Supply, Installation of AV Equipment for Science Building

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 and installation of audio-visual (AV) equipment for the Science Building at South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow Campus. The contractor will be responsible for all aspects of AV cabling and equipment installation across 27 rooms, including digital signage systems. The project requires a high level of collaboration with SETU's AV Technical Officer and the building contractor, BAM.

Key activities include:

• First Fix Installation: Commencing at the end of August 2026, this phase includes the installation of all brackets and cabling (shielded Cat 6, HDMI, USB, audio, RS232).
• Equipment Installation: Installation of AV equipment, including specialist cabling, patch/fly leads, and final connections to ensure a fully operational AV system.
• Room Specifications: Each room will have an AV Rack for equipment, with cabling running from the lecturer's location to the rack and then to display devices.
• Digital Signage: Installation of 6 digital signage screens for common areas, integrated with SETU's cloud-based “TEOS” system.
• Height Considerations: The contractor must manage installations at various ceiling heights, including areas with double-height ceilings of 8.6 meters and standard heights.
• Collaboration with BAM: Coordination with the building contractor for access and installation logistics.

The contractor must ensure all installations meet the operational requirements specified by SETU and adhere to health and safety regulations.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of SETU's initiative to enhance its AV capabilities in the newly constructed Science Building, which is expected to support a growing student population and diverse educational needs. The establishment of SETU in May 2022 reflects a strategic move to consolidate educational resources in the south-east region of Ireland, which has seen significant demographic and economic changes. The project aligns with SETU's broader goals of fostering innovation and improving educational infrastructure.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €5,000,000 (ex VAT) for each of the three most recent financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million any one accident
• Product/Public Liability: €6.4 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million for any one claim or series of claims arising from a single occurrence.
• 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 scoring will follow a maximum of 100 points, with no minimum scoring threshold specified.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Complete and signed Form of Tender (Appendix 2).
• CVs: Not specified for this tender.
• Pricing schedule: Must follow the format in Appendix 1.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations: Include Declaration of Bona Fides (Appendix 3) and Certificate relating to Bona Fide Tender (Appendix 4).
• 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 and extension structure: Not specified for this tender.
• Payment terms: Not specified for this tender.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €5,000,000 may limit competition, particularly among smaller firms.
• Height requirements: The need for installation at heights of up to 8.6 meters may pose safety and logistical challenges.
• Collaboration with BAM: The requirement for close coordination with the incumbent building contractor could disadvantage bidders without prior relationships or experience with BAM.

10. SME fit assessment

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

• Experience in AV equipment supply and installation, particularly in educational settings.
• The capacity to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.
• Ability to manage projects involving high ceilings and complex installations.
• Potential for consortium or subcontracting arrangements is not specified, but may be beneficial for SMEs lacking specific capabilities.
• Bid preparation is likely to require several days, considering the documentation and project specifications.
• The presence of an incumbent contractor may influence the competitive landscape, as established relationships with SETU or BAM could provide an advantage.

11. Where to dig deeper

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