Provision of Paediatric Cardiac Ultrasound

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, installation, commissioning, and training for an ultra-high specification paediatric cardiac ultrasound platform. The system is intended for advanced paediatric echocardiography, catering to neonatal, paediatric, and adolescent/adult patients. It requires custom configuration, incorporating the latest advancements in 2D, 3D & 4D imaging, probe technologies, and AI-enabled functionality, built on a scalable platform for future upgrades.

The systems are essential for efficient, safe, and minimally distressing ultrasound imaging within the hospital environment. They must support Neonatal, Paediatric, and Adolescent/Adult patient studies on a single platform, with particular emphasis on paediatric suitability and full adult imaging capabilities. The equipment must be highly reliable, support efficient clinical workflows, and operate consistently to minimise risks.

Key activities and system requirements include:

• System Type: Cart-based unit with wheels incorporating two wheel locks for steering and four wheel locks for stability.
• Display: Large-screen video display on an articulated arm.
• User Interface: Independently adjustable user-interface control panel.
• Interoperability: First-rate interoperability with CHI's Health IT infrastructure, including local storage for fast access to recent studies, PACS, NIMIS, and Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) provision.
• Transducer Support: Support for a variety of transducers including curved linear, flat linear, sector, micro convex, intraoperative, transoesophageal, and endocavity, in addition to emerging technologies.
• AI/Deep Learning: Support and offer innovative AI/Deep learning technologies.
• Advanced Imaging Modes (Desirable): 4D imaging, Atrial Function Analysis, Ventricular Function Analysis, Strain Elastography, CT Fusion Imaging, advanced contrast-specific imaging, custom imaging transducers for small body types.
• Training: User and technical training.
• Quantity: Initial requirement for five (5) Cardiac Ultrasound scanners, with potential to draw down additional (<5) scanners.
• Delivery: Before year-end 2026.
• Clinical Environments: Cardiac Outpatient Department, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Catheterisation Theatres, Cardiac Hybrid Imaging Theatres, Open Heart Surgery Theatres, and mobile bedside imaging.
• DICOM/EHR: Full DICOM and IHE compliance, supporting DICOM Storage, Verification, Modality Worklist, Modality Performed Procedure Step, Query/Retrieve, Structured Reporting, and Storage Commitment.

3. Background & buyer context

Children's Health Ireland (CHI) is procuring these paediatric cardiac ultrasound systems for the new Children's Hospital located in Dublin 8. The construction of the new hospital is anticipated to be complete in August 2026, though this date may vary. The procurement aligns with the need for state-of-the-art equipment to meet the demands of a high-volume cardiology ultrasound imaging service. Echocardiography is identified as an essential imaging modality for diagnosing and assessing heart disease from prenatal stages through to adulthood. The systems are required to ensure efficient, safe, and minimally distressing imaging for a diverse patient cohort, including neonates, children, and adolescents transitioning to adulthood.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12,700,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000 (where applicable)
• Product Liability: €6,500,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not explicitly detailed with percentage weightings in the provided extract. However, the tender documents indicate a distinction between "Mandatory" and "Assessed" requirements. Mandatory requirements are the minimum standards a tendered solution must meet to remain in the competition. Assessed requirements will be scored based on how well the tendered solution meets the stated requirement. A minimum of 50% of the combined qualitative award criterion must be achieved to remain in the competition. The evaluation will be based on tendered responses, with potential for product sampling to validate scores.

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria