Public procurement notice: Contract Notice
Published: 2018-12-13
Buyer: EirGrid plc
Country: IE
Contract type: Services
Procedure: Negotiated procedure
CPV classification: 48517000 | 72212517
Estimated value: 1300000 EUR
Submission deadline: 2019-01-14
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 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.
The need for a voltage trajectory tool has been identified to provide the Control Centre operator with the capability to ensure the reactive power sources are managed efficiently on the system to maintain a healthy secure voltage profile.
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 need for a voltage trajectory tool has been identified to provide the Control Centre operator with the capability to ensure the reactive power sources are managed efficiently on the system to maintain a healthy secure voltage profile. EirGrid are seeking Candidates that have demonstrated the capability to develop bespoke applications with Security Constrained AC as well as DC Optimal Power Flow.
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 three 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.
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 three 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.
1) Interested parties must register their interest on the eTenders web site (www.etenders.gov.ie) in order to be included on the mailing list for clarifications. All information relating to attachments, including clarifications and changes, will be published on the Irish Government Procurement Opportunities Portal (www.etenders.gov.ie) only. Registration is free of charge. The contracting authority will not accept responsibility for information relayed (or not relayed) via third parties;
3) The contracting authority will not be responsible for any costs, charges or expenses incurred by candidates or tenderers;
5) It will be a condition of award that candidates are tax compliant and are in a position to produce a valid tax clearance certificate or eTax Clearance from the Revenue Commissioners when requested;
6) If for any reason it is not possible to award the contract one or more of the tenderers invited following the conclusion of this competitive process, the contracting authority reserves the right to award the contract to the next ranked tenderer as appropriate;
7) At its absolute discretion, the contracting authority may elect to terminate this procurement process or any contract awarded;
8) Please note in relation to all documents, that where reference is made to a particular standard, make, source, process, trademark, type or patent, that this is not to be regarded as a de facto requirement. In all such cases it should be understood that such indications are to be treated strictly and solely for reference purposes only, to which the words “or equivalent” will always be appended;
9) Without prejudice to the principle of equal treatment, the contracting authority is not obliged to engage in a clarification process in respect of questionnaires with missing or incomplete information. Therefore, candidates are advised to ensure that they return fully completed questionnaires in order to avoid the risk of elimination from the competition.

Eligibility requirements: Please see Information Memorandum and Pre-Qualification Questionnaire attached to this notice.

Award value: 1300000