Single Party Framework Agreement for the Supply and Support of a Digital Engineering Software Platform

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks to establish a single-party framework agreement for the supply and support of a Digital Engineering Software Platform. The objective is to appoint a strategic partner capable of providing design, configuration, and integration of automation systems. This includes the supply of industrial automation services, software, and hardware. The platform must enable end-to-end consistency from planning and engineering to operations, supporting digital twins, modular automation, and IT/OT convergence on a fully integrated platform. A critical requirement is backward compatibility with existing hardware and software systems.

The scope encompasses the following key activities and components:

• Digital Engineering Software Platform: Supply and support of a comprehensive software platform.
• Integration Services: Design, configuration, and integration of automation systems.
• Industrial Automation: Provision of industrial automation services, software, and hardware.
• Digital Twin Support: The platform must support the creation and management of digital twins.
• Modular Automation: Capability to facilitate modular automation approaches.
• IT/OT Convergence: Enabling the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) on an integrated platform.
• Backward Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility with existing KWETB (CELTEC) automation platform/operating system, specifically Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 technology-enabled PLCs using Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI) in TIA Portal V19.0 or Newer.
• Initial Call-Off Contract: This will involve the supplier proposing a full integration software bundle to meet the detailed requirements in Appendix 1, along with a proposed dashboard solution to oversee these requirements.
• Follow-on Supplies: Potential for new supplies directly linked to the initial contract or scope.

The initial call-off contract is estimated to be in the region of €400,000 - €600,000. The estimated aggregate expenditure under the framework agreement is a maximum of €1,500,000 (excluding VAT).

3. Background & buyer context

Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) is a statutory education and training authority established under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. Operating under the governance of the Department of Education and SOLAS, KWETB delivers a range of educational and training services across Counties Kildare and Wicklow. KWETB collaborates with industry, employers, and community stakeholders to provide programmes supporting skills development, workforce upskilling, innovation, and regional economic growth.

This procurement is driven by KWETB's need to enhance its capabilities in manufacturing, robotics, automation, electrical systems, and instrumentation through its CELTEC centre. CELTEC has a strong track record in delivering industry-responsive training and has supported over 125 companies. The strategic importance of these requirements leads KWETB to seek a "strategic partner" rather than just a supplier, aiming for mutual benefits and knowledge sharing. The current automation platform is Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 technology enabled PLCs using Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI) in TIA Portal V19.0 or Newer, and any proposed solution must integrate with this.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement:
• Minimum average annual turnover of €250,000 in one of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications:
• Tenderers must demonstrate access to at least the minimum numbers of skilled personnel stated.
• Tenderers should provide information on quality assurance measures, for example, by way of an externally certified system.
• Tenderers must demonstrate compliance with all relevant Environmental legislation and guidelines.
• Past experience:
• Tenderers should refer to instances within the last five years which demonstrate successful delivery of services of a comparable nature and scale.
• Personnel:
• Minimum Number Contract Manager is specified.
• Tenderers must demonstrate access to at least the minimum numbers of skilled personnel stated.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the framework agreement will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). The evaluation will consider both qualitative and quantitative criteria.

Criterion Weighting (%) Sub-criteria