Revised Framework for Environmental DNA extraction, metabarcoding, and qPCR analysis

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 to establish a framework for environmental DNA (eDNA) extraction, metabarcoding, and qPCR analysis services. The framework will support Inland Fisheries Ireland's (IFI) Barrier Mitigation Division (BMD) and Research Division in assessing the impact of riverine barriers and mitigation efforts on aquatic species. The National Barrier Mitigation Programme (NBMP) aims to mitigate up to 257 barriers between 2024 and 2030, utilising eDNA technology for effectiveness assessment and biodiversity protection during design and construction. The Research Division's Barrier Mitigation Research Programme (BMRP) has collected eDNA samples for 18 months to assess fish populations pre- and post-mitigation.

The contractor will be responsible for:

• Collection and Transport of Frozen Samples: Arranging bulk collection (approx. 300 samples per shipment) of frozen eDNA filter discs from IFI's Castle House, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, D24 TE26. Strict temperature control (close to -80°C, not exceeding -20°C) during transport to the laboratory is mandatory.
• Analysis of Preserved Samples: Receiving preserved eDNA samples shipped at IFI's expense from within the Republic of Ireland.
• DNA Extraction and Analysis:
• Metabarcoding: Analysing samples containing one to five filter discs per sample for all freshwater fish DNA using common primers (e.g., Tele02, MiFish-U).
• qPCR: Performing qPCR assays for specific species and threats, including:
• Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
• White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes)
• Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
• Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci)
• Other marine and freshwater fish species, aquatic species, and invasive species.
• Data Preparation: Creating a data file for transfer to IFI, including IFI sample code, supplier code, method, sample type, number of replicates, number of sequences (for metabarcoding), database used (for metabarcoding), assay, and replicate results (for qPCR).
• Methodology Reporting: Providing a detailed methodology report for initial commissions, with updates reflecting any changes.
• Project Management Support: Meeting with IFI staff as required for general project/contract management and interpretation of results.
• Sample Return: Arranging for the return of unused frozen samples to IFI.

3. Background & buyer context

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) was established in 2010 under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010, consolidating the functions of the former Central Fisheries Board and seven Regional Fisheries Boards. Operating under the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, IFI's primary role is the conservation, protection, management, marketing, development, and improvement of inland fisheries and sea angling resources. IFI utilises advanced technologies for fisheries protection across Ireland's extensive river and lake systems and coastal waters. The organisation's Research Division conducts applied research to assess fish species conservation status, monitor stocks, and investigate environmental impacts on fish and habitats, providing scientific advice to the Department. This procurement aligns with IFI's mission to protect and conserve Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources for future generations, emphasising sustainability and biodiversity. The use of eDNA analysis is a strategic initiative to enhance research and environmental assessment capabilities across IFI.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €120,000 over each of the last three financial years. Evidence from auditors is required.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €2.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million for each and every claim, excluding defence costs.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender, but ISO17025 compliance or accreditation will be considered positively in scoring.
• Past experience: Details of 2 comparable contracts of a similar nature within the last three years are required. Nominated contacts for these contracts may be checked.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Samples are collected from Citywest, Dublin 24. Analysis will be performed by the contractor's laboratory.

Tenderers may rely on the capacities of other entities to meet selection criteria. Consortium members can fulfil financial criteria collectively.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of quality and price.

A minimum score of 50% is required for each qualitative award criterion (A, B, C, D). Failure to meet this threshold on any qualitative criterion will result in exclusion. The price score is calculated based on the lowest tendered rate.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit a comprehensive Tender Response Document (TRD) as provided. Key submission components include:

• Tender Response Document (TRD): Completed in accordance with instructions, addressing all specified requirements.
• Pricing Document: Completed as per Appendix 2 of the TRD.
• Form of Tender: Included in the TRD.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax Clearance Certificate, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Supporting Documentation: Evidence for insurance, turnover, and past experience as detailed in the selection criteria.
• Quality Management Processes: Description of quality management, including ISO17025 compliance if applicable.
• Assay/Primer Availability: Confirmation of available qPCR assays and primers, marked as validated or unvalidated.
• Example Commission Delivery: Description of how an example commission (40 samples, mixed qPCR) would be delivered.
• Environmental Considerations: Details on environmentally friendly service delivery.
• CVs: Not explicitly mentioned as a requirement in the provided text, but key personnel may be required for verification meetings.
• Case Studies: Not explicitly mentioned as a requirement in the provided text.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform.

7. Key dates & process

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to cancel the competition at any time prior to contract execution.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: Initial fixed term of 2 years, with the option for up to two 1-year extensions, not exceeding 4 years in aggregate. The Contracting Authority may terminate at its discretion.
• Payment terms: Not specified.
• SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination: The Contracting Authority may terminate at its discretion.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting: Tenderers may rely on the capacities of other entities.
• Guarantees/Bonds: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Low Contract Value vs. Insurance: The estimated contract value of €160,000 is significantly lower than the required insurance levels (€12.7m EL, €6.5m PL, €6.5m Prod Liab, €1m PI). This suggests the framework is intended to cover a broad range of potential work, and the insurance is a standard requirement for any laboratory service provider of this nature, rather than being directly proportional to the initial estimated value.
• Framework Structure: The procurement establishes a "single party Framework," implying one successful bidder will be appointed to provide these services.
• Quality Thresholds: Minimum scoring thresholds for qualitative criteria (50% for each) are critical. Failure here means exclusion, irrespective of price.
• SME Inclusion: The Contracting Authority actively promotes SME participation, encouraging collaborations and inclusion in proposals.
• Data for Publication: A key objective is to generate data for statistical analysis and publication, indicating a need for high-quality, well-documented results.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a single-party framework, meaning one supplier will be appointed. The estimated value of €160,000 over a potential 4-year period is modest. However, the stringent insurance requirements (€12.7m EL, €6.5m PL, €6.5m Prod Liab, €1m PI) may present a barrier for very small, specialised eDNA labs without significant overhead.

The tender explicitly encourages SMEs to collaborate or form joint ventures/consortia to meet the scope and requirements. A viable SME bidder would likely need to:

• Partner with other SMEs or larger enterprises to meet insurance and potentially technical capacity requirements.
• Demonstrate strong quality management processes, with ISO17025 accreditation being a positive factor.
• Possess validated qPCR assays and primers for key species.
• Have a clear plan for sample handling, transport, and data delivery.

The bid preparation effort is likely moderate to high, given the detailed requirements for quality management, technical specifications, and environmental considerations. The "Pwin" signal is neutral; there is no clear incumbent mentioned, and the framework structure suggests a competitive process. The emphasis on SME inclusion suggests the buyer is open to new entrants, provided they can meet the mandatory criteria.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: NBMP_02.06.02.01.002_RFT_I02.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Not specified in the provided text.
• Key Attachments:
• Tender Response Document (TRD)
• Pricing Document (Appendix 2 of TRD)
• Appendix 1 of TRD (qPCR assays/primers)