Provision of Controllers and Actuators

The University of Southampton is seeking to procure a Control System Solution and associated software for conducting large structural testing. The Control System Solution must be flexible and reconfigurable for both single actuator and multi-actuator experiments. The Control System Solution must also enable the running of multiple experiments concurrently and be compatible with the existing hydraulic infrastructure within the Large Structures Testing Laboratory (LSTL) of the National Infrastructure Laboratory (N|I|L). The offered solution must be in line with the vision of both the N|I|L and the Structures 2025 project.

This procurement also includes the purchase of a number of actuators. These actuators cover a range of force capacities and stroke lengths, and must be compatible with the aforementioned Control System Solution. Each actuator should be provided with a corresponding load cell. An indicative list of actuators desired is included in the Invitation to Tender document set.

Additional information: E-Tendering Portal: The University is utilising an electronic tendering tool, In-Tend (https://intendhost.co.uk/ universityofsouthampton) to manage this procurement and to communicate with Tenderers (as appropriate). All documentation in relation to this tender can be downloaded from In-Tend.

Tenderers are advised that there will be no hard copy documents issued and all communications with the University, including the submission of Invitation to Tender responses will be conducted via In-Tend. Regular monitoring of the portal is the responsibility of the Tenderer.

If you are not already registered as a supplier with the University of Southampton, you will need to register in In-Tend in order to access the procurement documentation. Once you have logged in as a supplier: click on 'Tenders'; locate the relevant project; and click 'View Details'. Once you are in the project screen, you will be able to register your organisation against the project and access all documentation by clicking 'Express Interest'.

Tenderers are advised that formal expressions of interest in the project must be by way of completion and return of the relevant documents via In-Tend.

Further instructions for the submission of responses are below: To submit your return: 1. Log in 2. Click 'Tenders' 3. Locate the relevant project 4. View details 5. Click on the tab relating to the relevant project stage (e.g. 'Invitation to Tender') 6. Click on the 'Attach Documents' button and upload your return. 7. Check ALL your response documents are uploaded and displayed in the 'My Tender Return' panel. The system will only permit your organisation to make one return. 8. Click the red 'Submit Return' button.

Please note, to preserve the integrity of the procurement, all communications with the University must be made via the correspondence function within In-Tend.

Publication of Award Details: In accordance with Regulation 50, paragraph (2) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and subject to Article 5 and Annex 5, Part D (13) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (if applicable), the University intends to publish the value of any resulting contract at the award stage, and reserves the right to do so. By submitting a response, Tenderers are consenting to publication of this information unless otherwise agreed in advance with the University.

Costs and Expenses: Tenderers are solely responsible for their costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and submission of responses and participation in this and all future stages of this procurement. Under no circumstances will the University be liable for any costs or expenses borne by Tenderers or any of their supply chain, partners or advisers in this procurement process.

The University is not liable