UK SBS RE150538

CLOSING TIME FOR BIDS IS 29/09/2015 AT 14:00 HOURS.

DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE BUYER - PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE ADDITIONAL TEXT SECTION .

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This tender specifies the technical requirements for the replacement of specific components of the Telescope Control System (TCS) for the William Herschel Telescope (WHT). The current system is based on a Marconi servo drive system and a CAMAC crate that interfaces to the high-level VMS-based TCS. The interlock system is made of relay-based circuits. The new subsystems will replace entirely the existing CAMAC crate, Marconi servo drive systems and the interlock systems. No mechanical upgrades of the telescope are desired, however minor modifications may be accepted, for example to fit new encoders. A change of motors is not envisioned. The new model should be a distributed control system with a central computer running the main control loop. This computer will run the existing VMS-based TCS, modified to communicate with the motor controllers and PLCs via a bridge computer with appropriate software which will be provided by the ING to interface between the TCS and the new electronics. The critical part of the upgrade is to design a working solution for automatic backlash control using pairs of motors. This has to be implemented so that the top-level TCS sees the controller as a single unit. The main requirements are: 1) That the servo controllers, with automatic backlash control, have to be supplied and the control loop for backlash control for WHT main axes, existing prime focus turntable and Cassegrain turntable has to be implemented, so that motion demands from the TCS can be delivered numerically. 2) That the servo drives and PLCs must be configurable remotely via an Ethernet interface. 3) That the existing motors have to remain in operation with only the drives and some of the encoders being changed. 4) To implement software interfaces for communication between the drive systems and the bridge computer. 5) To replace the existing interlock system with one based on PLCs or dedicated electronics. The interlock system must not be controllable from the TCS system, only its status can be communicated. However, an engineering interface must be supplied for simulation and engineering modes which allows inputs and outputs of the interlock system to be overridden. 6) To replace the existing control room engineering panel and focal station local control panels. 7) To implement software interfaces between the interlock unit and the control computer according to ING specifications.

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Additional information: This procurement will be managed electronically via the Crown Commercial Service’s e-Sourcing Suite. To participate in this procurement, participants shall first be registered on the e-Sourcing Suite. If Bidders have not yet registered on the eSourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link ‘Register for CCS eSourcing’. Please note that, to register, Bidders must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so. Note: registration may take some time please ensure that you allow a suffient amount of time to register. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at http://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respondtender Once you have registered on the eSourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement. This is done by emailing [email protected]. Your email must clearly state: the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; Your organisations full name as a registered supplier; the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will process the email and then enable the Bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done. As a user of the e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to Emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information applicable to this opportunity. For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Helpdesk (Not UK SBS Ltd ) : Freephone: 0345 010 3503 email: [email protected] Training support to respond to a requirement is available to bidders at http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/Pages/suppli er.aspx