UL1061 Single Supplier Framework Agreement for the Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commissioning and Calibration of a Bioreactor Suite for Bioprocess Optimisation and Digestion/Fermentation Modelling

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 University of Limerick (UL) seeks a single supplier for the provision of a bioreactor suite designed for bioprocess optimisation and digestion/fermentation modelling. The contractor will be responsible for the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, and calibration of the bioreactor suite, which must support parallel experiments with independent process control across all benchtop bioreactors.

Key activities include:

• Supply of Bioreactor Suite: Provision of a bioreactor platform capable of running experiments with working volumes between 100-700 ml.
• Delivery: Timely delivery of the bioreactor suite to the University of Limerick campus.
• Installation: Setting up the bioreactor suite in designated laboratory spaces within the university.
• Commissioning: Ensuring all systems are operational and meet specified performance criteria.
• Calibration: Performing necessary calibrations to ensure accuracy and reliability of the bioreactor systems.
• Training: Providing training for university staff on the operation and maintenance of the bioreactor suite.
• Support and Maintenance: Offering ongoing technical support and maintenance services as required.

The contractor must adhere to a strict timeline, with delivery from the issue of the Purchase Order to delivery not exceeding three months.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of the University of Limerick's initiative to enhance its research capabilities in bioprocessing and fermentation technologies. The university aims to advance its facilities to support innovative research in biotechnology, aligning with national educational and research policies. The procurement is timely as it seeks to upgrade existing laboratory equipment to meet growing research demands. The university has not disclosed the incumbent supplier for this contract.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €200,000 over the last three years (2023, 2024, 2025).
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must provide evidence of meeting these criteria as part of their submission.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Bidders must achieve a minimum of 60% on all qualitative tender award criteria to avoid elimination from the competition. The price/quality split follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must produce the following documents:

• 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: Complete the pricing schedule as per Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide 2 case studies of similar projects, valued between €50,000 and €150,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a term of two years, with the possibility of extending for up to 12 months, twice. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Goods Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract for serious breaches or insolvency.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontracting is permitted, but the successful bidder must designate a Prime Contractor responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €200,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Single supplier framework: The contract is structured as a single supplier framework, which may restrict competition and innovation.
• Tight delivery timeline: The requirement for delivery within three months from the Purchase Order may pose challenges for suppliers with existing commitments.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in laboratory equipment supply and installation. Viable bidders should have:

• Relevant technical expertise in bioprocessing equipment.
• The capacity to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.
• Ability to provide training and ongoing support.

Consortium bidding is allowed, enabling SMEs to collaborate with larger firms to meet the requirements. Preparation for the bid may require approximately 10-15 days of effort. The presence of a turnover threshold and the single supplier framework may signal a competitive advantage for established firms or incumbents.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: UL1061 Request for Tender.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5: Goods Contract