Marine Institute has awarded a €1.35M contract for the provision and support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to Sysco Software Solutions

Marine Institute, a body governed by public law operating in environmental protection, has awarded a contract for the provision, implementation and ongoing support of a financial management solution licensed as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (MI-CFT26-007 Request for Tenders for the provision and support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) to Sysco Software Solutions. The awarded value of the contract is €1,348,048.78, with an estimated value of €1,800,000.00, covering programming services of packaged software products, including software package and information systems, financial analysis and accounting software, software programming and consultancy services, financial information systems, and accounting software development services. The contract duration is 7 years. The contract was awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Introduction

Marine Institute, a body governed by public law operating in environmental protection, has conducted an open procedure inviting tenders for the provision, implementation and ongoing support of a financial management solution licensed as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This solution will replace the Institute's current ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018, which is approaching end-of-life in January 2028. To ensure continuity of financial operations and organisational support services, the Marine Institute requires an implementation from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The expected project commencement date is July 2026. The tender process schedule (2:24:1) is set out at page 14 of the tender documents.

The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No strategic procurement objectives were specified. The award criterion is cost (total cost), with the MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) method used. The estimated value is €1,800,000.00 and the awarded value in this notice is €1,348,048.78. The contract duration is 7 years. Seven tenders were received (submitted electronically). One winner was appointed: Sysco Software Solutions (medium enterprise). Subcontracting is not yet known. The contract was concluded on 27 July 2026.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures that the Marine Institute has access to a modern financial management solution, ensuring continuity of financial operations and organisational support services.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports Financial Management: Provides a financial management solution licensed as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Significant Value: €1,348,048.78 awarded; €1,800,000.00 estimated value
• Long-Term Commitment: 7-year duration
• Critical System Migration: Replaces Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 approaching end-of-life in January 2028
• Cost Focus: Total cost criterion (MEAT)
• Competition: 7 tenders received
• SME Participation: Winner is a medium enterprise

Contract Timeline

• Expected project commencement date: July 2026
• Contract concluded: 27 July 2026
• Estimated duration: 7 years
• Notice published: 25 September 2026 (OJ S 186/2026)
• Notice dispatch date: 24 September 2026
• Previous notice: a22f26ed-d630-4959-bb2e-d478700a425f-01

Contract Overview

Marine Institute conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Key features include:

• One lot: LOT-0001
• Estimated value: €1,800,000.00
• Awarded value in this notice: €1,348,048.78
• Duration: 7 years
• Framework type: No framework agreement
• Evaluation: Cost (total cost) – MEAT
• Winner: Sysco Software Solutions (medium enterprise)
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement

Key Contract Details

• Main classification: 72210000 Programming services of packaged software products
• Additional classification: 48000000 Software package and information systems; 72260000 Software-related services; 48440000 Financial analysis and accounting software package; 72200000 Software programming and consultancy services; 48810000 Information systems; 48812000 Financial information systems; 72222300 Information technology services; 72222200 Information systems or technology planning services; 72267200 Repair of information technology software; 72267100 Maintenance of information technology software; 48443000 Accounting software package; 48444000 Accounting system; 72212443 Accounting software development services; 72212440 Financial analysis and accounting software development services
• Place of performance: West, Ireland (NUTS: IE042)
• Procedure identifier: 2b480db3-c2b7-4b3b-90c1-3c9baed91279
• Internal identifier: 0
• Type of procedure: Open
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU
• Review body: The High Court of Ireland

Lot Structure

Lot 1 – Provision and Support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

• Title: MI-CFT26-007 Request for Tenders for the provision and support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Description: Provision, implementation and ongoing support of a financial management solution licensed as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central; replaces Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 approaching end-of-life in January 2028; implementation from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Internal identifier: 0
• Estimated value: €1,800,000.00
• Awarded value: €1,348,048.78
• Winner: Sysco Software Solutions
• Tenders received: 7 (submitted electronically)
• Contract concluded: 27 July 2026
• Duration: 7 years
• Contract identifier: 459433

