Replacement Civil Structural Engineer for Additional Accommodation at Balla National School, Balla, Castlebar, Co Mayo

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 civil and structural engineering services for the additional accommodation project at Balla National School. The contractor will be responsible for the design, supervision, and management of the construction works, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Key activities include:

• Design Development: Preparation of detailed design documents, including structural calculations and drawings.
• Site Supervision: On-site management during construction to ensure adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
• Coordination: Liaising with other consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and integration.
• Quality Assurance: Implementing quality control measures throughout the construction phase.
• Reporting: Regular progress reports to the school and relevant authorities.
• Compliance Checks: Ensuring all work meets local building codes and safety regulations.
• Defects Management: Addressing any defects during the defects liability period post-completion.

The project is expected to include the construction of new classrooms, administrative spaces, and associated facilities, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated as part of the Department of Education's ongoing efforts to enhance educational facilities across Ireland. The project aligns with the Government's commitment to improving school infrastructure and accommodating growing student populations. The Balla National School has seen increased enrollment, necessitating additional accommodation. The incumbent contractor is not specified in the tender documents, indicating an open competition for this project.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €200,000 over the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of 3 comparable projects completed in the last 5 years, each with a value of at least €500,000.
• Personnel: The Project Director must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in civil/structural engineering.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The price/quality split follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle. A minimum score of 50% is required in the quality assessment to be considered for the award.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Adhering to the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Using the specified template.
• Case studies: At least 2, with project values between €500,000 and €1,000,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders portal in PDF format.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: The contract duration is set for 12 months, with a potential extension of up to 6 months based on project needs.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made monthly based on submitted invoices and progress reports.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely completion of project phases and adherence to budget constraints.
• Liquidated damages: A penalty of €1,000 per week for delays beyond the agreed completion date.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property created during the project will belong to the Balla National School.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but requires prior approval from the Contracting Authority.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €200,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified, but proximity to the site may be a factor in evaluating bids.
• Funding conditions: The project is contingent on timely funding from the Department of Education, which may introduce uncertainty.
• Tight timelines: The go-live date is set for January 2025, which may pressure bidders to mobilize quickly.
• Incumbent advantage: Previous contractors may have insights that give them a competitive edge.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in civil and structural engineering. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in similar projects, ideally with a focus on educational facilities.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to mobilize quickly and manage project timelines effectively.

Consortium bidding is permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate. Preparation for the bid may require approximately 10-15 days of effort, depending on the firm’s existing resources and experience. The presence of a minimum turnover requirement may signal a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents are involved.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITTS Instructions-to-Tenderers-open-2019.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B2 — Suitability Assessment
• Mandatory Requirements Schedule