Provision of Supply of Fire Fighting Tunics and Trousers EN469: 2020 Level 2

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 contract involves the supply of Fire Fighting Tunics and Trousers that meet the EN469:2020 Level 2 standards. Clare County Fire and Rescue Service requires these garments to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of its firefighters in various emergency situations. The scale of the contract is significant, with an estimated value of €375,000.

Key activities include:

• Supply of Fire Fighting Tunics: Must comply with EN469:2020 Level 2 performance requirements, including thermal and flame protection.
• Supply of Fire Fighting Trousers: Similar compliance with EN469:2020 Level 2 standards.
• Volume Requirements: A minimum of three (3) tunics and trousers must be supplied, with the garments needing to withstand a minimum of 30 industrial wash cycles without requiring re-proofing.
• Delivery Timeline: The garments must be available for Clare County Fire & Rescue Service within 72 days of request, with a maximum delivery time of 16 weeks from the order date.
• Performance Standards: The garments must meet specific performance metrics, including breathability and anti-static protection as defined by EN 469:2020 and EN 1149-5.
• Quality Assurance: The contractor must provide evidence of compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, as well as environmental guidelines.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to enhance the operational readiness of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service by ensuring that firefighters are equipped with the highest quality personal protective equipment (PPE). The need for this tender aligns with ongoing efforts to improve safety standards and operational efficiency within the emergency services sector. The procurement is part of Clare County Council's commitment to providing adequate resources for emergency personnel, ensuring they can effectively respond to complex incidents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 in each of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Product Liability: €6,500,000
• Environmental Liability Impairment: €6,500,000
• Certifications: Compliance with EN469:2020, EN 1149-5, and EN ISO 13688:2013 standards.
• Past experience: Evidence of supplying similar PPE for a minimum of three comparable projects within the last three years.
• Personnel: Key personnel must have relevant experience in the supply of firefighting PPE.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on a balance of price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must follow the specified format in the provided template.
• Case studies: Provide at least two case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €200,000 to €999,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, adhering to specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: The contract duration is not specified, but it is expected to cover a minimum of 60 months of garment availability.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon delivery and acceptance of the garments.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely delivery within the specified 16-week timeframe is critical.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified, but delays may incur penalties.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with a 14-day notice for breach of contract.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €300,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified, but the requirement for compliance with specific standards may restrict bidders to those with relevant experience.
• Delivery timeline: The 16-week delivery requirement may be tight for some suppliers, particularly if they face supply chain issues.
• Performance metrics: The need for garments to withstand 30 industrial washes without re-proofing may pose a challenge for some manufacturers.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialize in manufacturing or supplying firefighting PPE. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in supplying EN469:2020 compliant garments.
• The capacity to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.
• Ability to deliver within the specified timelines.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, but may be permissible if all parties meet the selection criteria. Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 10-15 days. The presence of a defined turnover threshold and specific performance requirements may indicate a competitive environment, potentially favoring established suppliers.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: TRD Final Doc.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B — Suitability Assessment
• Pricing Documents
• Technical Specifications