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Value (€)	Winner	Tenders
1	Provision and Support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central	1,348,048.78	Sysco Software Solutions	7
Total		1,348,048.78

Scope of Supply

The contract covers the following services:

• Provision: Provision of a financial management solution licensed as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Implementation: Implementation from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Ongoing Support: Ongoing support of the financial management solution
• Financial Management Solution: Replacement of the current ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018
• Programming Services of Packaged Software Products: Services under CPV 72210000
• Software Package and Information Systems: Software package and information systems under CPV 48000000
• Financial Analysis and Accounting Software: Financial analysis and accounting software under CPV 48440000
• Financial Information Systems: Financial information systems under CPV 48812000
• Accounting Software Development: Accounting software development services under CPV 72212443

Special Procurement Conditions

• System Migration: The solution will replace the Institute's current ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018, which is approaching end-of-life in January 2028; to ensure continuity of financial operations and organisational support services, an implementation from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is required
• Project Commencement: The expected project commencement date is July 2026
• Tender Process Schedule: Please review Tender Process Schedule 2:24:1 Page 14
• Cost Criterion: Total cost is the award criterion, with the MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) method used
• No Framework Agreement: No framework agreement
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• No Strategic Procurement: No strategic objectives specified

About the Contracting Authority

Marine Institute is a body governed by public law operating in environmental protection in Ireland.

• Legal type: Body governed by public law
• Activity: Environmental protection
• Registration number: 6600388L
• Location: Galway, Ireland (NUTS: IE042)
• Address: Rinville, Oranmore, Galway, H91 R673
• Email: tenders@marine.ie
• Telephone: +353 91387200
• Internet address: https://www.marine.ie

About the Winning Supplier

Sysco Software Solutions is a medium enterprise based in Dublin, Ireland, specialising in software solutions and Microsoft Dynamics implementations.

• Size: Medium enterprise
• Registration number: 77046
• Location: Dublin, Ireland (NUTS: IE061)
• Address: 23 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02FK29
• Email: marketing@sysco-software.com
• Telephone: 016768900
• Subcontracting: Not yet known

Evaluation Criteria

The lot uses the following evaluation criterion:

• Cost: Total cost
• Method: MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender)

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU
• Competition: 7 tenders received (submitted electronically)
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds
• No framework agreement: No framework agreement
• No dynamic purchasing system used
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement
• Review body: The High Court of Ireland
• Call for competition terminated: The call for competition has been terminated (contract awarded)

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
• No EU funds were used for this procurement
• The estimated value is €1,800,000.00
• The awarded value in this notice is €1,348,048.78
• The procurement is divided into one lot
• Cost (total cost) is the evaluation criterion (MEAT)
• Seven tenders were received (submitted electronically)
• The winner is a medium enterprise
• Subcontracting is not yet known
• The contract duration is 7 years
• The solution replaces Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018, which is approaching end-of-life in January 2028
• The expected project commencement date is July 2026
• The contract was concluded on 27 July 2026

Market & Industry Perspective

The Irish public sector financial management software market features a mix of large international software providers and specialised national implementation partners. Financial management solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are essential for the continuity of financial operations and organisational support services in public bodies.

Key trends in this market include:

• Cost focus: Total cost criterion (MEAT)
• SME participation: Winner is a medium enterprise
• System migration: Migration from legacy ERP systems to modern cloud-based solutions
• Long-term contracts: 7-year duration
• Microsoft Dynamics expertise: Specialised implementation and support capability
• Public sector experience: Understanding of Irish public body requirements

Economic Significance

At €1,348,048.78 awarded value and €1,800,000.00 estimated value, this contract represents a significant investment in a modern financial management solution for the Marine Institute. The contract will:

• Support Financial Management: Provide a financial management solution licensed as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Support SME: Sysco Software Solutions is a medium enterprise
• Provide Long-Term Stability: 7-year contract
• Ensure Continuity of Operations: Replace Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 approaching end-of-life in January 2028
• Enable Organisational Support: Support financial operations and organisational support services
• Support Digital Transformation: Migration to a modern cloud-based ERP solution

