The Supply, Delivery and Validation of a Digital Microscope System for Tyndall National Institute

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, delivery, and validation of a digital microscope system for the Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork. This system is intended to enhance research capabilities in various scientific fields, including materials science and nanotechnology. The contractor will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the project, from initial supply to final validation.

The key activities include:

• Supply of Equipment: Provision of a digital microscope system that meets specified technical requirements.
• Delivery: Transporting the equipment to the Tyndall National Institute, ensuring it arrives in optimal condition.
• Installation: Setting up the microscope system in the designated laboratory space.
• Validation: Conducting tests to ensure the system operates according to the required specifications and standards.
• Training: Providing training for a minimum of three (3) staff members on the operation and maintenance of the system.
• Documentation: Supplying all necessary manuals, calibration certificates, and compliance documents.

The contractor must ensure that all calibrations are traceable to international ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. The project timeline includes a requirement for the contractor to provide facility requirements to UCC at least four (4) weeks in advance of equipment delivery.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of a strategic initiative by University College Cork to enhance its research infrastructure, specifically within the Tyndall National Institute. The initiative aligns with national policies aimed at advancing scientific research and innovation in Ireland. The procurement is timely as the institute seeks to upgrade its existing equipment to support cutting-edge research in materials science and related fields. There is no mention of an incumbent supplier for this contract.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €130,900 for the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13 million Euro or foreign currency equivalent.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million Euro or foreign currency equivalent.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million Euro or foreign currency equivalent.
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million Euro or foreign currency equivalent.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Past experience: Successful delivery of at least three (3) comparable projects within the last five (5) years.
• 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:

Tenderers must achieve a minimum score of 60% in each subsection of the technical merit criterion to avoid disqualification. The overall minimum score required for award consideration is also set at 60%.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the named template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the specified template.
• Case studies: At least three (3) case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values ranging from €50,000 to €200,000.
• Declarations: Including 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 electronic tenderbox on eTenders.gov.ie, adhering to specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: Not specified; however, the contract may be extended under the same terms and conditions.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Goods Contract and are subject to the delivery and validation of the equipment.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the successful Tenderer must designate a single entity responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €130,900 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The lack of specified SLAs/KPIs raises concerns about performance measurement and accountability.
• The absence of a mandatory site visit may lead to misunderstandings regarding installation requirements.
• The contract's estimated value of €65,450 may not accurately reflect the final expenditure, creating uncertainty for bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in supplying scientific equipment. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in delivering comparable projects, ideally in the scientific or educational sectors.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to provide training and support for the equipment supplied.

Consortium arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger enterprises. Bid preparation may require approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The incumbent's strength is not specified, but the absence of a named incumbent may indicate an opportunity for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT UCC-2026-12.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement