insurance requirements are clear, the "Product Liability" indemnity limit is marked as "[Click here to enter text]", indicating a potential omission or a field that requires specific attention from bidders.
• MEAT Criteria Unspecified: The award criteria and their weighting are stated to be "As per tender package" but are not detailed in the provided extract. This lack of transparency on scoring can be a risk for bidders.
• No Site Visit: A mandatory site visit is marked as "Not Used", which might reduce bidder understanding of the IBTS environment unless comprehensive information is provided in appendices.
• Foreign Subsidies Regulation: Tenderers must comply with Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 on Foreign Subsidies, requiring notification of contributions above certain thresholds, which adds administrative complexity.
• Tenderer's Statement Amendment: Tenderers are explicitly forbidden from amending the Tenderer's Statement, which is a critical compliance point.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as an open procedure, encouraging participation from a broad range of economic operators, including SMEs.

• Credible Bidders: A viable bidder would likely be a training provider with a proven track record in delivering specialized safety training, particularly within the healthcare or laboratory sectors. They would need to demonstrate expertise in chemical and biological safety, possess strong curriculum development capabilities, and have experience in consultancy. The required insurance levels (€12.7m EL, €6.5m PL, €1m PI) suggest a need for established companies with significant operational scale.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The tender explicitly allows for groups of undertakings (consortia) to bid. It also states that if a tenderer relies on other entities (subcontractors) for selection criteria, those entities must also meet requirements. This structure allows SMEs to participate by forming relationships with larger enterprises or other SMEs.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant bid, including the eESPD, financial statements, evidence of similar services, insurance confirmations, and a detailed pricing schedule, would likely require significant effort. Estimating this is difficult without knowing the complexity of the "similar services" and the specific award criteria, but it could range from 10-20 days for a well-prepared firm.
• Pwin Signal: The absence of a disclosed value and specific award criteria makes it hard to assess the incumbent's strength or potential for a sole-supplier framework. The open procedure and encouragement of consortia suggest the IBTS is seeking competitive bids. The insurance requirements are substantial, potentially favouring larger, more established entities.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: [RFT and Sample contract.docx]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5: Services Contract