Provision of Network Cabling and Break/Fix Support

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

Coras Iompair Éireann (CIE) requires a supplier for the nationwide provision of network cabling services and associated break/fix support. This contract encompasses installation, repair, testing, and certification of network cabling, comms cabinets, and passive network equipment for both copper and fibre infrastructure. The service must be delivered across CIE's operating companies, including Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath, and CIE Tours International.

Key activities include:

• End-to-end delivery of structured cabling works: This covers the full lifecycle from initial installation to ongoing maintenance and repair.
• Installation, repair, testing, and certification: This applies to network cabling, comms cabinets, and associated passive network equipment.
• Break/fix support: A critical element involves a responsive support model with defined service levels, rapid incident response, and clear escalation procedures. This support must integrate with CIE's IT service management processes.
• National, multi-site estate service: The supplier must demonstrate capability for consistent service delivery across a national network of sites.
• Technically complex environments: Services must be deliverable in challenging locations, including trackside, working at height, and underground infrastructure.
• Governance, reporting, and continuous improvement: The successful vendor will be responsible for providing appropriate governance, regular reporting, and mechanisms for continuous service improvement.
• Compliance: Adherence to all relevant health, safety, security, and certification standards is mandatory.

The contract duration is for 3 years, with an optional 2-year extension at CIE's discretion.

3. Background & buyer context

Coras Iompair Éireann (CIE) is the statutory organisation responsible for public transport in Ireland, operating through its subsidiaries: Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath, and CIE Tours International. This procurement is conducted under the Utilities Directive (2014/25/EU) due to CIE's status as a utility operating in the transport sector. The current procurement process is a two-stage approach, beginning with this Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) to identify suitable candidates for the subsequent Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage. The objective is to secure a qualified supplier capable of delivering comprehensive network cabling and break/fix support services across CIE's national infrastructure.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

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

• Turnover requirement: A minimum average annual turnover of €200,000 (exclusive of VAT) for two of the last three audited financial years. Evidence must be provided via signed auditor's statements or audited accounts.
• Insurance: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications:
• ISO 27001 or equivalent for Information Security Management System.
• ISO 9001 or equivalent for Quality Management Systems.
• ISO 45001 or equivalent for Health and Safety Management Systems.
• ISO 14001 or equivalent for Environmental Management Systems.
• NIST CSF (Cyber Security).
• Evidence of documented and audited policies for Information Security and Data Protection/GDPR.
• Past experience: A minimum of three relevant contracts, delivered or substantially delivered within the last five years. These contracts must be comparable in scale and nature to the requirements, with at least one contract demonstrating:
• Provision and maintenance of structured cabling infrastructure (copper, fibre, containment) under SLAs.
• Capability to monitor, measure, and report service performance against SLAs.
• A documented incident and fault management process.
• Delivery of planned and reactive maintenance, including testing and certification.
• Compliance with industry standards, statutory requirements, and health & safety obligations.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender, beyond demonstrating company resources and management structure.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Services are required nationwide across Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria will be detailed in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage. However, the PQQ outlines selection criteria for pre-qualification, which include technical and professional ability. These are weighted as follows:

Criterion Weighting Minimum Rule/Minimum Score