LA3798C - UL - CFT for the Supply and Delivery of a Coastal and Offshore Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The University of Limerick (UL) requires the supply and delivery of a Coastal and Offshore Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV). This procurement aims to equip the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS) with a long-endurance, uncrewed survey vessel. The ASV will support marine science research, hydrographic and geophysical surveys, offshore wind site surveys, and climate and habitat monitoring.

The ASV must be capable of fully autonomous and remotely piloted operation in coastal and offshore environments. Key functional requirements include:

• Vessel Specifications:
• Length overall greater than 6.5 metres.
• High-quality station-keeping capabilities.
• Instrumentation and Deployment:
• Integrated moonpool for the deployment and recovery of subsea instrumentation.
• Towing winch for towed-body operations.
• Communications and Control:
• Over-the-horizon communications and control systems.
• Operational Capabilities:
• Long endurance operation.
• Capability for both autonomous and remotely piloted modes.
• Training:
• Mandatory training for a minimum of four (4) personnel in the operation and maintenance of the ASV.

The contract term is initially 12 months, with the Contracting Authority reserving the right to extend the term for periods up to one (1) year, with a maximum of three (3) such extensions. The estimated expenditure over the term and any possible extensions is no greater than €1,656,000 (Ex-VAT), excluding optional items. Tenderers must note that this figure is an estimate and submissions exceeding the maximum budget may be excluded.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by the Education Procurement Service (EPS) on behalf of the University of Limerick (UL). UL is a significant educational institution with over 18,000 students and 2,000 staff, situated on a 130-hectare riverside campus. The acquisition of this Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) aligns with UL's strategic objectives within the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS). The investment supports advanced research and development in marine science, surveying, and environmental monitoring, contributing to areas such as offshore wind development and climate change studies. The procurement is conducted under the open procedure, adhering to EU and Irish public procurement regulations.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following mandatory criteria to be considered compliant:

• Turnover requirement:
• Average annual turnover relating to the specified services must have exceeded €1,500,000 per annum, averaged over the three years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• Audited accounts are required unless annual turnover is less than €12 Million, in which case a statement of accounts from the company's accountants will suffice.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13 Million
• Public Liability: €6.5 Million
• Product Liability: €6.5 Million
• Tenderers must confirm they will hold these insurances for the contract term and that policy limits and jurisdictions cover the Republic of Ireland.
• Certifications:
• Accreditation confirming a partnership exists between the instrument source manufacturer and the Tenderer, validating the Tenderer's ability as an authorised provider.
• Confirmation of Organisation’s Health and Safety statement.
• Demonstration of any other relevant standards in relation to the supply of the tendered equipment.
• Past experience:
• Details of two (2) contracts undertaken within the last three (3) years demonstrating experience of successfully providing a service of similar scope, scale, and complexity.
• A maximum of one (1) reference can be submitted from the University of Limerick.
• Personnel:
• Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Insurance policies must include the Republic of Ireland within their territorial limits and jurisdiction.
• Tenderers must provide details of their organisational summary, with separate information required for each group member if the Tenderer is a grouping.

5. Award criteria & scoring

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

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria