Request for Tenders under Open National Procedure for the Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of a High Pressure Homogenizer for South East Technological University SETU

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, installation, and commissioning of a high-pressure homogenizer for South East Technological University (SETU). The successful contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the homogenizer meets specific technical requirements and is operational by the deadline.

The key activities include:

• Supply of Equipment: Provision of a bench-top high-pressure homogenizer capable of processing emulsions and nanoparticle suspensions.
• Installation: The contractor must install the equipment at the designated location within SETU, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Commissioning: The contractor must demonstrate the correct operation of the homogenizer to SETU personnel.
• Training: Training for at least two SETU staff members on the operation and maintenance of the equipment must be included.
• After Sales Support: Provision of technical support, spare parts, and warranty services post-installation.

The homogenizer must meet the following specifications:

• Minimum processing volume capacity of 50 mL.
• Processing flow rate of at least 100 mL/min.
• Capable of achieving processing pressures of at least 20,000 psi.
• Must include a feed reservoir with various size options (20, 50, 100, 500 mL).
• Must be fully functional independently from external compressed air units.
• Operation temperatures must range up to 60°C, with necessary heat exchangers included.

The contractor must also provide a detailed installation plan, including logistics and facility requirements, and ensure compliance with environmental policies.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of this high-pressure homogenizer aligns with SETU's mission to enhance its research capabilities and support its educational objectives. Established on 1st May 2022, SETU serves over 18,000 learners and aims to provide leadership in knowledge and innovation in the south-east region of Ireland. The university is experiencing significant growth and diversification, necessitating the acquisition of advanced equipment to support its research activities.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €75,000 (ex VAT) for each of the three most recent financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million any one accident.
• Product/Public Liability: €6.5 million.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• 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.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall minimum score required to qualify is 60%.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Completed and signed Form of Tender (Appendix 2).
• CVs: Relevant personnel's CVs (no specific page count stated).
• Pricing schedule: Completed pricing schedule as per Appendix 1.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations: Completed Declaration of Bona Fides and Declaration re Statutory Obligations (Appendices 3 & 4).
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made electronically via the eTenders platform.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: Not specified for this tender.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Late Payment in Commercial Transactions Regulations (2002) and are subject to a 30-day credit period, with efforts to reduce this to 15 days.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The contracting authority reserves the right to terminate the contract under specific circumstances, including failure to comply with health and safety regulations.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €75,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, as it is close to the contract value of €50,000.
• The requirement for specific insurance levels may pose a challenge for smaller bidders without established coverage.
• There are no specified past experience requirements, which may create uncertainty regarding the competitive landscape.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate:

• A minimum turnover of €75,000, indicating a level of operational capacity.
• The ability to provide the required insurance coverage.
• Technical expertise in supplying and installing high-pressure homogenizers.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, suggesting that bidders should be able to fulfill all requirements independently. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at several days, considering the need for detailed technical and pricing documentation. The presence of specific technical requirements may favor established firms with relevant experience.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: RFT HIGSETU202605.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: eTenders
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 2 — Form of Tender
• Appendix 3 — Declaration of Bona Fide