CFT for the supply and installation of Gas Manifolds and Regulators to SETU Waterford campus

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 tender seeks the supply and installation of gas manifolds and regulators across multiple locations within the South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford campus. The contract encompasses the provision of specified gas equipment, its installation, and associated works. The scope is divided into five lots, each corresponding to a distinct campus area.

The constituent activities and deliverables include:

• Supply and Installation of Gas Manifolds:
• Main Campus (Cork Road): Supply and installation of 11 gas manifolds (MF124 to MF133, N2 Generator) for various gases including Nitrogen, CO2, Helium, Air, and Acetylene, with specified existing installed models noted (e.g., Techmaster 2x1 Manual 0-10 Bar).
• West Campus (Carriganore): Supply and installation of 4 gas manifolds (MF318 to MF321) for Nitrogen, CO2, Hydrogen, and Compressed Air, with specified existing installed models noted (e.g., Gas Arc 2x1 Manual 0-10 Bar).
• Brownes Road Campus: Supply and installation of 5 gas manifolds (MF200, MF201, MF322 to MF324) for Argoshield, Argon, and Nitrogen, with specified existing installed models noted (e.g., Techmaster 2x6 Auto 0-12 Bar).
• Supply and Installation of Gas Regulators:
• West Campus (Carriganore): Supply and installation of 11 gas regulators (GR328 to GR334, GR330-CARR, GR331, BTL321) for Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Compressed Air, and CO2, specified as Fixed/Bottle type.
• Main Campus (Cork Road): Supply and installation of 40 gas regulators (GR030 to GR062, GR353, GR069, GR312, GR070, GR072, GR074, GR075) for Nitrogen, Helium, Hydrogen, Air, Methane, Argon, and Compressed Air, specified as Fixed type.
• Brownes Road Campus: Supply and installation of 24 gas regulators (GR162 to GR199, GR326, GR339 to GR344, TAG-C.AIR) for Argon, Argoshield, Helium, Nitrogen, Compressed Air, and Argon shield, specified as Fixed Type or Bottle.
• Harveys Workshops (Brownes Road Campus): Supply and installation of numerous gas regulators (GR209 to GR265) for Oxygen and Acetylene, specified as Fixed Type.
• Compliance: The works must comply with the Short Public Works Contract conditions, Building Control Regulations, and relevant standards (ISO 13849, EN 61508, EN61511, EN 62061).
• Site: The works will be carried out across the Main Campus (Cork Road), West Campus (Carriganore), and Brownes Road Campus.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by South East Technological University (SETU) to upgrade its gas manifold and regulator systems across its Waterford campus. The tender references the establishment of SETU as Ireland's newest university on 1st May 2022, indicating a period of consolidation and infrastructure development. The project aligns with the university's operational needs for safe and efficient gas supply within its laboratories and workshops. The use of the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6 v1.15) suggests a project within specific value bands, likely below €1 million (excluding VAT) for Type 1 projects, or between €1 million and €10 million for Type 2 projects.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover Requirement:
• Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 arising from works associated with Gas installations over the period specified in the qualification criteria.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €6,500,000 for any one accident. Maximum excess of €10,000 for property only.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13,300,000 for any one accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum level of €1,500,000. Maximum permissible excess is the greater of 2% of annual turnover or €5,000.
• Insurance of the Works and goods and materials for the Works: Maximum excess of €6,500.
• Certifications:
• Compliance with standards ISO 13849, EN 61508, EN61511, and EN 62061 is required.
• Past Experience:
• A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 completed projects similar in nature and complexity to the works required must be provided. These projects must be supported by Certificates of Satisfactory Execution.
• Personnel:
• Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing price and quality. The specific weighting and scoring mechanism are not detailed in the provided extract. However, the tender documents indicate that the evaluation will consider factors such as the bidder's technical proposal, experience, and pricing.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Response Document: A comprehensive response detailing how the bidder will meet the contract requirements.
• Pricing Schedule: A completed pricing document in the specified format.
• Case Studies: A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 case studies of previous, similar projects, supported by Certificates of Satisfactory Execution.
• Declarations:
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Other declarations as specified in the tender documents (e.g., ESPD, Bona Fides, Conflict of Interest).
• Copies: Number and type of paper and/or electronic copies as stated in the Particulars.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Type: Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6 v1.15).
• Term: The contract duration is not explicitly stated but is linked to the Time for Completion, which is 30 days from the start date.
• Payment: Interim payments on account as scheduled, a percentage of the price upon substantial completion, and the balance after the Defects Certificate is issued. Payment is due within 30 days of receiving an invoice.
• Liquidated Damages: Applicable at a rate of €250 per day for failure to substantially complete the Works within the Time for Completion.
• Termination: The contract allows for termination under specific conditions, including prolonged suspension of works.
• Sub-contracting: Assignment of the contract requires the Employer's consent. Sub-processors for personal data require prior written notice and employer opportunity to object.
• Performance Bond: Required if stated in the Schedule, to be provided within 7 days of tender acceptance.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Lot Structure: The division into 5 lots allows for potential fragmentation of the contract, which could be advantageous for smaller, specialised firms but may require coordination if multiple lots are awarded to different entities.
• Short Time for Completion: A 30-day Time for Completion for supply and installation across multiple campus locations is aggressive and may present a risk if unforeseen issues arise during installation or if supply chains are disrupted.
• Insurance Excess: The maximum permissible excess on Professional Indemnity Insurance is tied to 2% of annual turnover or €5,000, whichever is greater. This could be a significant cost for smaller firms with lower turnover.
• Detailed Schedule of Equipment: The extensive and specific lists of existing gas manifolds and regulators in the Schedule indicate a need for precise matching or equivalent specification, potentially limiting off-the-shelf solutions.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to be accessible to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in gas installation and related works. The requirement for a minimum of 3 similar past projects, supported by certificates, is a standard criterion that SMEs with a proven track record can meet. The turnover requirement of €300,000 in gas installations is moderate and achievable for established SMEs in this sector.

• Viable Bidder Profile: An SME with demonstrable experience in supplying and installing gas manifolds and regulators, holding the required insurance levels, and possessing the technical expertise to comply with relevant safety standards (ISO 13849, EN 61508, etc.).
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: While not explicitly stated as prohibited, the tender structure implies direct bidding. SMEs may consider forming consortia if they lack the full range of required experience or capacity, or they may sub-contract specific elements, provided this is permissible under the contract terms and does not violate any clauses regarding assignment.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Estimating bid preparation effort is challenging without full tender documents. However, gathering project certificates, detailing technical compliance, and preparing a detailed pricing schedule for multiple lots could require 10-20 working days for a focused SME team.
• Pwin Signal: The tender does not explicitly indicate an incumbent supplier. The division into lots suggests an attempt to broaden the supplier base. The short Time for Completion might favour firms with readily available resources and efficient project management.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): Invitation to Tender Letter.doc, Schedule of Gas Regulators and Manifolds.xlsx, Appendix B1 - List of Previous Works Projects.docx, PW-CF6_Contract_v1.15_25-11-2025.pdf, Volume A - Appendix 3 SETU Waterford All Campus Map.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in provided documents.
• Contact: South East Technological University (SETU) via eTenders.
• Most Important Attachments:
• Schedule of Gas Regulators and Manifolds.xlsx
• PW-CF6_Contract_v1.15_25-11-2025.pdf
• Appendix B1 - List of Previous Works Projects.docx