Tender for embedded Force Plates 527

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

This tender seeks the supply, installation, training, and ongoing technical support for two embedded force plates for Maynooth University's Biomechanics Lab within the Department of Sport Science and Nutrition. The total contract value is capped at €75,000 inclusive of VAT.

The scope of work includes:

• Supply of Force Plates:
• Two force plates, each measuring 600 x 900 mm.
• Mounting hardware must be included.
• Plates must be suitable for both applied teaching and research settings in Sport and Exercise Science, Athletic Therapy, and Physiotherapy.
• Plates must measure forces and moments in three planes (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz) and compute the centre of pressure in real-time.
• Minimum accuracy requirements: ±0.7% of applied load, <0.6 mm error in centre of pressure location, ±0.5% full scale output from hysteresis, ±0.5% cross-talk of applied load.
• Desirable measurement ranges: Fx/Fy up to 8000 N, Fz up to 15000 N, Mx/My up to 4000 Nm, Mz up to 1000 Nm.
• Moment capacity requirements must be stated with reference to the manufacturer's standard coordinate system, with a diagram provided.
• Natural frequency: at least 400 Hz (vertical), 300 Hz (other axes).
• CE compliant and marked, with standard plug fitting.
• Sampling frequency: at least 1000 Hz.
• Suppliers are encouraged to provide ISO 17025 calibration certificates and demonstrate compliance with ASTM F3109-23.
• Favourable if the system provides specific educational software for undergraduate students.
• Software:
• Dedicated software must be included, capable of analysing a multitude of sports-based movements, including high-speed movements.
• Software must be compatible with standard PCs.
• Software must facilitate native digital integration with common motion capture systems (e.g., Vicon, Qualisys) for 3D joint kinetics analysis.
• Installation and Commissioning:
• Delivery, installation, and commissioning within four months of contract award.
• Installation by a trained engineer on an agreed date.
• Factory Acceptance Tests conducted at the customer site prior to formal acceptance.
• Installation must comply with European standards and regulations.
• A minimum of one site visit is mandatory prior to installation to assess pit dimensions, structural requirements, cable routing, and flooring specifications.
• Tenderer must liaise with the University's appointed building contractor regarding pit construction.
• Written confirmation of pit specifications (dimensions, tolerances, cable entry points, load-bearing requirements) must be provided to the building contractor within 2 weeks of contract award.
• Training:
• Training for at least eight University personnel after commissioning, covering setup, system familiarisation, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and software use.
• After Sales Support and Technical Assistance:
• On-site warranty covering all direct costs (hardware, software, call-outs, one preventative maintenance visit per year, travel, parts).
• Minimum 2-year warranty period; longer is beneficial.
• Guaranteed response times for online/telephone/remote support, remote diagnostic resolution, and on-site engineer attendance.
• Optional comprehensive on-site maintenance contract for up to five years post-warranty, with fixed annual costs covering parts, labour, and on-site attendance.
• Maintenance of and upgrades to software must be included within the warranty period.
• Tenderer must provide details on spare parts availability, lead times, and average service engineer attendance time.

3. Background & buyer context

Maynooth University is a public university with an 18th-century heritage, providing education to over 17,000 students. It is ranked among the top 90 global Times Higher Education Young University rankings. The university's Strategic Plan 2023-2028 outlines a vision for excellence, opportunity, and impact. This procurement supports the development of the Biomechanics lab within the Department of Sport Science and Nutrition, which is expanding its undergraduate programmes in sport and exercise science, food science, and human nutrition. These programmes focus on health-related aspects with direct applications to human well-being, rehabilitation, and healthy living. The force plates are essential for enabling research at Master's and PhD levels and for practical teaching.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Criterion Requirement