Architectural Design Services for Modular Accommodation

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks architectural design services for the provision of new modular accommodation at the College of FET, Kilmallock Town Campus. The project involves replacing two existing prefabricated structures, Prefab 01 (circa 47 sq.m.) and Prefab 02 (circa 44 sq.m.), which are in poor condition. The replacement will be a single new modular unit with a gross internal floor area of approximately 220 sq.m. The new unit will accommodate multiple spaces including three classrooms (35 sq.m. each), a staffroom (24 sq.m.), two one-to-one meeting rooms (9 sq.m. each), a Youthreach office (9 sq.m.), and accessible WCs.

The scope of services for the appointed architectural-led design team includes:

• Design and Planning:
• Developing sketch and conceptual designs in accordance with Department of Education (DoE) Technical Guidance Documents.
• Preparing planning application documentation and seeking approval from the School Authorities before submission to the Local Authority.
• Developing a detailed programme for the project from conception to completion, to be agreed with the School Authorities.
• Preparing detailed design documentation, including structural and building services design, ensuring no transfer of design responsibility to tendering contractors.
• Designing a new modular building with a minimum design life of 60 years, compliant with current Building Regulations and DoE Design Guidelines.
• Considering the aesthetic of the building, site context, entrances, wayfinding, external canopies, fenestration, materials, and finishes.
• Ensuring a minimum clear floor-to-ceiling height of 3,000mm, with potential increases for specialist spaces, and allowing for mechanical ventilation systems.
• Designing for flexibility and adaptability, potentially as a conjoined system to minimise external envelope and heat loss, using double-loaded corridors where appropriate.
• Incorporating Universal Design principles and ensuring finished floor levels match external environments, avoiding ramps or steps unless site-specific conditions require them.
• Designing roofs suitable for walk-on access for maintenance and capable of future PV installation.
• Specifying durable, weather-resistant, and aesthetically compliant external finishes.
• Addressing radon testing and specifying a robust radon barrier.
• Undertaking a Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) in accordance with relevant standards.
• Specifying low-carbon cement products for groundworks and building structure.
• Assessing available electrical capacity and designing full integration into existing infrastructure, including any required upgrades.
• Sizing, coordinating, and routing sub-mains cabling.
• Carrying out a detailed electrical load assessment.
• Defining building services (mechanical, electrical, ICT, specialist systems) and allowing for weathered penetrations.
• Ensuring full integration with existing site-wide systems (intruder alarm, access control, ICT, BMS, Fire Detection and Alarm System, CCTV).
• Allowing for appropriate access and safe working areas for maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment (minimum 1200mm clear access in front of electrical panels).
• Specifying heating systems compliant with the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate, avoiding fossil fuel systems.
• Including a lightning protection system.
• Health and Safety:
• Acting as the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP).
• Preparing a Preliminary Health and Safety Plan as part of the tender documents.
• Preparing the Inspection Plan required by Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R).
• Procurement and Contract Administration:
• Preparing tender documentation for the works.
• Opening tenders in the presence of the Design Team Leader and School Authorities.
• Administering the contract, likely using PW-CF5 Minor Works or PW-CF6 Short Form Contract.
• Conducting site meetings every two weeks during construction.
• Project Management and Reporting:
• Appointing a specified, qualified, and experienced Design Team Leader as the primary contact and financial controller.
• Liaising with and updating the Client regularly.
• Confirming project scope and cost remain within approved limits before tendering and construction.
• Completing the final account within two months of Substantial Completion.
• Documentation and Handover:
• Providing a full set of as-built construction drawings (electronic and hard copy) as part of the Safety File.
• Providing detailed operation and maintenance manuals as part of the Safety File.
• BIM Implementation:
• Implementing BIM in accordance with ISO 19650 standards, Uniclass, IFC, and ICMS3.
• Ensuring as-built geometry and asset models are transferred to the Client.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is for the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) to address the need for updated educational facilities at its College of FET, Kilmallock Town Campus. The existing modular buildings are identified as being in poor condition and approaching end-of-life, necessitating their replacement. The project aligns with the broader government commitment to supporting Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) within the tertiary education sector, as outlined in the Additional Design Guidance document. This initiative aims to provide modern, compliant, and durable learning environments while also promoting sustainable construction practices. The project is being procured under the Department of Education's technical guidance for small works and MMC.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements for award:

• Turnover requirement:
• 3 examples of work by the firm of a similar nature, size, and complexity within the last 7 years.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum €0.75m, with excess not exceeding 1.5%.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €6.5m.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum €13.0m (unless acting as a Sole Trader).
• Certifications:
• The work will be carried out by a member of staff fully qualified in the relevant discipline, as per DoE Guidance on Procuring Consultants for Small Works 4th Edition.
• For PSDP role: Fully qualified and experienced in construction project professional services, having previously fulfilled the PSDP role satisfactorily.
• For PSDP role (if special H&S considerations apply): Evidence of externally accredited H&S training, a copy of the current general health and safety policy, an outline of the firm’s H&S management structure, copies of standard risk assessment forms, arrangements for CPD, and details of H&S information dissemination procedures.
• Past experience:
• 3 examples of work by the firm of a similar nature, size, and complexity within the last 7 years.
• Personnel:
• A specified and suitably qualified and experienced person to be the Design Team Leader and financial controller for the duration of the project.
• The Design Team Leader will act as Design Certifier and Assigned Certifier where BC(A)R applies.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

Additionally, a current Tax Clearance Certificate is required. Bidders wishing to be considered for the PSDP role must also declare their competence and provide a signed Health and Safety Declaration of Competency as PSDP.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are as follows, with a minimum pass mark of 40% required for each criterion. Tenderers failing any criterion will be excluded.

Criterion Max Marks Sub-criteria