Bandon FRS - Bridge Lane Submersible Pump Mechanical and Electrical 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

This tender seeks a contractor to provide and install mechanical and electrical works for a submersible pump system at Bridge Lane, as part of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme. The project involves the detailed design, provision, installation, commissioning, and testing of new pumping equipment and associated infrastructure within an existing pump sump.

The contractor's responsibilities include:

• Provision and installation of submersible pumps:
• Two (2) ATEX-rated submersible pumps are required.
• Each pump must include an auto-coupling stool with a duckfoot bend, guide rails, and a lifting chain made of AISI 316 Stainless Steel.
• Pumps must be suitable for wastewater, resistant to corrosion, and capable of prolonged immersion.
• They must meet ATEX Zone 2 requirements, Equipment Group II, Equipment Category 3, with a temperature class of T3.
• Pumps must handle solids with a minimum 50mm free passage and be capable of running down to 'snore' level for up to 1 minute without adverse effects.
• The design life of the pumps is 20 years.
• Provision and installation of associated pipework and valves:
• New pipework within the pump sump, made from either PN16 flanged ductile iron (to BS EN 598) or epoxy coated carbon steel pipes.
• Pipework must be suitable for stormwater runoff potentially contaminated with fuel and oil, with a suitable corrosion-resistant epoxy coating.
• Two (2) swing check or resilient hinge non-return valves, at least of equal diameter to the pump discharge branch.
• Flanges secured with 316 stainless steel bolt sets and EPDM gaskets.
• Adequate pipe bracketry to support pipes and non-return valves.
• Pipework to be pressure tested with water to 1.5 times the sum of the closed valve head plus 2 bar.
• Provision and installation of electrical and control equipment:
• Electrical switchgear, including manufacture and installation.
• Control equipment and instrumentation.
• Ultrasonic level detection with a backup level sensing system (float switches/level probes).
• Remote monitoring via a dial-out system.
• Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) for pump control.
• A UPS to provide a minimum of 12 hours supply to the high-level sensor and controller.
• Design and System Integration:
• The contractor is responsible for the detailed design of the works, including pump selection, system design, assessment of head losses, and ensuring compatibility with specified performance requirements.
• Development of a control philosophy for automatic operation, including duty/assist pump sequencing, flushing cycles, exercise programmes for pumps, and alarm generation for equipment faults.
• The entire pump sump is considered an ATEX Zone 2 hazardous area, requiring intrinsically safe wiring, barriers, and junction boxes to be ex-rated.
• Commissioning and Testing:
• Erection of all plant, commissioning, and testing.
• Submission of detailed calculations and technical submittals for approval prior to procurement and installation.
• Submission of pump performance data, including characteristic curves.

The project is estimated to take approximately 2 months, with construction on site anticipated to be 1 week.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement is part of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme, undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW). This specific contract addresses the mechanical and electrical works required for a submersible pump system at Bridge Lane. The OPW is responsible for flood risk management across Ireland, and this scheme aims to mitigate flood risk in Bandon. The project involves replacing or upgrading existing pumping infrastructure to ensure effective surface water management. The designer for the project is Ayesa (Byrne Looby Partners Water Services Ltd), and they will also act as the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP). The successful contractor will be nominated as the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum standards to be considered:

