ENQEIR1007 - DS3 System Services – Volume Uncapped – Gate 15

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 |---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------| EirGrid plc ENQEIR1007 - DS3 System Services – Volume Uncapped – Gate 15 not stated €131,883,563.00 not stated Open not stated Ireland not stated 16 July 2026, 11:00 AM UTC 1 October 2026

2. Scope of Work

The contractor is responsible for providing DS3 System Services, which are essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of the electricity transmission system in Ireland. This involves delivering a range of services that support the operation of the grid, particularly in managing the variability of renewable energy sources. The scale of the contract is significant, with an estimated value of €131,883,563.

Key activities include:

• Provision of Services: The contractor must provide a minimum of 1 MW of various services, including:

• Primary Operating Reserve (POR)

• Secondary Operating Reserve (SOR)

• Tertiary Operating Reserve 1 (TOR1)

• Tertiary Operating Reserve 2 (TOR2)

• Fast Frequency Response (FFR)

• Synchronous Inertial Response (SIR)

• Rapid Response Demand (RRD)

• Rapid Response Service (RRS)

• Reactive Power Support (SSRP)

• Other ancillary services as specified.

• Measurement and Compliance: The contractor must ensure that all services provided meet the performance standards set by EirGrid, including compliance with EN50160 or IEC Standard 61000. This involves the installation of measurement devices capable of capturing data at a granularity of 1 sample per second over a rolling 14-day period.

• Data Reporting: The contractor must submit performance data to EirGrid, including the capability to provide data on demand and during fault conditions. This includes maintaining operational records and ensuring that measurement devices are compliant with TSO standards.

• Installation and Maintenance: The contractor is responsible for the installation and ongoing maintenance of measurement devices at the connection points, ensuring they remain operational for at least 98% of the time.

• Project Timeline: All contracted capabilities must be operational by 1 October 2026, with specific milestones for service approvals and certifications required by 21 August 2026.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of EirGrid's ongoing efforts to enhance the resilience and flexibility of Ireland's electricity grid in response to increasing renewable energy generation. The initiative aligns with national energy policy objectives aimed at achieving a sustainable energy future. The contract is being issued now to ensure that the necessary services are in place by the critical deadline of 1 October 2026, coinciding with the anticipated increase in renewable energy contributions to the grid. EirGrid has previously engaged with service providers under similar frameworks, and this tender represents a continuation of those efforts to secure reliable system services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €6.5 million in the relevant area of work.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Employer's Liability: €13 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million
• Cyber Insurance: not specified
• Motor Insurance: not specified
• Certifications: Bidders must hold relevant certifications, including compliance with ISO standards and registration with relevant bodies such as CORU or Safe-T-Cert.
• Past experience: Minimum of three comparable projects completed within the last five years, each with a value of at least €1 million.
• Personnel: Key personnel must include:
• Project Manager with at least 5 years of experience in energy services.
• Technical Lead with at least 5 years of experience in grid services.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be capable of operating within Ireland and must have the ability to connect to the grid by 1 October 2026.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall price/quality split is 40% price and 60% quality (MEAT). There are no minimum scoring thresholds specified for individual criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A detailed response document outlining the approach to delivering the services, adhering to the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Curriculum Vitae for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: A completed pricing template detailing all costs associated with the service provision.
• Case studies: At least two case studies of relevant projects, each valued between €1 million and €5 million.
• Declarations: Completed declarations including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: A site visit is required; details will be provided upon request.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders portal, following the specified format guidelines.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension: The initial contract term is not specified, but it includes provisions for extensions based on performance.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon successful delivery of services and submission of performance reports.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance metrics will be established, including response times and service availability.
• Liquidated damages: Penalties may apply for failure to meet performance standards or deadlines.
• Termination clauses: EirGrid reserves the right to terminate the contract for non-compliance or failure to deliver services as specified.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property developed during the contract will remain with EirGrid.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by EirGrid.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Tight deadlines: The requirement for all services to be operational by 1 October 2026 may pose challenges for bidders, particularly in terms of installation and compliance.
• Performance metrics: The stringent performance metrics may disadvantage bidders without prior experience in similar contracts.
• Geographic constraints: The requirement for bidders to operate within Ireland may limit competition, particularly for smaller firms.
• Incumbent advantage: Previous service providers may have an advantage due to established relationships and familiarity with EirGrid's requirements.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that possess the following characteristics:

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in energy services, particularly those with capabilities in grid management and renewable energy integration.
• Consortiums and sub-contracting: Bidders may form consortiums or engage sub-contractors, provided they disclose these arrangements.
• Bid preparation effort: Bidders should anticipate a preparation effort of approximately 10-15 days to compile necessary documentation and responses.
• Pwin signal: The presence of incumbents may indicate a competitive landscape, but opportunities exist for SMEs with innovative solutions and proven experience.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ENQEIR1007 - DS3 System Services – Volume Uncapped – Gate 15
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Amendment Letter for DS3 System Services Agreement
• DS3 Performance Measurement Device Standards for Fast Acting Services
• Technical Questionnaire Gate 15