LA3790C - FSI - CFT - Open (OJEU) Procedure for the Supply of an Automated Thermal Desorber Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (ATD-GCMS)

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

Tenders are sought for the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of an Automated Thermal Desorber coupled with a Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (ATD-GCMS). This equipment is intended for the analysis of ignitable liquids in vapour samples. The new instrument will augment the existing ATD-GCMS within the Fires team of the Chemistry department at Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), enabling the department to manage an increased volume of fire cases.

The primary function of the ATD-GCMS is to accurately, reliably, and with acceptable sensitivity, determine the presence of ignitable liquids in various sample types. These samples typically include debris from fire scenes, clothing from suspects or victims, or any other solid material where the identification of ignitable liquids is required. Samples are submitted to the laboratory in sealed nylon bags.

The scope of the Goods Contract includes:

• Supply: Provision of the specified Automated Thermal Desorber Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (ATD-GCMS) unit.
• Delivery: Transportation of the ATD-GCMS to the designated FSI facility.
• Installation: Physical setup and integration of the ATD-GCMS at the FSI site.
• Commissioning: Verification and testing of the installed ATD-GCMS to ensure it meets all specified performance requirements and is ready for operational use.
• Warranty: The initial term of the Goods Contract is 12 months, commencing from the Effective Date of the Goods Contract, which includes warranty provisions as detailed in Appendix 1.
• Potential Extensions: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to extend the contract term for periods totalling up to 12 months, with a maximum aggregate extension of 24 months, under the same terms and conditions.

The ATD-GCMS must enable unattended analysis for a minimum of fifty samples. The contract value is estimated to be no greater than €115,000 (Ex-VAT) over the initial term and any potential extensions.

3. Background & buyer context

The Education Procurement Service (EPS), acting on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), is conducting this procurement. The requirement stems from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), which requires an additional Automated Thermal Desorber Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (ATD-GCMS) to enhance its analytical capacity. The existing instrument is insufficient to handle the current workload related to fire investigations. This procurement aligns with FSI's operational needs to maintain accurate and timely analysis of ignitable liquids in fire scene samples. The procedure is conducted under the open procedure as per EU regulations, indicating a competitive tender process.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered compliant:

• Turnover requirement: Average annual turnover relating to the services specified must have exceeded €232,500 per annum, averaged over the three years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• If annual turnover is less than €12 million, a statement of accounts from the company's accountant is sufficient; otherwise, three (3) audited accounts and reports are required.
• Insurance: The successful Tenderer must hold the following insurances for the term of the Goods Contract:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 Million
• Public Liability: €6.5 Million
• Product Liability: €6.5 Million
• Certifications:
• A certificate confirming an accreditation (e.g., accredited partnership) between the instrument manufacturer and the Tenderer, validating the Tenderer's authorisation as a provider of the solution.
• Confirmation of Organisation’s Health and Safety statement.
• Demonstration of any other relevant standards in relation to the supply of the tendered equipment.
• Past experience: Details of two (2) contracts undertaken within the last three (3) years that demonstrate successful provision of a service of similar scope, scale, and complexity. A maximum of one reference can be from the Contracting Authority.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Tenderers must also provide a Company Data Protection Summary to confirm GDPR compliance.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the contract will be based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). Tenderers must achieve a minimum of 60% on all tender award criteria, excluding Ultimate Cost.

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria