GI works at Lower Tinnahinch Weir And Rock Fish Pass

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 ground investigation (GI) works at Lower Tinnahinch Weir and Rock Fish Pass. The contract will involve a series of tasks to assess ground conditions, which will be detailed in a Tasks Table within the contract's Schedule. The Contractor is responsible for executing these tasks according to the contract, the Employer’s Representative’s instructions, and applicable law.

Key activities and requirements include:

• Task Commencement and Completion: The Contractor must start each task within 7 days of receiving permission from the Employer’s Representative and complete each task within its specified Performance Period.
• Site Operations and Works: The Contractor is responsible for the safety and stability of all operations on site, including temporary works. Work must be carried out according to good practice, using quality goods and materials. The Contractor must secure the site, keep it in good order, and protect persons and surrounding areas from hazards.
• Nuisance and Interference: The Contractor must minimise nuisance or inconvenience to the public and avoid unnecessary interference with land, roads, or footpaths.
• Damage Prevention: Damage to the site or nearby property must be avoided unless it is an unavoidable consequence of the investigation.
• Setting Out and Verification: The Contractor must set out the works according to contract specifications and Employer’s Representative instructions, verifying the accuracy of points, lines, and levels.
• Access and Inspection: The Employer and authorised persons must have access to the site and other locations where work is performed or materials are stored for inspection and testing.
• Uncovering and Testing: The Employer’s Representative may instruct the Contractor to uncover, dismantle, re-cover, or re-erect work, or provide facilities for testing and inspection.
• Non-Compliant Work: Work, goods, or materials that do not comply with the contract must be removed or rectified as instructed by the Employer’s Representative.
• Suspension of Work: The Employer’s Representative may instruct the suspension of all or part of the investigation. The Contractor must protect, store, and secure affected items during suspension.
• Discovery of Monuments/Remains: If national monuments, archaeological objects, or human remains are discovered, the Contractor must not disturb them, must preserve them, and promptly notify the Employer.
• Unforeseen Conditions: If unforeseen physical conditions are encountered, the Contractor must notify the Employer’s Representative with details of anticipated effects and proposed solutions.
• Access Routes and Services: The Contractor is responsible for the suitability and maintenance of access routes and for obtaining all required facilities, power, water, and other services, unless the Scope specifies otherwise.
• Reporting: The Contractor must provide information and reports as required by the Scope and the Employer’s Representative.

3. Background & buyer context

Waterways Ireland is procuring ground investigation (GI) works at Lower Tinnahinch Weir and Rock Fish Pass. This procurement aligns with the organisation's ongoing infrastructure management and development activities. The contract is governed by the PW-CF7 Investigation Contract Conditions, a standard form document published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This form of contract is used for public sector investigations and ensures a structured approach to project execution, payment, and dispute resolution. The tender is being issued under an open procedure, allowing any eligible economic operator to submit a bid.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover Requirement:
• Average annual turnover of €240,000 ex VAT over the last 3 years, specifically from investigation works.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum level of €6,500,000. Maximum permissible excess is the greater of 2% of annual turnover or €5,000.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €6,500,000 in respect of any one accident. Maximum excess for property is €10,000.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €13,000,000 in respect of any one accident.
• Certifications:
• Safety management system in accordance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent.
• Environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001:2015 (or similar).
• Quality assurance procedures in accordance with ISO 9001.
• Past Experience:
• A minimum of 3 comparable projects of similar size and complexity, each with a minimum contract value of €100,000.
• At least one project must have included in-stream works.
• At least one project must have required coordination of works.
• Evidence of applicable environmental management measures for a minimum of 2 previous projects.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in ground investigations and geotechnical works (field operations and reporting) for a Geotechnical Engineer/Professional Engineering Geologist.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in ground investigations and 5 years’ managerial experience of ground investigation projects of similar value and complexity.
• A minimum of 2 years fulfilling the role of PSCS for Site Investigation Contracts.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in site investigations at site level, with at least 5 years directly involving projects of similar complexity and nature.
• Personnel:
• A Geotechnical Engineer/Professional Engineering Geologist with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in ground investigation and geotechnical works.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also supply their Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, using a combination of price and quality. The specific weighting between price and quality is not detailed in the provided extract, nor are specific scoring mechanisms or minimum thresholds per criterion. However, the evaluation will consider the technical merit and suitability of the proposed approach alongside the submitted price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Completed Tender Form: Including details of the price and any other information required by the Scope.
• Appendix B1: List of Previous Works Projects, organised in order of precedence, with corresponding Certificates of Satisfactory Execution. A minimum of 3 projects must be listed, matching the experience criteria.
• Appendix B2: Certificate of Satisfactory Execution for each listed project.
• Insurance Evidence: As required under clause 12.8 of the contract conditions.
• Tax Clearance: Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Digital Copies: The number and type of electronic copies required are stated in the Particulars and Tenders document.
• Performance Bond/Project Supervisor Appointment: If required by the Schedule, these must be provided within 7 days of tender acceptance.

A mandatory site visit is not explicitly mentioned in the provided documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Term: The contract is for the completion of the investigation as described in the Scope. No specific duration or extension options are detailed in the provided text.
• Payment Terms: Payment is made in instalments as scheduled. The Contractor submits a payment claim notice, the Employer’s Representative certifies the amount due within 14 days, and the Employer pays the invoice within 30 days of receiving it.
• Liquidated Damages: If a task is not completed within its Performance Period, the Price is reduced at a specified rate until completion.
• Termination: The Employer may terminate the contract if a suspension lasts longer than 3 months and the Contractor is not permitted to proceed.
• IP Ownership: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Sub-contracting: The Contractor may not subcontract the whole investigation. Subcontracting parts requires the Employer’s Representative’s consent, unless allowed or required by the Scope.
• Performance Bond: May be required as stated in the Schedule, executed by the Contractor and an approved surety.
• Data Protection: The Contractor must comply with Data Protection Law, including processing Personal Data only as per the contract, ensuring confidentiality, implementing security measures, and managing sub-processors. Personal data cannot be transferred outside the EEA without prior written consent.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Late Payment Interest: The contract specifies interest at the rate in the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012 if payments are not made within the allowed time.
• Contractor's Risk: The Contractor bears all costs of performing the contract except where the Price is expressly increased by the contract.
• Discrepancy Resolution: The Employer’s Representative resolves discrepancies between contract documents via instruction.
• Unforeseen Conditions: The process for handling unforeseen physical conditions requires prompt notification and potential instruction to change the Scope.
• Weather Events: Extensions for weather events are capped by the excess over the 90th percentile of past measurements, as determined by Met Eireann.
• Provisional Sums: These are at the sole disposal of the Employer’s Representative and will be deducted from the Price if not used.
• Tax Deduction: The Employer may deduct any amount considered due from the Contractor for tax purposes or under other contracts.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured for experienced ground investigation firms. The turnover requirement of €240,000 per annum averaged over 3 years suggests that very small, newly established businesses may find it challenging to meet this threshold. The significant insurance requirements (€6.5m PI/PL, €13m EL) also represent a substantial financial commitment.

• Credible Bidders: Firms with a proven track record in ground investigations, particularly those with experience in in-stream works and project coordination, are well-suited. Companies holding ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 certifications will have an advantage.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: While the whole investigation cannot be subcontracted, subcontracting parts is permissible with the Employer’s Representative’s consent, allowing SMEs to potentially participate as subcontractors or in joint ventures.
• Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant bid will require significant effort, particularly in compiling the detailed list of previous projects with supporting certificates (Appendix B1/B2) and demonstrating compliance with all technical and insurance requirements. This could range from 10-20 days for a well-prepared firm.
• Pwin Signal: The use of a standard government contract form (PW-CF7) and the open procedure suggest a competitive process. However, the specific nature of the works at a weir and fish pass may favour specialist contractors with relevant environmental and civil engineering experience. The absence of a stated incumbent does not preclude their participation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): PW-CF7_Contract_v1.7_25-11-2025.pdf, Appendix_B1_List_of_Previous_Works_Projects_which_is_CEE.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in provided documents.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Not specified in provided documents.
• Key Attachments:
• PW-CF7_Contract_v1.7_25-11-2025.pdf (Conditions of Contract)
• Appendix_B1_List_of_Previous_Works_Projects_which_is_CEE.docx (Previous Works Project List Template)