Campus IT Network Upgrade

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 Irish National Stud DAC (INS) seeks a contractor to design, supply, and install a modernised campus-wide network infrastructure across its estate in Tully, Co. Kildare. The project is structured into two main phases, expected to span approximately 18–24 months.

Phase 1: Physical Infrastructure & Core Active Network (Year 1)

• Campus Fibre Backbone: Installation of fibre optic cabling across all campus locations.
• Telecommunications Cabinets: Installation of cabinets, patch panels, and passive equipment.
• Civil Works: Minor external civil works for cabling routes.
• Testing and Certification: All cabling installations must be tested and certified.
• Decommissioning: Removal of legacy cabling and equipment.

Phase 2: Spoke Sites & Optional Works (Year 2)

• Active Network Equipment: Supply and installation of network switches and wireless access points.
• Centralised Management: Implementation of cloud-based network management.
• Integration: Ensure compatibility with existing ISP connectivity.

Deliverables

• Pre-Construction: Design drawings, equipment schedules, method statements, and risk assessments.
• During Construction: Regular progress reports, site diary, and interim test records.
• Post-Construction: As-built documentation, asset register, and warranty details.

The contractor must ensure that all works are compliant with industry standards and that the infrastructure is future-proofed for at least 15 years for passive elements and 7 years for active equipment.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of this contract aligns with the Irish National Stud's strategic goal to enhance its operational capabilities through improved digital infrastructure. The INS operates a complex campus that includes various facilities and services, necessitating a robust network to support both current and future operational demands. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise the INS's technological framework and improve visitor experiences.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 in any one of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13m
• Public & Products Liability: €6.5m
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5m
• Cyber Liability: €2.0m
• Certifications: Must maintain a formal quality assurance system aligned to ISO 9001 or equivalent.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, focusing on the balance between price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method Statement: A response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: Must follow the specified format in Appendix 5.
• Case Studies: At least two relevant projects, each valued between €50,000 and €150,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Site Visit: Mandatory site visit to be arranged through the eTenders portal.
• Submission Portal: All documents must be submitted via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term & Extensions: Not specified.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made in Euro (€) only, via Electronic Funds Transfer.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: A minimum of three years next-business-day hardware support is required for all active equipment.
• Termination Clauses: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract if the successful tenderer fails to deliver satisfactory services.
• IP Ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• Turnover Threshold: The requirement for a minimum turnover of €300,000 may limit participation to established firms.
• Geographic Constraints: The tender does not specify geographic constraints, but bidders should be aware of potential logistical challenges in Tully, Co. Kildare.
• Phased Delivery: The project is structured in phases, which may complicate cash flow and resource allocation for smaller firms.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this tender should possess:

• Size/Specialism: Experience in IT network infrastructure, particularly in fibre optics and active network equipment.
• Certifications: ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications are advantageous.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: Not specified, but bidders may consider forming partnerships to meet eligibility criteria.
• Bid-prep Effort: Estimated preparation time is 10-15 days, including site visits and documentation.
• Pwin Signal: The presence of established firms in the sector may indicate a competitive landscape, but the open procedure allows for broader participation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: REQ2623 - IT Network Upgrade ITT.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact Email: Not specified; use the eTenders portal for queries.
• Important Attachments:
• Appendix 1 – Form of Tender
• Appendix 2 – Declaration of Bona Fides
• Appendix 3 – Form of Self Declaration