Proposed Teen Zone at Friary Grounds, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

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 construct a Teen Zone at Friary Grounds, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. The project involves the development of a dedicated space for teenagers, incorporating elements of play and recreation. Specific details regarding the scale, materials, and exact specifications of the Teen Zone are not fully elaborated in the provided metadata.

The scope of work will likely encompass:

• Site Preparation: This may include clearing, levelling, and preparing the ground for construction.
• Construction of Play/Recreation Structures: This will involve building the core elements of the Teen Zone. Based on the referenced documents, potential components could include:
• Adventure play pods constructed of natural materials, such as a "Cougar Climber" and "Hawk Nest."
• Rockwork and rough timber construction elements.
• Timber fencing, potentially with finials, providing a higher level of security or aesthetic.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensuring all construction adheres to relevant safety standards, including those for playground equipment (EN 1176 Parts 1-7 and EN 1177).
• Health and Safety Management: Implementing and managing health and safety protocols throughout the construction process, as mandated by Irish legislation (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations). This includes developing and maintaining a Safety Statement, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring appropriate training for personnel.
• Project Supervision: The contractor may be required to fulfil roles such as Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) or Designer, depending on the specific appointment.

The project is expected to be completed within a specified timeframe, though this is not detailed in the provided metadata. The contractor will be responsible for all aspects of the construction, from initial site works to the final handover, ensuring the completed Teen Zone meets all specified requirements and safety standards.

3. Background & buyer context

Mayo County Council is procuring the construction of a Teen Zone at Friary Grounds in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. The initiative appears to be part of a broader effort to provide recreational facilities for young people within the county. While specific policy drivers are not explicitly stated, such projects often align with local authority strategies for community development, youth engagement, and enhancing public amenities. The procurement is being conducted under Irish public procurement regulations. No incumbent contractor is mentioned in the provided documentation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this tender:

• Turnover requirement: A minimum average annual turnover of €300,000, excluding VAT, based on the previous three years of trading.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13.5 Million for any one event.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €10,500 for property damage and for death, illness, or injury. If no specific amount is stated for death, illness, or injury, a minimum of €6,500 applies.
• Certifications:
• Bidders must possess a Safety Statement in the format outlined by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
• For roles such as Designer, PSDP, or PSCS, membership or eligibility for membership of a recognised professional body (e.g., RIAI, ACEI, SCS, IEI, NISO, OSH) is required.
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate satisfactory execution of previous works or services of a similar nature. This is evidenced through a list of projects and accompanying certificates of satisfactory execution (Appendix B1 and B2). The specific number, value, or complexity of past projects required is not quantified in the provided metadata.
• Personnel: The Safety Statement must outline the management organisational structure regarding health and safety responsibilities. For specific roles (Designer, PSDP/HSC, PSCS), personnel must be aware of their responsibilities under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring methodology are not detailed in the provided tender metadata. Typically, public sector tenders in Ireland are awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), which considers a balance of price and quality. The specific weighting between price and quality, and the sub-criteria for evaluating quality (e.g., technical merit, experience, methodology), would be detailed in the full tender documents.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following documentation:

• Declarations:
• Applicant’s Personal Situation Declaration (Appendix A2-2), confirming no grounds for exclusion under relevant EU directives and Irish regulations.
• Health and Safety Compliance Declarations (Appendices C1, C2, C3, C4, C6), confirming adherence to safety legislation and the possession of appropriate Safety Statements and organisational structures.
• Declaration of ability to meet minimum health and safety standards for educational and professional qualifications (Appendices G and H).
• Declaration of ability to meet minimum standards for technical equipment (Appendix F).
• Declaration of ability to meet minimum standards for economic and financial standing (Appendix D).
• List of Previous Works/Services: Appendix B1 requires a list of projects for which similar works or services were provided, supported by certificates of satisfactory execution. Appendix B2 provides a template for a Certificate of Satisfactory Execution for Works.
• Safety Statement: A copy of the current general health and safety policy and relevant management organisational structure documents.
• Method Statements and Risk Assessments: Standard forms used for method statements and risk assessments.
• Training Arrangements: Details of arrangements for continuing training of personnel in Health and Safety.
• Coordination Procedures: Details of arrangements for the co-ordination of information between contractors, suppliers, and designers.
• Pricing Schedule: Not explicitly detailed, but implied as a requirement for tender submission.
• Submission Portal: Bids must be submitted via the eTenders platform. Specific format rules for electronic submission are not detailed in the metadata.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Specific contract terms are not detailed in the provided metadata. However, based on standard public sector construction contracts in Ireland, bidders should anticipate clauses relating to:

• Contract Period: The duration of the contract, including any potential extension options.
• Payment Terms: Standard payment schedules, likely including mechanisms for interim payments and final account settlement, subject to prompt payment legislation.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs) / Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): While not specified, these would typically relate to project timelines, quality of work, and site safety performance.
• Liquidated Damages: Penalties for failure to meet key milestones or completion dates.
• Termination Clauses: Conditions under which either party can terminate the contract.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership: Typically, IP generated during the contract would vest with the contracting authority.
• Sub-contracting: Rules governing the use of sub-contractors, including potential requirements for approval.
• Bonds/Guarantees: Requirements for performance bonds or parent company guarantees may be stipulated.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The primary unusual aspect of this tender, based on the provided metadata, is the lack of a disclosed estimated value. This makes it difficult for bidders to gauge the scale of the project and assess their capacity and the potential profitability. The submission deadline of September 1, 2026, is notably distant, suggesting this may be an early-stage advertisement or a placeholder date. The absence of specific details on the scope of work, contract length, and award criteria also presents a risk, requiring bidders to make assumptions or seek significant clarification. The reliance on numerous appendices for critical declarations (Health & Safety, Personal Situation, Financial Standing) indicates a comprehensive but potentially time-consuming submission process.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in construction, particularly those with experience in developing recreational or play facilities. The minimum average annual turnover requirement of €300,000 suggests that very small sole traders or newly established companies may find it challenging to meet this criterion.

• Credible bidders: Construction companies with a proven track record in similar projects, demonstrating robust health and safety management systems and the capacity to meet the insurance requirements. Companies experienced in working with local authorities and adhering to public procurement processes would be well-positioned.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The documentation does not explicitly prohibit consortium bids or sub-contracting. However, the emphasis on individual company declarations for health and safety, financial standing, and past performance suggests that lead contractors will be primarily assessed. SMEs might consider forming consortia to pool resources and expertise.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Given the number of declarations and appendices required, particularly concerning health and safety compliance and past performance, bid preparation could require 5-10 working days for a focused team, assuming standard company documentation is readily available.
• Pwin signal: The distant submission deadline and lack of disclosed value make it difficult to assess the competitive landscape. The absence of an incumbent mention suggests a potentially open market. However, the detailed health and safety requirements and the need for certified compliance could favour established firms with mature H&S departments.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): Not specified in metadata.
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in metadata.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified in metadata.
• Most important attachments:
• [QW1_Appendix_A2-2.doc] APPENDIX A: APPLICANT’S PERSONAL SITUATION DECLARATION
• [QW2_Appendix_C1.doc] APPENDIX C1: HEALTH AND SAFETY DECLARATION – Contractor or PSCS Appointments
• [QW2_Appendix_B1.dot] APPENDIX B1: LIST OF PREVIOUS WORKS/WORKS AND SERVICES FOR WHICH THERE IS A CERTIFICATE OF SATISFACTORY EXECUTION/SERVICE DELIVERY