Vision-Based Inspection System & Feasibility Study

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, delivery, installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of a vision-based inspection system for pelagic fish processing. The contract also includes a feasibility study to develop a business case for a holistic automated pelagic fish sorting solution.

The contractor's responsibilities encompass:

• Goods:
• Supply of a complete vision-based inspection system.
• Provision of all necessary hardware, software, and licences.
• Installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of the system.
• Delivery of training to BIM personnel and industry representatives.
• Provision of documentation.
• Warranty and after-sales support for the system.
• Services:
• Undertaking a feasibility study under commercial pelagic processing conditions.
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation using the vision-based inspection system.
• On-site and remote feasibility support.
• Reporting and presentation of findings from the feasibility study.
• Definition of requirements for a potential future optimised solution, incorporating vision, software, and robotic picking technologies.

The estimated expenditure for the Goods is approximately €60,000 (excluding VAT) and for the Services is approximately €30,000 (excluding VAT) over the contract term and any potential extensions. The contract term for both Goods and Services is 14 months, with an option for up to two extensions of 12 months each.

3. Background & buyer context

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, is procuring this vision-based inspection system and associated feasibility study. The initiative aligns with BIM's objective to enhance efficiency and technological adoption within the Irish seafood processing sector. The current procurement aims to assess the viability of advanced automated sorting solutions for pelagic fish, a key segment of the industry. This project supports the broader goal of modernising processing capabilities and improving product quality and yield through technological innovation. No incumbent supplier for this specific system is mentioned.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: A minimum average annual turnover of €160,000 in each of the last three financial years for which accounts are available.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000 for any one occurrence.
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 for any one occurrence.
• Products Liability: €6,500,000 for any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000 for each and every claim, excluding defence costs.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience:
• One contract involving the supply, installation, and/or implementation of a specialist vision-based inspection, imaging, or comparable automated inspection system (linked to automated picking technologies).
• One contract involving the provision of a comparable feasibility study and/or business case development, technical analysis, or related professional services (involving specialist technical systems or their application in operational environments).
• Experience should be demonstrated for contracts within the last three years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender, but CVs for key personnel demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience will be required.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Tenderers must also declare tax compliance and confirm they have or will obtain the required insurance levels if successful.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). The specific weighting for award criteria is not detailed in the provided extract, but it will be a combination of price and quality. Tenderers must meet all minimum selection criteria to be evaluated. The lowest-priced tender that also meets all qualitative award criteria will be selected.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform. Key submission requirements include:

• Method statement / response document: Tenderers must follow the RFT format and respond to each element in the order presented. A scanned, signed copy of the Tenderer’s Statement (from SI-BT-G-02) on letterhead is mandatory.
• CVs: CVs, qualifications, and role descriptions for proposed key personnel are required.
• Pricing schedule: A comprehensive, all-inclusive pricing schedule must be completed, detailing all costs in Euro, exclusive of VAT.
• Case studies: Details of two comparable contracts (one Goods, one Services) are required, including contract value, dates, recipient, and referee contact details.
• Declarations:
• Tenderer’s Statement (SI-BT-G-02).
• Declaration of tax compliance.
• Declaration of insurance coverage.
• Declaration of independent tender preparation.
• Disclosure of any registrable interests.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: www.etenders.gov.ie. File size limits apply (250MB per file, 2GB total). Tenders must be submitted in English and in PDF format.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: 14 months for both Goods and Services Contracts.
• Extension: Option for up to two extensions of 12 months each, on the same terms and conditions.
• Payment terms: Subject to the Goods Contract (SI-BT-G-03). Invoices must be submitted within 90 days of assessment completion. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 days.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice if a breach continues for 30 calendar days. Termination is also possible for unrectified breaches within 30 days of a written request.
• IP ownership: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontractors must be disclosed. The Prime Contractor is responsible for all work, irrespective of subcontracting.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified in the provided extract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated value vs. contract term: The estimated total value (€90,000) appears low for a 14-month contract with potential extensions, especially considering the technical nature of the vision system and feasibility study. This may indicate a pilot or initial phase, with potential for a larger follow-on contract.
• SME focus: The RFT explicitly encourages participation by SMEs, including forming relationships with larger enterprises. This suggests a desire for broad market engagement.
• No specific technical requirements: While the scope is defined, detailed technical specifications for the vision system are not provided in the extract, requiring tenderers to propose their solutions.
• Data Protection: Tenderers must confirm consent for processing personal data or an alternative legal basis for its provision.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to accommodate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The relatively modest estimated value (€90,000 total) and the explicit encouragement for SME participation suggest that smaller, specialised firms are a target audience.

• Viable bidder profile: A firm with demonstrable experience in supplying and implementing vision-based inspection systems, coupled with expertise in feasibility studies and business case development for technical solutions. Experience in the food processing sector, particularly fish processing, would be advantageous. The required insurance levels are substantial and may be a barrier for very small businesses without prior experience or specific arrangements.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: Consortiums and prime/subcontractor arrangements are permitted. SMEs are encouraged to form relationships with other SMEs or larger enterprises to bid.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparing a compliant tender, including detailing technical proposals, past experience, and financial information, could require 5-10 days of effort for a firm already familiar with eTenders submissions and possessing the necessary documentation.
• Pwin signal: The tender does not explicitly name an incumbent. The focus on SMEs and the encouragement of consortia suggest an open competition. The substantial insurance requirements are the most significant hurdle for very small, inexperienced firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: BIM Pelagic Vision System RFT.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Contact / Clarification portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Key attachments:
• Appendix 1 (Scope of Requirements)
• Tenderer’s Statement (SI-BT-G-02)
• Goods Contract (SI-BT-G-03)