The HSE has said it may operate Dublin's new drug injection room itself, although it has invited tenders from drug treatment groups.
The location of the new facility will be revealed by 1 November, when a decision will be made on which organisation will run it.
Ana Liffey, which runs a needle exchange facility on Middle Abbey Street, and MQI Ireland, which runs a similar service on Merchants Quay, are understood to have tendered, while the HSE has its own drug treatment centre in Trinity Court off Pearse Street.
In its tender document, the HSE states that is has undertaken its own internal costing to benchmark against tenders from the external service providers.
It states: "The HSE reserves the right not to make any award to an external service provider as a result of this tender process on this basis."
Its understood that some tenders are putting the cost at around €2.5 million a year for the centre, which has to be located in the "inner city".
The tender document specifies that the new facility should provide six injection booths and a "chill out" area with comfortable chairs and coffee/tea facilities where users can relax and be monitored for around 30 minutes.
It specifies that a group representing drug users should be consulted on the design of the booths and all users will be asked to complete satisfaction survey.
The successful operator will also be required to appoint a community liaison worker to engage with local businesses and residents and to report on their opinions.
The document states that the operator should be able to demonstrate any reduction in drug related litter and drug overdoses in the area.
Users will be legally authorised to use drugs while they are in the facility, which will be run on a pilot basis for up to 18 months.
The document specifies that there should be three nurses, one or two security personnel, two project workers to provide 'wrap around services' and a receptionist on duty at the centre which will have to be open seven days a week.
Its opening hours will be staggered and suggested to be between 6am and 10.30pm.
A doctor will be required to be on duty for a minimum of 30 hours a week.
It was hoped that the centre would be open by the end of the year, but the tender states only that it should be opened "as soon as practicable" after the contract is awarded.
A group called the Dublin Business Alliance, whose members included the Temple Bar Company, the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners' Association, have sought a section 5 declaration from Dublin City Council on whether planning permission is required for the centre if it is located on Merchants Quay or Middle Abbey St.
If the council rules that planning permission is not required this can be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
A HSE spokesperson said the organistion will not be making any comment during the tendering process.
