UL1066 Lot 1 Mobile Robot Motion Capture System, Lot 2 Compact Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) for Hydrographic Survey

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 University of Limerick seeks to procure two distinct systems: a Mobile Robot Motion Capture System and a Compact Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) for Hydrographic Survey. The total estimated expenditure for both lots is €130,000, with Lot 1 estimated at €60,000 and Lot 2 at €70,000, excluding VAT.

Lot 1: Mobile Robot Motion Capture System

• System Requirements:
• A minimum of twelve (12) cameras for tracking.
• Capability to track at least six (6) independent rigid bodies simultaneously.
• Capture volume ranging from 2m x 2m x 2m to 10m x 10m x 5m.
• Calibration accessories and tracking software included.
• Control workstation and necessary cabling.
• Training:
• On-site training for at least two (2) personnel for a minimum of two (2) days post-commissioning.

Lot 2: Compact Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

• System Requirements:
• Designed for inshore hydrographic and bathymetric survey applications.
• Capable of autonomous and remote-controlled operations in shallow waters, rivers, and lakes.
• Support for multibeam sonar bathymetric mapping and water-quality profiling.
• Endurance of at least four (4) hours at typical survey speed on a single charge.
• Telemetry range of a minimum of 2 km.

The systems will support research, teaching, and industrial collaboration in areas such as autonomous systems, multi-agent robotics, navigation, and human-robot interaction.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the University of Limerick's strategic objectives to enhance research capabilities in autonomous systems and robotics. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support teaching and research at the university, particularly within the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS). The university has a significant student and staff population, with over 18,000 students and 2,000 staff members, indicating a robust environment for research and development in these fields.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000 over the last three years (2023-2025).
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Product Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: Not specified.
• 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

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the named template with a specified page limit.
• CVs: For key personnel, with a specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Must follow the format in Appendix 2.
• Case studies: At least two, demonstrating relevant experience.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a term of three years, with the possibility of two extensions of up to 12 months each. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Goods Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but a single entity must be designated as the Prime Contractor.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €150,000 may limit participation to firms with established financial histories, potentially excluding smaller firms.
• The lack of specified past experience requirements may lead to ambiguity in evaluation.
• The absence of detailed SLAs/KPIs could lead to challenges in performance measurement post-award.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender appears accessible to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with relevant technical capabilities in robotics and hydrographic survey systems. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in supplying similar technological systems.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to provide training and support services.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing SMEs to collaborate with larger firms. Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly for documentation and compliance checks. The incumbent's strength is not specified, but the lack of a named incumbent suggests an opportunity for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: UL1066 Goods RFT.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on eTenders.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement