Supply of Laboratory Equipment (Part IX: Biological safety cabinet class II-A2, Laminar flow cabinet and Fume Hood) for the Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health (SES) of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

New amendment added #2: The ITB has been further amended as follows:To reflect the changes for in-country logistics and Incoterms, the document titled “ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form C_ Price Schedule Form” is hereby replaced with the updated documents titled  “ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form C_ Price Schedule Form_Rev1”.To reflect the changes in the technical specifications for 3 lots, the document titled “ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_Technical Bid Form” is hereby replaced with the updated documents titled “ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_FormD_Technical Bid Form_Rev1”.To reflect the changes in the Schedule of Requirements and the Price List template in the draft contract, the document titled “ITB_2024_52871_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods” is hereby replaced with the updated document titled "ITB_2024_52871_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev1”.The deadline for bid submission has been extended to August 26, 2024.All other requirements, terms and conditions remain unchanged.

New clarification added: Q.35 Please clarify on the below Specs requirement as per your Tech Spec XL Sheet. Since the same are contradicting each other i.e. Stainless Steel & Coating. If you need coating then can't have/no need of stainless steel material and vis a versa If stainless steel then no need to coat as stainless steel itself is anticorrosion characteristic. However the stainless steel is expensive then Cold roll steel coated. So please confirm the below requirement: Lot 1: Biological safety cabinet level II-A2,  Exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating: Is it means Frame and Decorative Plate: cold-rolled steel with anti-bacteria power coatingLot 2: Laminar Flow Cabinet, Exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating : Is it means Main Body: Cold-rolled steel with anti-bacteria powder coating​Lot 3: Fume hood Exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating :  Is it means Main Body: Cold-rolled steel with anti-bacteria powder coating​ and Designed and manufactured according to EN14175 or ASHRAE 110 : If it is manufactured according to Q/370105XBX 001- -2019  is acceptable to you or not.A.35 The requirements for the exterior material have been changed for each item, please kindly refer to the updated ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form which will be uploaded to the current ITB. Requirements for the manufacturing standards were stipulated by the beneficiary according to their needs, therefore no adaptation will be made for these parameters. To comply with the tender requirements, all proposed fume hoods must adhere to either EN 14175 or ASHRAE 110.

New clarification added: Q.34 There is a need for an exhaust system for the ventilation outlet, water, gas and electricity for devices working. When giving an installation quote, should we base it on the fact that all these systems will be prepared by the hospital in the room where the device will be installed?A.34 It is indeed so that laboratory layouts are different across SES facilities. However, the beneficiary (SES facilities) must ensure that all necessary connection points, particularly the duct system, power, and water sources, are available in the rooms where the fume hoods are to be installed. These connection points will be in place prior to the installation. The Supplier will be responsible for providing all components necessary for the installation, such as duct connections, elbows, dampers, pipes, and any other fittings required to complete the connection to the utility points. Considering the large number of sites, individual site visits are not feasible at the moment. Therefore the installation quote should reflect a standard installation scenario based on the provided information. ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form will be updated to address this point and will be uploaded to the current ITB. 

New clarification added: Q.33 Lot 3, positions 1 and 8,  we would like to kindly request to change, Position 1- Freestanding energy-efficient ducted fume hood to exhaust chemical fumes, vapors, gasses and dust or fume with filters to protect lab environment and operator and Position 8 - Outflow air outlet into a duct or fume with carbon filters.A.33 According to the beneficiary's requirements, the fume hood must be ducted, not freestanding (walk-in), and should be installed on a base cabinet. Therefore, corresponding changes will be made to ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_Technical Bid Form. Please refer to the updated ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D Rev 1_Technical Bid Form for these revisions. Regarding ductless fume hoods with filters, this option cannot be accepted as it does not meet the beneficiary's requirements. 

New clarification added: Q.32 Lot 1 Caluse 21, Lot 2 Clause 17, Lot 3 Clause 17, We would like to kindly ask to allow deviation of 20-25%A.32 These requirements will be partly changed, please kindly refer to the updated ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D Rev 1_ Technical Bid Form which will be uploaded to the current ITB.

