The Design of a Framework for Competitive Award of Maritime Area Consents

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 designing a framework for the competitive award of maritime area consents, specifically for offshore renewable energy projects. The contractor will be responsible for developing a structured approach that aligns with regulatory requirements and best practices in the field. The scope includes the following activities:

• Framework Design: Develop a comprehensive framework for awarding maritime area consents, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate consultations with key stakeholders, including government bodies and industry representatives, to gather insights and feedback.
• Criteria Development: Establish clear criteria for evaluating applications for maritime area consents, focusing on environmental sustainability and economic viability.
• Documentation Preparation: Create necessary documentation and guidelines for the application process, ensuring clarity and transparency.
• Training and Support: Provide training sessions for regulatory staff on the new framework and criteria, ensuring effective implementation.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop a system for monitoring the effectiveness of the framework post-implementation, including metrics for success.

The contractor will work closely with the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) to ensure that the framework meets the strategic objectives of the authority and adheres to EU regulations.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of this contract is driven by the need to establish a structured process for awarding maritime area consents in the context of increasing offshore renewable energy projects in Ireland. The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) aims to facilitate the growth of this sector while ensuring environmental protection and compliance with EU directives. This initiative aligns with national energy policies and commitments to renewable energy targets. The authority has identified the necessity for a competitive framework to streamline the consent process, thereby enhancing efficiency and transparency in decision-making.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €12.7 million limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €1.5 million for each claim excluding defence costs.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least two comparable projects, particularly in advising national administrations on offshore renewable energy seabed leasing.
• 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 overall evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, with a maximum of two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule as per Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide two case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with values ranging from €50,000 to €150,000.
• Declarations: Include the European Single Procurement Document (eESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The initial contract term is 12 months, with the possibility of one 12-month extension.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract, with all prices quoted being inclusive of all costs except VAT.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property created during the contract will remain with the contracting authority.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontracting is permitted, but the prime contractor must maintain overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns for bidders include:

• The turnover requirement of €300,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The absence of specified certifications may create uncertainty regarding compliance expectations.
• The lack of detailed SLAs/KPIs could lead to ambiguity in performance expectations.
• The contract's reliance on the successful implementation of the framework may pose risks if the contractor lacks experience in similar projects.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in regulatory frameworks and offshore renewable energy. Viable bidders should possess:

• Relevant experience in developing frameworks for competitive awards or similar projects.
• The capacity to engage with stakeholders effectively.
• A solid financial standing, as indicated by the turnover requirement.

Consortium arrangements are allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities to meet the requirements. Bid preparation may require a commitment of approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of a defined turnover threshold suggests that incumbents or established firms may have an advantage in this competition.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT The Design of a Framework for Competitive Award of Maritime Area Consents.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: Queries must be directed via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement