Passenger Ferry and Light Cargo Service between Oileán Chléire and Baltimore Harbour

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

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Department of Rural and Community Development Passenger Ferry and Light Cargo Service between Oileán Chléire, County Cork and Baltimore Harbour, County Cork 60000000 €2,720,421.00 not stated Open not stated County Cork 5 years with possible extensions 31 October 2024, 13:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves providing a passenger ferry and light cargo service between Oileán Chléire and Baltimore Harbour in County Cork. The successful contractor will operate a ferry service that meets the transportation needs of residents and visitors, ensuring reliable and safe passage throughout the year.

Key activities include:

• Service Frequency: The ferry must operate a minimum of two round trips per day during peak season and at least one round trip during off-peak times.
• Capacity Requirements: The ferry must accommodate at least 100 passengers and 10 tons of cargo per trip.
• Operational Hours: The service will run 12 months a year, subject to weather conditions and operational requirements.
• Safety Standards: Compliance with all relevant maritime safety regulations, including the provision of life jackets and safety briefings for passengers.
• Environmental Considerations: The contractor must implement measures to minimize environmental impact, including pollution control and waste management.
• Reporting: Monthly performance reports detailing passenger numbers, cargo volumes, and any incidents must be submitted to the Contracting Authority.
• Emergency Response: An emergency response plan must be in place, detailing procedures for evacuations and incidents at sea.

The contract may also include provisions for additional services or adjustments based on demand and operational feedback.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of the Irish Government's commitment to enhance transport connectivity in rural areas, particularly for island communities. The service aligns with the Department of Rural and Community Development's objectives to support local economies and improve access to essential services. The procurement is timely as it aims to replace an incumbent service provider whose contract is nearing expiration. The strategic driver behind this initiative is to ensure sustainable transport solutions that cater to both residents and tourists, thereby boosting local economic activity.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,000,000 in the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12,700,000 limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 limit for any one claim.
• Protection and Indemnity (Marine) Insurance: €10,000,000 limit for any one claim.
• Certifications: Compliance with relevant maritime safety standards and any applicable ISO certifications.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least 3 comparable projects in the last 5 years, demonstrating experience in ferry operations or similar maritime services.
• Personnel: At least one qualified marine engineer with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in ferry operations.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be based within the EU or EEA.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The 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 outlining the service delivery plan (maximum 20 pages).
• CVs: Resumes for key personnel (maximum 2 pages each).
• Pricing schedule: Completed template provided in the RFT.
• Case studies: At least 3 case studies of relevant projects, each valued over €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a duration of 5 years, with the possibility of two 6-month extensions based on performance. Payment terms will be monthly, based on service delivery and passenger numbers. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will include service reliability, safety incidents, and customer satisfaction metrics. Liquidated damages may apply for failure to meet service frequency requirements. Intellectual property rights for any materials developed during the contract will remain with the Contracting Authority.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• A high turnover requirement that may limit participation from smaller operators.
• Geographic constraints that may exclude non-local bidders.
• The contract's reliance on weather conditions, which could affect service delivery and profitability.
• A lack of clarity on the expected volume of cargo, which could impact financial projections.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises with experience in maritime transport. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in ferry operations or similar services.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to form consortia or subcontract as needed to fulfill the contract requirements.
• An estimated bid preparation effort of approximately 10-15 days, considering the documentation and compliance requirements.

The presence of an incumbent operator may signal a competitive environment, but opportunities exist for SMEs to leverage partnerships.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: RFT Oileán Chléire 2025 - 2030.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement.