Slide Scanning 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 Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) seeks a contractor to supply a slide scanning microscope designed for high throughput brightfield and fluorescence microscopy in a research laboratory setting. The contract encompasses the provision of the microscope, installation, and training for laboratory staff.

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

• Supply of Equipment: Delivery of a slide scanning microscope that meets specified technical requirements.
• Installation: Setting up the microscope in the designated laboratory space.
• Training: Providing on-site training for a minimum of one day for at least four laboratory staff by fully qualified personnel.
• Warranty: Offering a minimum one-year full warranty that covers all parts of the microscope.
• Technical Support: Providing after-sales service and technical support, including an itemized price list for parts and details on repair services available in Ireland.
• Documentation: Supplying manuals and documentation related to the operation, maintenance, and safety of the microscope.

The contractor must ensure that all activities align with the specifications outlined in Appendix 1 of the Request for Tenders (RFT).

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated as part of RCSI's ongoing commitment to enhance its research capabilities. The acquisition of a slide scanning microscope aligns with RCSI's strategic objectives to improve laboratory efficiency and output in research activities. The estimated expenditure of €285,000 reflects the anticipated investment in advanced microscopy technology to support ongoing and future research projects. The procurement is timely, given the increasing demand for high-throughput imaging solutions in biomedical research.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

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

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Product Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €6,500,000
• 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 ensure compliance with these criteria to advance in the evaluation process.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with a maximum score of 1000. Proposals must meet minimum marks in each category to avoid elimination.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the named template with specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, adhering to page count limits.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the named template, ensuring all costs are included.
• Case studies: Provide a minimum of two case studies demonstrating relevant experience.
• Declarations: Submit the European Single Procurement Document (eESPD), Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the electronic postbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The initial contract term is one year, with an option to extend for up to three months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Goods Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: The successful Tenderer must designate a single entity responsible for the contract, regardless of subcontractor involvement.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The absence of a specified turnover requirement may indicate a broader range of eligible bidders, but it could also lead to a competitive disadvantage for smaller firms.
• Insurance requirements: The high levels of required insurance may limit participation from smaller businesses that struggle to meet these thresholds.
• Lack of specified past experience: The absence of defined past experience requirements may lead to a wide variance in the quality of bids received.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the following characteristics:

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in supplying laboratory equipment, particularly in microscopy, are well-suited to bid.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Bidders may form consortia or subcontract to meet requirements, enhancing their capacity to deliver.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparing a competitive bid may require several days of effort, including documentation and pricing strategy.
• Pwin signal: The absence of an incumbent supplier may provide an opportunity for new entrants, but the high insurance requirements could deter some SMEs.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: CFT slide scanning microscope_2026.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement