NORA Tarbert Out of Service Inspection

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 conducting an Out of Service Inspection of Tank 12 at the NORA Oil Storage Terminals in Tarbert, with the possibility of additional tanks being inspected as needed. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including EN 13018 and EN 13927.

Key activities include:

• Inspection of Tank 12: Conduct a thorough inspection of the tank to assess its condition and compliance with safety regulations.
• Additional Inspections: Provision for inspections of additional tanks as required.
• Documentation: Prepare detailed reports on the findings of the inspections, including any necessary recommendations for maintenance or repairs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to the Chemicals Act (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations.
• Project Schedule: Develop and adhere to a project timeline that outlines key milestones and deliverables.
• Team Management: Assign qualified personnel to the project, ensuring they possess relevant experience and qualifications in similar inspections.

The contractor must demonstrate familiarity with the operational environment and the specific requirements of the oil industry, ensuring that all inspections are conducted safely and efficiently.

3. Background & buyer context

The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) is procuring these services to ensure the safety and compliance of its oil storage facilities. This procurement aligns with NORA's ongoing commitment to maintaining high safety standards and regulatory compliance in its operations. The inspection is part of a broader strategy to manage and mitigate risks associated with the storage of hazardous materials. The urgency of this procurement reflects the need for timely inspections to prevent potential safety incidents and ensure operational integrity.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000 averaged over the previous three financial years. The Lead Tenderer must have an annual turnover of at least €100,000.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €2.6 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• 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 price/quality split follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle. There are no minimum scoring thresholds specified for individual criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Use the template provided in Appendix 1, adhering to any page limits specified.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, with a focus on relevant experience.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule as per Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations: Include the European Single Procurement Document (eESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: A site visit is scheduled for 1st October 2024; confirmation of attendance is required by 27th September 2024.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic postbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract duration is defined as the term of the project, with potential extensions not specified.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract at Appendix 5.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: The successful Tenderer must designate a Prime Contractor responsible for the Services Contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €150,000 may limit participation to a narrow pool of bidders, potentially favoring incumbents.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified, but if present, could limit competition.
• Tight timeline: The site visit and tender submission deadlines are closely spaced, which may pressure bidders to prepare quickly.
• Regulatory compliance: The need for familiarity with COMAH regulations may disadvantage firms without prior experience in the oil sector.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in inspection services, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

• Credible bidders: Firms with a turnover of at least €150,000 and relevant insurance coverage can credibly bid.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: The tender allows for consortium bids, enabling smaller firms to collaborate.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparation may require several days, particularly for documentation and compliance checks.
• Pwin signal: The presence of a turnover threshold and the requirement for specific insurance may indicate a competitive environment, especially if incumbents have established relationships with NORA.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT- NORA Tarbert Out of Service Inspection.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement