Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2024-10-03
Buyer: Uisce Éireann
Country: IE
Region: IE061
Contract type: Services
CPV classification: 31216100 | 35113000: Safety equipment | 35113400 | 38424000 | 38546000
Submission deadline: 2024-10-11

Technical requirements: Uisce Éireann (UÉ) are currently setting up a Qualification System (QS) Tender Reference 24/021 and intend to run a Call For Competition (CFC) that is a Multi Supplier Framework Agreement (MSFWA) under Lot 4 of the QS to cover the independent competent examination, associated with Statutory Inspection, Maintenance (incl. Repair or Replacement) of Ex rated equipment in ATEX Zones to Uisce Éireann.
For Applicant to be invited to Call For Competition, the Applicant must have made an initial admission to the QS and have meet 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 on running a CFC (Indicative timelines Q1/2025) for Statutory Inspection, Maintenance (incl. Repair or Replacement) of Ex rated equipment in ATEX Zones. Applicants need have submitted their application for admission onto the QS, under Lot4 (no later than the end of Q4/2024) in order to be invited to this specific CFC. This does not preclude Applicants from applying to future competition under the QS.  
ATEX Zones may be present on, but not limited to, drinking water and wastewater sites.  Uisce Éireann anticipate circa.300 sites require ATEX Inspections and Maintenance (incl Repair and Replacement). The number of sites may increase depending on operational demands. 
Proposed Lot / Sublot Structure
Sub Lot 4a – Inspection and Maintenance (Regional / National Basis)
Sub Lot 4b – Repair and Replacement. (Regional / National Basis).
The frequency of Statutory Periodic Inspections inspection and Maintenance either Visual, Close or Detailed as per IEC 60079-17 not exceeding 3 years for fixed equipment, and 12 Month for portable equipment.
Applicants can apply for Sub Lot 4a, Sub Lot 4b or a combination of both.
There may be a limitation on the number of regions that can be awarded to any one applicant under particular Sub Lot. 
Appendix A – contains details of Uisce Éireann Operational Regions and associated Local Authorities.
Proposed Scope of Works 
The scope of this work shall include, but not limited to the following,
Inspection of Ex Rated Equipment
•Regular Inspection: Inspect Ex rated equipment installed in ATEX zones, This includes visual, close, and detailed inspections as per the equipment’s certification, manufacturer’s recommendations, and EN 60079 standards (or equivalent). 
•Documentation Review: Verify that all Ex rated equipment has current ATEX certificates, proper identification plates, and corresponding documentation for safe operation within the hazardous zones.
•Deficiency Identification: Identify any deficiencies or deviations from ATEX and EN standards (or equivalent) and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
Maintenance of Ex Rated Equipment
•Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on Ex rated equipment as per the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) guidelines and EN 60079 standard (or equivalent).
Testing and Certification
•Perform necessary testing on Ex rated equipment, including but not limited to, continuity checks, insulation resistance, and earth bonding tests, ensuring compliance with EN 60079 standards (or equivalent).
•Ensure assets are certified according to the ATEX Directive and comply with applicable Irish and European Regulations. Following maintenance activities, issue updated certification or documentation where required
ReportingProvide a detailed report for each inspection and maintenance activity, including:
•List of equipment inspected.
•Condition of equipment (pass/fail/defects).
•Recommended corrective actions where applicable.
•Updated equipment documentation where applicable.
•Risk assessments and mitigation steps taken.
The contractor is required to:
•Comply with Irish and European health and safety regulations, including but not limited to, the Irish Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidelines for hazardous environments and the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
•Provide a method statement for all inspection and maintenance activities, including work permits, isolation procedures, and safe work practices for Ex rated equipment in hazardous areas.
•Ensure all personnel are trained and certified to carry out work on Ex rated equipment in hazardous ATEX zones, including ATEX and CompEx certification.
•Implement environmental protection measures to prevent contamination or damage to the surrounding environment during maintenance activities.
The contractor shall provide the following:
•Detailed inspection reports, including photos of defects or damaged equipment.
•Maintenance logs and records of work completed.
•Updated equipment certification documentation, if applicable.
•A final report summarising the inspection, maintenance, and any corrective actions performed, as well as recommendations for future maintenance or replacements.CompEX Certification & AccreditationApplicants will be required to demonstrate they have achieved the required competency validation and have obtained Certification i.e. CompEx Certification / Qualification from Accredited Body for example UKAS or Equivalent. 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.
