EWS Replacement Boiler Works in Coláiste Cois Suire

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 for emergency boiler replacement works at Coláiste Cois Suire, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny. The project involves the complete replacement of the existing boiler plant with a new modular gas-fired condensing boiler cascade.

The scope of work includes:

• Boiler Plant Replacement: Installation of a modular gas-fired condensing boiler cascade.
• Ancillary Equipment: Supply and installation of associated boiler pumps, heating circuit pumps, pressurisation and expansion equipment.
• Hydraulic Connections: Modifications and provision of new hydraulic connections, including specific mention of modifying existing LPHW flow and return headers to provide new Ø80 connections.
• Gas Supply Alterations: Necessary modifications to the existing gas supply system to accommodate the new boilers.
• Flue System: Installation of a new flue system compatible with the condensing boilers.
• Controls and Electrical Interfaces: Integration of new controls and electrical interfaces for the boiler system.
• Unit Heaters: Replacement or refurbishment of specific unit heaters, including TS-08 School Heating and T1 Unit Heaters (Unit Heater 1, 2, 3, and 4).
• Site Works: Maintenance of clean and safe work areas, removal of all waste, and adherence to specified working hours (7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday).
• Progressive Works: The contractor is expected to progress works while awaiting equipment delivery.

The project is designated as "Emergency Works," indicating a need for prompt commencement and completion. The contract will be based on the Short Public Works Contract PW-CF6.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is driven by an emergency situation requiring the immediate replacement of the existing boiler plant at Coláiste Cois Suire, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny. The Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) is the contracting authority. The project aligns with the Department of Education and Youth's requirements for maintaining educational facilities. The urgency is highlighted, with an intention to have new boilers fitted at the earliest possible date. The contract will be a Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6), a standard form for public works projects in Ireland.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement:
• Average annual turnover for the last 3 financial years must be not less than 1.5 times the sum tendered for this project.
• Alternatively, certified turnover for the last 3 financial years must not be less than an average of 3 times the sum tendered for this project. (Note: Two different turnover requirements are stated; bidders should clarify which applies or meet both).
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000 per occurrence.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000 per occurrence.
• The contractor's Public Liability insurance must note Kilkenny and Carlow ETB as an Additional Insured with a Non-Vitiation clause. Similar notations are required for Products Liability and Contract Works insurances.
• Maximum levels of excess for insurance of the Works, public liability, and employer's liability are €6,500.
• Certifications: Not specified beyond general compliance with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation.
• Past experience:
• Personnel (Contracts Manager, Health & Safety Manager, Foreman, PSCS): Each must have previous experience on 2 projects of a similar nature, size, and complexity in their assigned role.
• Contractor: Must have satisfactorily completed 3 works of a similar nature, size, and complexity within the last 7 years.
• Contractor (as PSCS): Must have fulfilled the role of PSCS on at least 3 works of a similar nature, size, and complexity within the last 7 years.
• Contractor (H&S Competence): For Type 2 or 3 projects, the Health and Safety Manager and Site Safety Officer must have a Degree/diploma or equivalent H&S training (minimum 4 hours externally accredited CPD) in addition to experience as H&S Manager/Site Safety Officer on at least 3 satisfactorily completed building construction projects.
• Personnel:
• Contracts Manager, Health & Safety Manager, Foreman, PSCS: Evidence of previous experience on 2 similar projects in their assigned role.
• PSCS: At least 3 years' experience in the Building Trade and formal externally accredited training in Health and Safety (relevant to the role of PSCS) within the last 5 years.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not explicitly detailed with scoring weights in the provided documents. However, the tender process is described as an "Open Procedure" for "Small Works," and the "Declaration of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works" document implies that the tender will be evaluated based on suitability and technical capability, alongside price. The "Introduction" section of the Declaration of Suitability states that the apparently successful tenderer will be required to produce evidence of compliance within 7 days, and failure to do so will lead to exclusion. This suggests a pass/fail mechanism for suitability criteria, with the contract likely awarded to the most economically advantageous tender based on price and technical merit.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit the following documents, completed in full, via the eTenders portal:

