RFT for the provision of services to undertake Ireland Commercial Feasibility Assessment for production of eSAF

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 contractor will conduct a comprehensive commercial feasibility assessment for the production of eSAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) in Ireland. This assessment aims to evaluate the viability of eSAF production, focusing on market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and financial modeling.

Key activities include:

• Market Analysis: Assessing current and projected demand for eSAF in the aviation sector.
• Regulatory Review: Evaluating national and international regulations affecting eSAF production and usage.
• Technical Feasibility: Analyzing the technical processes involved in eSAF production, including feedstock availability and processing technologies.
• Financial Modelling: Developing financial models to estimate costs, revenues, and profitability of eSAF production.
• Supply Chain Logistics: Investigating logistics related to the sourcing of raw materials and distribution of eSAF.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with relevant stakeholders in the aviation and energy sectors to gather insights and validate findings.
• Reporting: Delivering a detailed report summarizing findings, recommendations, and potential pathways for implementation.

The contractor must ensure that the assessment aligns with the Department of Transport's objectives for decarbonizing the aviation sector and promoting sustainable fuel alternatives.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated as part of Ireland's commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector, aligning with broader EU climate goals. The Department of Transport seeks to explore the feasibility of producing eSAF to support the transition towards sustainable aviation. The initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance energy security and promote renewable energy sources in line with national policies on climate action. The urgency of this assessment is underscored by the increasing pressure on the aviation industry to adopt greener practices.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 (excluding VAT) for each of the last 3 financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of 3 comparable projects within the last 3 years.
• Personnel: Relevant team members must possess qualifications in aviation decarbonisation and related fields.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must provide evidence of their financial standing and relevant experience upon request.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall scoring will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for all key personnel, with a maximum of 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the designated pricing template.
• Case studies: Provide details of 3 relevant projects, including their value and scope.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders in the specified format.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract will last for 12 months, with an option to extend for up to 6 months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of deliverables as outlined in the contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be established to measure the contractor's effectiveness.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated with 14 days' notice if performance standards are not met.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property developed during the contract will remain with the Department of Transport.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement closely aligns with the contract value, which may limit competition to established firms.
• The absence of specified geographic constraints may open the bidding to a wider pool of bidders but could also lead to challenges in local engagement.
• The lack of clarity around mandatory site visits may create uncertainty for bidders regarding the assessment process.
• The tight timeline for contract execution and deliverables may pose risks for bidders in terms of resource allocation and project management.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in aviation decarbonisation and sustainable fuel production. A viable bidder would typically have:

• Relevant experience in conducting feasibility assessments or similar projects.
• The capacity to engage in stakeholder consultations and technical analyses.
• The ability to provide qualified personnel with expertise in energy systems and regulatory frameworks.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements may be permissible, allowing SMEs to partner with larger firms to meet eligibility criteria. Bid preparation is expected to require several days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of established firms in the sector may indicate a competitive landscape, but SMEs with niche expertise could still find opportunities.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 20260514 TRD eSAF commercial feasibility assessment.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule.