Call for Tender for the Establishment of a Single Supplier Framework for the Supply of Buoys, Sleeves and Topmarks for use in Special Unified Marking Schemes (SUMS)

BIM wishes to invite tenders for supply of Buoys, Sleeves and Topmarks for use in Special Unified Marking Schemes (SUMS). Under National legislation there is a requirement to mark aquaculture sites if structures used intertidally or sub tidally may cause a navigational hazard. Current aquaculture sites are primarily grouped in intertidal areas or in sheltered deeper locations which limit the interaction of larger vessels with sites, however these sites pose a significant navigational hazard to inshore fishing and leisure traffic, and thus unified marking schemes are extremely important.

As part of the regional services offered by the Aquaculture Division, the Contracting Authority in association with the Commissioner of Irish Lights (CIL), the Marine Survey Office (MSO) and Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) assist groups of marine aquaculture operators to incorporate their sites' aid to navigation (AtoN) into a single enhanced marking scheme for a production area. The group marking schemes or Special Unified Marking schemes (SUMS) require a range of specialized international association of lighthouse authorities (IALA) compliant Aids to navigation (AtoN) depending on the location, nature or extent of the farming activity, hydrographic and bathymetric parameters with the equipment specification directed in statutory sanction issued by (CIL). SUMS use fewer, higher quality marks with a longer lifespan, achieving navigational safety in all weather and tidal conditions and efficiencies for aquaculture producers.

The purpose of this tender is to appoint a supplier to supply the goods (on a draw-down basis) as outlined in this CFT. Delivery locations will be as follows: Counties Louth, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal. BIM cannot commit to a minimum order of units during the contract period due to limiting factors such as budget constraints, funding and licensing.

The quantities provided in the pricing schedules are used for evaluation purposes only and are not a guideline on the required number of buoys, sleeves and topmarks. For further information on this tender, please see the accompanying tender documents.