Provision, Calibration, Installation and Operation of Air Quality Monitoring Networks

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 provision of a fully managed air quality monitoring network service across the jurisdictions of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), South Dublin County Council (SDCC), and Fingal County Council (FCC). The contractor will be responsible for delivering reliable and representative ambient air quality data to support public information, policy development, and environmental assessment.

Key activities include:

• Supply and Installation: Provision of a minimum of twelve (12) air quality monitors for DLRCC, with at least two (2) monitors in each electoral district. For SDCC and FCC, up to five (5) monitors each will be provided.
• Removal of Existing Equipment: The contractor must remove the existing network of 11 air quality sensors in DLRCC, ensuring no damage to the units or poles.
• Calibration and Verification: Initial calibration and verification of the monitors prior to deployment.
• Ongoing Operation and Maintenance: Continuous operation, maintenance, and quality assurance of the monitoring network.
• Data Management: Management, correction, visualization, and reporting of air quality data.
• Relocation: Provision for relocation or substitution of monitoring locations as required.
• Compliance with Green Public Procurement: Proposals must align with best practices in environmental sustainability.

The contractor must propose suitable monitoring locations or provide outcome-based pricing for final location selection. All costs associated with permissions, installation, and relocation are included in the fixed-price contract.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to enhance air quality monitoring capabilities within the jurisdictions of DLRCC, SDCC, and FCC. The councils aim to replace existing monitoring systems and establish a comprehensive network to support environmental policy and public health initiatives. The DLRCC currently operates a network of 11 ambient air quality monitors, which will be replaced under this contract. The strategic driver for this initiative aligns with national environmental policies and public health objectives, emphasizing the importance of accurate air quality data.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €100,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of two comparable projects completed in the last five years.
• Personnel: Minimum of one project manager with at least three years of relevant experience.
• Geographic constraints: Must be able to operate within the jurisdictions of DLRCC, SDCC, and FCC.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The price/quality split follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle. A minimum scoring threshold of 60% is required for the quality criterion to qualify for consideration.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A response document using the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: To be submitted in the specified format.
• Case studies: At least two relevant projects, with values between €50,000 and €150,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable for this tender.
• Submission portal: Responses must be submitted via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: The contract will have an initial term of one year, with the possibility of one (1) annual extension at the discretion of the contracting authority.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of specified milestones.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance indicators will include data accuracy, uptime of monitoring systems, and response times for maintenance.
• Termination clauses: The contracting authority reserves the right to terminate the contract for reasons including non-compliance with health and safety regulations or failure to meet performance standards.
• IP ownership: All data generated will remain the property of the contracting authority.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed in the tender submission.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €100,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: The requirement to operate within specific jurisdictions may restrict competition.
• No minimum draw-down guarantee: The absence of guaranteed work under the framework agreements may deter bidders.
• Existing infrastructure removal: The requirement to remove existing sensors without damage may pose operational challenges.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with relevant experience in environmental monitoring and data management. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in air quality monitoring or related fields.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to form consortia or subcontract if necessary.

Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 10-15 days. The presence of incumbents and the absence of guaranteed work may signal a moderate to low probability of winning (Pwin) for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: AQM_Open Procedure (RFT) 2025.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 – Contract with Terms and Conditions, Tender Response Document (TRD).