Detailed Structural Investigation Works Contract for Wexford Bridge, Kildavin Bridge and Edermine Bridge, County Wexford

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 contract involves detailed structural investigation works for three bridges: Wexford Bridge, Kildavin Bridge, and Edermine Bridge, all located in County Wexford. The contractor will be responsible for assessing the structural integrity of these bridges, which includes a variety of investigative tasks and reporting requirements.

The key activities include:

• Visual Inspections: Conduct thorough visual assessments of bridge structures to identify visible defects.
• Material Testing: Perform tests on materials used in the construction of the bridges, including concrete and steel, to determine their current condition and structural capacity.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Utilize methods such as ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspection to evaluate the integrity of structural components without causing damage.
• Underwater Inspections: Conduct inspections of submerged parts of the bridges, requiring specialized diving teams with a minimum of five years’ experience.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed reports documenting findings, including photographs and test results, with a draft report due after fieldwork completion and a final report issued thereafter.
• Compliance with Standards: Ensure all investigations adhere to relevant standards, including ISO 4628 for evaluation principles and IS EN 12504-1:2019 for concrete testing.

The contractor must also coordinate with the Employer’s Representative, Roughan & O'Donovan, and provide a project supervisor for the construction stage.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Wexford County Council as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance and safety assurance efforts. The investigation aligns with governmental policies aimed at enhancing the safety and longevity of public structures. The bridges in question have been identified for assessment due to their age and the necessity for regular maintenance checks. No incumbent contractor is specified in the tender documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €250,000 in the area of structural investigation and material testing.
• 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 indemnity limit of €1,500,000 annual aggregate.
• Certifications: Must hold a current minimum Level 2 ICorr Certificate or be certified to NACE International.
• Past experience: Must have completed a minimum of three comparable projects within the last five years.
• Personnel: Key personnel must include a supervisor with a minimum of five years’ experience in ground and structural investigation.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with no minimum scoring threshold specified for individual criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must be submitted in the specified format using the provided template.
• Case studies: At least three case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values ranging from €100,000 to €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, tax clearance, and conflict of interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: A site visit is required; details will be provided upon request.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: The contract duration is not specified, but it includes provisions for extensions based on project needs.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made on a monthly basis, contingent upon the completion of specified milestones.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance will be measured against milestones, with specific percentages allocated to each phase of the project.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified, but delays may incur penalties as per the contract conditions.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated if the contractor fails to meet performance standards or timelines.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property developed during the project will remain with the Employer.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted with prior approval from the Employer.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €250,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, as it is close to the expected contract value.
• The requirement for specialized diving teams may restrict the pool of eligible bidders to those with specific capabilities.
• No performance bond is required, which may raise concerns about financial security for the Employer.
• The absence of a specified contract length may lead to uncertainties regarding project timelines and deliverables.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid on this tender should possess:

• A proven track record in structural investigation and material testing, with relevant certifications.
• The capability to meet insurance requirements, including substantial public and employer’s liability coverage.
• Experience in managing similar projects, particularly those involving bridge inspections and assessments.
• The ability to provide specialized personnel, including divers with significant experience.

Consortium bidding is not explicitly mentioned, but subcontracting may be allowed with prior approval. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at 10-15 days, considering the documentation and compliance requirements. The presence of no incumbent contractor may signal an opportunity for new entrants, but the specific expertise required could limit participation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 25.168-ROD-VGT-SW_AE-SP-CB-300002 Part 2.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B2 — Suitability Assessment
• Mandatory Requirements Schedule
• Performance Bond Template