New clarification added: Q.31 Can we bid only FCA and DPU at Tashkent Port/Warehouse is acceptable? A.31 No. 

New clarification added: Q.30  Lot 3, Fume Hood, Line no #4. Designed and manufactured according to EN14175 or ASHRAE 110.  As further clarification, Erlab hoods are filtered hoods with same functionality and same safety as the exhaust hoods but with the additional savings in energy and environmental. AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France covers the same principles as EN14175 in (sash, containment) and adds the filtration and chemical listing. Please clarify if AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009 is acceptable under this Clause requirement.A.30 Requirements were stipulated by the beneficiary according to their needs, therefore no adaptation will be made for these parameters. While AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009 covers similar principles, it does not fully align with the standards EN 14175 or ASHRAE 110 as specified in the tender documents. To comply with the tender requirements, all proposed fume hoods must adhere to either EN 14175 or ASHRAE 110.

New clarification added: Amended*Q.29 Is it possible for two or more bidders to have the same service partner in Uzbekistan?A.29 Yes, Please read ITB_2024_52871_Section_I_ Instruction to Bidders, specifically, section 4. Bidder Eligibility.

New clarification added: Q.29 Is it possible for two or more bidders to have the same service partner in Uzbekistan?A.29 Yes, Please read ITB_2024_52449_Section_I_ Instruction to Bidders, specifically, section 4. Bidder Eligibility. 

New clarification added: Q.28 Please kindly consider to extend the deadline for two weeks?A.28 The ITB has been amended to extend the deadline for submission of bids until August 19, 2024, at 12:00 PM Tashkent time.

New amendment added #1: The ITB is further amended as follows:The deadline for bid submission has been extended by 12 days to August 19, 2024.All other requirements, terms, and conditions of the ITB remain unchanged.

New clarification added: Q.27 Laminar flow cabinet (Vertical type), Line no 17 "Internal working area dimensions approx. (W x D x H, in mm): 1400 x 600 x 750, permissible deviation +/-10%.". But the core internal dimensions of Laminar Flow Cabinet are the length of the workbench, and the height does not need to be as high as 750mm. A height greater than 500mm is already sufficient. Because in practical use, there will not be such high experimental equipment placed inside. As a result, please change the height into "no less than 500mm"A.27 Requirements were stipulated by the beneficiary according to their needs, therefore no adaptation will be made for these parameters. The bidder shall offer equipment with internal working area dimensions within the specified sizes, with a permissible deviation of ±10% to be considered substantially compliant.

New clarification added: Q.27 Laminar flow cabinet (Vertical type), Line no 17 "Internal working area dimensions approx. (W x D x H, in mm): 1400 x 600 x 750, permissible deviation +/-10%.". But the core internal dimensions of Laminar Flow Cabinet are the length of the workbench, and the height does not need to be as high as 750mm. A height greater than 500mm is already sufficient. Because in practical use, there will not be such high experimental equipment placed inside. As a result, please change the height into "no less than 500mm"A.27 Requirements were stipulated by the beneficiary according to their needs, therefore no adaptation will be made for these parameters. The bidder shall offer equipment with internal working area dimensions within the specified sizes, with a permissible deviation of ±10% to be considered substantially compliant.

New clarification added: Q.26  Reference is made to Section III: Returnable Bidding Forms, Form D: Technical Specifications for Goods, Lot 1: Biological safety cabinet level II-A2, line 12: Light sources providing at least 800 lux light intensity. Please, reduce requirement to at least 750 lux light intensity. This adjustment is in alignment with EN 12469, the European Standard for microbiological safety cabinets, which accepts a light intensity of 750 lux as adequate for ensuring proper visibility and operational safety.A.26 The requirement for a minimum light intensity of 800 lux is specified based on operational needs of end users and ensures optimal working conditions, enhances visibility of materials and surfaces within the cabinet, and supports ergonomic comfort for users over extended periods. Therefore, we maintain the requirement for light sources providing at least 800 lux light intensity as originally specified in the bid document.

New clarification added: Q.25  Reference is made to Section III: Returnable Bidding Forms, Form D: Technical Specifications for Goods, Lot 2 Laminar Flow Cabinet, line 17: Internal working area dimensions approx. (W x D x H, in mm): 1400 x 600 x 750, permissible deviation +/-10%. Please consider allowing a width dimension of 1130 mm (20% deviation), as this is the common width standard on the market.A.25  Requirements were stipulated by the beneficiary according to their needs, therefore no adaptation will be made for these parameters. The bidder shall offer equipment with internal working area dimensions within the specified sizes, with a permissible deviation of ±10% to be considered substantially compliant.

New clarification added: Q.24  Reference is made to Section III: Returnable Bidding Forms, Form D: Technical Specifications for Goods, Lot 2 Laminar Flow Cabinet, line 5: "Vertical clean airflow directed downward onto the cabinet work zone." Please consider the option of a "horizontal laminar flow cabinet" as well. This type of airflow also protects the product from external, user, and cross contamination. A.24 Requirements were stipulated by the beneficiary, therefore adaptations are not possible. Bidder shall offer equipment with characteristics meeting the specifications to be considered substantially compliant.

New clarification added: Q.23 Lot 3 Fume Hood Paragraph, C:Power supply, Could you please clarify usage of the requested Network cable in the paragraph C, point 21? Could it be that it's just a power cable?A.23 Yes, this is power cable.

New clarification added: Q.22 Lot 3: Fume Hood, Possibility to connect gas system and water supply: Do we need to provide the taps or only make the holes? How many?A.22 Fume hoods must be provided with properly sealed openings or suitable connectors within the side walls of the fume hood for water and gas connections (at least one for each). At least one tap for each connection should be provided separately, allowing for easy installation in case of necessity.

New clarification added: Q. 21 Lot 3: Fume Hood High capacity motor/blower system: Do you need an internal or external motor? Usually, ducted fume hoods use an external fan; in some cases, we can install an internal fan if needed. If yes, are there any specific requirements for the internal fan?A.21 The preference is for an external motor/blower system, as it is commonly used for ducted fume hoods and efficient in handling high airflow rates and help minimize noise whithin the laboratory environment. However, internal fan can also be considered if it meets all performance specifications and safety standards required for the fume hood as outlined in the technical requirement to this item.

New clarification added: Q.20  Lot 3: Fume Hood, Interior work surface of Type 304 stainless steel material or better, acid-resistant material: Which part should be stainless steel 304, the worktop or also the sides and the back wall? Our product includes side glass; is that acceptable, or should we make it flat? We can offer the interior from polypropylene, which is an anti-acid resistance material.A.20 The worktop, sides and back wall must be constructed of type 304 stainless steel or better material to ensure durability against highly corrosive chemicals and ease of cleaning. Polypropylene interior is acceptable if it meets similar or better chemical resistance and ease of cleaning/maintenance.

New clarification added: Q.19 Lot 3: Fume Hood, Exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating: Do you mean stainless steel 304 exterior or metal epoxy-coated structure? Also, can we offer a polypropylene structure which is anti-corrosion and anti-acid?A.19 ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form will be updated to address this point and will be uploaded in the documents section of the current ITB. As for polypropylen structure for the exterior, it does not align with the requirements of the beneficiary. To comply with the tender specifications, the Fume Hood shall have an exterior constructed from cold rolled steel with anti-corrosion coating or better material. Cold rolled steel is preferred due to its strength, resistance to mechanical wear, and overall suitability for laboratory environments.

New clarification added: Q.18  Lot 2: Laminar Flow Cabinet, Designed and manufactured according to international biosafety standards: Since this is a vertical clean bench and not a biosafety cabinet, what specific standards are you looking for? A.18 For a Laminar flow cabinet, the specific standards and guidelines to consider are as follows: ISO 14644-1, 2 and 3 Series, or EN 12469 or NSF/ANSI 49, although these standards applies to biological safety cabinets, but its performance criteria and testing methods are also relevant to ensure the effective operation of laminar flow cabinets.

New clarification added: Q.17 Lot 2: Laminar Flow Cabinet, For the interior work surface of Type 304 stainless steel material or better: Which parts should be stainless steel 304—the worktop, sides, and back wall? Our product includes side glass; is that acceptable, or should we make it flat? A.17 The worktop and back wall must be constructed of type 304 stainless steel or better material to ensure maintaining a sterile environment and facilitate easy cleaning. Sides made of glass similar to the front panel type are acceptable. The glass should be easily cleanable and should not compromise the cabinet's performance or safety.

New clarification added: Q.16 Lot 2: Laminar Flow Cabinet, The document mentions an exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating. Do you mean stainless steel 304 exterior or a metal epoxy-coated structure? Additionally, can we offer a polypropylene structure which is anti-corrosive? A.16 ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form will be update to address this point and will be uploaded in the documnet section of the current ITB.

New clarification added: Q.15 Lot 1: Biological Safety Cabinet Level II-A2, The document mentions, "Exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating." Do you mean stainless steel 304 exterior or a metal epoxy-coated structure . Additionally, can we offer a polypropylene structure which is anti-corrosive? and Regarding the "Stainless steel filter screen and removable work tray for easy cleaning and decontamination": Can we use an aluminum frame for the filter? A.15 ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form will be updated to address this point and will be uploaded to the current ITB. As for polypropylen structure for the exterior, it does not align with the requirements of the beneficiary. To comply with the tender specifications, the laminar flow cabinet shall have an exterior constructed from cold rolled steel with anti-corrosion coating or better material. Cold rolled steel is preferred due to its strength, resistance to mechanical wear, and overall suitability for laboratory environments.

New clarification added: Q.14  Lot 2: Laminar Flow Cabinet, Line no 17, a width of 1400 mm with a deviation of +/-10% is described. Would a width of 1200mm also be accepted, as this is the standard width?A.14  Requirements for internal working area dimensions of the Laminar Flow Cabinet were stipulated by the beneficiary according to their needs, therefore adaptations are not possible. The bidder shall offer equipment with internal working area dimensions within the specified sizes, with a permissible deviation of ±10%, to be considered substantially compliant. 

New clarification added: Q.13 Lot 2: Laminar Flow Cabinet, as for the parameter 9 "Light sources providing at least 800 lux light intensity",  Light source intensity ≥ 450lux is sufficient for use, so it is recommended to modify the parameter to Light sources providing at least 800 lux light intensity.A.13 The requirement for a minimum light intensity of 800 lux is specified based on operational needs of end users and ensures optimal working conditions, enhances visibility of materials and surfaces within the cabinet, and supports ergonomic comfort for users over extended periods. Therefore, we maintain the requirement for light sources providing at least 800 lux light intensity as originally specified in the bid document. 

New clarification added: Q.12  Lot 2: Laminar Flow Cabinet, Third parameter “Exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating”. Actually, the stainless steel shell does not require coating, and this material has little impact on the performance and use of the product. We suggest the exterior material of the biological safety cabinet using cold-rolled steel with coating.A.12 ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form will be updated to address this point and will be uploaded to the documnets section of current ITB. 

New clarification added: Q.11 Lot 1: Biological safety cabinet level II-A2, Could you please kindly explain in more detail for the Line no13 "Adjustable angled transparent front panel with secure gasket and seal when in place".A.11 The adjustable angled transparent front panel allows for flexibility in viewing and accessing items within the cabinet, optimizing ergonomic comfort for users. The secure gasket and seal ensure a tight closure when the panel is in place, maintaining the integrity of the cabinet's containment capabilities. This feature is crucial in ensuring both operator safety and the containment of hazardous materials within the cabinet, adhering to international biosafety standards (e.g., NSF/ANSI 49) for biological safety cabinets.

New clarification added: Q.10  Lot 1: Biological safety cabinet level II-A2, Line no 3 “Exterior of stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating". Actually, the stainless steel shell does not require coating, and this material has little impact on the performance and use of the product. We suggest the exterior material of the biological safety cabinet using cold-rolled steel with coating.A.10 ITB_2024_52871_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form will be updated to address this point and will be uploaded to the documents section of current ITB. 

New clarification added: Q.9 Please clarify whether the tender is exempt from value added tax (VAT) and customs duties, import or other taxes, or fees applicable to goods imported into Uzbekistan.A.9 Reference made to ITB Particulars, Duties and Taxes, where it is stated:1. UNOPS as a UN subsidiary organ, is exempt from all direct taxes, except charges for public utility services, and is exempt from customs restrictions, duties, and charges of a similar nature in respect of articles imported or exported for its official use.2. This project is co-financed by ADB and AIIB as state external debt. Per the provisions of Article 483 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as amended on 28 December 2023 through the Law № ЗРУ-891, supply of goods and services within the framework of projects fully or partially financed from international financial institutions as state external debt are exempt from Value Added Tax until 01 January 2028.3. Based on the foregoing, all bids must be submitted net of Value Added Tax, other direct taxes and customs duties for the imported items. Indirect taxes, such as Income Tax, payable by the Contractor's staff, personnel, consultants and subcontractors that may be engaged for the provision of in-country services (in-country delivery to final destinations, assembly, installation, calibration, user training, post-sales services, etc., as may be applicable for the required goods), must be incorporated in your all-inclusive rates and prices for the respective services.

New clarification added: Q.8 Please advise the locations where the items will be installed so that the bidder can accurately quote for installation, commissioning, and after-sales support.?A.8 Please refer to ITB_2024_52871_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods , ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, Clause 2.7.

New clarification added: Q.7 All the products need to be delivered at one place or in different locations? A.7 Please read ITB_2024_52871_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, clause 2 - Delivery requirements, sub-clause 2.1.

New clarification added: Q.6 Please confirm that the manufacturer must have the ISO 14001.A.6 Yes. 

New clarification added: Q.5 Due to the large volume of ordered goods, please consider extending the delivery time as follows: "Bidder shall make the goods available at FCA (Incoterms2020) preferrably within 160 days after receipt of confirmation from UNOPS to start the production process.Bidder shall deliver the goods to DPU (Incoterms2020) Tashkent, Uzbekistan within 190 days after Contract signature. Bidder shall perform the related services (installation, commissioning, training, etc.) within 60 days after goods’ arrival to Uzbekistan."A.5 The delivery requirement remains unchanged.

New clarification added: Q.4 Could you please advise if there is a specific form for training?A.4 Please read ITB_2024_52871_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods,  ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, clause 4 - Required Services, sub-clause 4.1 Training Services. 

New clarification added: Q.3 Please advise the requirement for installation and commissioning.A.3 Installation and commissioning is required. Please refer to  ITB_2024_52781_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, Clause 4.2.

New clarification added: Q.2 Could you please clarify the terms of delivery. The delivery conditions describe that delivery is FCA or DPU Tashkent?A.2 Please read ITB_2024_52781_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev, ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, clause 2 - Delivery requirements, sub-clause 2.1. 

New clarification added: Q.1 According to Section IV: Draft Contract for Goods, ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements,  read as 5.4. Certificate of Registration/Authorization/Waiver for the import and use of the medical devices from the health regulatory authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Is there a requirement for the devices to be offered to the tender to be registered in Uzbekistan MOH? If you have such a condition, can we register after the order in case we win the tender?A.1 To the best of our knowledge the laboratory equipment is not subject to Uzpharm Control registration in Uzbekistan, but the import requirements for the equipment in question might change. It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to verify whether registration with Uzpharm Control is required for the items under its contract. If it transpires that registration is indeed required, the Contractor shall, upon signing the contract, submit the application forms along with the required documents to Uzpharm Control and SES for registration. The Contractor shall make efforts to obtain the certificates of registration or authorizations for the import and use of the items before the goods arrive in the country.