Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) system with a single quadrupole mass analyser

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 contract involves the supply of one Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) system with a single quadrupole mass analyser. This system is intended for use in undergraduate teaching laboratories and routine analytical chemistry applications. The successful contractor will provide a robust and user-friendly system that combines a gas chromatograph (GC) for the separation of volatile and semi-volatile compounds with a mass spectrometer (MS) for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The GC–MS technology enables the identification, confirmation, and quantification of compounds across various matrices, including environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical samples.

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

• Installation: Setting up the GC–MS system in the designated laboratory space.
• Training: Providing training to staff and students on the operation and maintenance of the system.
• Maintenance: Offering ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure the system operates effectively over its lifespan.
• Spare Parts: Ensuring the availability of spare parts for a minimum of 10 years to facilitate maintenance and repairs.
• Documentation: Supplying comprehensive operation manuals and documentation related to the system's use, maintenance, and safety protocols.

The contract will be executed over a term of 12 months, with the possibility of extending for an additional 24 months under the same terms and conditions.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Dundalk Institute of Technology to enhance its laboratory capabilities for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. The acquisition of a GC–MS system aligns with the institution's commitment to providing high-quality education in analytical chemistry. The current laboratory equipment requires upgrading to meet modern educational standards and support research projects effectively. The procurement is part of a broader initiative to improve educational resources and facilities within the institution.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Product Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: not specified
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: A minimum of 3 comparable reference sites must be provided.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also submit a completed European Single Procurement Document (eESPD) to declare their compliance with the selection criteria.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) criteria. The following award criteria will be used:

There are no minimum scoring thresholds specified for individual criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must produce the following documents for submission:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the named template and adhere to any page limits specified.
• CVs: For key personnel, with a specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Must be completed using the named template.
• Case studies: A minimum of 3 comparable projects, with specified value ranges.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The Goods Contract will be issued for a term of 12 months, with a possible extension of up to 24 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: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: The successful Tenderer must designate a single entity as the Prime Contractor.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns specific to this tender include:

• The requirement for a minimum of 3 comparable reference sites may limit participation from smaller firms without extensive portfolios.
• The insurance requirements may pose a barrier for smaller bidders who may not have the capacity to meet the specified indemnity limits.
• The lack of specified geographic constraints may open the competition to a wider range of bidders, but the absence of a clear location could also lead to logistical challenges.

10. SME fit assessment

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

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in supplying scientific equipment, particularly GC–MS systems, and the necessary insurance coverage.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Allowed, provided that a single entity is designated as the Prime Contractor.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Estimated at 5-10 days for preparation of the required documentation and compliance checks.
• Pwin signal: The presence of a minimum reference site requirement may indicate a competitive environment, but the open procedure allows for broader participation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Request for Tender Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) system with a single quadrupole mass analyser April 2026.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement