Public procurement notice: Contract Award Notice
Published: 2019-02-05
Buyer: EirGrid Plc
Country: IE
Contract type: Services
Procedure: Negotiated procedure
CPV classification: 72000000 | 72212517 | 72212700: Utility software programming services | 72212781 | 72212983
Award criteria: The most economic tender

Technical requirements: The objective of the DS3 Programme is to meet the challenges of operating the all-island electricity system in a safe, secure and efficient manner while facilitating higher levels of renewable energy. The DS3 Programme is split across 3 pillars; system performance, system policies and system tools. New system tools are required to enable the operational changes in the Control Centres in order to deliver the benefits of the DS3 Programme to customers. This will mean, at times, operating the system in ways that have not been experienced in the past, therefore driving the need for new and enhanced system tools. The scope of requirements is to develop a new software application to include the look-ahead stability assessment tool. EirGrid envisages this project being a solution which will evolve over time and therefore intends awarding a contract with a potential maximum relationship of 20 years including options for renewal at various stages over the life of the arrangement.
The objective of the DS3 Programme is to meet the challenges of operating the all-island electricity system in a safe, secure and efficient manner while facilitating higher levels of renewable energy. The DS3 Programme is split across three pillars; system performance, system policies and system Tools. New system tools are required to enable the operational changes in the Control Centres in order to deliver the benefits of the DS3 Programme to customers. This will mean, at times, operating the system in ways that have not been experienced in the past, therefore driving the need for new and enhanced system tools. Candidates are invited to submit a qualification application for inclusion on the tender list in accordance with this PQQ.
The scope of requirements is to develop a new software application to include, but not limited to the look-ahead stability assessment tool.
The duration of the delivery contract will be up to project completion which will include for development, installation and integration of the tool in accordance with agreed programme.
The services agreement will commence on the services commencement date and will be for an initial duration of 3 years with an option to extend. Given the complexity of EirGrid system set-up, the software installed is likely to become embedded into EirGrid/SONI systems architecture. This may lead to the requirement for ongoing support. Pursuant to Article 50.F as set out in Council Directive 2014/25/EU as transposed into Irish law by the European Union (Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 286 of 2016) (the “Regulations”) EirGrid/SONI may extend the Services Agreement with the successful tenderer for up to a maximum of 20 years on an annual basis, subject always to the satisfactory performance of the supplier and EirGrid/SONI requirements
Following additional internal discussion and consultation, it was found that the scope of work outlined in the PQQ did not cover our full scope of requirements.
As a result EirGrid has decided to cancel the current PQQ process and issue a new OJEU notice with our revised requirements.