LA3907C - UCD - RFT for Automatic Slide Staining and Cover Slipper

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a stand-alone automatic histology slide staining and coverslipping system for University College Dublin (UCD). The system must automate the complete workflow from slide staining through drying to glass coverslipping without operator intervention or manual handling between process stages. The objective is to produce consistently high-quality stained microscope slides suitable for routine histological analysis, whole-slide digital imaging, and AI-assisted image analysis.

Key activities and requirements include:

• Automated Workflow: The system must handle the entire process from staining to coverslipping without manual intervention between stages.
• High-Throughput Capability: Designed for use within a high-throughput research laboratory.
• Slide Quality: Produce consistently high-quality stained microscope slides.
• Compatibility: Slides must be suitable for routine histological analysis, whole-slide digital imaging, and AI-assisted image analysis.
• Supply and Delivery: Provision of the specified automated system.
• Installation and Commissioning: On-site setup and verification of the system's functionality.
• Support: Ongoing support for the system.
• Spare Parts and Training: Spare parts and technical support must remain available for a minimum of five (5) years following commissioning. On-site user training for a minimum of two (2) personnel must be provided following commissioning.
• Documentation: Tenderers must complete all sections of the specification within the response document and clearly indicate compliance with each requirement.

The estimated expenditure for the Goods Contract is no greater than €88,500 (Ex-VAT), excluding optional purchase items.

3. Background & buyer context

The Education Procurement Service (EPS), on behalf of University College Dublin (UCD), is conducting this procurement. The requirement stems from UCD's need for an automated histology slide staining and coverslipping system to support its high-throughput research laboratory operations. The system is intended to enhance the quality and efficiency of slide preparation for advanced analytical purposes, including digital imaging and AI-assisted analysis. This procurement is conducted under the open procedure, aligning with EU and national public procurement regulations.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet specific criteria to be considered compliant and eligible for evaluation. These are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.

• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13 Million
• Public Liability: €6.5 Million
• Product Liability: €6.5 Million
• Tenderers must confirm they will hold these insurances from the Goods Contract's Effective Date, that territorial limits include the Republic of Ireland, and that there are no exclusions or outstanding claims impacting coverage.
• Tax Clearance: Up-to-date Irish Tax Clearance Certificate or online verification details are required.
• Turnover Requirement: Evidence from an Auditor/Accountant demonstrating average annual turnover relating to the specified services has exceeded €177,000 per annum over the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• Audited Accounts: Three (3) years of audited accounts from the company's Auditor/Accountant are required to support the turnover statement. If annual turnover is less than €12 Million, a statement of accounts from the company's accountants will suffice.
• Technical and Professional Ability:
• Data Protection: Company Data Protection Summary confirming GDPR compliance.
• Quality Assurance & Accreditation: A certificate confirming an accreditation or authorized partnership exists between the instrument manufacturer and the Tenderer for the proposed solution.
• Organisational Summary: Details of the Tenderer's organisation. If a grouping, separate information is required for each member.
• Previous Experience: Details of two (2) contracts undertaken within the last three (3) years demonstrating experience of successfully providing a service of similar scope, scale, and complexity. A maximum of one (1) reference can be from UCD.
• Health & Safety: Confirmation of the Organisation’s Health and Safety statement. Any other relevant standards for equipment supply should be demonstrated.
• 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 states that Tenderers must achieve a minimum of 60% on all tender award criteria, excluding Ultimate Cost, to avoid elimination. The procurement will likely follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing quality and price. Specific sub-criteria for scoring are not detailed in the provided sections.

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria