RFT for the provision of services to undertake a review of the infrastructure for aviation fuel transport 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 contractor will conduct a comprehensive review of the existing infrastructure for the transport and storage of aviation fuels, specifically Conventional Aviation Fuel (CAF) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This assessment aims to determine whether the current infrastructure can meet future requirements from 2026 to 2050 and identify necessary steps to secure the future transport and storage of aviation fuels in Ireland.

Key activities include:

• Infrastructure Assessment: Evaluate the current state of aviation fuel transport and storage facilities.
• Future Requirements Analysis: Analyze projected needs for aviation fuel infrastructure up to 2050.
• Commercial Potential Study: Assess the feasibility of establishing blending facilities for aviation fuels in Ireland.
• Reporting: Produce an inception and planning report within 4 weeks of contract commencement, followed by regular meetings (indicative every 6 weeks) to discuss progress and findings.
• Final Report: Deliver a comprehensive report detailing findings, recommendations, and potential action plans.

The contractor must ensure that all analyses are data-driven and align with the strategic goals of the Department of Transport.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to address the evolving needs of aviation fuel infrastructure in Ireland, aligning with national policies aimed at enhancing sustainability in the aviation sector. The review is part of a broader initiative to ensure that Ireland's aviation fuel infrastructure can support future demands, particularly in light of increasing emphasis on sustainable aviation practices. The Department of Transport has not disclosed any incumbent contractors for this project, indicating an open competition for new entrants.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 (excluding VAT) for each of the last 3 financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 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.

Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification from the tender 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, balancing price and quality. A minimum scoring threshold may apply, but specific thresholds are not detailed in the documentation.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the named template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Provide CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the specified pricing template.
• Case studies: Include 2 relevant case studies with values between €50,000 and €150,000.
• 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 eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: 12 months, with an option to extend for up to 3 months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract, with invoices deemed accepted within 14 days unless contested.
• 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 if performance issues arise.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must be designated.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• Turnover threshold: The requirement for a minimum turnover of €300,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Lack of specified experience: The absence of defined past experience requirements could lead to a wide variance in bid quality.
• No incumbent: The lack of an incumbent may create uncertainty regarding the expectations and standards for the review.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the following characteristics:

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in infrastructure assessments, particularly in aviation or fuel sectors, and with the necessary insurance coverage.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: Allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities to meet requirements.
• Bid-prep effort: Estimated at 10-15 days for preparation, including documentation and case studies.
• Pwin signal: The absence of an incumbent may provide an opportunity for new entrants, but the turnover requirement may deter smaller firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT for the provision of services to undertake a review of the infrastructure for aviation fuel transport and storage.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement