Multi-Party Framework Agreement for Architect-Led Integrated Design Team Services

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 tender seeks architect-led integrated design team services for architectural design, refurbishment, and conservation projects, beginning with Daingean Courthouse. The framework will support Offaly County Council and other local authorities in delivering public building projects, particularly those involving historic and heritage buildings.

• Architectural Design and Planning: Develop detailed designs for refurbishment and conservation.
• Refurbishment and Retrofitting: Implement upgrades to public buildings, ensuring compliance with modern standards.
• Planning and Statutory Applications: Prepare necessary documentation for planning permissions and statutory compliance.
• Project Supervision and Management: Oversee project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Compliance: Ensure all projects meet building codes, accessibility, and sustainability standards.
• Conservation of Heritage Buildings: Focus on sensitive refurbishment of protected structures, with projects planned across Offaly and participating jurisdictions.
• Initial Project: Daingean Courthouse, with an estimated construction cost of €3 million, involves conservation and adaptive reuse to enhance local community spaces.

The framework aims to appoint 10–12 qualified teams, with the initial contract focusing on Stages 1 to 3 of the Daingean Courthouse project, valued at €390,000 (excluding VAT).

3. Background & buyer context

Offaly County Council is establishing this framework to address the need for professional services in architectural design and conservation, particularly for heritage buildings. The initiative aligns with national and local strategies to revitalize towns, safeguard built heritage, and prevent deterioration due to vacancy. The Daingean Courthouse project serves as the initial contract, reflecting a broader effort to enhance public spaces and community engagement. The framework supports multiple local authorities, including Donegal, Laois, Leitrim, and Sligo, under a shared procurement strategy.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity: €2,000,000 each and every claim.
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 per accident.
• Employer's Liability: €12,700,000 per accident.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO 19650 for BIM Level 2.
• Past experience: Minimum of 10 years' experience in projects of similar scale and complexity.
• Personnel: Discipline Director must have at least 10 years at Director level.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, with a 70/30 quality/price split.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use named template, page limits not specified.
• CVs: Required for key roles, page count not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Submit in specified format, template not named.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders, follow specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework spans four years, with contracts awarded on a project-by-project basis. Payment terms are not specified. Key performance indicators and service level agreements are not detailed. Liquidated damages or penalties are not mentioned. Intellectual property ownership and sub-contracting rules are not specified. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are stated.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender specifies high insurance requirements, potentially limiting smaller firms. The geographic scope includes multiple local authorities, which may complicate coordination. The initial project, Daingean Courthouse, involves heritage conservation, requiring specialized expertise. The framework does not guarantee further contracts beyond the initial project, posing a risk for long-term planning.

10. SME fit assessment

The tender is suitable for mid-sized firms with expertise in architectural design and heritage conservation. Bidders should have strong insurance coverage and a proven track record in similar projects. Consortiums and sub-contracting are allowed, offering flexibility in meeting requirements. Bid preparation may require significant effort, given the complexity of heritage projects. The presence of an incumbent is not specified, but the framework's open nature suggests opportunities for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): ITT-Instructions to Tenderer_FV.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Project Brief
• Daingean Courthouse Conservation Masterplan