Supply of and delivery of industrial gas

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 procurement seeks the supply and delivery of industrial gas to Iarnród Éireann-Irish Rail (IE). The specific requirements will be detailed in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage. The contract duration is set for 60 months.

The scope of work is not fully defined at this Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) stage. However, the PQQ indicates that the successful contractor will be required to deliver industrial gas nationwide throughout the IE network. Applicants must demonstrate experience in the supply of industrial gas relevant to IE's requirements.

Key aspects to be addressed by bidders at the ITT stage will include:

• Supply and Delivery: The core activity involves providing industrial gases to various locations within the IE network across Ireland.
• Nationwide Network Coverage: The service must be capable of supporting operations across the entire IE network.
• Quality and Safety: Bidders must demonstrate robust quality management systems and adherence to health and safety regulations, including specific requirements for safety statements and accident reporting.
• Sustainability: Environmental and social sustainability practices are a key evaluation criterion.

The PQQ mandates that bidders must provide details on their technical resources, equipment, quality management systems, sustainability practices, and health and safety procedures. The exact nature and volume of industrial gases required, delivery schedules, and specific site requirements will be detailed in the subsequent ITT documentation.

3. Background & buyer context

Iarnród Éireann-Irish Rail (IE) is the contracting authority for this procurement. IE operates in the transport sector and is classified as a utility. Consequently, its procurement procedures are governed by the EU Utilities Directive (2014/25/EU) and the implementing Irish national legislation, the European Union (Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) Regulations 2016.

This procurement process is being conducted in two stages: a pre-qualification stage (PQQ) followed by a tender stage (ITT). IE published a call to competition in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) and on the Irish eTenders website on 21st July 2026. The purpose of this PQQ is to identify and shortlist suitable economic operators who will be invited to participate in the subsequent tender stage. IE reserves the right to cancel the procurement process at any stage without incurring liability.

The contract is for the supply and delivery of industrial gas, a critical utility for IE's operations. The specific strategic drivers for this procurement are not detailed in the PQQ, but it aligns with IE's operational needs within the transport sector.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet specific minimum qualification criteria to proceed to the tender stage. Reliance on third-party resources (sub-contractors, consortium members, parent companies) is permitted, provided the applicant can demonstrate these resources will be available.

• Turnover requirement: Applicants must demonstrate an average annual turnover exceeding €250,000 for three of the previous four audited financial years. If relying on a parent company, its details and a Declaration of Eligibility are required.
• Insurance: Not specified in the PQQ.
• Certifications:
• Evidence of an internationally recognized and externally audited Quality Management System relevant to the supply requirement, such as EN ISO 9001:2000 or an equivalent standard, OR evidence of adequate internal Quality Management System documentation.
• For Environmental Sustainability (Technical/Professional Ability): Details on internationally recognized and externally audited environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001 or equivalent, are required.
• Past experience: Applicants must provide three examples of relevant current or completed contracts undertaken in the last five years demonstrating experience in the supply of Industrial Gas. Value and client contact information must be provided for each reference.
• Personnel: Not specified in the PQQ.
• Geographic / facility constraints: The service must be capable of delivery nationwide throughout the IE network.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The PQQ outlines the selection criteria for pre-qualification, which are assessed on a pass/fail basis. The award criteria for the subsequent ITT stage are not detailed in this PQQ but will be provided to shortlisted bidders.

Criterion Weighting Sub-criteria