LA3673C-UCC-CFT for the Supply of a Fully Integrated Precision Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Analysis Platform

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1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Education Procurement Service (EPS) LA3673C-UCC-CFT for the Supply of a Fully Integrated Precision Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Analysis Platform 38000000 €435,000 not stated Open (OJEU) not stated University College Cork (UCC) 2 years, with up to 3 extensions of 12 months each 24/08/2026 12:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, and calibration of a Fully Integrated Precision Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Analysis Platform for the Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork (UCC). The platform consists of seven complementary subsystems designed to perform high-resolution characterisation of ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials.

Key activities include:

• Measurement Core: Central electrical tester and control electronics for ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and leakage tasks.
• Optical Metrology: Utilisation of a sub-picometre displacement sensor for precise measurements.
• Thermal Modules: Automated heating and cooling stages with controllers for bulk and thin films.
• High-Voltage Subsystem: High-voltage amplifiers capable of ±10 kV, including safety and protection interfaces.
• Fixturing & Probing: Automated wafer stages, bulk sample holders, and precision probe positioners for accurate sample handling.
• Workstation: A pre-configured PC with high-resolution monitors and a full software suite for data analysis.
• Infrastructure: Vibration isolation systems (e.g., optical tables) and environmental shielding (acoustic/light) to ensure measurement integrity.

The platform must support comprehensive characterisation across a broad temperature range, facilitating research and industrial benchmarking of advanced ferroic materials. It aims to enhance Ireland's capabilities in developing next-generation sensors, actuators, and computing architectures.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to enhance the research capabilities of the Tyndall National Institute, aligning with Ireland's strategic objectives in materials research and innovation. The investment supports the development of advanced technologies in energy-efficient actuators and adaptive sensors, crucial for maintaining Ireland's leadership in materials-enabled technology. The contract is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ireland's position in emerging research areas, including neuromorphic computing and sustainable electronics.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €870,000 over the last three years (2022-2024).
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5 million (on an each and every occurrence basis).
• Product Liability: €6.5 million (on an aggregate basis).
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million (each and every claim).
• Employer's Liability: €13 million (on an each and every occurrence basis).
• 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 scoring will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on the balance between price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template, with no specified page limit.
• CVs: For key personnel, no specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the designated template.
• Case studies: At least two, with values ranging from €50,000 to €200,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders, adhering to specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: Initial duration of 2 years, with the option to extend for up to 3 additional 12-month periods.
• Payment terms: Payments to be made within 30 days from receipt of invoice.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, with a designated Prime Contractor responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €870,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller SMEs.
• The lack of specified past experience requirements may lead to variability in bid quality.
• The absence of detailed SLAs/KPIs could lead to ambiguities in performance expectations.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid should have:

• Relevant experience in precision measurement systems or related technologies.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to collaborate with larger firms if necessary, as consortia are permitted.
• An indicative bid-preparation effort of approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the proposal.
• The presence of an incumbent supplier may influence the competitive landscape, but the tender is open to new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: LA3673C-RFT.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email: E-Tenders Mailbox
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement