Provision and installation of the mobile air quality monitoring stations in Skopje, Kumanovo and Tetovo, Republic of North Macedonia

New amendment added #2: Dear Bidder representatives, UNOPS RSMCO hereby amends the tender as follows:- Extension of the  the deadline for bids submission, the new deadline is set to 10 February 2025- one of the Qualification criteria is altered. The documentation in e-Sourcing was updated and version 1 may be downloaded (titled as "2 ITB Section 2 Schedule of Requirements ver.1" and "3 ITB Section 3 Returnable Bidding Forms ver.1").  The changes are marked yellow within the documents.-  Document "1 ITB Section 1 Instructions to Bidders 2025" is replaced by the newest version-  Changes in the criteria tab were made, to reflect the change in the mentioned criteria. 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, Please, see below requets for clarifications for Lot 2 and Lot 3,  together with the reponses:Lot 2 Question 1: The technical specification requirements include the following requirement for detector type:“Dual-mode discrete dynode electron multiplier”However, this type of detector is specific to certain vendors, and therefore, limits the possibilities for bid submissions including ICP-MS instruments from different vendors. Moreover, there are many other detector types available on the market, that have longer life-times, from up to 5 years compared to dual-mode detectors. Furthermore, other types of detectors don´t require frequent cross-calibration as dual-mode detectors do. Therefore, we would kindly ask for possibility to change the technical specification requirements from “Dual-mode discrete dynode electron multiplier” to “Discrete dynode electron multiplier”. This change will broaden the offers that the responsible body will receive from different vendors and suppliers.Lot 2 Answer 1: The pulse-counting mode is typically linear from zero to about 106 counts/s, while the analog circuitry is suitable from 104 to 109 counts/s. To normalize both ranges, a cross calibration is performed to cover concentration levels, which could generate a pulse and an analog signal. This is possible because the analog and pulse outputs can be defined in identical terms of incoming pulse counts per second, based on knowing the voltage at the first analog stage, the output current, and a conversion factor defined by the detection circuitry electronics. By performing a cross calibration across the mass range, a dual-mode detector of this type is capable of achieving approximately eight to nine orders of dynamic range in one simultaneous scan for concentration levels between 0.1 ppt and 100 ppm of magnitude for most elements. The major benefit is that it requires only one scan to determine both high and low concentration. Therefore, it not only offers the potential to improve sample throughput, it also means that the maximum data can be collected on a transient signal that only lasts a few seconds. This is not a case with single mode discrete dynode electron multiplier or using the two separate single mode multipliers, where in most of the cases must be done two separate scans (one for low levels and one for high levels). The main disadvantage of these two approaches is that two separate scans are required to measure high and low levels. Two scans are not the so difficult to accept, but it does become a concern when it comes to working with transient peaks found in electrothermal vaporization, flow injection, or laser sampling ICP-MS. Because these transient peaks often last only a few seconds, all the available time must be spent measuring the masses of interest to get the best detectionlimits. When two scans have to be made, valuable time is wasted, which is not contributing to quality of the analytical signal.On the other hand, among all the manufacturers that could offer the dual mode discrete dynode electron multiplier are several worldwide reputable manufacturers.So, to resume, we would like to receive the best instrument that could be offered, with highest accuracy, and those are the instruments that use the Dual-mode discrete dynode electron multiplier.From all of this reasons, the request from the bidder is not acceptable, and the bidder must fulfil the requirements stated in the technical specification and his offer has to include ICP MS instrument that uses Dual-mode discrete dynode electron multiplier.Lot 2 Q2:Regarding the requirements for the autosampler capacity in the technical specification, we would like to ask if the volume of the tubes or vials can be higher than 15 ml, considering that the required number of positions is satisfied. Versatile autosamplers from different vendors have multiple choices of racks for tubes with different volumes, that suit the most common sample preparation procedures.Lot 2 A2:The bidder must fulfil the requirements stated in the technical specification and offer the autosampler with a capacity of the minimum 200 positions for 10 - 15 ml tubes. If there are more positions than 200, then autosampler can contain the tubes with higher or lower volume. Lot 3 Q1:In terms of the maximum weighing capacity of the microanalytical balance, the technical specification states range between 2.0-5.0 grams. We would like to ask if there is tolerance regarding the upper limit of the maximum weighing capacity stated, i.e. if it can be 10-15% higher than the stated limit