Open Competition for the establishment for a framework of providers for Supply of custom DNA oligonucleotides and DNA plates 525

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 tender involves the establishment of a framework agreement for the supply of custom DNA oligonucleotides and DNA plates to Maynooth University. The anticipated total value of purchases under this framework is estimated to be between €150,000 and €200,000 over its duration. The framework will consist of multiple providers, with a maximum of five operators expected to be selected based on their ability to meet minimum criteria.

The contractor will be responsible for:

• Supplying DNA oligonucleotides of varying lengths (up to 100 bases).
• Providing oligonucleotides with various purification methods and modifications, including biotin, fluorophores, and quenchers.
• Delivering products in Echo-compatible 384-well plates.
• Offering additional products such as long DNA strands, short/long RNA strands, and oligo pools relevant to DNA nanotechnology and DNA computing.
• Ensuring that all products meet specified quality standards and are delivered in a timely manner.

The contractor must be prepared for potential fluctuations in order volumes and the scope of services, as the University reserves the right to adjust requirements at its discretion.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with Maynooth University's strategic objectives to enhance its research capabilities, particularly in the fields of ICT and biology. The University has experienced significant growth, expanding from 982 students in 1980 to over 16,110 in 2023/24. The Hamilton Institute, a key research entity within the University, focuses on applying mathematics to real-world problems, including those in biological sciences. This tender is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to support its research initiatives and maintain its competitive edge in academic and scientific research.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €200,000.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13m
• Public Liability: €6.5m
• Professional Indemnity: not specified
• Product Liability: not specified
• Cyber: not specified
• Motor: not specified
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Candidates must demonstrate successful delivery of services comparable to this tender within the last three to five years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle. There are no specified minimum scoring thresholds per criterion or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must produce the following documents for submission:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Use the specified template.
• Case studies: Provide 2 case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values between €10,000 and €50,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted electronically via the eTenders postbox facility.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have an initial term of up to two years, with options for two one-year extensions. Payment terms will be monthly, based on invoices submitted for costs incurred in the preceding month. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to monitor service delivery, with penalties for non-compliance. The University reserves the right to terminate the contract under specified conditions, including failure to meet performance standards. Intellectual property rights for any materials developed during the contract will remain with the University. Subcontracting is permitted, but the primary contractor must remain responsible for all obligations.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• The turnover requirement of €200,000 is close to the estimated total value of the contract, which may limit competition to a few established firms.
• The framework agreement allows for direct awards for projects under €2,000, which may lead to less competitive pricing for smaller orders.
• The University reserves the right to adjust the scope of services, which could lead to uncertainty for bidders regarding long-term commitments.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that specialize in biotechnology or related fields may find this tender accessible, provided they meet the turnover and insurance requirements. The tender encourages collaboration, allowing for consortium bids or subcontracting arrangements. Preparation for the bid may require approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the documentation. The presence of a framework agreement suggests that incumbents may have an advantage, but new entrants with relevant experience and capabilities can still compete effectively.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: 525 RFT Oligonucleotides.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: Queries should be directed through the Questions and Answers facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• 525 TRD Oligonucleotides Pricing
• 525 Sample Supply Contract