Request for Tenders for appointment to a Multi-Party Framework Agreement for the provision of Technical Consultancy Services

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 seeks technical consultancy services for the Grangegorman Development Agency's projects under the Further Education and Training (FET) Major Capital Programme. The scope encompasses comprehensive design, coordination, and construction oversight for multiple FET buildings.

• Integrated Design Team (IDT) Responsibilities: The IDT will manage all aspects of design, procurement, and construction oversight. This includes preparing documentation, obtaining client and statutory approvals, and ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
• Project Stages: Work is divided into five stages: Preliminary Design, Developed Design, Detailed Design, Tender Action, and Construction, followed by Handover and Final Account.
• Collaboration: The IDT must collaborate with the Contracting Authority, Programme Technical Team, and other stakeholders, including Education & Training Boards (ETBs) and SOLAS.
• Information Management: Compliance with ISO 19650 standards is required, including the use of a Common Data Environment (CDE) for project information sharing.
• Sustainability and BIM: The IDT must integrate sustainability practices and BIM coordination into the project lifecycle.
• Specialist Roles: The team will include roles such as Architect/Team Lead, Civil and Structural Engineers, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, and various specialist consultants (e.g., Fire Safety, Universal Access Design).

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is part of the FET Major Capital Programme, the largest capital development initiative for the Further Education and Training sector in Ireland. It aligns with the Government's Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) objectives to improve cost certainty and delivery efficiency in public works. The Grangegorman Development Agency, responsible for this procurement, aims to enhance educational infrastructure through this programme. The initiative is supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and SOLAS, the state agency for further education and training.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity: €5,000,000 each claim; €5,500,000 aggregate.
• Employer's Liability: €13,000,000 per accident.
• Public Liability: €2,600,000 per accident.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Management staff must meet minimum requirements as set out in the Suitability Assessment Questionnaire.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, with an 80/20 quality to cost split. Specific sub-criteria and thresholds are not detailed.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use named template, page limits not specified.
• CVs: Required for key roles, page count not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Must be completed using the provided template.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders; format rules not specified.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework agreement is set for an initial term of 48 months, with possible extensions up to 72 months. Payment terms are not specified. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) are implied but not detailed. Liquidated damages or penalties, termination clauses, and intellectual property ownership specifics are not provided. Sub-contracting is allowed, subject to approval. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are mentioned.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender's insurance requirements are notably high, potentially limiting participation to larger firms with substantial coverage. The absence of a specified turnover requirement may indicate flexibility in financial criteria, but the high insurance thresholds could act as a de facto financial filter. The framework's reliance on external funding sources, such as SOLAS, could introduce variability in project timelines and scope. The integration of BIM and sustainability practices may pose challenges for firms not already equipped with these capabilities.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for medium to large consultancy firms with experience in public sector projects, particularly those familiar with the Capital Works Management Framework. Firms must have substantial insurance coverage and the ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary teams. Consortium bids are allowed, which could enable smaller firms to participate by partnering with others. Bid preparation will likely require significant effort, potentially several weeks, given the complexity and documentation requirements. The presence of an incumbent is not specified, but the high insurance thresholds suggest a competitive environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): FETCProg-Proc-RP-ProgInformationMemorandum(S2-P01).pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• "Framework Programme Information Memorandum"
• "Outline Service Requirements"
• "Draft Framework Agreement"