Framework for Environmental DNA extraction, metabarcoding, and qPCR analysis

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 procurement seeks to establish a framework agreement for environmental DNA (eDNA) extraction, metabarcoding, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis services. The framework will support Inland Fisheries Ireland's (IFI) Research and Barrier Mitigation divisions, which utilise eDNA as a non-invasive, cost-efficient, and reliable method for detecting target species in water samples. The primary objective is to consolidate laboratory services for eDNA analysis, reducing the need for multiple small-scale requests and improving project efficiency.

The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Sample Collection and Transport: Arranging for the collection and transport of frozen filter discs containing eDNA samples in bulk (approximately 300 samples per shipment) from IFI's Dublin location. Preserved sample discs will be shipped from within the Republic of Ireland at IFI's expense.
• DNA Extraction and Analysis: Performing DNA extraction from filter papers. Analysis will encompass:
• Metabarcoding of samples for all freshwater fish DNA using common primers (e.g., Tele02, MiFish-U).
• qPCR for specific species, including Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), and crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci).
• qPCR for other marine and freshwater species, and invasive species, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Tender Response Document (TRD).
• Data Preparation: Preparing data files for transfer to IFI for statistical analysis and publication.
• Methodology Reporting: Providing a detailed methodology report suitable for use in future publications.
• Project Management and Interpretation: Being available to meet with IFI staff as required for general project/contract management and interpretation of results.
• Sample Return: Arranging for the return of unused samples to IFI at the specified address.

The framework aims to facilitate the widespread use of eDNA as a research and environmental assessment tool across IFI, ensuring ecologically-informed barrier mitigation projects and compliance with habitat legislation.

3. Background & buyer context

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) was established on July 1, 2010, under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010. It is the national agency responsible for the conservation, protection, management, marketing, development, and improvement of inland fisheries and sea angling resources in Ireland. IFI operates under the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Its core function is the protection, management, and conservation of the inland fisheries resource, utilising advanced technologies for an intelligence-led protection service across Ireland's extensive river and lake systems. The Research Division conducts applied research to assess fish species conservation status, monitor stocks, and investigate environmental impacts on fish and their habitats, providing scientific advice to the Department. This procurement is driven by the increasing use of environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling across IFI's Research and Barrier Mitigation divisions as a cost-effective and non-invasive detection method. The framework aims to consolidate eDNA analysis services, streamline procurement, and improve project efficiency.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following criteria to be considered for this contract. These are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

• Turnover requirement: Tenderers must demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least €120,000 over each of the last three financial years. Evidence must be provided by auditors.
• Insurance: Tenderers must hold the following insurance policies:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €2.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million for each and every claim, excluding defence costs.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Tenderers must provide details of two comparable contracts of a similar nature completed within the last three years. Nominated contacts for these contracts may be checked.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Samples are collected from IFI in Dublin, and preserved samples are shipped from within the Republic of Ireland. The contractor must be able to arrange collection from Dublin and handle samples from within the Republic of Ireland.

Tenderers must also declare that they meet their social security and revenue obligations for the duration of any contract and will provide evidence of a current Tax Clearance Certificate upon contract award. Consortium members can collectively meet financial criteria.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of qualitative and price criteria.

Tenderers must achieve a minimum score of 60% for each qualitative award criterion (A, B, and C) to be considered for award. Failure to meet this threshold on any qualitative criterion will result in the tender's exclusion, irrespective of the overall score. The price score is calculated based on the lowest tendered rate receiving maximum marks.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers are required to submit a comprehensive Tender Response Document (TRD) and associated documentation. Key submission requirements include:

• Tender Response Document (TRD): A mandatory document provided as a separate attachment, which must be completed in full and submitted electronically via the etenders.gov.ie portal.
• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD): An electronic version of the eESPD must be submitted. If an eESPD has been used previously, tenderers must confirm its continued accuracy and their satisfaction of the selection criteria.
• Pricing Document: Included within the TRD, this must be completed accurately.
• Tenderer's Statement: A scanned, signed copy of the Tenderer's Statement (Appendix 3), printed on the tenderer's letterhead, must be returned. This statement cannot be amended.
• Supporting Documentation: Evidence to support declarations regarding selection criteria (turnover, insurance, past experience) must be provided upon request.
• Consortia/Subcontractor Details: If applicable, details of all members of a group of undertakings and their roles must be provided, along with a nominated entity for communication.
• Methodology: Tenderers must demonstrate their approach to meeting the service requirements outlined in Section 3.3 of the RFT.
• Declarations: Compliance with exclusion grounds and reliability measures must be declared.

All submissions must adhere to the format and instructions within the RFT and the TRD.

7. Key dates & process

The framework contract is expected to have an initial fixed term not exceeding two years, with the option for up to two one-year extensions. The total duration will not exceed four years.

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework agreement will have an initial fixed term of up to two years, with the Contracting Authority reserving the right to extend it for one or two additional periods of up to one year each, not exceeding four years in aggregate. The Contracting Authority is not obligated to purchase any minimum value of services. Payment terms are not detailed in the provided extract, but standard prompt payment legislation will apply. Key Service Level Agreements (SLAs) or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not explicitly detailed, but performance will be assessed against the award criteria, particularly compliance to specification and delivery time. Liquidated damages or penalty regimes are not specified. Termination clauses are not detailed, but the Contracting Authority may terminate the framework at its discretion. Intellectual property ownership is not specified. Sub-contracting is permitted, but the prime contractor remains responsible for the entire service. A parent company guarantee or bond requirement is not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Value vs. Turnover: The estimated contract value of €160,000 is significantly lower than the minimum annual turnover requirement of €120,000, which must be met over three consecutive years. This suggests a potential mismatch or a requirement for established, larger entities to bid, even for a relatively small contract value.
• Qualitative Thresholds: The requirement to achieve a minimum of 60% on each qualitative award criterion (A, B, C) before price is considered is a significant hurdle. Tenderers must ensure their proposals are strong across all these areas, not just price.
• Detailed Specification in TRD: The core of the technical and qualitative response is expected within the Tender Response Document (TRD), which is a separate attachment. Tenderers must pay close attention to its specific requirements and appendices, particularly Appendix 1 for species and primers.
• No Minimum Purchase Obligation: The Contracting Authority is not obliged to purchase any minimum value of services, meaning the actual call-off volume could be lower than anticipated.
• Potential for Incumbent Advantage: While not explicitly stated, the nature of laboratory analysis and the need for specific expertise and equipment could favour existing providers with established workflows and accreditations.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a framework agreement with an estimated value of €160,000 over a potential four-year period. The requirement for an average annual turnover of €120,000 over the last three years, supported by auditor evidence, suggests that very small or newly established businesses may find it challenging to meet the financial eligibility criteria. However, the tender explicitly encourages SMEs to explore collaboration possibilities with other SMEs or larger enterprises, either through joint ventures, consortia, or sub-contracting. This indicates that while a sole SME might struggle to meet the turnover threshold, a well-structured consortium or a larger enterprise including SMEs in its proposal could be a viable route. The bid preparation effort is likely to be moderate to high, given the detailed TRD, the need to demonstrate past experience with specific contract details, and the qualitative scoring criteria. The "Pwin" signal is neutral; there is no clear indication of an incumbent or a sole-supplier framework. The emphasis on collaboration suggests the contracting authority is open to diverse bidding structures.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): [NBMP_02.06.02.01.002_RFT_I01.pdf]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact / Clarification Portal: etenders.gov.ie
• Most Important Attachments:
• Tender Response Document (TRD)
• Appendix 1 (Species and primers list)
• Pricing Document