• Turnover requirement:
• Minimum average annual turnover of €400,000 in the General Construction/Civil Engineering category.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €6,500,000 per accident. Maximum excess €10,000 for property only.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum €13,000,000 per accident. Maximum excess €6,500.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum €500,000. Maximum excess is the greater of 2% of annual turnover or €5,000.
• Certifications:
• Compliance with ATEX directive 2014/24/EU for chosen pumps (Equipment Group II, Equipment Category 3, T3 temperature class).
• Pipework to comply with BS EN 598 or equivalent standards.
• Motors to comply with BS EN 60034, BS EN 60034, and BS 5000.
• Access covers and gully grates to exceed BS EN 124:2015.
• Evidence of a safety management system, potentially certified to OHSAS 18001 or equivalent. Certified membership of Safe-T-Cert may be deemed equivalent.
• Past experience:
• Evidence of completing works projects similar in nature and complexity to the requirements over the past 5 years (or 7 years where necessary for competition). This is assessed via Appendix B1 (List of Previous Works Projects) and Appendix B2 (Certificate of Satisfactory Execution).
• Personnel:
• Management staff with appropriate educational/professional qualifications and experience relevant to the Works.
• Personnel with appropriate educational and professional qualifications and experience relevant to the Works.
• Evidence of technical staff or bodies for quality control.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not explicitly detailed with scoring percentages in the provided documents. However, the selection process is described as primarily pass/fail for health and safety competence criteria. The overall award will likely follow the standard public procurement framework, which typically involves a balance of quality and price. Given the technical nature of the works, quality aspects such as technical compliance, pump selection, system design, and health and safety competence will be critical. The tender documents indicate that the Specification shall take precedence over the Contractor's proprietary plant and equipment where non-compliance is not declared.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Completed Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): This includes specific sections on Health and Safety competence (Section 3.4.1).
• Appendix B1: List of Previous Works Projects for which Certificates of Satisfactory Execution exist.
• Appendix B2: Certificate of Satisfactory Execution for previous projects.
• Appendix C: Bankers Letter on applicant headed paper.
• Health and Safety Supplement 3.4.1: Detailing technical capability criteria related to health and safety.
• Curricula Vitae (CVs): For management staff and other personnel, detailing relevant qualifications, experience, and roles on similar projects.
• Safety Statement: In the format outlined by the Health and Safety Authority, addressing specific requirements and minimum standards for the role of Contractor.
• Technical Submittals: Detailed calculations and technical submittals for pump selection and system design, including characteristic curves, prior to procurement and installation.
• Declarations: Including those related to health and safety policy, organisation, arrangements, training, and risk assessment.
• Pricing Schedule: Format not specified in the provided extract.
• Submission Portal: Bids must be submitted via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Design Responsibility: The contractor is responsible for the detailed design of the works, including pump selection and system design.
• Specification Precedence: The project Specification takes precedence over the Contractor’s proprietary plant and equipment if non-compliance is not indicated in the tender.
• Design Life: Pumps are required to have a design life of 20 years.
• ATEX Compliance: All equipment within the pump sump must be suitable for ATEX Zone 2 hazardous areas.
• Health and Safety: The contractor will be nominated as the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) and must comply with all relevant safety legislation, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.
• Payment Terms: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Liquidated Damages: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Termination Clauses: Not specified in the provided extract.
• IP Ownership: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Sub-contracting: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Parent Company Guarantee/Bond: Not specified in the provided extract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Design Responsibility: The contractor assumes significant design responsibility, including detailed design of the pumping system and selection of proprietary equipment. This requires a high level of technical expertise and carries inherent design risk.
• ATEX Compliance: The requirement for ATEX-rated equipment in Zone 2 areas necessitates specialized knowledge and careful selection to ensure compliance and safety.
• Unattended Operation: The system must be capable of prolonged unattended automatic operation, requiring robust control systems and fail-safes.
• Infrequent Operation: Pumps may operate infrequently, necessitating an exercise programme to prevent seizing and ensure readiness, adding complexity to the control system design.
• Specification vs. Proprietary Equipment: The clause stating the Specification takes precedence over non-declared proprietary equipment could lead to disputes if a contractor proposes non-compliant but preferred equipment without clear disclosure.
• Health and Safety Focus: The extensive requirements for Health and Safety competence, including detailed SAQ sections and specific documentation, indicate a high level of scrutiny in this area.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specialised expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, particularly in pump systems, control systems, and hazardous area installations (ATEX).

• Credible Bidders: SMEs with a proven track record in delivering similar M&E works for water or wastewater infrastructure, possessing the necessary certifications (e.g., ATEX compliance knowledge), and demonstrating strong health and safety management systems would be well-positioned. Firms with experience in flood relief schemes or pumping station upgrades would have an advantage.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The documents do not explicitly prohibit consortia or sub-contracting. However, the emphasis on the contractor's design responsibility and PSCS role suggests a lead contractor with significant direct capability is expected. Sub-contracting for specific elements might be permissible but would need careful management.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Bid preparation could require 10-20 days for a competent SME. This includes understanding the technical specifications, developing the detailed design proposals, compiling the SAQ, gathering supporting documentation (CVs, past projects, safety statements), and preparing pricing.
• Pwin Signal: The tender is open to competition, with no explicit incumbent mentioned. The primary Pwin signals will be the bidder's demonstrated technical capability in pump system design and ATEX compliance, their health and safety record, and their pricing. The detailed design responsibility places a premium on technical competence.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): C008065-AYE-SP-W-05.pdf (Volume A – Works Requirements)
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in provided documents.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not specified in provided documents.
• Most Important Attachments:
• C008065-AYE-SP-W-05.pdf (Volume A – Works Requirements)
• SAQ 3-4-1 H&S Supp for Contractor_Bandon FRS - Bridge Lane Submersible Pump M&E Works.docx
• Appendix B1 List of Previous Works Projects
• Appendix B2 Certificate of Satisfactory Execution