N4 Carrick On Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project - Ground Investigation - Standpipe Removal Contract

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 undertake ground investigation works specifically for the removal of standpipes as part of the N4 Carrick On Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project. The contract will involve the safe and efficient removal of existing standpipes from the ground.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Standpipe Identification and Location: Identifying the precise locations of all standpipes requiring removal within the project area.
• Site Preparation: Preparing the immediate work area around each standpipe to ensure safe access and operation. This may involve minor excavation or clearing of debris.
• Standpipe Disconnection and Removal: Safely disconnecting and removing the standpipes from the ground. This will require appropriate tools, equipment, and techniques to prevent damage to surrounding infrastructure or the environment.
• Waste Management and Disposal: Proper handling, containment, and disposal of all materials removed, including any associated soil or debris, in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Site Restoration: Restoring the work area to a safe and tidy condition following the removal of each standpipe. This may involve backfilling any excavated areas and making good the surface.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Adhering to all relevant health and safety legislation and site-specific safety procedures throughout the execution of the works. This includes managing risks associated with working in or near existing infrastructure.
• Reporting: Providing reports on completed works, including details of standpipes removed, locations, and any encountered issues.

The works are associated with the N4 Carrick On Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project, indicating that the standpipes are likely related to existing or planned infrastructure for this major road development. The specific nature and quantity of standpipes to be removed are not detailed in the provided metadata, but the contract will focus solely on this specific task.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Leitrim County Council. The project forms part of the broader N4 Carrick On Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project. The tender specifically addresses a component of this larger infrastructure development, focusing on ground investigation and the removal of standpipes. This suggests a need to clear existing ground features before or during the main construction phases of the bypass. The contract is being issued under the Short Public Works Contract framework, indicating a project of a certain scale and complexity managed by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000 in respect of any one accident. Maximum permissible excess for property only is €10,000.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000 in respect of any one accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum cover level is not explicitly stated but the CA Note suggests a default level of €1.5m or €2.5m proportionate to project size. The maximum permissible excess is the greater of 2% of annual turnover or €5,000.
• Certifications:
• Safety management system in accordance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent.
• Past experience:
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in Civil Engineering, directly in the area of Ground Investigation (GI) Contracts.
• Demonstrate a minimum of 5 years' experience in the installation and management of temporary traffic management, holding a relevant Construction Skills certificate (e.g., Signing and Guarding at Roadworks).
• Experience on a minimum of one national road scheme requiring traffic management for over 6000 AADT (Average Annual Daily Traffic).
• Must provide a list of completed projects (Appendix B1) similar in nature and complexity, with Certificates of Satisfactory Execution.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not detailed in the provided metadata. However, the tender is issued under the Short Public Works Contract, which typically follows a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach. This usually involves a combination of quality and price, with specific weightings assigned to each. The evaluation will likely assess the technical merit, experience, and proposed methodology of the bidders, alongside their pricing.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Completed form of tender and acceptance: This forms the basis of the accepted tender.
• Appendix B1 - List of Previous Works Projects: Detailing completed projects similar in nature and complexity, organised in order of precedence and accompanied by Certificates of Satisfactory Execution.
• Appendix B2 - Certificate of Satisfactory Execution: A completed form for each relevant project.
• Pricing Schedule: To be completed by the bidder.
• Declarations:
• Tax clearance information for online verification.
• Bona Fides declarations.
• Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Insurance details: Confirmation of required insurance cover.
• Certifications: Evidence of ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent certification.
• Method Statement / Response Document: Not explicitly detailed but implied through the need to demonstrate experience and methodology.
• CVs: Not explicitly detailed but implied for key personnel demonstrating experience.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform. Specific format rules for electronic submissions are not detailed but typically involve PDF attachments.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will be governed by the Short Public Works Contract PW-CF6 v1.15 (25th November 2025). Key terms include:

• Contract Length: The "Contract Period (months)" is stated as "60 days from commencement date", which appears to be a placeholder or specific to a particular schedule item not fully detailed here. The "Time for Completion" is a critical period for substantial completion.
• Payment Terms: Interim payments are made on account as scheduled. A significant portion is paid after substantial completion, with the balance paid after the Defects Certificate is issued. Payment claim notices require a response within 14 days, and the Employer shall pay invoices within the period stated in the Schedule. Interest applies to late payments as per EU Regulations.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not explicitly detailed as SLAs/KPIs, but the "Time for Completion" and prompt rectification of defects are critical performance indicators.
• Liquidated Damages: Applicable if the Contractor fails to substantially complete the Works within the Time for Completion, at the rate specified in the Schedule.
• Termination Clauses: The contract allows for termination under specific circumstances, including suspension of works for over 3 months.
• IP Ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting Rules: The Contractor may engage sub-processors for data processing with prior written notice and employer objection rights. Assignment of the contract requires employer consent.
• Performance Bond: Required if stated in the Schedule, to be provided within 7 days of tender acceptance.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Ambiguous Insurance Requirements: While Public Liability and Employer's Liability insurance figures are clear (€6.5m and €13m respectively), the specific minimum cover for Professional Indemnity Insurance is not definitively stated, with "CA Note: State the minimum cover proportionate to the size of the project (default level is €1.5m)" and "default level is €2.5m" appearing. Bidders must clarify this requirement.
• Vague Scope for Standpipe Removal: The exact number, type, and location of standpipes to be removed are not specified. This could lead to significant variations in workload and cost if not clarified during the tender process or through site investigation.
• Short Contract Period Placeholder: The "Contract Period (months): 60 days from commencement date" appears unusually short for a public works contract and may be a placeholder or specific to a schedule item not fully detailed.
• Experience Requirements: The requirement for experience in "Signing and Guarding at Roadworks Construction Skills certificate and demonstrate a minimum of 5 years experience in the installation and management of temporary traffic management" alongside experience on national road schemes with high AADT suggests a need for contractors familiar with live road environments, even for a seemingly discrete task.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specific expertise in ground investigation and civil engineering works, particularly those with experience in road infrastructure projects.

• Viable Bidder Profile: An SME with a proven track record in civil engineering, specifically ground investigation (GI) contracts, and at least 5 years of experience in this field. They must also possess experience in temporary traffic management, including relevant certifications and experience on national roads with high traffic volumes. The required insurance levels are substantial, so SMEs must ensure they can meet these.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The tender documents do not explicitly prohibit consortium bids or sub-contracting. However, the "Applicant or Lead Member completes this Section 2" phrasing suggests a lead entity is expected. SMEs may consider forming consortia to meet all experience and insurance requirements.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Given the need to compile detailed project lists (Appendix B1), provide certificates, demonstrate specific experience (traffic management, national roads), and ensure insurance compliance, bid preparation could require 5-10 working days for an experienced team.
• Pwin Signal: The tender is for a specific, discrete task (standpipe removal) within a larger project. The experience requirements, particularly regarding traffic management on national roads, suggest that the incumbent or a contractor already involved in the broader N4 project might have an advantage. However, the specific nature of standpipe removal could be open to specialist ground investigation firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
• eTenders CFT ID: Not surfaced in the provided text.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not specified in the provided text.
• Most Important Attachments:
• [Appendix_B1_List_of_Previous_Works_Projects_which_is_CEE.docx]
• [PW-CF6_Contract_v1.15_25-11-2025.pdf] (Short Public Works Contract Conditions)