MI-CFT26-017 Request for Tenders for the Provision of Underwater Cables and Connectors

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 Marine Institute seeks tenders for the supply of underwater cables and connectors as part of its operational and maintenance procedures for the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network and other related projects. The contract encompasses the provision of various types of cables and connectors essential for marine monitoring and research.

The contractor will be responsible for:

• Supplying underwater cables and connectors, including but not limited to:

• Sensors (4 pin female, 16 units)

• Sea Temperature connectors (5 pin female, 2 units)

• Solar Panel connectors (2 pin male, 6 units)

• Terminal connectors (8 pin female, 6 units)

• Datawell Housing connectors (4 pin, 1 unit)

• Battery connectors (4 pin male, 2 units)

• Antennae cables (50 ohm coaxial, 4 units)

• Solar Panel Pigtails (12 units)

• Additional connectors and cables as specified in Appendix 1.

• Providing specifications for materials used in the cables and connectors, including types of primers for splicing and lead times for component delivery.

• Offering molded cables and assemblies where junctions are encapsulated, as well as single items for splicing by Marine Institute staff.

• Ensuring compliance with environmental standards and providing warranties and after-sales support as outlined in the tender documents.

The contractor must demonstrate the ability to meet the technical specifications and delivery timelines as required by the Marine Institute.

3. Background & buyer context

The Marine Institute, established under the 1991 Marine Institute Act, is responsible for supporting the sustainable development of Ireland's maritime resources. This tender aligns with the Institute's mandate to conduct applied research and provide scientific knowledge and services. The procurement of underwater cables and connectors is essential for maintaining the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network, which is crucial for marine monitoring and research activities. The contract is part of ongoing efforts to enhance marine data collection and analysis capabilities.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million
• Public Liability: €2.6 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• 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.

Bidders must provide documentation to demonstrate compliance with these criteria.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous tender based on the combined scores from quality and financial evaluations.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document using the provided template, with no specified page limit.
• CVs for key personnel, with no specified page limit.
• Pricing schedule in the format specified in Appendix 2.
• Case studies detailing at least three comparable projects completed in the last five years.
• Declarations including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Submission must be made via the electronic postbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.

Bidders should ensure compliance with all submission requirements to avoid disqualification.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key terms of the contract include:

• Term: 4 years with potential extensions.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Goods Contract at Appendix 3.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The Marine Institute reserves the right to terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but a single entity must be designated as the Prime Contractor.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The insurance requirements may be challenging for smaller firms to meet, particularly the high levels of Employer’s and Public Liability.
• The lack of specified turnover requirements may indicate a focus on past experience and technical ability, which could disadvantage smaller bidders without a strong track record.
• The absence of a mandatory site visit may limit bidders' understanding of the specific operational context for the cables and connectors.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate technical capability in supplying underwater cables and connectors. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in marine or similar industrial supply.
• The ability to meet high insurance requirements.
• Capacity to deliver on technical specifications and timelines.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing SMEs to collaborate with larger firms. Bid preparation may require several days of effort, depending on the complexity of the submission. The incumbent's strength and previous contract performance may influence the competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: MI-CFT26-017 - Request for Tenders for the Provision of Underwater Cables and Connectors.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer