T.048.2026 - Request for Tenders for the provision of Outdoor Tiered Seating and Canopy for Garda College Events

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 provision of outdoor tiered seating and canopies for events hosted by the Garda College. The successful contractor will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of these structures. The scale of the project is significant, with an estimated expenditure of €750,000 over the contract term, which includes potential extensions.

Key activities include:

• Design and Engineering: Develop designs for tiered seating and canopies that meet safety and aesthetic standards.
• Manufacturing: Fabricate seating and canopy structures using durable materials suitable for outdoor use.
• Installation: Deliver and install the seating and canopies at the Garda College, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Maintenance: Provide ongoing maintenance services for the installed structures throughout the contract duration.
• Event Support: Offer logistical support during events, including setup and breakdown of seating and canopies.

The contractor must ensure that all installations comply with health and safety regulations and are suitable for various types of events, including training sessions, ceremonies, and public gatherings.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of An Garda Síochána's initiative to enhance facilities at the Garda College in Templemore. The procurement aligns with broader government objectives to improve training environments and support community engagement through public events. The Garda College has a history of hosting significant events, necessitating the need for reliable outdoor seating solutions. This tender follows previous contracts that may have been held by other suppliers, but specific incumbents are not mentioned.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 (excluding VAT) over the past three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000 limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 limit for any one claim.
• Product Liability: €6,500,000 limit for any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €6,500,000 limit for any one claim.
• 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.

Failure to demonstrate compliance with these criteria will result in disqualification from the tender process.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on both price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with specified page limits.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the designated template.
• Case studies: At least 2 relevant projects, each valued between €50,000 and €200,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Scheduled from 6th to 10th July 2026; attendance must be confirmed via email.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted through the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: Initial term of 3 years with up to 2 extensions of 12 months each.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract, with specific invoicing requirements.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must be designated.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €300,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, as it is close to the estimated contract value.
• The lack of specified past experience or personnel requirements may lead to variability in bid quality.
• The requirement for significant insurance coverage may pose a barrier for smaller contractors who may not have access to such policies.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in outdoor event infrastructure. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in providing similar seating and canopy solutions.
• The capacity to meet insurance requirements.
• The ability to manage logistics for events at the Garda College.

Consortium arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to partner with larger entities to meet requirements. Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 5-10 days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of a significant turnover threshold may indicate a competitive environment, potentially favoring established firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: T.048.2026 Request for Tender for the Provision of Outdoor Seating.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement