Supply and Delivery of a Microgravity Measurement System

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

This procurement seeks the supply and delivery of a microgravity measurement system for University College Cork (UCC). The system is intended to support the establishment of a Quantum Gravimetry Laboratory. The estimated value for the goods contract is €137,500, exclusive of VAT.

The required goods comprise:

• A portable field relative gravimeter: This instrument is for high-precision gravity measurements. Its applications include microgravity surveys, underground engineering, geotechnical and environmental investigations, instrument comparison, and use in teaching and research training.
• A vertical gravity gradient tripod: This accessory is compatible with the field gravimeter. It enables gravity gradient measurements, which are particularly useful in specific environments such as tunnels, underground spaces, and for shallow anomaly investigations where the regional gravity field is difficult to assess.

The tender documents do not specify volumes, specific workflows, or named systems beyond the core equipment. The contract is for the supply and delivery of these specified goods.

3. Background & buyer context

University College Cork (UCC), also known as the National University of Ireland, Cork, is the contracting authority for this procurement. The tender is being issued to establish a Quantum Gravimetry Laboratory at UCC. This initiative aligns with UCC's research and academic objectives, aiming to enhance its capabilities in precision measurement and related scientific fields. The procurement is conducted under an open national procedure, adhering to the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016. UCC encourages participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and suggests that larger enterprises consider including SMEs in their proposals to maximise social and economic benefits.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements to be considered for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement: A minimum average annual turnover of €275,000 for each of the last three financial years, specifically relating to the supply and delivery of similar systems.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13 million (on an each and every occurrence basis).
• Public Liability: €2.6 million (on an each and every occurrence basis).
• Product Liability: €2.6 million (on an aggregate basis).
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million (each and every claim or in the annual aggregate). Tenderers must confirm the retroactive date and that cover will be maintained for at least six years following contract completion.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Tenderers must demonstrate successful delivery of three (3) previous comparable projects or contracts involving similar equipment or services, delivered within the last five years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the contract will be based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). The evaluation will consider both price and quality. While specific weighting percentages are not detailed in the provided extract, tenderers must achieve a minimum score of 60% in each of the specified award criteria subsections (Sections A, B, C, D, and E) to avoid disqualification. Prices provided for consumable items or parts must be valid for a minimum of one year.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit their bids electronically via the eTenders platform. The submission must include:

• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD): An electronic version, which may be pre-used if information remains correct and satisfies selection criteria.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed as per Appendix 2. Prices must be all-inclusive (excluding VAT), in Euro, and valid for 180 days from the tender deadline.
• Tenderer’s Statement: A scanned, signed copy on letterhead, confirming acceptance of RFT requirements and Goods Contract terms (Appendix 3).
• Declarations:
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (Appendix 4).
• Foreign financial contribution declarations (Appendix 3A) if applicable under Regulation (EU) 2022/2560.
• Supporting Documentation: Proof of financial standing (audited accounts for the last 3 years) and evidence of past experience (details of three comparable projects).
• Insurance Confirmation: A formal confirmation from the tenderer's insurance company or broker will be requested from the successful tenderer prior to award.

A mandatory site visit is not specified for this tender.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Goods Contract terms are detailed in Appendix 5. Key points include:

• Term: The contract term is not specified (N/A). Extensions are possible but also not specified (N/A).
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Goods Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice if no queries are raised within a 14-day period regarding invoices, or if the contract continues for 30 calendar days without resolution.
• IP ownership: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Sub-contracting rules: Tenderers must designate a single Prime Contractor responsible for the Goods Contract, irrespective of subcontracting. Subcontractors may need to submit separate eESPDs.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified in the provided extract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated Value vs. Turnover: The estimated contract value (€137,500) is significantly lower than the annual turnover requirement (€275,000). This suggests a potential mismatch in scale or that the turnover requirement is a standard gate for all UCC procurements, not specifically tailored to this contract's value.
• Insurance Requirements: The insurance levels, particularly Employer's Liability (€13 million) and Public Liability (€2.6 million), are substantial relative to the contract value. This may pose a challenge for very small or specialist suppliers.
• Professional Indemnity: The requirement for Professional Indemnity cover to be maintained for at least six years post-completion is a significant commitment.
• No Specified Contract Term: The absence of a defined contract term or extension period is unusual and requires clarification.
• Open National Procedure: While not unusual, it indicates the procurement is open to all Irish economic operators, but the specific requirements might implicitly favour larger entities.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for SMEs that specialise in the supply of high-precision scientific instrumentation, specifically gravimeters and related accessories. A viable bidder would need to demonstrate:

• Financial Capacity: An annual turnover of at least €275,000 for the past three years.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience in supplying and validating comparable scientific measurement systems.
• Insurance: The ability to secure and maintain the specified high levels of insurance cover.
• Compliance: Adherence to all submission and contractual requirements.

Consortia and sub-contracting are permitted. Larger enterprises are encouraged to include SMEs in their proposals. The bid preparation effort is estimated to be moderate, requiring detailed technical specifications, pricing, and documentation of past experience. The presence of a specific, relatively low-value contract with high insurance thresholds might suggest an incumbent supplier or a standard procurement template being used.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT UCC-2026-28.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Most Important Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5: Goods Contract