Deliver a high-quality, visionary Masterplan for Smiths Field in Mountmellick, Co. Laois

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 delivery of a comprehensive Masterplan for Smiths Field, including a detailed Part 8 design proposal tailored to the community's needs in Mountmellick, Co. Laois. The project aims to enhance local amenities and public spaces, ensuring they align with community aspirations and regulatory requirements.

Key activities include:

• Masterplan Development: Create a visionary plan that outlines the long-term development strategy for Smiths Field, incorporating community feedback and sustainable practices.
• Part 8 Design Proposal: Develop a detailed design proposal that meets statutory requirements for public consultation and planning approval.
• Community Engagement: Facilitate workshops and consultations with local residents and stakeholders to gather input and ensure the plan reflects community needs.
• Site Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of the existing site conditions, including topography, ecology, and infrastructure.
• Design Documentation: Prepare comprehensive documentation, including drawings, reports, and specifications, to support the planning application.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with local planning regulations and standards.
• Phased Implementation: Outline a phased approach for the implementation of the Masterplan, detailing timelines and resource allocation.

The contractor must demonstrate experience in similar projects and the ability to engage effectively with the community throughout the process.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with Laois County Council's strategic objectives to enhance community infrastructure and public spaces. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve local amenities and foster community engagement in urban planning. The council aims to develop Smiths Field as a multifunctional space that serves the needs of Mountmellick's residents. The project is timely, given the increasing demand for quality public spaces and the need for sustainable development practices in the area.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000 per accident.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: €13,000,000 per accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1,250,000 per claim and €1,500,000 annual aggregate.
• Certifications: Evidence of a Quality Management System such as ISO 9001 or equivalent.
• Past experience: Minimum of three comparable projects completed in the last five years.
• Personnel: Key personnel must have a minimum of five years' relevant experience in urban planning or landscape architecture.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be based within 50 km of Mountmellick.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, focusing on the balance between quality and price. A minimum score of 70% is required to qualify for further consideration.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A response document following the provided template, limited to 6 A4 pages.
• CVs: Detailed CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 A4 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: A completed pricing template as specified in the tender documents.
• Case studies: Two examples of previous projects with values ranging from €50,000 to €300,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: A site visit is required; details will be provided upon request.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders portal in the specified format.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: The contract is expected to last for 12 months, with an option for a 6-month extension based on performance.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in stages upon completion of agreed milestones.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely delivery of the Masterplan and compliance with community engagement requirements are critical performance indicators.
• Liquidated damages: A penalty of 5% of the contract value may be imposed for delays beyond the agreed timeline.
• Termination clauses: The council reserves the right to terminate the contract with 30 days' notice for non-performance.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the project will remain with Laois County Council.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed in the tender submission.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €150,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraint: The requirement for bidders to be located within 50 km of Mountmellick may restrict competition.
• Community engagement: The emphasis on community involvement may pose challenges for firms without established local connections.
• Tight timelines: The project timeline is ambitious, with significant penalties for delays, which may impact bid competitiveness.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in urban planning and community engagement. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in delivering similar projects, ideally with experience in community-focused designs.
• The capacity to engage effectively with local stakeholders.
• The ability to meet the insurance and turnover requirements outlined.

Consortium bidding is allowed, provided the combined turnover meets the minimum requirement. Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 10-15 days, considering the need for detailed documentation and community engagement strategies. The presence of an incumbent may influence the competitive landscape, but the opportunity remains open to qualified firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 01. Smithsfield masterplan Project Brief.zip
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B1: List of Previous Projects/Certificate of Satisfactory Execution
• Appendix B3: Certificate of Satisfactory Delivery of Services
• Method Statement Template