Arklow Harbour: South Quay Pontoon Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade and Future-Proofing Extension

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 project involves upgrading the electrical infrastructure at South Quay, Arklow Harbour, with a focus on future-proofing the facilities. The contractor will be responsible for the design, installation, and commissioning of electrical systems to enhance the operational capacity of the pontoon area.

Key activities include:

• Electrical System Design: Develop detailed designs for the electrical infrastructure, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Installation of Electrical Equipment: Install new electrical systems, including lighting, power distribution, and control systems.
• Testing and Commissioning: Conduct thorough testing of all installed systems to ensure functionality and safety.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Ensure compatibility and integration with existing electrical systems at the harbour.
• Documentation and Reporting: Provide comprehensive documentation of the work completed, including as-built drawings and operation manuals.
• Maintenance Planning: Develop a maintenance plan for the newly installed systems to ensure longevity and reliability.

The project will adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations, and the contractor must demonstrate experience in similar projects to ensure compliance with industry standards.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Wicklow County Council as part of a broader initiative to enhance the infrastructure of Arklow Harbour. The upgrade aligns with local development plans aimed at improving maritime facilities and promoting economic activity in the region. The project is part of a strategic effort to modernize the harbour's capabilities, ensuring it meets current and future demands. No incumbent contractor is mentioned in the documentation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1.5 million over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum level of €1.5 million.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €6.5 million per incident.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €6.5 million per incident.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent health and safety management standards.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least three comparable projects completed in the last five years, demonstrating similar scale and complexity.
• Personnel: Key personnel must have a minimum of five years' experience in electrical infrastructure projects.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be based within 50 km of Arklow Harbour.

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 is no minimum scoring threshold specified for individual criteria or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A detailed response document outlining the approach to the project, limited to 20 pages.
• CVs: Curriculum vitae for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Completed pricing template as provided in the tender documents.
• Case studies: At least three case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €500,000 to €2 million.
• Declarations: Completed European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), tax clearance certificate, and conflict of interest declaration.
• Mandatory site visit: A site visit is required; details will be provided upon request.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via the eTenders portal, following specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: The contract duration is set for 12 months, with a possible extension of up to 6 months based on project needs.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made within 30 days of invoice submission, contingent upon satisfactory completion of milestones.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance indicators will include project completion timelines and quality standards as defined in the contract.
• Liquidated damages: A penalty of €150 per day will apply for delays beyond the agreed completion date.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated for non-performance or breach of contract terms.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the project will be owned by Wicklow County Council.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the council.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €1.5 million may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: The requirement for bidders to be located within 50 km of Arklow Harbour could restrict competition.
• Tight timelines: The project has a short go-live period, which may pose challenges for contractors to mobilize resources effectively.
• Integration with existing systems: The need to integrate with legacy systems may present technical challenges for non-incumbent bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in electrical infrastructure projects. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in similar projects, ideally with a focus on maritime or harbour facilities.
• The capability to meet insurance and certification requirements.
• The ability to mobilize resources quickly to meet tight deadlines.

Consortium bidding is allowed, which may enhance the capacity of smaller firms to compete. Preparation for the bid may require approximately 10-15 days of effort, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of a defined turnover threshold and geographic constraints may signal a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents are likely to bid.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Arklow_Harbour_Electrical_Infrastructure_Upgrade_RFT.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B1 — List of Previous Works Projects
• Appendix B2 — Certificate of Satisfactory Execution
• Appendix C — Bankers Letter