Provision of Services for Design, Supply and Installation of 80 Water Refill Stations

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contract requires the design, supply, and installation of 80 water refill stations across private Group Water Schemes nationwide. These stations must be fully functional, sustainable, and hygienic, providing accessible drinking water to the public. Each station will be sited on a concrete base prepared to the supplier's specifications, connected to a 25mm water pipe, and located in a safe, easily serviceable area with high visibility.

Key technical and functional requirements for the stations include:

• Construction: Corrosive-proof, durable structure suitable for indoor and outdoor use, withstanding harsh weather conditions including extreme heat, rain, humidity, and freezing temperatures.
• Activation: Contactless or push-button activation for hygienic operation, with sensors accurate and low-maintenance in varying environmental conditions.
• Flushing: Automatic flushing mechanisms or clear guidance for periodic manual flushing and cleaning by facility operators.
• Usage Monitoring: Inclusion of a water usage counter/meter to track usage and demonstrate environmental savings.
• Power: No requirement for mains electricity; stations can use batteries for electronic functions.
• Water Control & Safety: Minimum incorporation of a shut-off valve, non-return valve, pressure limiting valve, and water block, compliant with relevant standards.
• Winterisation: Insulated internal pipework and components to prevent freezing, using durable, moisture-resistant materials.
• Corrosion Resistance: Capability to withstand high humidity, salt air, and varying temperatures.
• Dispensing System: Designed for ease of use, accommodating different bottle sizes.
• Wastewater Disposal: System to safely dispose of excess water or spillage, preventing ground runoff and freezing.
• Plinth Design: Clear and accurate plinth dimensions to be provided by the contractor.
• Completion Records: Verified coordinates and photographic evidence of each installed unit.
• Certificate of Conformity: Issued for each station upon installation, confirming compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Guarantee Period: A period for rectifying defects or issues.
• Maintenance Contract: Provision of ongoing maintenance contracts at competitive rates, with clearly defined scope, response times, and scheduled activities.

The project timeline anticipates a four-month period from contract award to installation completion, targeting November 30, 2026.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is funded through the Circular Economy Fund, managed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The fund draws revenues from landfill, plastic bag, and waste recovery levies. The initiative is a collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) is the contracting authority seeking to appoint a qualified service provider. The strategic driver is to promote sustainability and reduce single-use plastic bottle waste by providing public access to clean drinking water.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000 Bidders must confirm they have these insurances in place and can upgrade to the required levels if successful.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate expertise and a proven track record in project management for similar-sized projects and effective community engagement. References from previous clients may be requested.
• Personnel:
• Project Management: Demonstrating ability to deliver similar-sized projects.
• Community Engagement: Demonstrated expertise.
• Specific roles like Director, Senior Consultant (>10 years PQE), Consultant (3-10 years PQE), Junior Consultant (<3 years PQE), and Administrator are listed with notional days and zero cost in the pricing schedule, indicating a focus on project delivery rather than hourly rates for these specific roles within the fixed fee.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Nationwide installation required.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), using a combination of quality and cost criteria.

Criterion Weighting Maximum Marks Sub-criteria