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this contract now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 7-year contract duration
• Related Services: Additional software-related and IT services
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Sysco Software Solutions
• Other Irish Public Bodies: Similar Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central procurements
• System Enhancements: Potential future enhancements and upgrades

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for financial management software providers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for future procurement cycles
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Sysco Software Solutions
• Related Services: Other software-related and IT services
• Other Irish Public Bodies: Similar financial management software procurements
• System Enhancements: Monitor future enhancement opportunities

What Businesses Should Watch

• Marine Institute's future procurement notices
• Other Irish public sector financial management software tenders
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central market trends
• Changes to Irish procurement regulations
• ERP system migration projects in the public sector
• Cloud-based financial management solutions

IrelandTenders.com Procurement Intelligence

This Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central contract is a notable example of Irish public sector procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €1.35M awarded value; €1.8M estimated value
• Cost focus: Total cost criterion (MEAT)
• SME winner: Sysco Software Solutions
• One lot: Provision and support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Competition: 7 tenders received
• Long-term contract: 7-year duration
• System migration: From Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• End-of-life driver: Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 approaching end-of-life in January 2028

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive total cost: Total cost-based evaluation (MEAT)
• Microsoft Dynamics expertise: Ability to implement and support Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• System migration capability: Ability to migrate from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Financial management software expertise: Ability to deliver financial management solutions
• Public sector experience: Understanding of Irish public body requirements
• Long-term support capability: Ability to provide ongoing support over 7 years

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive total cost – total cost is the evaluation criterion (MEAT)
• Demonstrate Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central expertise
• Show system migration capability from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018
• Develop public sector experience with Irish public bodies
• Demonstrate financial management software expertise
• Showcase long-term support capability
• Monitor Marine Institute and Irish public sector procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Marine Institute awarded a €1,348,048.78 contract for the provision and support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to Sysco Software Solutions
• One lot: MI-CFT26-007 Request for Tenders for the provision and support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Duration: 7 years
• Evaluation: Cost (total cost) – MEAT
• 7 tenders received (submitted electronically)
• Winner is a medium enterprise
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• No framework agreement
• Replaces Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 approaching end-of-life in January 2028
• Expected project commencement date: July 2026
• Contract concluded on 27 July 2026
• Estimated value: €1,800,000.00

Conclusion

This Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central contract ensures that the Marine Institute has access to a modern financial management solution, ensuring continuity of financial operations and organisational support services. By awarding the contract to Sysco Software Solutions, the Marine Institute secures a reliable medium enterprise supplier with the capability to implement and support Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

The total cost evaluation (MEAT) reflects the cost-focused nature of financial management software procurement, where total cost is the primary differentiator among qualified suppliers. The 7-year duration, the system migration from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 and the end-of-life driver of January 2028 reflect the specific operational and strategic context of the Marine Institute's financial management needs.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of competitive total cost, Microsoft Dynamics expertise, system migration capability, financial management software expertise, public sector experience and long-term support capability in winning Irish public sector financial management software contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Marine Institute?

Ans: A body governed by public law operating in environmental protection in Ireland.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: Awarded value €1,348,048.78; estimated value €1,800,000.00.

Q: Who is the winner?

Ans: Sysco Software Solutions, a medium enterprise based in Dublin, Ireland.

Q: What services are covered?

Ans: Provision, implementation and ongoing support of a financial management solution licensed as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, including migration from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Cost (total cost) – MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 7 years.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: Seven tenders (submitted electronically).

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Q: What is the review body?

Ans: The High Court of Ireland.

Q: What is the lot structure?

Ans: One lot – LOT-0001 (MI-CFT26-007 Request for Tenders for the provision and support of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central).

Q: Is subcontracting allowed?

Ans: Subcontracting is not yet known.

Q: Why is the system being replaced?

Ans: The current ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018, is approaching end-of-life in January 2028; the Marine Institute requires an implementation from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to ensure continuity of financial operations and organisational support services.

Q: What is the expected project commencement date?

Ans: July 2026.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 663279-2026, OJ S 186/2026, published 25 September 2026.

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