Schools Energy Pathfinder 2025 - Biomass Programme - Heating Upgrade and Building Enabling Works Package - Bundle 4 (CMETB)

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The Schools Energy Pathfinder 2025 - Biomass Programme encompasses a comprehensive heating upgrade and building enabling works package for educational facilities under the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). The contractor is expected to undertake various activities to enhance energy efficiency and heating systems across multiple school sites.

Key activities include:

• Heating System Installation: Installation of biomass heating systems, including the necessary infrastructure to support these systems.
• Building Enabling Works: Modifications to existing structures to accommodate new heating systems, including structural reinforcements and alterations to layouts.
• Compliance with Standards: All works must comply with relevant building regulations and standards, including ISO 45001:2018 for safety management.
• Project Management: Coordination of all project phases, including planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure timely completion.
• Documentation and Reporting: Regular submission of progress reports and compliance documentation to the CMETB.
• Site Management: Ensuring safety protocols are followed on-site, including health and safety management by qualified personnel.
• Completion Timeline: The overall works are to be completed within a specified timeframe, with substantial completion expected within 44 weeks from the contract start date.

The contractor must also manage any unforeseen issues that arise during the project, ensuring minimal disruption to school operations.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Irish Government's commitment to enhancing energy efficiency in public buildings, particularly in the education sector. The Schools Energy Pathfinder 2025 initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability in schools. The Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board has a history of engaging contractors for similar projects, aiming to modernize facilities and improve energy performance. The urgency of this tender reflects the government's push for immediate action on energy upgrades in light of recent policy changes aimed at combating climate change.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover Requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €5,500,000 in general construction.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €6,500,000 for any one event.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13,000,000 for any one event.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum annual aggregate limit of €750,000.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO standards and registration with relevant bodies, such as CORU or Safe-T-Cert.
• Past Experience: Evidence of at least three comparable projects completed within the last five years, demonstrating similar size and complexity.
• Personnel: Key roles must include:
• Contracts Manager with at least 10 years’ experience in the building trade, including 5 years in a management role.
• Health and Safety Manager with relevant qualifications and at least 5 years’ experience.
• Geographic Constraints: Bidders must be located within a reasonable distance from the project sites, as specified in the tender documents.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method Statement: A detailed response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Curriculum Vitae for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed using the specified template.
• Case Studies: At least three case studies of relevant projects, with values ranging from €1 million to €5 million.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Site Visit: Attendance at a mandatory site visit is required, with details provided in the tender documents.
• Submission Portal: All submissions must be made via the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Contract Duration: The contract will have a defined term with potential extensions based on performance.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made in stages, with a minimum amount for interim payments set at €5,000.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Specific KPIs will be established to monitor project progress and quality.
• Liquidated Damages: A rate of €3,000 per week will apply for delays beyond the agreed completion date.
• Termination Clauses: The contract may be terminated for non-compliance with specified terms.
• Intellectual Property: Ownership of any intellectual property developed during the project will be retained by the CMETB.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the CMETB.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover Threshold: The turnover requirement of €5,500,000 may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding smaller contractors.
• Geographic Constraints: Specific location requirements may restrict the pool of eligible bidders.
• Tight Timeline: The completion timeline of 44 weeks may pose challenges, particularly if unforeseen issues arise.
• Incumbent Advantage: Previous contractors may have an advantage due to familiarity with the CMETB's processes and requirements.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) considering this tender should note:

• Credible Bidders: Firms with experience in general construction, particularly in educational or public sector projects, are best suited.
• Consortiums and Sub-contracting: The tender allows for consortium bids and sub-contracting, which may enable smaller firms to participate.
• Bid Preparation Effort: Preparing a competitive bid may require significant effort, estimated at 10-15 days, including gathering documentation and case studies.
• Pwin Signal: The presence of an incumbent contractor may indicate a competitive landscape, but the open procedure allows for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: 01.Invitation to Tender.zip
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact Email: not specified
• Important Attachments:
• "1.4 Instruction to Tenderers (ITTs).pdf"
• "Volume A: Works Requirements"
• "Volume B: Form of Tender and Schedule"