as it is within the tolerance indicated in the standard method.Lot 3 A1:The range for maximum weighing capacity stated in technical specification is quite wide from 2.0 to 5.0 grams and on the market can be found a various manufacturer that could offer the micro analytical balance with this capacity. Request of the bidder to add the additional extension of the extended range, if we know the purpose for what the balance is going to be used, and that is for weighing of 47 mm diameter filters with typical weight from 100 milligrams to 200 milligrams.From this reason, the request from the bidder is not acceptable, and the bidder must fulfil the requirements stated in the technical specification and offer the micro analytical balance with maximum weighing capacity in the range between 2.0 - 5.0 grams.Lot 3 Q2:In terms of the linearity of the microanalytical balance, which defines the deviation of the measuring instrument from an ideal straight-line performance, we would like to ask for wider deviation ranges than stated in the technical specification (≤ 4.0 µg). General recommendations for calibration of analytical balances, in accordance with USP chapter 41, USP Chapter 1251 Weighing of analytical balance and Ph.Eur. 2.1.7 Balances for Analytical Purposes require linearity (deviation) not more than 0.05% of the actual value of the measured sample.In case of the intended purpose of use of the microanalytical balance, and according to the calibration weights requested in the specification of lot 3, the measured weights are expected to be in the range 5 mg – 2.0 g. This would mean that the acceptable range of linearity of the microanalytical balance would be in the range 2.5 – 100 µg. Even in case of focusing on lower mass ranges, linearity is acceptable in ranges 2.5 – 10 µg. Therefore, we would kindly ask for change in the linearity of the microanalytical balance, in terms of presenting it as a range, as it is within the tolerance indicated in the standard method.Lot 3 A2:Explanation given by the bidder regarding the linearity, to be lower than 0.05 % is not really mathematically exact. If we calculate the 0.05 %, in this range from 5 milligrams to 2 grams, the expected linearity is from 2.5 micrograms to 1000 micrograms. And that it is really high deviation.For example, if we take only the real range of operation (from 100 milligrams to 200 milligrams), then expected deviation with 0.05 % is going to be between 50 micrograms up to 100 micrograms. That means, in the final calculation for concentration of suspended particles the deviation could be higher or lower than 50 % for low concentrations and for higher concentration up to 5 %.From this reason, to keep the higher accuracy, the bidder must fulfil the requirements stated in the technical specification and offer the micro analytical balance with the linearity on full weighing range must be lower or equal than 4 micrograms. 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, We have received the question regarding the Manufacturer’s Authorization Form which was mentioned in the ITB Section 1 Instructions to bidders document.Please note that any and all forms to be submitted are to be found in the "3 ITB Section 3 Returnable Bidding Forms" while all documents to be uploaded are listed within the Checklist in eSourcing platform of this tender (although mentioned in the "1 ITB Section 1 Instructions to Bidders" document which is for the purpose of general instructions, in this paricular tender Manufacturer’s Authorization Form was not required). 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, We have received the question: Where do bidders submit Section V Returnable Bidding Forms reffered to in the Section I Instructions to bidder?Clarification:Besides the additional other documentation that is required to be submitted (for example Certificate of incorporation or financial statements)  there are also returnable forms to be submitted in this tender.All the returnable forms that need to be submitted are included in the file named  "3 ITB Section 3 Returnable Bidding Forms" that is to be found within the Documents section of this tender. Please complete the Returnable Bidding Forms and return them as part of your quotation by uploading them against their specific Document Checklist in the UNOPS eSourcing system.(you may disregard the numbering of the documents mentioned in the Section I Instructions to bidders) 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, Request for clarification:If there is consortium, who can submit a bid, only leader or any member of consortiumClarification:Only leading member may submit the bid. The leading member is to be chosen to represent the consortium within the tender, to be the contact during the tender procedure, evaluation. Also if the consortium is awarded the contract, the leading member is to be the primary contact during the contract execution. 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, In response to the request for clarification received regarding the returnable forms, please se  below advice:All forms to be submitted (apart from the required documentation) are to be found in the Section 3 / Returnable Bidding forms.All documentation regarding this tender is to be found in the "Documents"  section of the eSourcing platform. 