Installation and Support of Air Traffic Control Simulation Equipment at Casement Aerodrome

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 requires the installation and ongoing support of Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulation equipment at Casement Aerodrome. The services encompass the provision, setup, and maintenance of a simulation system designed to mirror current ATC operations at the location.

The scope of work includes:

• Equipment Installation:
• Tower Simulator Position: A minimum 180° visual display for one Air Traffic Controller (ATCO).
• Radar Simulation Position: Equipment for one ATCO and one Instructor.
• Pseudo Pilot / Supervisor / Data Preparation Position: A dedicated station for pseudo-pilot, supervisor, and data preparation functions, serving both Tower and Radar simulations.
• Software and Hardware:
• Detailed description of proposed software and hardware functionality, specifically in comparison to Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems currently in use at Casement Aerodrome ATC.
• The equipment must be in good condition, suitable for the purpose, and may include innovative features.
• Operational Readiness:
• The system must demonstrate full compliance, strong evidence of operational readiness, and adherence to safety and regulatory requirements.
• Support and Maintenance:
• A maintenance package for a minimum of 12 months post-installation is required, with an option for extension.
• Training:
• While not explicitly detailed as a separate deliverable, the setup for an Instructor position implies a need for the system to be operable by trained personnel.

The services are to be provided at Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin. The estimated expenditure over the contract term, including potential extensions, is between €350,000 and €400,000 (excluding VAT).

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Irish Defence Forces to acquire Air Traffic Control simulation equipment for Casement Aerodrome. The requirement stems from the need to maintain and enhance operational capabilities through realistic training scenarios. The contract is for the installation and subsequent support of this specialised equipment. The estimated value suggests a project of moderate scale within the defence sector. The procurement follows an open procedure, indicating a desire for a competitive process to secure the required services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Tenderers must have a minimum average annual turnover of €500,000 in each of the last three years.
• Insurance: The successful tenderer must hold the following insurances for the term of the Services Contract:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 Million
• Product Liability: €6.5 Million
• Professional Indemnity: €500,000
• Airside Insurance: €1 Million
• Public Liability: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Tenderers must provide at least two examples of comparable contracts completed over the past 5 years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: All works will be confined to Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). The lowest compliant bid for the 'Ultimate Cost' criterion will receive full points, with others scored proportionally. For other criteria, scoring ranges from 0-999 (non-compliant/unclear) to 2600-3000 (full compliance/strong evidence).

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document:
• Completed Pricing Schedule (Appendix 2) showing total cost and breakdown.
• Confirmation that submitted prices are fixed for the contract duration.
• Detailed proposal for the setup and equipment associated with the Tower Simulator, Radar Simulation, and Pseudo Pilot/Supervisor/Data Preparation positions.
• Description of proposed software and hardware functionality in comparison to current ATM systems at Casement Aerodrome ATC.
• Details of equipment condition, suitability, and any innovative features.
• CVs: Not specified for this tender.
• Pricing schedule: Appendix 2 must be completed. Prices must be all-inclusive (excluding VAT), in Euro, and remain valid for three months from the Tender Deadline.
• Case studies: At least two examples of comparable contracts completed over the past 5 years.
• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD).
• Tenderer’s Statement (Appendix 3), signed and scanned.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (Appendix 4).
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number.
• Mandatory site visit: Tenderers wishing to visit Casement Aerodrome must confirm attendance by contacting Robert Keane at [email protected] by 21/09/2026. Visits are organised between 09:00-15:00 and subject to local security and health and safety arrangements.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie. File size limits apply (250MB per file, 2GB total). Tenders must be submitted in English.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Services Contract will have an initial term of three (3) years, with the option for the Contracting Authority to extend it for one or two periods of up to one (1) year each, subject to legal obligations. Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract (Appendix 5). Prices quoted must remain valid for three months from the Tender Deadline. Any currency variations over the contract term will be borne by the Tenderer. The successful Tenderer must hold specified insurances for the contract term. Subcontracting is permitted, but the Prime Contractor retains overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The estimated value (€350,000-€400,000) is relatively low for a procurement involving specialised ATC simulation equipment, which could suggest a limited scope or a focus on specific components rather than a full system overhaul. The absence of a Public Liability insurance requirement is unusual and should be clarified. The tender requires a detailed comparison of proposed systems with existing ATM systems at Casement Aerodrome, implying a need for bidders to have a strong understanding of the specific operational environment or to conduct thorough pre-bid investigations. The site visit confirmation deadline (21/09/2026) is relatively early in the tender period, requiring prompt action from interested parties.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is potentially suitable for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with specialised expertise in Air Traffic Control simulation technology. A credible bidder would need to demonstrate a turnover of at least €500,000 annually over the last three years and possess experience in completing at least two comparable contracts within the last five years. The insurance requirements, particularly Employer's Liability at €12.7 million and Product Liability at €6.5 million, are substantial and may necessitate careful consideration or partnership for smaller firms. Consortiums or subcontracting are permitted, allowing SMEs to collaborate with larger entities or other SMEs to meet the requirements. The bid preparation effort is likely moderate to high, requiring detailed technical proposals, pricing schedules, and evidence of past performance. The tender is open procedure, suggesting no incumbent advantage is explicitly stated, but the specific technical requirements and comparison to existing systems might favour firms with prior engagement or knowledge of defence sector ATC environments.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT Tower_Radar_Sim_Tender_2026.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email / clarification portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5: Services Contract