Conservation and Design Services for the Gamekeeper’s Lodge, Coronation Plantation Monument, and Boathouse Site, Wicklow Mountains National Park

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 the provision of conservation and design services for three specific sites within the Wicklow Mountains National Park: the Gamekeeper’s Lodge, Coronation Plantation Monument, and the Boathouse Site. The contractor will be responsible for a range of activities aimed at preserving and enhancing these historical structures while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

The key activities include:

• Conservation Assessment: Conducting detailed assessments of the current condition of the Gamekeeper’s Lodge, Coronation Plantation Monument, and Boathouse Site.
• Design Development: Creating design proposals that align with conservation principles and the historical significance of the sites.
• Project Management: Overseeing the implementation of conservation works, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Site Presence: Maintaining a minimum site presence every two weeks throughout the project duration to ensure ongoing oversight and compliance with project specifications.
• Client Meetings: Holding and minuting meetings with the client every four weeks or as required to discuss project progress and address any issues.
• Environmental Compliance: Implementing measures to prevent environmental degradation, such as using silt fences during conservation repair works near watercourses.
• Documentation: Preparing and submitting all necessary documentation, including progress reports and compliance certificates.

The contractor must demonstrate expertise in conservation architecture and project management, ensuring that all work adheres to relevant regulations and standards.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage's commitment to preserving Ireland's cultural heritage. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the visitor experience in national parks while safeguarding historical sites. The Wicklow Mountains National Park, covering nearly 23,000 hectares, is a significant natural and cultural asset. The urgency for these services arises from the need to address the deteriorating condition of the specified sites and to enhance their accessibility and educational value for the public.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria to be considered for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €120,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000 any one event
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 any one event
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000 any one claim excluding defence costs
• Product Liability: N/A
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of three comparable projects completed in the last five years.
• Personnel: At least one lead Conservation Architect with a minimum of five years’ experience in conservation projects.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall quality score must achieve a minimum of 50% to avoid elimination from the competition.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with a maximum of 4 pages.
• CVs: Single-page CVs for all key personnel, including the lead Conservation Architect.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the specified template and include all costs.
• Case studies: Three case studies of similar projects, detailing their value and scope.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Attendance is encouraged; arrangements must be made by contacting NPWS by 5 November 2024.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: Initial contract length of 12 months, with the possibility of two extensions of up to 6 months each.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract and must be all-inclusive.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Regular site presence and client meetings as specified.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property developed during the contract will remain with the contracting authority.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontractors must be disclosed and approved by the contracting authority.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The estimated contract value of €120,000 may be close to the minimum turnover requirement, potentially limiting competition.
• The requirement for a lead Conservation Architect with specific experience may restrict the pool of eligible bidders.
• The necessity for a minimum site presence every two weeks could impose logistical challenges, particularly for smaller firms.
• The contract's reliance on regular client meetings may increase administrative burdens.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in conservation architecture and project management. A viable bidder should have:

• Experience in managing similar conservation projects.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• Ability to form partnerships with other SMEs or larger firms if necessary.
• An estimated bid preparation effort of approximately 10-15 days.

The presence of a minimum turnover requirement and specific personnel qualifications may signal a competitive environment, especially if incumbents have a strong track record in similar projects.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT Wicklow Mountains National Park.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement.