Sportswear, PPE and Equipment

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

This tender seeks the supply of sportswear, personal protective equipment (PPE), and associated equipment for Kerry College, Killorglin Campus. The contract will cover the provision of specific items detailed in the specification, which includes a range of mountaineering and climbing safety equipment.

The scope of work involves the supply of goods that meet defined European standards and specifications. Key items include:

• Autoblock loops: Certified EN566, ready-to-use, sewn, with a length of 50-60cm.
• Slings: Certified EN566.
• Dynamic mountaineering ropes: Certified EN892, with specific colour requirements (half one colour, half another, distinct from the first half).
• Connectors (carabiners): Certified EN12275, including autolock HMS carabiners requiring a two-step opening action (EN12275:2013 B/H) and locking carabiners requiring a three-step opening action (EN12275).
• Belay devices: Certified EN15151-1 and EN15151-2.
• Mountaineering harnesses: Certified EN12277 Type C.
• Mountaineering helmets: CE EN 12492 certified.
• Accessory cord: Certified EN564.
• Assisted breaking belay devices: Certified EN15151-1.
• PPE anchor devices: Certified EN795A.
• Rock anchors: Certified EN959.

The tender also specifies that certain items may be supplied as sets or separately, with pricing to reflect this. The contractor must ensure all goods are delivered in accordance with the specification, including quality, quantity, and delivery dates. Delivery includes unloading and stacking at the Contracting Authority's premises. The contractor is responsible for ensuring all goods are packed and marked correctly, adhering to any statutory requirements and carrier instructions.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB) for its Killorglin Campus. The requirement for sportswear, PPE, and equipment suggests a need for materials to support specific educational or training programmes, likely related to outdoor activities, mountaineering, or adventure sports, given the detailed specifications for climbing and safety gear. The tender is being issued to establish a supply contract for these essential items. No specific programme or policy is explicitly mentioned as driving this procurement, but it aligns with the general remit of ETBs to provide vocational and technical education. The contract documents indicate a standard procurement process for goods, with the ETB acting as the Contracting Authority.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Confirmation that turnover exceeded €312,000 for each of the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €1 million
• Certifications: Specific mountaineering and PPE equipment must meet the following standards:
• EN 15151-1
• EN 566
• EN 795A
• EN 959
• EN 892
• EN 12275
• EN 12277:2015 C
• CE EN 12492
• EN 15151-2
• EN 564
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Access to minimum levels of personnel and skills as detailed in the tender documents.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not explicitly detailed with scoring percentages in the provided extract. However, the tender documents indicate that the contract will be awarded to "the lowest cost tender that also meets all of the minimum requirements of the qualitative" criteria. This implies a price-driven award, provided that all mandatory technical and eligibility requirements are met. The emphasis is on meeting the specified standards and specifications for the goods.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Method statement / response document: Not specified.
• CVs: Not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Required, format not specified.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations:
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for verification.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (confirming no exclusion grounds under Regulation 57 apply).
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: The contract term is not specified. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to extend the term for up to [Insert number] months, with a maximum of [Insert number] such extensions.
• Payment terms: Payment of charges is subject to contractor compliance with the agreement, submission of valid invoices with supporting documentation, and possession of a current Tax Clearance Certificate. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 calendar days. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012 apply. Payments are made via electronic transfer; business bank details must be submitted.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages: If the contractor fails to deliver within the specified time, the Contracting Authority may deduct [number]% per week of late delivery, up to a maximum of [number]% of the relevant invoice/order value. If this threshold is met or exceeded, the Contracting Authority can claim further damages or terminate the agreement.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice if a Force Majeure Event continues for [insert number] calendar days. The Contracting Authority can terminate immediately if exclusion grounds (Regulation 57) or specific circumstances (Regulation 73) apply to the contractor or subcontractors.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: The contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for subcontractors. Subcontractors must comply with the agreement, including exclusion grounds. The Contracting Authority can require the contractor to replace a subcontractor if exclusion grounds apply.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender documents indicate a price-driven award, meaning that while meeting all technical specifications is mandatory, the lowest price will likely secure the contract. This could favour larger suppliers with economies of scale. The absence of specific details on contract length and start date, alongside the placeholder "[Insert number]" for extension periods and liquidated damages percentages, suggests these will be finalised during the contract negotiation phase or are standard templates. The detailed technical specifications for mountaineering equipment, including specific EN standards, require precise adherence; any deviation could lead to rejection. The requirement for tax clearance and adherence to EU/domestic taxation law is standard but requires diligent compliance.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely best suited for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in the supply of outdoor, mountaineering, and climbing equipment, particularly those with established supply chains for certified goods.

• Who can credibly bid: A firm with a proven track record in supplying certified PPE and outdoor gear, capable of meeting the specific EN standards listed. Experience in public sector procurement is beneficial but not explicitly required. The turnover requirement of €312,000 average annual turnover over three years is a moderate threshold, accessible to many established SMEs.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Sub-contracting is permitted, with the prime contractor assuming full responsibility. This allows SMEs to partner with specialists if needed, though the primary bidder must meet the turnover requirement.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Bid preparation effort is likely moderate. Key tasks include:
• Gathering product information and ensuring compliance with all specified EN standards.
• Compiling pricing for a diverse range of items.
• Completing mandatory declarations and providing tax clearance.
• Reviewing contract terms. This could require 5-10 days of focused effort for a well-prepared SME.
• Pwin signal: The award criterion being "lowest cost tender that also meets all of the minimum requirements" suggests that price competition will be intense. Without information on the incumbent supplier or previous tender winners, it is difficult to assess incumbent strength. However, the specific nature of the equipment suggests that suppliers with existing product lines and certifications in this niche will have an advantage.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): [Contracting Authority's Terms and Conditions.DOCX]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not surfaced.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not surfaced.
• Most important attachments:
• Schedule B: Goods: The Specification
• Schedule C: Charges
• Contracting Authority's Terms and Conditions