Development of 9 No. housing units

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 tender involves consultancy services for the development of nine housing units at Lord Edward Street, Mountmellick, County Laois. The project requires a comprehensive range of consultancy services, including architectural, structural and civil engineering, quantity surveying, and acting as the employer's representative.

• Architectural Services: Lead consultant role, overseeing design and compliance with planning regulations.
• Structural and Civil Engineering: Design and implementation of structural elements, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Quantity Surveying: Cost estimation, budgeting, and financial management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Employer’s Representative: Acting as the liaison between the contracting authority and contractors, ensuring project objectives are met.
• Location: All services are to be provided at the specified site in Mountmellick, Co Laois.
• Phases: The project will likely follow standard construction phases, including design, planning approval, construction, and handover.
• Compliance: Adherence to Irish building regulations and standards, including the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014.
• Volume: Development of nine housing units, with specific design and construction requirements as per the tender documents.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Laois County Council to address housing needs in Mountmellick, Co Laois. The project aligns with local development plans and housing strategies to provide quality residential units. The council aims to enhance community infrastructure and meet increasing demand for housing. The tender is part of broader efforts to improve local amenities and support sustainable urban development. No incumbent consultancy firm is mentioned, suggesting an open opportunity for new entrants.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Employer's Liability: €13,000,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000
• 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 will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria, though specific weights and thresholds are not detailed in the documents.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Named template, page limits not specified.
• CVs: Page count and named roles not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Format and named template not specified.
• Case studies: Number and value range not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders; specific format rules not detailed.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension structure: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Not specified.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Approval required for sub-consultants.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender documents do not specify a minimum turnover requirement, which may open the field to smaller firms. However, the insurance requirements are substantial, potentially limiting participation to firms with significant financial backing. The absence of detailed award criteria and scoring weights introduces uncertainty in bid preparation. The lack of specified key dates may complicate planning for potential bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for consultancy firms with experience in housing development and the capacity to meet the specified insurance requirements. Firms with a strong track record in architectural and engineering services will be well-positioned. Consortiums or partnerships are allowed, which may benefit smaller firms seeking to combine expertise. Bid preparation effort is moderate, given the lack of detailed submission requirements. The absence of an incumbent suggests a fair opportunity for new entrants, though the insurance thresholds may favor larger entities.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): ITT-S2b-v2.0-04-11-2024.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Conditions of Engagement
• Suitability Assessment Questionnaires
• Form of Tender and Schedules A and B