Fixed wing Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

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 contract involves the supply, delivery, and training for one electric propulsion fixed-wing Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for South East Technological University (SETU). The UAS will be equipped with a suite of modular exchange sensors, including nadir and oblique mounted RGB cameras, a multispectral camera, and a LiDAR system. The system is intended to support high-accuracy airborne data acquisition for various applications, including:

• RGB mapping and orthomosaic generation
• Infrastructure inspection
• 3D modelling
• Photogrammetry
• Multispectral surveys
• LiDAR-based terrain and asset mapping

The contractor must ensure that the UAS meets specific technical specifications, including the inclusion of a multispectral sensor with a minimum of five spectral bands, which must encompass visible and near-infrared (NIR) ranges. The system should also be supplied with a calibrated reflectance panel and a downwelling irradiance/light sensor.

Training will be required for SETU personnel, covering the operation of the UAS and its associated sensors. The contractor must provide comprehensive documentation detailing the training program, including the number and duration of training sessions and the qualifications of the training personnel.

3. Background & buyer context

SETU was established on May 1, 2022, as the newest university in Ireland, with campuses in Carlow, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow. The university serves over 18,000 learners and employs approximately 2,000 staff, graduating over 6,000 students annually. This procurement aligns with SETU's strategic objectives to enhance its research capabilities and technological offerings in response to the region's rapid population growth and economic diversification. The acquisition of a VTOL UAS is part of SETU's initiative to advance its technological infrastructure and support educational and research activities.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €65,000 (ex VAT) in each of the three most recent financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million Euro any one accident
• Product/Public Liability: €6.4 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least three comparable projects completed in the recent past, including client details, project description, dates, and contract value.
• 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 award criteria:

The total maximum score available is 1,000. The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on a balance of price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Complete and signed Form of Tender (Appendix 2).
• CVs: Relevant personnel CVs, no specific page count stated.
• Pricing schedule: Format as per Appendix 1.
• Case studies: Evidence of three comparable projects.
• Declarations: Completed Declaration of Bona Fides (Appendices 3 & 4) and Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform at www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Not specified for this tender.
• Payment terms: SETU operates a 30-day credit period, with a commitment to reduce this to 15 days upon receipt of a valid invoice.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated if the service provider engages in corrupt practices or fails to comply with legal obligations.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns for bidders include:

• The turnover threshold of €65,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The requirement for three comparable projects may disadvantage new entrants or smaller firms without a proven track record.
• No specific geographic constraints are mentioned, but the lack of clarity on facility constraints may pose challenges for bidders unfamiliar with SETU's operational context.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in unmanned aircraft systems and relevant technical capabilities. Viable bidders should possess:

• A minimum turnover of €65,000 (ex VAT) and relevant insurance coverage.
• Experience in delivering similar projects, ideally with a focus on educational or research institutions.
• The ability to provide training and support for the UAS.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, but may be permissible depending on the bidder's capacity. Preparation for the bid may require several days, including time for documentation and case study compilation. The presence of a turnover threshold and the need for past experience may indicate a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents are involved.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: RFT SETU UAS.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 2 — Form of Tender
• Appendix 3 — Declaration of Bona Fides