Uisce Éireann (UÉ) are currently setting up a Qualification System (QS) Tender Reference 24/021 and intend to run a Call For Competition (CFC) that is a Multi Supplier Framework Agreement (MSFWA) under Lot 4 of the QS to cover the independent competent examination, associated with Statutory Inspection, Maintenance (incl. Repair or Replacement) of Ex rated equipment in ATEX Zones to Uisce Éireann.
For Applicant to be invited to Call For Competition, the Applicant must have made an initial admission to the QS and have meet 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 on running a CFC (Indicative timelines Q1/2025) for Statutory Inspection, Maintenance (incl. Repair or Replacement) of Ex rated equipment in ATEX Zones. Applicants need have submitted their application for admission onto the QS, under Lot4 (no later than the end of Q4/2024) in order to be invited to this specific CFC. This does not preclude Applicants from applying to future competition under the QS.  
ATEX Zones may be present on, but not limited to, drinking water and wastewater sites.  Uisce Éireann anticipate circa.300 sites require ATEX Inspections and Maintenance (incl Repair and Replacement). The number of sites may increase depending on operational demands. 
Proposed Lot / Sublot Structure
Sub Lot 4a – Inspection and Maintenance (Regional / National Basis)
Sub Lot 4b – Repair and Replacement. (Regional / National Basis).
The frequency of Statutory Periodic Inspections inspection and Maintenance either Visual, Close or Detailed as per IEC 60079-17 not exceeding 3 years for fixed equipment, and 12 Month for portable equipment.
Applicants can apply for Sub Lot 4a, Sub Lot 4b or a combination of both.
There may be a limitation on the number of regions that can be awarded to any one applicant under particular Sub Lot. 
Appendix A – contains details of Uisce Éireann Operational Regions and associated Local Authorities.
Proposed Scope of Works 
The scope of this work shall include, but not limited to the following,
Inspection of Ex Rated Equipment
•Regular Inspection: Inspect Ex rated equipment installed in ATEX zones, This includes visual, close, and detailed inspections as per the equipment’s certification, manufacturer’s recommendations, and EN 60079 standards (or equivalent). 
•Documentation Review: Verify that all Ex rated equipment has current ATEX certificates, proper identification plates, and corresponding documentation for safe operation within the hazardous zones.
•Deficiency Identification: Identify any deficiencies or deviations from ATEX and EN standards (or equivalent) and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
Maintenance of Ex Rated Equipment
•Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on Ex rated equipment as per the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) guidelines and EN 60079 standard (or equivalent).
Testing and Certification
•Perform necessary testing on Ex rated equipment, including but not limited to, continuity checks, insulation resistance, and earth bonding tests, ensuring compliance with EN 60079 standards (or equivalent).
•Ensure assets are certified according to the ATEX Directive and comply with applicable Irish and European Regulations. Following maintenance activities, issue updated certification or documentation where required
ReportingProvide a detailed report for each inspection and maintenance activity, including:
•List of equipment inspected.
•Condition of equipment (pass/fail/defects).
•Recommended corrective actions where applicable.
•Updated equipment documentation where applicable.
•Risk assessments and mitigation steps taken.
The contractor is required to:
•Comply with Irish and European health and safety regulations, including but not limited to, the Irish Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidelines for hazardous environments and the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
•Provide a method statement for all inspection and maintenance activities, including work permits, isolation procedures, and safe work practices for Ex rated equipment in hazardous areas.
•Ensure all personnel are trained and certified to carry out work on Ex rated equipment in hazardous ATEX zones, including ATEX and CompEx certification.
•Implement environmental protection measures to prevent contamination or damage to the surrounding environment during maintenance activities.
The contractor shall provide the following:
•Detailed inspection reports, including photos of defects or damaged equipment.
•Maintenance logs and records of work completed.
•Updated equipment certification documentation, if applicable.
•A final report summarising the inspection, maintenance, and any corrective actions performed, as well as recommendations for future maintenance or replacements.CompEX Certification & AccreditationApplicants will be required to demonstrate they have achieved the required competency validation and have obtained Certification i.e. CompEx Certification / Qualification from Accredited Body for example UKAS or Equivalent. 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.