26-007F National Multi-Supplier Framework for the Provision of Laboratory Services

Uisce Eireann is seeking to establish a high-quality sampling and or analysis service to achieve efficiencies in all commercial laboratory contractual arrangements, to meet regulatory requirements, and to protect public health. These services will be sub-divided into Three (3) Lots described below as Lot 1, Lot 2 and Lot

3. Applicants may apply for one, some or all Lots. For Lots 1, 2 and 3 the successful tenderers may be allocated as preferred supplier for a Geographical Region or Regions on the basis of their tenders and there may be a limit on the number of Regions for which a single supplier achieves preferred supplier status. It is anticipated that Uisce Eireann will enter into separate framework agreements for each of the following Lots: Lot 1 - Potable Water Laboratory Testing Services. Uisce Eireann require potable water laboratory testing services for the following sampling categories:

• PLANNED (Drinking Water Directive – Schedule 1 and Schedule 2)
• UNPLANNED (Investigative; Short term requests e.g. EPA)
• EMERGENCY. For each of the categories above, Uisce Eireann may require a combination of Sampling and Testing services (i.e. taking the sample, transport to the supplier’s laboratory, analysis and reporting), a Collection and Testing service (i.e. collection of sample(s) from a designated collection point(s), transport to the supplier’s laboratory, analysis and reporting) and Testing Only (receipt of samples delivered to the suppliers laboratory analysis and reporting). With regards to the PLANNED, UNPLANNED, and EMERGENCY categories, Uisce Eireann may also require sampling and/or testing of raw water (i.e. ground water or surface water), and In-Process Water (i.e. samples taken from locations within the treatment process). Additional Services may be procured through the course of the framework to facilitate various investigative activities including but not limited to the following areas of work:-
• Process Optimisation
• Process Proving / Commissioning These additional services may be PLANNED or UNPLANNED in nature.

Lot 2: Provision of Wastewater Laboratory Testing Services. Uisce Eireann require wastewater laboratory testing services for the following sampling categories:

• PLANNED (Wastewater Regulatory Sampling Plans )
• UNPLANNED (Investigative; Short term requests e.g. EPA)
• EMERGENCY. For each of the categories above, Uisce Eireann may require a combination of Sampling and Testing services (i.e. taking the sample, transport to the supplier’s laboratory, analysis and reporting), a Collection and Testing service (i.e. collection of sample(s) from a designated collection point(s), transport to the supplier’s laboratory, analysis and reporting) and Testing Only (receipt of samples delivered to the suppliers laboratory analysis and reporting). The applicant should also have the capability to undertake analysis of samples from saline waters. With regards to the PLANNED, UNPLANNED, and EMERGENCY categories, Uisce Eireann may also require sampling and/or testing of In-Process Wastewater (i.e. samples taken from locations within the treatment process). Additional Services may be procured through the course of the framework to facilitate various investigative activities including but not limited to the following areas of work:-
• Process Optimisation
• Process Proving / Commissioning
• Flow and Load Surveys
• Sludge Testing These additional services may be PLANNED or UNPLANNED in nature.

Lot 3: Provision of Contingency outsourcing of Laboratory Testing Services. Uisce Eireann require the provision of Drinking Water and Wastewater contingency and surge laboratory testing services to maintain continuity during equipment failure, accreditation loss, or capacity constraints.