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, We have received the request for clarification as below:Where are the amendment numbers written, which are required in Section III, Form B - Submission form, section a.?Clarification:Within the form B / point a. bidders are required to confirm that at they do not have reservations to the bidding document including amendments.Each amendment is published in eSourcing platform and its number and date of publishing is listed.At the time of this clarification (until today) there was one amendment "Amendment 1", published on 16 January 2025, whereby the deadline for submission of offers was extended. 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, Please, see the request and clarification below:Request for clarification:According to the requirements of Section 9 (on-site inspection) of the instruction to the participants in the tender, a mandatory condition for the submission of an offer by the participant is a visit to the sites. How are these visits organized and are there specific dates for visits? Also, where from can we get and fill in the required UNOPS forms/declarations related to the on-site visit? Who is the contact person responsible for these site inspections? Furthermore, do we need to visit all three locations?Clarification:Site visits have not been planned in this tender, for either of the 3 lots. The section 9 that was reffererd to in the clarification request is the part from the general instruction to the bidders (document named "1 ITB Section 1 Instructions to Bidders") whereby it is stated that "Unless otherwise instructed in writing by UNOPS, a site visit will only be held if stated in ITB Particulars...". In this tender, in Particulars section, in the field for Site visit it states "Not applicable".Therefore, bidders may proceed with preparing their offers that should contain the required documentation only, and no site visits are planned or mandatory. 

New clarification added: Dear Bidder representatives, We have received the following suggestion regarding the qualification criteria:  Lot 1 and Lot 2:   - Bidder (or leading member, in case of consortia) has a proven track record of sufficient business/operational experience in provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments (Form E, list with a minimum of three contracts for provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments with a total value of above USD 300,000 over the past three years)   =>Can you change to "Bidder (or any member, in case of consortia) has a proven track record of sufficient business/operational experience in provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments (Form E, list with a minimum of three contracts for provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments with a total value of above USD 300,000 over the past three years)"   Lot 3:  -  Bidder (or leading member, in case of consortia) has a proven track record of sufficient business/operational experience in provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments (Form E, list with a minimum of three contracts for provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments with a total value of above USD 100,000 over the past three years)   =>Can you change to "Bidder (or any member, in case of consortia) has a proven track record of sufficient business/operational experience in provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments (Form E, list with a minimum of three contracts for provision of VOC, PAH and/or heavy metals measuring instruments with a total value of above USD 100,000 over the past three years)"   Tender Evaluation Committee has considered the suggestion however it decided not to change the criteria, i.e. in case of consortium application the leading member is required to fulfill the criteria. 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, New extended deadline for bids submission is in the process, and for your information and planning purposes the new deadline is set to 03 February 2025 until 14h CET (13h UTC).Thank you

New amendment added #1: Dear Bidder representatives, UNOPS RSMCO hereby extends the deadline for bids submission, and the new deadline is set to 03 February 2025 until 14h CET (13h UTC). 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, We have received the requests as below:- Request for a bid deadline extension- Request for clarification:  whether the 3-day training is required to be done on site, or if it can be done remotelyClarifications:- Deadline will be extended for approximatelly two weeks, and the new date will be published via this platform- Regarding the training, it must be done on site, or in laboratory, depending on the lot., i.e. it is not acceptable training to be performed remotely. 

New clarification added: Dear potential bidders, We have received the request for clarification as below:Can you please let us know how these devices will be used? What type of stack or unit will these be used to monitor? Will this just be for ambient air?Clarification (assuming questions are related to BTEX measuring instruments):The BTEX measuring instruments will be used for continuous measurement of ambient air quality, should be installed at the existing ambient air quality stations, at the existing 19'' racks. Requested certificates should prove that the purpose of the offered measuring instruments is for continuous measurement of ambient air quality, and not going to be used for emissions monitoring.