NCTR2673 - AMD GPU-Accelerated High-Performance Computing (HPC) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Server

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 procurement seeks the supply, delivery, and installation of one AMD GPU-Accelerated High-Performance Computing (HPC) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Server for Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). The contract duration is initially one year, with the potential for up to four one-year extensions, bringing the maximum aggregate term to four years.

The core requirement is the provision of a single, specified server. While the RFT does not detail day-to-day operational tasks for the contractor beyond the initial supply and installation, the scope implicitly includes ensuring the server meets all technical specifications outlined in Appendix 1. This involves:

• Supply: Providing the specified AMD GPU-Accelerated HPC-AI Server.
• Delivery: Transporting the server to the designated TU Dublin location.
• Installation: Setting up and configuring the server to be operational.
• Technical Specification Compliance: The server must meet detailed technical requirements, including specific hardware components, performance benchmarks, and compatibility with HPC/AI workloads.
• Warranty and Support: Providing warranty services and technical support as detailed in the award criteria.
• Lead Time: Adhering to specified lead times for delivery and installation.

The tender documents do not specify volumes beyond the single unit, nor do they detail specific workflows or named systems the server will integrate with, beyond its intended use for HPC and AI applications within TU Dublin. The contract is for the supply of goods, not ongoing managed services.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is conducted by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), an academic institution. The tender is issued under an open national procedure, indicating a competitive process governed by EU and Irish public procurement regulations. The need for this specific hardware, an AMD GPU-Accelerated HPC-AI Server, suggests TU Dublin is investing in its research and computational capabilities, likely to support advanced studies, data analysis, and AI development. The RFT does not explicitly link this procurement to a broader programme like "Higher Education 4.0" or a specific government initiative, but it aligns with the general trend of equipping educational institutions with cutting-edge technology for research and innovation. No incumbent supplier is mentioned.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered for this tender, bidders must meet the following mandatory pass/fail criteria:

• Turnover requirement: While not a strict minimum turnover figure for the last three years, bidders must confirm the availability of a signed statement from an accountant/auditor confirming an annual company turnover of €200,000 for each of the last 3 years. This is a self-declared requirement at the submission stage, with documentary evidence to be provided if selected.
• Insurance: Bidders must confirm they hold, or will hold upon award, the following insurances:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Certifications: Not specified as mandatory selection criteria in the provided text.
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate a track record of successful supply and installation of similar systems. They must provide details for two comparable examples where similar systems have been successfully installed. This includes client name, contact details, annual value, and a summary of the service provided, indicating similarity to the goods sought.
• Personnel: Not specified as a mandatory selection criterion.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified.

Additionally, bidders must confirm compliance with:

• Tax Compliance: Hold a current and valid Tax Clearance Certificate or equivalent.
• Data Protection Compliance: Be compliant under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Submission of mandatory documents: Tenderer's Statement (Appendix 3) and Declaration as to Personal Circumstances (Appendix 4).

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). All submissions meeting the mandatory pass/fail criteria will be assessed against weighted award criteria. Tenderers must achieve a minimum score of 60% on each individual qualitative award criterion (B through G) to avoid elimination.

The total weight for Price (F) is 35%. The specific weighting and scoring for SME Participation (G) are not detailed in the provided text.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit their tenders electronically via the eTenders.gov.ie portal. The following components are required:

• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD): The electronic version must be completed and submitted.
• Pricing Schedule: All prices must be submitted using the format provided in Appendix 2. Prices should be all-inclusive (excluding VAT), quoted in Euro, and remain valid for 12 months from the tender deadline.
• Tenderer’s Statement: A scanned, signed copy of the statement from Appendix 3, printed on the tenderer's letterhead.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances: A signed declaration as per Appendix 4.
• Previous Experience: Details of two comparable projects, including client name, contact details, annual value, start/end dates, and a summary of the service provided.
• Technical Specification Response: Bidders must respond to each element of the technical specification in Appendix 1.
• Insurance Confirmation: Confirmation of holding the required insurance levels.
• Tax Clearance: Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number will be required from the successful tenderer for online verification.
• Data Protection Compliance: Confirmation of GDPR compliance.
• Group of Undertakings: If applicable, details of all members of the group and a nominated entity for communication.

All documents must be submitted in English and in readable formats (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF). The total combined document size limit for upload is 4GB.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Goods Contract will have an initial term of one year, with the Contracting Authority reserving the right to extend it for up to four additional one-year periods. Payment terms are net 15 days from the agreed date of delivery to TU Dublin. The tender documents do not detail specific Service Level Agreements (SLAs) or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) beyond the technical specifications and lead times. Liquidated damages or penalty regimes are not explicitly mentioned. Termination clauses are not detailed in the provided extract. Intellectual property ownership is not specified. Sub-contracting is permitted, but the prime contractor remains responsible. A parent company guarantee or bond requirement is not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The primary unusual aspect is the lack of a disclosed estimated value for the contract, which is common for IT hardware procurements where market prices can fluctuate. The tender requires bidders to confirm an annual turnover of €200,000 for the last three years, which is a relatively low threshold for a high-performance server procurement, potentially indicating a desire to encourage SME participation or a focus on specific niche suppliers. The requirement for two detailed reference projects for similar systems is standard but requires careful documentation. The tight clarification deadline (7 days from RFT issue) necessitates prompt engagement from interested parties. The contract term of one year with multiple extension options is standard for goods contracts.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to allow for SME participation. The turnover requirement of €200,000 per year for the last three years is accessible to many small businesses. The requirement for two reference projects is also manageable for established SMEs with relevant experience. Consortiums or relationships with larger enterprises are encouraged for SMEs that believe the scope is beyond their capacity. The bid preparation effort would involve compiling technical responses, reference case studies, and financial/insurance declarations. The Pwin signal is neutral; there is no clear indication of an incumbent supplier or a sole-supplier framework. The focus on specific technical specifications for an HPC-AI server suggests that bidders with expertise in high-performance computing hardware and AI infrastructure will be best positioned.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: [NCTR2673 - RFT.docx]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement