Contractor for CAWS Project the Upgrading of 3 Science Labs at Douglas Community School, Clermont Avenue, Douglas, Cork

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 project involves the refurbishment and upgrading of three science laboratories at Douglas Community School, located in Cork. The contractor will be responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the labs meet modern educational standards and safety regulations.

The key activities include:

• Demolition and Construction: Removal of existing fixtures and fittings, followed by the construction of new lab spaces.
• Mechanical and Electrical Installations: Installation of new heating systems, including radiators as specified in the radiator schedule, and electrical systems compliant with relevant standards.
• Safety Compliance: Adherence to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Construction Regulations 2013, ensuring all work is carried out safely.
• Quality Assurance: Engagement of a suitably qualified Structural Engineer to oversee the project and ensure compliance with building regulations.
• Project Management: The contractor will act as the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS), coordinating all activities and ensuring timelines are met.
• Documentation and Reporting: Regular updates and reports to the school authority regarding progress, compliance, and any issues that arise.

The contractor must also ensure that all work is completed within a specified timeframe and to the satisfaction of the school authority.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of a broader initiative to enhance educational facilities within the region, aligning with government policies aimed at improving infrastructure in schools. The refurbishment of the science labs is part of a strategic plan to modernize educational environments, thereby supporting enhanced learning outcomes for students. The Douglas Community School has a history of providing quality education, and this upgrade is expected to further bolster its reputation. The incumbent contractor is not specified in the documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,050,000 for the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000 for any one event.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000 for any one event.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum cover of €1,500,000.
• Certifications: Compliance with relevant ISO/EN/BS standards; registration with Engineers Ireland for the Structural Engineer.
• Past experience: Completion of at least three comparable projects of similar nature, size, and complexity within the last seven years.
• Personnel:
• Contracts Manager: Minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Health & Safety Manager: Minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Foreman: Minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS): Minimum of 3 years’ experience.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be located within 100 km of Douglas, Cork.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall price/quality split is 40% price and 60% quality. Bidders must achieve a minimum score of 70% in the quality assessment to be considered for the award.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel (Contracts Manager, Health & Safety Manager, Foreman, PSCS), limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must be submitted using the specified template.
• Case studies: Details of three comparable projects, including value and completion dates.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: Attendance is required on 1 June 2026; contact details for the site representative will be provided.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: The contract duration is set for 12 months, with potential extensions based on project needs.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made monthly based on completed work, subject to approval by the school authority.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely completion of milestones as outlined in the project schedule.
• Liquidated damages: A penalty of €750 per day for delays beyond the agreed completion date.
• Termination clauses: The school authority reserves the right to terminate the contract for non-compliance or failure to meet performance standards.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the project will belong to the school authority.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the school authority.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover requirement: The minimum turnover requirement of €1,050,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: The requirement for bidders to be located within 100 km may restrict competition.
• Tight timelines: The project has a short completion window, with penalties for delays, which may pose challenges for resource allocation.
• Mandatory site visit: Attendance is required, which could be a barrier for some bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have experience in educational facility upgrades.

• Credible bidders: Firms with a proven track record in similar projects, particularly those with experience in school refurbishments, will be competitive.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Allowed, provided all parties meet the eligibility criteria.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Approximately 10-15 days to prepare a comprehensive bid, including site visit and documentation.
• Pwin signal: The presence of specific requirements may favor incumbents or larger firms with established relationships and resources.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 26117-DD-005-REVA-RAD SCHEDULE (A4).pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix C1 — Health and Safety Declaration
• DoEY Contractor Suitability Declaration for Small Works
• PW-CF6 Short Public Works Contract Conditions