The provision of Duplicated Batteries for Lighthouses and Batteries for Buoys

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 supplying duplicated batteries for lighthouses and batteries for buoys, supporting the Commissioners of Irish Lights' mission of safe navigation at sea. The framework is divided into two lots, each with specific battery requirements.

• Lot 1: Lighthouse Batteries

• Types: Non-flooded Lead-Acid, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄ / LFP), Nickel–Metal Hydride (NiMH).

• Locations: Various lighthouses around Ireland and Northern Ireland.

• Requirements: Batteries must have a minimum 6-month shelf life before recharge and be free from defects for at least 12 months post-delivery.

• Lot 2: Buoy Batteries

• Type: Maintenance-free motive power gel battery for navigational buoys.

• Locations: Various buoy locations managed by Irish Lights.

• Requirements: Batteries must provide autonomy of 5 days for mains charged and 35 days for solar buoy applications.

The contractor will be responsible for ensuring compliance with standards such as EN 62619 for lithium batteries and EN 60896 for lead-acid batteries. The framework will operate on a cascade method, where contracts are awarded directly to the first-ranked framework member, with subsequent members approached if necessary.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement is driven by the need to ensure reliable and efficient navigation aids, aligning with Irish Lights' mission of "Safe Navigation at Sea." This tender supports the strategic goal of maintaining and upgrading navigation infrastructure across Ireland. The framework replaces existing arrangements, aiming to enhance battery performance and reliability. The procurement is part of a broader initiative to modernize maritime services, ensuring compliance with international standards and improving operational efficiency.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Minimum annual turnover of €500,000 in each of the last 3 financial years.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million per claim.
• Employer's Liability: €13 million per claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million per claim.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million per claim.
• Certifications: ISO 9001 certification required.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with a 40/60 price/quality split.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Appendix G – Response Document.
• CVs: Not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Appendix D Part 2 (Tenderer’s Financial Proposal).
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Conflict of Interest, Tax clearance.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders, documents must be in PDF format.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract is for an initial 2-year term, with the possibility of two 1-year extensions. Payment terms require a valid Purchase Order before initiating a call-off contract. Key performance indicators include quality of service and turnaround time, with regular performance reviews. Liquidated damages or penalties are not specified. Intellectual property ownership remains with the supplier, and sub-contracting is allowed with prior approval. A parent-company guarantee may be required if relying on another entity's resources.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender specifies a high insurance requirement, which may limit participation to larger firms. The cascade method for awarding contracts could favor incumbents or those with established relationships. The framework's estimated spend is indicative, with no guaranteed expenditure, posing a financial risk for bidders. The requirement for ISO 9001 certification may exclude smaller firms without this accreditation.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for medium-sized firms with experience in battery supply and ISO 9001 certification. Smaller firms may face challenges due to high insurance requirements and turnover thresholds. Consortium bids are allowed, providing an opportunity for smaller firms to partner with larger entities. Bid preparation is estimated at 10-15 days, considering the need for detailed technical and financial proposals. The presence of incumbents or firms with existing frameworks may influence the probability of winning.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: "RFT Batteries Framework - Irish Lights.DOCX"
• eTenders CFT ID: 7937635
• Contact email or clarification portal: Questions and Answers facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: "Appendix C – Selection Criteria", "Appendix D – Financial Proposal", "Appendix G – Response Document"