An oxygen generation RFQ should describe the facility's supply problem, not merely ask for a generator capacity. The generation equipment will sit within a larger system of utilities, storage, backup, distribution and operational responsibility. Bidders need the same project inputs to return comparable proposals.

Define the demand and continuity requirements

Begin with demand information validated by the facility team: areas served, expected pattern, planned growth and continuity requirements. The responsible designer should specify the applicable medical oxygen quality and local approval requirements; this article cannot set those criteria. Instead, the RFQ should ask bidders to confirm how their proposed system will meet those requirements and provide evidence of compliance.

Key questions to answer before issuing the RFQ include:

• What is the expected oxygen demand profile (peak, average, and minimum)?

• Which departments or wards will be supplied, and what are their specific needs?

• What expansion is already planned, and what planning horizon has the facility approved?

• What level of redundancy is required (e.g., backup generator, storage)?

• What are the site's power quality and reliability characteristics?

Describe site conditions and utilities

Add site conditions, available power, space and access. Identify the intended role of the generation system relative to any existing sources. The RFQ must state whether the generator will be the primary source, a backup, or part of a hybrid system. This affects sizing, controls, and integration.

Bidders need to know:

• Available electrical supply (voltage, phase, capacity, and any restrictions)

• Ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude, dust)

• Available space for equipment and maintenance access

• Proximity to oxygen storage and distribution piping

• Any noise or vibration limitations

Specify the scope boundary and required deliverables

Ask each bidder for a process diagram and a component-by-component scope. The response should state what is included for generation, treatment, monitoring, storage interfaces, alarms, controls, installation support, documentation and service. It should also explain assumptions about utilities and backup. When two proposals show different capacities or price totals, compare the underlying boundary before comparing numbers.

A practical RFQ checklist should require bidders to provide:

• Process flow diagram with major components and interfaces

• Equipment list with model numbers and key specifications

• Utility requirements (power, water, drainage, compressed air)

• Control system description and monitoring capabilities

• Alarm and shutdown philosophy

• Installation and commissioning plan

• Training and documentation package

• Warranty terms and service agreement options

• List of exceptions or clarifications to the RFQ

Evaluate proposals on a consistent basis

To compare bids fairly, normalize all proposals to the same scope boundary. Identify any missing items that could affect total cost or performance. For example, if one bidder excludes storage tanks or piping, that must be added for an apples-to-apples comparison. Also consider lifecycle factors such as energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and spare parts availability.

Decision boundaries should be clear: the facility team must verify that the proposed system meets local regulatory requirements and clinical needs. The RFQ should require bidders to state any limitations or assumptions that could affect compliance.

Next steps for procurement

Kersai has an integrated oxygen generation system page. Share the site brief and request current model data, an itemized quotation and a list of exceptions for engineering review. This will help you gather the information needed to evaluate proposals and evaluate proposals against the same project requirements.