Ilmoitustyyppi: Ennakkoilmoitus julkisesta hankinnasta

NMBI has a contract in place since October 2020 with ICT managed services company EKCO (previously Unity) for the provision of general ICT maintenance. It expired on 03 October 2024 and the spend to date has exceeded original estimates due to increased usage as a result of a number of unforeseen extenuating factors.

These include:

• internal NMBI ICT staff turnover – particularly at manager level
• implementing technical provisions for remote working due to COVID restrictions in 2020-2022
• complexities arising from the introduction of our digital registration system MYNMBI and the integration of this with our existing system, including access for third parties etc.
• a number of cyber security incidents, including two malware attack attempts, for which Ekco provided containment support, as well as investigation expertise.

To ensure compliance with the procurement regulations in these exceptional circumstances NMBI is planning to utilise article 32 of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016, to award a new contract without prior publication to the existing provider EKCO for the continuation of their services.

The use of the derogation is justified for a number of reasons including:

• To provide essential continuity for cyber security. Ekco have an experienced security team who have responded effectively to a number of recent and ongoing issues in NMBI. It is essential that this support is continued and not doing so would represent a risk to the organisation.
• To provide essential continuity of services for NMBI. There has been considerable change/flux in the NMBI ICT department in the past 24 months and there are current resourcing challenges.
• To provide needed support for MyNMBI Next Gen (our digital registration system) from a partner that knows NMBI and the working environment. Requirements and demands on the inhouse ICT team have increased in 2024 due to the development of the new MyNMBI Next Gen digital registration system. Ongoing support from NMBI ICT is required by the project team and developers in relation to access etc. As a result, an overstretched existing team is working on a large critical business system that is absorbing a lot of resources.
• Internal ICT capacity at a senior level has been severely lessened for unforeseen reasons. In the meantime, and in mitigation of this situation, Ekco has essential understanding of the NMBI ICT environment which is needed to maintain ongoing operational support for the ICT environment, suppliers and systems.

Uisce Éireann (UÉ) are currently setting up a Qualification System (QS) Tender Reference 24/021 and intend to run a Call For Competition (CFC) to establish a Multi Supplier Framework Agreement (MSFWA) under Lot 2 of the QS to cover the independent competent examination, associated with Statutory Inspection, Maintenance (incl. Repair or Replacement) of Pressure Systems to Uisce Éireann.

For an Applicant to be invited to Call For Competition, the Applicant must have made an initial admission to the QS and have met the minimum requirements and minimum scores as set out in the Qualification System Questionnaire (QSQ).

The QS remains open as per Section A5 of the QSQ. UÉ plan to run a CFC (Indicative timelines Q1/2025) for Statutory Inspection, Maintenance (incl. Repair or Replacement) of Pressure Systems. Applicants need to have submitted their application for admission onto the QS, under Lot2 (no later than the end of Q4/2024) in order to be invited to this specific CFC.

Proposed Lot / Sublot Structure
Sub Lot 2a – Inspection and Maintenance (Regional/National)
Sub Lot 2b – Repair and Replacement. (Regional/National)

Applicants can apply for Sub Lot 2a, Sub Lot 2b or a combination of both. There will be restrictions of the Lots that can be awarded.

Appendix A – contains details of Uisce Éireann Operational Regions and associated Local Authorities.

Proposed Scope of Works

The new MSFWA will cover the independent competent examination, inspection and reporting on pressure systems as required by the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 445 of 2012).

Equipment to be inspected will include, but not limited to, the following:

• Pressure - Air Receiver
• Pressure - Air/Effluent Receiver
• Pressure - Air/Water Receiver
• Pressure - Diaphragm Type Pressurisation Unit
• Pressure - Horizontal Welded Air Receiver
• Pressure - Pressurisation Vessel
• Pressure - Vertical Welded Air Water Surge Vessel

The legislation requires thorough examination of pressure systems at 26 monthly intervals.

It is the intention of Uisce Éireann to manage the delivery of Statutory Inspections Services via MAXIMO system.

Supplier(s) will be formally appointed roles and responsibilities of Project Supervisor Design Phase (PSDP) and Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS)
Uisce Éireann reserves the right to amended, alter, modify the proposed scope of works requirements pending feedback from the market engagement exercise.
Further details to be provided at later date in the competition.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this is a preliminary market-sounding exercise and is not a prequalification competition or invitation to tender. This request for information does not constitute an invitation to tender, or an offer to enter any contract. Neither this document nor any information set out herein shall be regarded as a commitment or representation on the part of Uisce Éireann to run any tender competition or enter into any form of contractual arrangement express or implied.