Consulting Engineering Services for water scheme connection to Uisce Eireann Public Water Network

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 procurement seeks consulting engineering services for the connection of the Coolcormack Valley Group Water Scheme to the Uisce Éireann Public Water Network. The contract duration is anticipated to be between 14 and 18 months. The services encompass the full lifecycle of the project, from initial assessment through to detailed design and tender documentation.

The constituent activities and deliverables include:

• Project Management: Overall management of the consulting engineering services.
• Feasibility and Assessment:
• Route assessment.
• Strategic Infrastructure (SI) assessment.
• Site investigation.
• This phase is allocated 2 months.
• Detailed Design:
• Completion of detailed design for the water scheme connection.
• This phase is allocated 3 months.
• Tender Documentation:
• Preparation of tender documents for construction works.
• Issuance of these documents to the market.
• This phase is allocated 4 months.
• Contract Award Support:
• Assistance during the contract award process for the construction works.
• This phase is allocated 5 months.
• Contract Completion:
• The overall contract completion is scheduled for 18 months from commencement.

The services will be delivered in accordance with the Conditions of Engagement for Consultancy Services, with hourly rates to be tendered. The successful consultant may also be appointed as Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP) and/or Assigned Certifier under relevant Irish Health and Safety and Building Control regulations, if stated in the Particulars.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Waterford City and County Council to facilitate the connection of the Coolcormack Valley Group Water Scheme to the Uisce Éireann Public Water Network. A pre-connection enquiry reference number CDS23000444 was issued by Uisce Éireann on 3rd March 2023, indicating a prior step in the process. The project aims to integrate the group water scheme into the national public water infrastructure. The procurement follows standard Irish public sector tendering procedures, utilising the Open Procedure for Consultancy Services as outlined by the Office of Government Procurement.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered eligible:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 Any One Claim.
• Employer's Liability: €13,000,000 Any One Claim.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: A sum not less than €1,000,000 Any one claim and unlimited in the period of insurance.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the contract will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). The specific weighting between price and quality is not detailed in the provided extract, nor are specific scoring thresholds per criterion. However, the tender process will assess both the suitability of bidders and the economic advantage of their tenders. Bidders must comply with all mandatory requirements outlined in the tender documents.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Tenderers. The submission will consist of:

• Form of Tender and Schedules A and B: Completed and executed as per requirements.
• Detailed breakdown of tender price: This may include a breakdown into man-hours with associated hourly rates and other itemised costs.
• Detailed quality submission: To meet the requirements set out in the Particulars.
• Suitability Assessment Submission (SAQ): This must be included with the tender and will be assessed to determine bidder suitability.
• Declarations: Including Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification. A Health and Safety Declaration under Model Forms MF 2.4 and MF 2.5 is also required.
• Insurance certificates: Proof of required insurances will be required prior to appointment.
• Sub-consultant appointments: If applicable, these will require approval and certified copies.
• Reliance Guarantee/Collateral Warranties: May be required from entities relied upon for suitability criteria.

Submissions must be in the specified language (Irish law applies). Electronic submissions are to be uploaded to the eTenders portal.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Length: Anticipated 14-18 months.
• Payment Terms: Payment will be made within 30 days after the Consultant supplies a valid invoice, subject to any due deduction of withholding tax.
• Termination: Provisions for termination by the client exist, with notice periods ranging from 14 to 48 days depending on the clause.
• Sub-contracting: Sub-consultant appointments require Contracting Authority approval. Terms of the Conditions of Engagement must be reflected in sub-contracts.
• Parent Company Guarantee/Bond: Reliance guarantees or collateral warranties may be required from entities relied upon for suitability criteria.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender documents do not specify a value, which is unusual for a public procurement of this nature and may indicate a reliance on notional values for assessment purposes as stated in Section 9 of the Instructions to Tenderers. The absence of explicit turnover requirements or detailed past experience criteria in the provided extract could suggest a broad eligibility scope, but the Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) will likely contain these details. The potential for the consultant to act as PSDP and Assigned Certifier adds complexity and requires specific competencies. The contract is for consultancy services where hourly rates are to be tendered, which can introduce variability in final costs.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with established expertise in civil or water engineering consulting. The absence of explicit turnover or minimum project value requirements in the provided extract suggests that smaller firms could potentially bid, provided they meet the insurance requirements and demonstrate the necessary technical capability through their SAQ submission. Consortium bids are permitted, allowing SMEs to partner with other firms to meet requirements. The bid preparation effort would involve detailed technical and quality submissions, alongside pricing, likely requiring several days of work for a focused team. The Pwin signal is neutral as incumbent information is not available.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITT Coolcormack GWS.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not stated
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Via the means of communication stated in the Particulars (likely eTenders messaging system).
• Key Attachments:
• Conditions of Engagement
• Form of Tender and Schedules A and B
• Services Brief document