Provision of Services for Preparation of Integrated Source Protection Plan for Nephin Valley Group Water Scheme Co-operative Society Limited

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 | :------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------- | :-------------- | :------- | :------------- | :--- | :------- | :-------------- | :------------------ | :-------------- | Nephin Valley GWS Co-op Soc Ltd. Provision of Services for Preparation of Integrated Source Protection Plan for Nephin Valley Group Water Scheme Co-operative Society Limited Not specified Not disclosed Not specified Not specified Not specified Ireland Not specified 2026-10-06T14:00:00 Not specified

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will provide services to develop an Integrated Source Protection Plan (ISPP) for the Nephin Valley Group Water Scheme (GWS). The ISPP aims to safeguard the raw water sources supplying the scheme. The scope includes assessing the current situation, identifying risks, and proposing mitigation measures.

Key activities and deliverables include:

• Development of the Integrated Source Protection Plan: This is the primary deliverable, encompassing all aspects of source water protection.
• Assessment of Raw Water Quality: Analysis of historical raw water quality data, including parameters such as:
• Stream raw water ranging from a minimum of 56.
• Water colour from a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 19 (PtCo).
• True colour values from Levally Lough ranging from a minimum of 15.
• THM values ranging from a minimum of 15 µg THM/L.
• Turbidity of raw water ranging from a minimum of 0.
• pH values from a minimum of 4.
• Alkalinity ranging from a minimum of 10 mg/L CaCO3.
• Chlorophyll concentrations ranging from a minimum of 1 mg/m3.
• Conductivity values ranging from a minimum of 121 µS/cm.
• DO values ranging from a minimum of 67 % DO.
• E. coli ranging from a minimum of 1 MPN/100ml.
• Identification of Potential Contamination Risks: This involves mapping and assessing activities within the source water catchment area that could impact water quality. Specific geographic constraints related to fertiliser and soiled water spreading are noted:
• No chemical fertiliser applied within 2 m of surface waters.
• Organic fertiliser/soiled water spread within 20 m of a lake shoreline.
• Organic fertiliser/soiled water spread within 5 m of surface water course UNLESS slope is >100 m3/d or >500 people, no spreading within 200 m of the abstraction.
• For abstractions >10 m3/d or >50 people, no spreading within 100 m of abstraction point.
• Development of Mitigation Measures: Proposing practical actions to reduce identified risks.
• Reporting and Documentation: Producing the final ISPP document.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaising with the GWS, National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), and other stakeholders.
• Contractual Requirements:
• The final ISPP must be completed within 6 months of the award of this contract.
• An initial meeting with the service provider and the GWS/NFGWS/Other Stakeholders must occur within 1 week of the contract award.

3. Background & buyer context

Nephin Valley Group Water Scheme Co-operative Society Limited (Nephin Valley GWS) is procuring services to develop an Integrated Source Protection Plan (ISPP). This initiative is driven by the requirement to comply with updated drinking water regulations, specifically the transposition of S.I. No. 99/2023 – European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023. These regulations mandate a proactive approach to safeguarding drinking water sources. The plan is essential for ensuring the long-term security and quality of the water supply for the Nephin Valley GWS. No incumbent provider is mentioned.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender, beyond the general requirement for services to be provided in Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring methodology are not detailed in the provided extract. The split between price and quality (MEAT) is not specified.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Not specified for this tender.
• CVs: Not specified for this tender.
• Pricing schedule: Not specified for this tender.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• ESPD (European Single Procurement Document) is implied by the reference to Regulation 57 of the Regulations.
• Bona Fides declarations are implied.
• Tax clearance certificate is mandatory for payment.
• Conflict of Interest declarations are implied.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: www.etenders.gov.ie is referenced for clarifications.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: The agreement takes effect on the Effective Date and expires on a date to be specified, unless terminated or extended. The Client reserves the right to extend the Term for periods of up to one month, with a maximum of six such extensions permitted, subject to legal obligations.
• Payment terms: Payment of Charges is subject to Contractor compliance with the agreement, furnishing valid invoices with supporting documentation, and the Client being in possession of the Contractor’s current Tax Clearance Certificate. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 calendar days. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2012 apply.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Compliance with service levels and performance indicators set out in Schedule D is required.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not explicitly detailed in the provided extract, though clause 5G mentions termination for failure to deliver within promised times. Clause 5H is marked "Not Used" but outlines a potential liquidated damages regime for late delivery.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with one month's written notice. Immediate termination is possible for serious breach (if not remedied within 30 days), insolvency, conflict of interest, or if exclusion grounds under Regulation 57 apply. Force Majeure events continuing for 14 days allow termination with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: All Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in reports, data, manuals, and other materials produced for the agreement vest in the Client. The Contractor assigns all IPR in these "Materials" to the Client.
• Sub-contracting rules: The Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for its subcontractors. The Client can require the Contractor to replace a subcontractor if exclusion grounds apply. Subcontracts must include a right for the Contractor to terminate if exclusion grounds apply to the subcontractor.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The contract length is not specified, but the ISPP must be completed within 6 months of award. The Client reserves the right to extend the contract term by up to six one-month periods, which could lead to a longer engagement than initially anticipated. The "Not Used" markings on clauses 5E and 5H suggest potential areas that were considered but ultimately not included, which might warrant further investigation into the rationale. The absence of a specified estimated value for the contract is common for smaller public sector procurements but means bidders must self-assess the potential scale.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in environmental consultancy, hydrogeology, or water resource management. The scope focuses on a specific plan development rather than large-scale infrastructure.

• Who can credibly bid: A consultancy firm with demonstrable experience in developing source protection plans, environmental impact assessments, or similar water resource management strategies. Expertise in Irish environmental regulations and water quality analysis is essential.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: The Contractor is responsible for its subcontractors, implying that subcontracting is permitted. Consortium bids would likely be acceptable if structured appropriately.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Estimating bid preparation effort is difficult without detailed submission requirements. However, given the need for technical expertise and potential site assessments, a bid could require 10-20 days of effort for a small team.
• Pwin signal: The tender is open for competition. The primary driver is regulatory compliance, suggesting a need for a competent and compliant provider rather than a sole-source situation. The absence of specific past experience requirements in the extract suggests a competitive field.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): [Blank_GWS_ISPP_Contract_for_Services.docx]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie (for clarifications)
• Most important attachments:
• Schedule B – Specification of Services
• Schedule C – Charges
• Schedule D – Service Levels and Performance Indicators