Cork Public Museum Conservation Works

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 Cork Public Museum Conservation Works project involves the conservation and restoration of various elements within the museum. The contractor will be responsible for the preservation of historical artifacts, structural elements, and the overall integrity of the museum's facilities. The scale of the project is significant, requiring specialized skills in conservation techniques and materials.

Key activities include:

• Assessment and Treatment: Conducting thorough assessments of existing conditions, including timber decay and structural integrity. Treatment of affected areas using appropriate conservation methods.
• Material Installation: Installing new insulation (e.g., Rockwool timber frame slab) and ensuring compliance with conservation standards.
• Documentation: Maintaining detailed records of all conservation activities, including methodologies and materials used.
• Collaboration with Specialists: Engaging timber decay specialists to evaluate and treat all timber elements in contact with moisture.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to all relevant health and safety regulations, as well as conservation best practices.
• Project Management: Overseeing the project timeline, ensuring that all works are completed within the stipulated six-month contract period.

The contractor must also ensure that all works are completed to the satisfaction of Cork City Council and comply with any additional requirements specified in the tender documentation.

3. Background & buyer context

Cork City Council initiated this procurement to enhance the conservation efforts at the Cork Public Museum, aligning with broader cultural preservation policies. This project is part of a strategic initiative to maintain and improve public heritage sites, ensuring they remain accessible and preserved for future generations. The urgency for these works arises from the need to address ongoing deterioration and to comply with modern conservation standards. The incumbent contractor is not 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 €1,500,000 in general construction.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum cover of €250,000.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000 for any one accident.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000 for any one accident.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past Experience: A minimum of 15 years of relevant building construction experience, with at least 10 years in a senior management or director role, specifically for conservation projects.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on both price and quality. There are no minimum scoring thresholds specified for individual criteria or overall.

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: CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: A completed pricing document using the specified template.
• Case Studies: Two case studies of comparable projects, with values ranging between €500,000 and €1,500,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory Site Visit: A site visit is required; details will be provided in the tender documents.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted 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 initial contract period is six months, with potential extensions based on performance.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made based on milestones achieved, with a minimum amount for interim payments set at €0.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be established to ensure timely completion and quality standards.
• Liquidated Damages: Penalties may apply for delays beyond the agreed timeline.
• Termination Clauses: The contract may be terminated for non-compliance or failure to meet performance standards.
• IP Ownership: All intellectual property generated during the contract will remain with Cork City Council.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Sub-contracting is permitted, but the primary contractor remains responsible for all aspects of the work.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns specific to this tender include:

• Turnover Threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €1,500,000 is close to the expected contract value, which may limit competition.
• Specialist Requirements: The need for timber decay specialists may restrict bidders who lack these specific qualifications.
• Tight Timeline: The six-month contract duration may pose challenges for bidders to mobilize resources and complete the work on time.
• Lack of Past Experience Specification: The absence of detailed requirements for past experience may lead to variability in the quality of bids received.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the following characteristics:

• Credible Bidders: Firms with experience in conservation and general construction, holding relevant certifications and insurance.
• Consortiums/Sub-contracting: Bidders may form consortiums or engage subcontractors to meet specific expertise requirements.
• Bid Preparation Effort: Estimated preparation time is approximately 10-15 days, considering the documentation and site visit requirements.
• Pwin Signal: The lack of an incumbent contractor may provide an opportunity for new entrants, although the turnover threshold may deter smaller firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: ITT-W2-v2.5-01-08-2023-1.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact Email: not specified
• Important Attachments:
• Volume A: Works Requirements
• Volume B: Form of Tender and Schedule
• Volume C: Pricing Document