Procurement of ESP Services for the Connection of Letterbrick to the Public Mains

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 Engineering Service Provider (ESP) services for the connection of the Letterbrick Group Water Schemes (GWS) to the public water supply. The project addresses long-standing issues with water quantity and quality affecting approximately 19 households across 6 GWSs, with some households experiencing no water supply. The estimated total project funding is €1,457,610. The ESP will manage the project through five stages: Review and confirm route corridor, detailed design and planning application, tender document preparation and tender process administration, contract administration and site supervision, and handover of works.

Key activities and responsibilities for the ESP include:

• Project Management: Nominate a Project Manager and a Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) compliant with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2016.
• Design and Planning:
• Conduct preliminary design, including a high-level review of existing networks, site surveys, and topographical mapping.
• Prepare detailed designs for network upgrades and extensions, including pipework, valving, and connection boxes, adhering to Uisce Éireann standards.
• Undertake Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening and, if required, a Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement (NIS), including specialist ecological surveys.
• Procure and complete desktop Archaeological Screening and, if necessary, an Archaeological Impact Assessment.
• Prepare all documents for connection application to Uisce Éireann.
• Address legal issues related to sources, ownership, rights of way, and wayleaves.
• Consult with Donegal County Council Roads Department regarding road openings, closures, and reinstatements.
• Prepare planning documentation and submit applications if Planning Permission is required.
• Assess and design pumping/boosting stations and associated Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) works if determined necessary.
• Create land and wayleave drawings for registration.
• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:
• Prepare a Preliminary Health & Safety Plan.
• Liaise with relevant authorities including Uisce Éireann, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), EPA, ESB, Eir, and utility providers.
• Consider works within or near Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), or Natural Heritage Areas (NHA).
• Conduct invasive species surveys and report on appropriate treatment methods.
• Tender and Contract Administration:
• Prepare tender documents for the construction stage.
• Administer the tender process and produce a Tender Assessment and Recommendation Report.
• Act as Employer's Representative during construction and commissioning, advising on contractual matters, insurances, bonds, PSCS, claims, payment certificates, and the Final Account.
• Reporting and Communication:
• Attend monthly progress meetings with Donegal County Council.
• Prepare estimated cost projections, cash flows, and project programmes.
• Provide data for reporting to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
• Prepare communication notices for Group Water Schemes.
• Compile a project risk register.
• Prepare detailed design reports and feasibility study summaries.

The ESP must notify the client immediately of any activities beyond the scope of this brief requiring prior approval.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement addresses persistent water supply issues in the Letterbrick area, impacting 19 households across 6 Group Water Schemes (GWSs) and two households with no supply. These issues, relating to both water quantity and quality (high iron content), have been reported for 15 to 20 years. During dry periods, wells dry up, leading to water rationing and the installation of storage tanks. The project is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with a total allocated funding of €1,457,610 covering all project costs. The connection to the public water supply will be from the Glenties Water supply, with no network upgrades required by Uisce Éireann. The Letterbrick area is adjacent to the River Finn SAC, indicating potential planning permission requirements.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 per accident, with a maximum excess of €10,000 for property damage.
• Employer's Liability: €13,000,000 per accident.
• Professional Indemnity: €1,250,000 on each and every claim basis, and €1,500,000 on an annual aggregate basis.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender, beyond general professional body membership for the role.
• Past experience:
• Minimum of 2 years on-site experience delivering water infrastructure projects for the Resident Engineer.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant technical experience and direction of a project team for senior personnel.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in civil engineering works for an Engineering / Environmental Science qualified individual.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in drafting, surveying, and support functions for a Technician.
• Applicants must provide Certificates of Satisfactory Execution for previous projects of a similar nature. A list of up to 21 previous projects can be submitted.
• Personnel:
• Resident Engineer: Minimum 5 years' experience.
• Senior Personnel: Minimum 15 years' relevant technical experience and project team direction.
• Civil Engineering Hons Degree qualified (or equivalent) with a minimum of 10 years' experience in civil engineering works related to water services.
• Engineering / Environmental Science Hons Degree qualified (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years' experience in civil engineering works.
• Technician: Appropriately qualified with a minimum of 2 years' experience in drafting, surveying, and support functions.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not explicitly detailed in the provided documents. However, the tender process will follow standard public procurement principles, likely involving a combination of technical merit and price. The evaluation will assess how well bidders meet the specified scope of work, their proposed methodology, the qualifications and experience of their personnel, and their understanding of the project's technical and regulatory requirements. A clear price/quality split is expected, with the final award based on the most economically advantageous tender.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Method statement / response document: Specific templates are provided for various declarations and personnel details ([MF_2.4_v1.1-25-11-2025.docx], [MF_2.5_v1.1-25-11-2025.docx], [Appendix-D1.docx]).
• CVs: Detailed CVs for proposed personnel, including project experience, qualifications, and health & safety training. CVs should rank projects by relevance, and a maximum number of projects will be considered.
• Pricing schedule: A pricing document is referenced, requiring specific line items for services and potential additional works (e.g., Stage 2 NIS, pumping/boosting stations, EIA screening).
• Case studies: Not explicitly requested, but previous project experience is mandatory and evidenced via Certificates of Satisfactory Execution.
• Declarations:
• Declaration of eligibility and professional body membership.
• Confirmation of awareness of Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations.
• Confirmation of competence and adequate resourcing.
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Bona Fides declarations and Conflict of Interest declarations are standard for public tenders.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders. Specific formatting and copy requirements (e.g., one PDF copy) are detailed in the tender documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Length & Extension: Not specified.
• Payment Terms: Payments are to be made within 30 days of the Consultant supplying a valid invoice, less any due deduction of withholding tax.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated Damages/Penalties: Not specified.
• Termination Clauses: Not specified, beyond standard termination rights.
• IP Ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Not specified.
• Parent Company Guarantee/Bond: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Funding Certainty: While €1,457,610 is allocated, the contract's duration and final value are not fixed, implying potential for scope adjustments based on detailed design findings.
• Provisional Items: The pricing document includes provisional line items for potential additional works (e.g., EIA screening, pumping/boosting stations), meaning the final contract value could exceed initial estimates if these are triggered.
• Environmental Sensitivity: The project's proximity to the River Finn SAC and the requirement for detailed ecological and archaeological assessments (AA Screening, NIS, Archaeological Screening) introduce complexity and potential for scope expansion or delays.
• Regulatory Compliance: The extensive requirements for compliance with Uisce Éireann standards, Health & Safety legislation, and environmental regulations necessitate a thorough understanding of Irish statutory frameworks.
• Unspecified Value/Dates: The absence of a stated estimated contract value and specific key dates (submission deadline, contract start) makes it difficult to gauge the tender's scale and urgency without further information.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specialised engineering consultancy capabilities in water infrastructure, environmental assessment, and project management.

• Credible Bidders: Firms with proven experience in water supply projects, detailed design, environmental impact assessments (including AA/NIS), archaeological screening, and navigating Irish planning and regulatory environments. Expertise in managing projects involving Group Water Schemes and liaising with statutory bodies like Uisce Éireann and the NPWS is crucial.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The documents do not explicitly prohibit consortia or sub-contracting. However, the emphasis on nominated key personnel (Project Manager, PSDP) suggests a lead organisation must demonstrate strong direct capability. SMEs might consider partnering to meet all requirements.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Bid preparation will be substantial, likely requiring 20-40 days of effort. This includes detailed technical proposal development, personnel allocation, pricing, and compilation of required documentation like previous project certificates and CVs.
• Pwin Signal: The tender is open, but the specific technical requirements (environmental, regulatory) and the need for experienced personnel may favour firms with a track record in similar Irish public sector projects. The lack of a stated incumbent or previous winner makes it difficult to assess Pwin.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s):
• [DCC-SR-RW-GWS597-RP-0003-00_Procurment of ESP Services for the Connection of Letterbrick to the Public Mains.pdf]
• [Appendix-B1-QC1-and-QC2.docx]
• [Appendix-D1.docx]
• [MF_2.4_v1.1-25-11-2025.docx]
• [MF_2.5_v1.1-25-11-2025.docx]
• [Letterbrick Tender Documents.zip]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in provided documents.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not specified in provided documents.
• Most Important Attachments:
• [DCC-SR-RW-GWS597-RP-0003-00_Procurment of ESP Services for the Connection of Letterbrick to the Public Mains.pdf] (Main Scope Document)
• [Appendix-B1-QC1-and-QC2.docx] (Previous Projects/Certificates)
• [Appendix-D1.docx] (Personnel CV and Experience Template)