Supply of Linen, Bedding, Mattresses and Mattress Protectors

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 of linen, bedding, mattresses, and mattress protectors for Depaul Ireland's services across the Republic of Ireland. The contract is structured into two distinct lots, with bidders able to tender for one or both. The estimated expenditure is approximately €180,000 excluding VAT over the contract term. This is a product supply contract, not a laundry services contract.

The constituent activities and deliverables are divided into two lots:

• Lot 1 - Linen & Bedding: This lot covers core products including:

• Single and double bed sheets

• Pillowcases

• Single and double duvet covers

• Bath towels

• Pillows

• Single and double duvets

• Cot duvet/blanket, cot duvet cover, and cot bed sheets

• Other closely related bedding items. Products must be robust, hygienic, suitable for repeated laundering and frequent use. Tenderers must state material composition, dimensions, available colours, and care instructions. Standard non-fire-retardant options are required, with fire-performance options specified for particular services.

• Lot 2 - Mattresses & Mattress Protectors: This lot covers core products including:

• Cot mattress

• Single commercial waterproof/wipe-clean mattress

• Double commercial waterproof/wipe-clean mattress

• Standard mattress protectors (relevant sizes)

• Fire-retardant mattress protectors (relevant sizes)

• Other closely related mattress products. Commercial mattresses must be suitable for residential/supported accommodation and designed for repeated use, meeting appropriate fire-performance standards (e.g., BS 7177 Crib 5 or equivalent). Waterproof/wipe-clean mattresses require a hygienic cover suitable for routine cleaning. Tenderers must provide product dimensions, construction, cleaning instructions, certification, and warranty. Optional/associated products like standard mattress protectors are not mandatory for compliance unless identified as core.

General requirements for both lots include products being new, commercially suitable, durable, and appropriate for intensive use. Products must comply with all applicable Irish and EU legal and safety requirements. Tenderers must clearly state pack sizes, minimum order quantities, and delivery charges. Depaul does not guarantee minimum quantities; orders will be placed as required. The commercial model is outright purchase.

3. Background & buyer context

Depaul Ireland is a cross-border charity providing accommodation and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. This procurement is driven by the need for reliable access to durable, hygienic, and cost-effective bedding and mattress products for their services in the Republic of Ireland. Following preliminary market consultation, Depaul has structured the requirement into two lots and simplified tender-stage evidence to encourage participation from Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and specialist suppliers, while maintaining appropriate quality, safety, and value-for-money standards. The current contract is not explicitly mentioned, but this tender represents a new procurement for these essential supplies.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for selection:

• No applicable mandatory exclusion ground and completion of the required ESPD/declaration: Tenderers must confirm they do not fall under any grounds for exclusion as defined in procurement regulations, including convictions for fraud, corruption, money laundering, child labour, or grave professional misconduct. This is confirmed via a statutory declaration and ESPD.
• Valid tax clearance (or equivalent for a non-Irish Tenderer) before contract award: Proof of compliance with tax obligations is required.
• Appropriate insurance for the contract, or written confirmation that the required cover can be obtained before contract award: Specific insurance types and amounts are not detailed in the provided text, but Depaul may verify required levels with the preferred Tenderer.
• At least one example from the last three years demonstrating supply of comparable products: This experience must be with a residential, accommodation, healthcare, hospitality, charity, public-sector, or similar customer. The example does not need to be identical in size to Depaul's requirement. This is detailed in Appendix C.docx.
• Ability to meet the mandatory product-safety and technical requirements for the Lot tendered for: Products must meet specified functional and safety standards.
• Health and safety arrangements appropriate to the Tenderer's activities and delivery operations: Tenderers must demonstrate suitable health and safety practices.

ISO, RABC / EN 14065, or equivalent third-party management certification is not mandatory for this supply-only contract.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Each Lot will be evaluated and awarded separately based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). Only tenders that pass the mandatory compliance and selection requirements will proceed to scoring.

Criterion Weighting Sub-criteria