UHF Antennas - Woodcock Hill and Aranmore

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start | :-------------------- | :---------------------------------------- | :------------- | :-------------- | :------- | :--------------- | :--- | :------------------------------------- | :-------------- | :------------------ | :-------------- | Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) UHF Antennas - Woodcock Hill and Aranmore Not stated €100,000 Not stated Open Procedure Not stated Woodcock Hill and Aranmore, Ireland Not stated 2026-10-02 12:00:00 Not stated

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks the replacement of existing UHF antenna systems at two distinct broadcast transmission sites: Woodcock Hill and Aranmore. The primary objective is to install new UHF antenna systems on existing support structures at each location. The scope includes the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of these new antenna systems, along with associated feeders.

The work is divided into two distinct lots, one for each site:

• Woodcock Hill: This site requires the replacement of the existing spine on a tower with a single UHF antenna system. The existing structure supports a 4H x 2R antenna. The new system will be mounted on a 640mm square spine on a tower, with a total tower height of 56m. The new antenna configuration is suggested as 4 x 2, operating within the UHF channel range of 21-48. Priority channels are 44 and 47, followed by 39, 41, 42, and 45, and then others from 21 to 37. The antenna will be horizontally polarized, with a maximum ERP of 10kW or more per service, and a Tx output power per service of 1 kW. A beam tilt of 1.5 degrees is specified. The estimated feeder length is 90m, requiring 1 5/8” feeders. The design must withstand wind speeds of 81 m/s and a minimum service life of 25 years is required for each antenna.

• Aranmore: This site involves replacing the UHF antenna system mounted on a triangular mast. The existing mast supports an 8H x 2R antenna. The new system will be installed on a stayed mast with a total height of 50m. The suggested configuration for the new antenna is 8 x 2, operating within the UHF channel range of 21-48. Priority channels are 44 and 47, followed by 32, 34, 35, 40, and 41, and then others from 21 to 37. The antenna will be vertically polarized, with a maximum ERP of 5.5kW and a Tx output power per service of 250W. A beam tilt of 2.5 degrees with heavy null fill is specified. The estimated feeder length is 70m, requiring 1 5/8” feeders. The design must withstand wind speeds of 70 m/s.

Both sites require the new antenna systems to be designed to withstand specific wind loads in accordance with EN 1993-3-1. All steelwork must be hot-dip galvanised in accordance with EN 1993 and CE marked to comply with EN 1090-1:2009 +A1:2011. The contractor must ensure that the new antenna systems are equal to within 5° phase at all frequencies between 470-694MHz when both feeders are either un-pressurised or pressurised. The service life of each antenna shall be a minimum of 25 years.

3. Background & buyer context

Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) operates broadcast transmission infrastructure through its subsidiary, RTÉ Transmission Network DAC (2RN). This tender is part of 2RN's ongoing programme to maintain and upgrade its transmission network. The procurement addresses the need to replace aging UHF antenna systems at the Woodcock Hill and Aranmore transmission sites. These replacements are essential for ensuring the continued reliable delivery of broadcast services. The project aligns with 2RN's operational requirements for network resilience and technological currency. No specific programme or policy is explicitly cited, but the action is consistent with maintaining critical national infrastructure.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must satisfy the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• Employer's Liability: €13 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million (reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
• Certifications: All steelworks must be CE marked to comply with EN 1090-1:2009 +A1:2011. Steel and components must comply with EN 1993 and ISO 3506 standards as applicable.
• Past experience: A minimum of three examples of similar services, in size, nature, and complexity, performed within the last 10 years. Preference is given to projects completed on the island of Ireland; alternative EU or Great Britain projects may be considered. Each example requires a client contact name, email, telephone number, description (max 500 words), contract value, and start/completion dates.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Experience on the island of Ireland is preferred for past projects.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), with the following weighting:

