Framework for the Supply of Double-Deck Buses

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 to establish a framework agreement for the supply of double-deck buses. The framework will be divided into four lots, and eligible candidates will be invited to tender for appointment to one or more of these lots. The National Transport Authority (NTA) requires suppliers to provide detailed specifications and general arrangement drawings for vehicles that meet specific requirements.

The scope of work for successful framework members will involve the supply of right-hand drive, low-floor, double-deck M3 Class I buses. Key technical requirements for these vehicles include:

• Engine Compliance: Must be powered by a EURO VI compliant engine, with a minimum of 250hp and 6 litres capacity.
• General Arrangement Drawings: Candidates must submit drawings including a fully dimensioned turning circle diagram, identifying wall-to-wall turning circle diameter, wheelbase, front and rear overhangs, vehicle width, and steering angles.
• Outline Technical Specifications: These must detail:
• Certification status for Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 (GSR2) and timelines for obtaining it if not yet certified.
• For battery-electric buses:
• Total energy capacity (kWh) of the Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), usable energy, reserved energy, and unusable energy (as percentages).
• Manufacturer(s) of the RESS and battery cells.
• Chemistry of the RESS battery cells.
• Architecture of the RESS (arrangement and location of cells, modules, packs, and strings).
• Maximum permissible C-rate of the RESS.
• Standard and maximum length of traction battery pack warranty.
• Manufacturer, product code, maximum power output (kW), and maximum output current (Amps) of each CCS2 charging point that has successfully charged the vehicle.
• Manufacturer and product code of each CCS2 charging point and the vendor of the Depot Management System/Charge Management System (DMS/CMS) that has successfully pre-conditioned the vehicle using the VDV 261 protocol.
• For regional buses:
• Manufacturer and product code of the engine, gearbox, and drive axle.
• Identification of whether the vehicle can be fitted with seatbelts at all passenger and driver seats.
• Identification of whether a wheelchair restraint device (integrating restraints, seatback, and headrest into a single unit) can be fitted.

The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) is designed to assess a candidate's suitability for appointment to the framework. This includes evaluating their production facilities, resources, capacity, relevant experience in supplying similar vehicles, and the effectiveness of their project management and quality assurance measures.

3. Background & buyer context

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is a statutory non-commercial body operating under the Department of Transport. Established by the Dublin Transport NTA Act 2008 and expanded by the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the NTA has broad functions including procuring public transport services, developing integrated transport networks, and providing bus infrastructure. This procurement for double-deck buses aligns with the NTA's strategic objective to develop and maintain an accessible public transport network across Ireland. The scale of the procurement, with an estimated value of €1.5 billion, indicates a significant fleet renewal or expansion programme. The tender process is conducted under Directive 2014/25/EU, governing procurement by entities operating in the utilities sector.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for appointment to the framework:

• Turnover Requirement:
• Overall Turnover: A minimum turnover of €100,000,000 (excluding VAT) in the most recent full financial year. Evidence must be provided via audited accounts or a letter from an auditor.
• Specific Vehicle Turnover: A minimum turnover of €50,000,000 generated from the supply of right-hand drive, low-floor, double-deck M3 Class I buses to the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and/or UK markets in one of the three most recent full financial years. Evidence must be provided via audited accounts, a letter from the Lead Contractor's auditor, or a letter from a director, clearly identifying the quantity of specific bus models supplied.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Amount of cover to be specified by the candidate.
• Public Liability Insurance: Amount of cover to be specified by the candidate.
• Product Liability Insurance: Amount of cover to be specified by the candidate.
• Evidence must be provided via current insurance certificates or a letter from an insurance broker confirming cover levels.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past Experience:
• Candidates must demonstrate relevant experience by detailing a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) contracts undertaken within the last three (3) years for each Framework Lot they wish to be considered for.
• Each contract detail must include scope (vehicle types, volumes, battery specifications for electric buses), contract dates, contract values, and client contact references.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints: Production facilities, resources, and capacity for chassis and body production (if separate) must be described. Resources assigned to research, design, development, and testing activities must also be detailed.

5. Award criteria & scoring

This is a pre-qualification stage, not the final tender evaluation. The award criteria for the subsequent tender stage are not detailed in the provided Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. However, the PQQ itself outlines criteria for selection to be invited to tender:

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria