UCC-2025-28 Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commission, Calibration, and Validation of Integrated X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) System with Collocated Raman Spectroscopy Module for TNI, UCC

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1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| University College Cork UCC-2025-28 Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commission, Calibration, and Validation of Integrated X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) System with Collocated Raman Spectroscopy Module for TNI, UCC 38000000 €890,000 not stated Open N/A Cork, Ireland not stated 16 July 2026, 12:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, calibration, and validation of an Integrated X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) System with a Collocated Raman Spectroscopy Module for the Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork (UCC). The project is aimed at enhancing analytical capabilities in materials science and nanotechnology research.

Key activities include:

• Supply and Delivery: Provision of the XPS system and Raman module, ensuring compliance with specified technical requirements.
• Installation: Setting up the equipment at the Tyndall National Institute, including all necessary connections and configurations.
• Commissioning: Initial testing and verification of system functionality to ensure operational readiness.
• Calibration: Adjusting the system to meet performance standards as per the manufacturer's specifications.
• Validation: Conducting tests to confirm that the system operates correctly and meets all specified requirements.
• Training: Providing a minimum of three days of training for up to three laboratory staff on the operation and maintenance of the system.
• Site Acceptance Test (SAT): Conducting a SAT to demonstrate that the system meets the agreed specifications and performance criteria.

The contractor must ensure that the system can achieve a vacuum pressure recovery of less than 2 × 10⁻⁷ mbar within 30 minutes following a full vent of the analysis chamber.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with UCC's strategic objectives to enhance research capabilities in advanced materials analysis. The Tyndall National Institute, a leading research institute in Ireland, requires this equipment to support ongoing research projects and collaborations. The initiative is part of UCC's broader investment in research infrastructure, aimed at maintaining its competitive edge in scientific research and innovation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover Requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,780,000 for each of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million (each occurrence)
• Public Liability: €6.5 million (each occurrence)
• Product Liability: €6.5 million (aggregate)
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million (each claim and in the annual aggregate)
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past Experience: Successful delivery of at least three comparable projects involving similar systems within the last five years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic Constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall scoring will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method Statement: A response document following the provided template, with a specified page limit.
• CVs: For key personnel, with a maximum of two pages per CV.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed using the provided template.
• Case Studies: At least three case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values ranging from €200,000 to €999,000.
• Declarations: Including the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and Extension Structure: Not specified for this tender.
• Payment Terms: Not specified for this tender.
• 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, with a requirement for a designated Prime Contractor responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The turnover requirement of €1,780,000 may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The absence of specified insurance requirements for certifications may create uncertainty for bidders regarding compliance.
• The lack of detailed information on payment terms and penalties could pose financial risks for contractors.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for firms with:

• Experience in supplying and installing advanced analytical equipment, particularly in the fields of spectroscopy and materials analysis.
• The capacity to meet the turnover and insurance requirements.
• The ability to provide training and support services post-installation.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to partner with larger entities to meet the requirements. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at several days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of a significant turnover requirement may signal a competitive landscape, with established firms likely having an advantage.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: ED 34 RFT Goods Req for Tender UCC-2025-28.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement.