Tullabrack Group Water Scheme - Appointment of engineering consultant

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start | :------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------ | :-------------- | :------- | :------------- | :--- | :------- | :-------------- | :------------------ | :-------------- | Tullabrack Group Water Scheme Tullabrack Group Water Scheme - Appointment of engineering consultant 71310000-4 (Consulting services for civil engineering) €50,000 not stated not stated 1 Tullabrack not stated 2026-09-18 11:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks an engineering consultant to manage the process of bringing the Tullabrack Group Water Scheme (GWS) up to Uisce Éireann (UE) standards for "Taking in Charge" (TIC). The scheme serves approximately 54 customers via 6.3km of 50mm PVC watermain in Tullabrack, west of Cooraclare. The existing infrastructure is in poor condition and requires replacement.

The consultant will undertake a multi-stage project, encompassing assessment, design, tender activation, construction administration, and final handover. Key activities include:

• Assessment and Preliminary Design (Stage 1):
• Evaluate existing data and proposed areas for watermain upgrades.
• Liaise with local authorities and the GWS to verify new watermain locations.
• Identify the need for site investigations and trial pits.
• Assess road opening license requirements and costs.
• Prepare estimated project costs.
• Conduct site surveys for the design process.
• Detailed Design (Stage 2):
• Procure and manage site investigation works (excavation, inspection, trial holes).
• Perform detailed design for capacity expansion and infrastructure rehabilitation.
• Produce detailed drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities for construction tendering.
• Design must comply with the Present Water Code of Practice for Water Infrastructure.
• Liaise with the Roads Area Engineer regarding road opening and reinstatement requirements.
• Assume the role of Designer and Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP).
• Fulfill all Health & Safety legislation obligations, prepare a Preliminary Health and Safety Plan, and develop the Safety File. Submit AF1 to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
• Tender Activation, Evaluation, and Award (Stage 3):
• Manage the construction tender process according to procurement legislation.
• Agree selection criteria with the GWS, using "Most Economically Advantageous Tender" (MEAT) as the evaluation criterion.
• Prepare construction tender documents for approval by the GWS and Clare County Council, and publish to eTenders.
• Manage the tender process, including preparing notices and advertisements, and responding to tenderer queries.
• Assess tenders, including any necessary clarifications.
• Ensure contract documents include pricing, design drawings, works requirements, and specifications.
• Prepare a Tender Report with recommendations for the GWS and Clare County Council.
• Award the contract to the successful tenderer and issue appointments for Contractor and Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS).
• Assess insurance and facilitate contract signing.
• Prepare a Preliminary Safety and Health Plan for the GWS.
• Construction Administration (Stage 4):
• Transfer the PSDP role to the successful contractor.
• Administer construction contracts for the GWS during construction and commissioning phases.
• Certify contractor payments.
• Attend and minute progress meetings (fortnightly, or as required).
• Supervise construction and commissioning on behalf of the GWS, including material approval, site visits, and work certification.
• Submit payment certificates to the GWS.
• Conduct weekly site visits during construction, plus additional visits as needed.
• Prepare and submit fortnightly progress reports.
• Prepare a snag list and ensure all items are addressed by the contractor.
• Submit Certificate of Substantial Completion and sign off works.
• Advise on claims and settlements.
• Represent the GWS for compensation events and post-works meetings.
• Handover and Final Completion (Stage 5):
• Prepare As-Constructed Drawings with GPS coordinates for all valves, meters, and customer meters, adhering to agreed templates with Clare County Council and Uisce Éireann.
• Prepare detailed customer database for UE.
• Prepare Handover Report.
• Prepare Final Account.
• Ensure the network meets UE TIC Standards, is fit for purpose, and free from significant defects impacting service, water quality, or longevity.
• Prepare UE TIC Standard Documents, including Application Form, Consent Form, Connection Schedule, As-Constructed Drawings (.dxf or .dwg AutoCAD), and Wayleave Agreements.
• Provide Uisce Éireann (UE) with a 7-day logger flow graph (UE Basic Standards).
• Provide water sample analysis confirming compliance with Drinking Water regulations.
• Submit a technical report including customer monies owed and a statement proposing TIC by UE.

The existing mains must remain live during installations. The design work (Stages 1 & 2) is to be completed within three months of appointment, and Stage 3 within seven months, to facilitate project completion within the desired timeframe. The consultant will be required to engage with the GWS and Clare County Council's Rural Water Section.

3. Background & buyer context

Tullabrack Group Water Scheme (GWS) is an established water supply network comprising approximately 6.3km of watermain in Tullabrack, near Cooraclare. The existing 50mm PVC pipe network is in poor condition and requires replacement. The scheme currently supplies water to around 54 domestic and land connections. This procurement is initiated by Tullabrack GWS to appoint a qualified engineering consultant. The objective is to assess the existing infrastructure, determine necessary works to meet Uisce Éireann (UE) Minimum Basic Standards, and manage the process for UE "Taking in Charge" (TIC) of the network. The project aligns with the broader objective of improving water infrastructure quality and compliance within group water schemes.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000 Bidders must confirm they have these insurances in place and can upgrade to the required levels if successful.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience:
• Minimum of 3 comparable projects.
• Projects should be similar in scale and preferably demonstrate experience with "Taking-in-Charge Works" and/or similar works for water/utilities.
• Experience should be recent.
• Personnel:
• Minimum 1 x Civil/Structural Engineer with 15+ years of experience.
• Minimum 1 x PSDP with 5+ years of experience.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of quality and cost.

Criterion Weighting Maximum Marks Sub-criteria Pass/Fail Thresholds