• Cost: Evaluated using a formula based on the submitted lump sum fixed prices.
• Technical Design & Installation: Assessed on functionality, quality, and details of the proposed installation team.
• Experience and Track Record: Evaluated on recent experience with similar antennas, delivery on design goals, installation of large antenna systems (including helicopter lifts), product quality, and meeting schedule/budget.
• Delivery and project completion timescale: Assessed on the tenderer's ability to meet specified timelines.
• Compliance with Contractual Requirements: Assessed against 2RN Purchasing T&Cs and General Requirements.
• Health & Safety: Assessed on compliance with 2RN policies and EU H&S regulations.
• Impact on and disruption to existing services: Assessed on the ability to minimise disruption.
• Maintainability, Support & Ease of Install: Assessed on ease of maintenance, upgrades, and post-project support.
• Environmental Impact: Assessed on environmentally friendly project execution and product/service minimisation of environmental impact.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Form of Tender: As per Appendix 3, including confirmation of eligibility, financial standing, insurance, and a fixed price offer.
• Pricing Schedule: A lump sum fixed price, exclusive of VAT, covering all expenses including travel, accommodation, and per diems. Prices must be free from fluctuations for the contract term.
• Technical Proposal: Details addressing the Specification requirements, including technical design, installation plan, and proposed installation team.
• Experience and Track Record: Details of a minimum of three relevant projects completed within the last 10 years, including client contact information, service description, contract value, and dates.
• Declarations:
• Declaration of Eligibility (Appendix 4).
• Confirmation of compliance with legal obligations relating to employment protection and working conditions.
• Tax Clearance Certificate (or details for online verification).
• CVs: Not explicitly mentioned, but details of the proposed installation team are required under Technical Design & Installation.
• Case studies: Not specified as a separate requirement, but project examples are required under Experience and Track Record.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders. Specific format rules are not detailed here but will be available on the portal.

7. Key dates & process

Note: Dates are subject to change and will be notified via eTenders.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: Not explicitly stated, but the contract price is fixed for the term. The retention period is one year.
• Extension: Not specified.
• Payment terms:
• 50% upon FAT and delivery of all equipment and materials.
• 40% upon Final Acceptance (satisfactory on-site installation, commissioning, and fulfilment of tests/guarantees).
• 10% after a one-year retention period.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not detailed in the provided extract, but performance guarantees are mentioned for Final Acceptance.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination: Clauses exist for termination by 2RN under various conditions, including supplier default or insolvency.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting: The Supplier must disclose any sub-contractors.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated Value vs. Insurance: The estimated value of €100,000 appears low relative to the significant insurance requirements (€6.5M Public/Product Liability, €13M Employer's Liability). This suggests the value may be a placeholder or that the insurance is a standard requirement for any contractor working with 2RN, regardless of project size.
• Technical Complexity: The requirement for specific antenna configurations, radiation patterns, and compliance with stringent engineering standards (EN 1993) indicates a need for specialised technical expertise.
• Site Access: Installation at Woodcock Hill involves a tower structure, and at Aranmore, a mast. The mention of "use of helicopter lifts" in the evaluation criteria for experience suggests potential access challenges or the need for specialised lifting equipment, which could impact cost and planning.
• Dual Site Requirement: Bidders must be capable of delivering the scope at two distinct locations, potentially requiring logistical coordination.
• Fixed Price: The requirement for lump sum fixed prices, exclusive of VAT, means bidders must accurately account for all potential costs, including travel, accommodation, and any unforeseen issues, within their bid.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specialised expertise in broadcast antenna systems and structural installation.

• Credible bidders: Firms with proven experience in designing, supplying, and installing complex antenna systems for broadcast or telecommunications infrastructure. Experience with mast and tower work, including potentially helicopter lifts, is advantageous. Compliance with EN standards and CE marking requirements is mandatory.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The documents do not explicitly prohibit sub-contracting, but bidders must disclose any sub-contractors. Forming a consortium to combine technical expertise and installation capabilities could be a viable strategy for SMEs.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparing a compliant bid will require significant effort, likely in the range of 10-20 working days for a specialist firm. This includes detailed technical proposals, accurate pricing, and gathering evidence of past experience and compliance.
• Pwin signal: The tender is open procedure, suggesting it is not pre-ordained. However, the requirement for specific technical expertise and proven experience with similar projects, particularly those involving challenging site access or helicopter lifts, may favour incumbent or established players in the broadcast infrastructure sector. The relatively low estimated value compared to insurance requirements might also suggest a standard framework or a smaller component of a larger programme.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 2RN2604-01 UHF Antennas at Woodcock Hill and Aranmore - ITT Open Procedure.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Most important attachments:
• 2RN2604-03 UHF Antennas at Woodcock Hill and Aranmore - Technical Appendices.docx
• 2RN2604-04 UHF Antennas at Woodcock Hill and Aranmore-General TsandCs.docx
• Appendix 3 - Form of Tender
• Appendix 4 - Declaration of Eligibility