• Form of Tender and Schedule: The primary tender document.
• Completed Pricing Document: Detailing the cost of the works.
• Declaration of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works: A comprehensive questionnaire covering economic, financial, technical, and health & safety capabilities.
• Appendix C1 – H&S Declaration: A specific Health and Safety declaration.
• Tax Clearance Certificate/evidence of compliance: Required prior to appointment.
• Insurance Policies: Originals or validated copies of Public Liability and Employer's Liability insurance, with specific endorsements noted.
• CVs: Brief Curriculum Vitae for personnel fulfilling roles of Contracts Manager, Health & Safety Manager, Foreman, and PSCS, demonstrating required experience.
• Project Experience Details: For the contractor and personnel, including start/finish dates, scope of work, and contact details for contracting authorities/consultants for 3 similar projects within the last 7 years.
• Health and Safety Documentation: Organisation chart showing H&S duty holders, and potentially additional documentation for Type 2/3 projects.
• Bona Fides: Declaration that no disqualifying circumstances apply (Directive 2004/17/EC Article 54, Regulation 56 of SI No 50 of 2007, or Directive 2004/18/EC Article 45 and 51, Regulation 53 of SI 329 of 2006).
• Accountant's Letter: Stating certified turnover for the last 3 financial years (if required as evidence).

A mandatory site visit is advised, with contact details provided for arrangement.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Form: Short Public Works Contract PW-CF6 v1.15.
• Term: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be for the duration of the works, described as "emergency works."
• Extension: Not specified.
• Payment Terms: Not detailed in the provided extract, but standard prompt payment directives would apply.
• SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated Damages: Not specified.
• Termination: Clause 12 covers termination, but details are not provided.
• IP Ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting: Allowed, provided prior written notice is given to the Employer and sub-processors meet data protection requirements.
• Performance Bond: Required if stated in the Schedule, to be provided within 7 days of acceptance.
• Data Protection: Contractor must comply with GDPR and process Personal Data only as per the contract, with appropriate security measures and sub-processor controls.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Emergency Nature: The designation of "Emergency Works" implies a need for rapid mobilisation and execution, potentially creating pressure on the contractor.
• Turnover Requirement Ambiguity: Two different turnover requirements (1.5x sum tendered vs. average of 3x sum tendered) are stated. Bidders must clarify which is definitive or ensure they meet both.
• Insurance Endorsements: Specific requirements for additional insured status and non-vitiation clauses for KCETB on the contractor's Public Liability, Products Liability, and Contract Works insurances are critical and must be confirmed with insurers promptly.
• PSCS Role: The contractor will be appointed as both Works Contractor and Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS). This dual role requires specific H&S qualifications and experience.
• Immediate Start: The instruction to "commence works immediately upon appointment" and "progressed while waiting for delivery of pumps, boiler, etc." suggests a tight schedule and the need for proactive site management.
• Small Works Procedure: While an Open Procedure, it's framed for "Small Works," suggesting a streamlined but still rigorous evaluation process.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) capable of undertaking mechanical services installation and acting as Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).

• Viable Bidder Profile: A small to medium-sized mechanical contractor with proven experience in boiler replacement, hydraulic systems, and gas installations. They must also possess the necessary H&S qualifications and experience to act as PSCS, including at least 3 years in the building trade and recent, accredited H&S training. The turnover requirement (1.5x or 3x the tender sum) indicates a business with an annual turnover in the range of €300,000 to €600,000, depending on the final tender value.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: Sub-contracting is permitted for specific roles (e.g., PSCS if not undertaken by the main contractor), provided it meets contractual and data protection requirements. Consortium bidding is not explicitly mentioned but is generally permissible under open procedures if declared.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing the Declaration of Suitability, detailed pricing, and gathering evidence for past experience and personnel qualifications will require significant effort, likely several days for a focused team.
• Pwin Signal: The "emergency works" designation and immediate start requirement suggest a need for a contractor with readily available resources and capacity. The dual role of Contractor and PSCS may limit the pool of bidders to those with integrated H&S management. The absence of specific award criteria weights suggests price may be a significant factor, but technical and H&S competence are clearly critical gates.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s):
• 1. Invitation to Tender Colaiste Cois Siuire Boiler Upgrade.pdf
• 8. Dec. of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works-CCS.pdf
• 10. PW-CF6 v1.15 Conditions Public Works Contract.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal:
• Clarifications via eTenders portal only.
• Site visit contact: [email protected] or [email protected] (School)
• Most Important Attachments:
• 8. Dec. of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works-CCS.pdf (Key eligibility and technical requirements)
• 10. PW-CF6 v1.15 Conditions Public Works Contract.pdf (Contractual framework)
• 1. Invitation to Tender Colaiste Cois Siuire Boiler Upgrade.pdf (Overall project description and tender return instructions)