Irrigation System at Interim Post Entry Quarantine (IPEQ)

⁠⁠⁠The Buyer is looking for a provider who have the capability, experience, and infrastructure to deliver the project in full and on time. They need to have a good track record in the design and installation of a greenhouse irrigation system and able to work flexibly with our nominated building services contractors. The Buyer is interested in a service that may also deliver broader outcomes such as reducing carbon emissions and improve New Zealand Workers conditions.

Having a fit for purpose irrigation system in the greenhouses is essential to the new Interim Post Entry Quarantine facility that the Ministry for Primary Industries has built. The Buyer wishes to appoint a provider who can meet the requirements, deliver quality results, and work within our timeline.

The Interim Post Entry Quarantine (IPEQ) facility at the Mount Albert site was built in 2023. In the IPEQ facility there are twelve new greenhouse units to quarantine plant and seed material coming into NZ. Currently there is no localized automated drip irrigation system in the facility, and it will be difficult to run the facility without a proper irrigation system as the correct water status is important for the growth of the plants including the maintenance of good plant health to express the signs and symptoms of diseases.

The greenhouses are part of a containment zone which prevents bio-contaminants from escaping into the environment, unless via the wastewater treatment plant. Therefore, any new installation within the greenhouses need to comply with the cleanability and containment requirements of the MPI Post Entry Quarantine Standard for L3B facilities.

Key outcomes

This procurement relates to the design, supply, installation, and planned maintenance of an automated greenhouse irrigation system at the IPEQ by a specialized provider. As part of the RFP we request Respondents to offer a phased/scalable option along with detail on how it will work and what will be the impacts/limitations on operations and functionality.

SUPPLIERS PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU INTEND TO UNDERTAKE A SITE VISIT, THIS MUST BE CONFIRMED BY 3PM FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024