NOHC Energy Improvement Works - AC Replacement Programme

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 the replacement of air conditioning (AC) systems at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. The contractor is expected to manage the entire process from supply to installation, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards. The scale of work includes:

• Installation of AC Units: Supply and installation of new AC units across various hospital areas.
• Electrical and Control Systems: Installation of associated electrical and control systems to ensure optimal operation of the AC units.
• Maintenance and Support: Provision of ongoing maintenance and emergency support services, including a 24/7 call-out facility.
• Project Management: Coordination of all activities related to the AC replacement, including liaising with hospital staff and ensuring minimal disruption to hospital operations.
• Compliance with Standards: Adherence to ISO EN Standards, specifically ISO EN 14901 and ISO 391-2020, as well as British Standards/Euro Codes.
• Documentation and Reporting: Submission of progress reports and compliance documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

The contractor must demonstrate experience in managing a minimum of three AC projects of similar nature and complexity within a healthcare setting over the past five years.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of the AC Replacement Programme aligns with the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh's commitment to improving energy efficiency and patient comfort. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance hospital infrastructure, funded through government allocations aimed at modernizing healthcare facilities. The hospital has a history of maintaining high standards in patient care and operational efficiency. No incumbent contractor was mentioned in the tender documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of not less than €1,000,000, calculated over the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: Minimum coverage of €6,500 per event.
• Employer's Liability: Minimum coverage of €13,000,000 per event.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO/EN/BS standards; specific certifications not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of involvement in a minimum of 3 comparable projects in a healthcare setting over the past 5 years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Submissions that do not meet the above minimum requirements shall be deemed non-compliant.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must provide the following documents as part of their submission:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with a maximum of 10 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the specified template.
• Case studies: At least 2 case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values ranging from €100,000 to €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Attendance is required on 23 June 2026 at 09:00 AM; confirmation via eTenders is necessary.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made through eTenders, adhering to specific format rules outlined in the tender documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Warranty period: A minimum of 5 years for all installed systems.
• Payment terms: Monthly payments of 90% of the value of works completed, with the remaining 10% payable upon certification of substantial completion.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified in the documents.
• Termination clauses: The employer may appoint another contractor within 12 months if the contract is terminated, with a penalty of 4% of the unpaid portion of the price.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property developed during the contract will remain with the employer.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified in the documents.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a minimum turnover of €1,000,000 may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding smaller contractors.
• The mandatory site visit could present logistical challenges for bidders located outside Dublin.
• The absence of specified liquidated damages may lead to ambiguity regarding penalties for delays.
• The lack of clarity on subcontracting rules could pose challenges for bidders intending to collaborate with smaller firms or specialists.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this tender should have:

• Experience in HVAC systems, particularly in healthcare settings, with a proven track record of managing similar projects.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements, which may necessitate partnerships or subcontracting arrangements.
• A bid preparation effort estimated at 10-15 days, considering the need for documentation and compliance with submission requirements.
• The presence of an incumbent contractor or previous winners is not explicitly mentioned, suggesting a competitive environment for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Invitation to Tender - Site Visit.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified; clarification portal available via eTenders
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B2 — Suitability Assessment
• Mandatory Requirements Schedule
• SLA - Warranty.xlsx