Summer Works 2026 - Skerries Community College - Home Economics Room Refurbishment

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 a contractor to undertake refurbishment works within the Home Economics room at Skerries Community College. The project is scheduled for completion during the summer period of 2026, implying a need for rapid execution within a defined academic break. The scope encompasses the complete refurbishment of the existing Home Economics room, requiring the contractor to manage all aspects of the construction and fit-out process.

Key activities and deliverables include:

• Demolition and Preparation: Removal of existing fixtures, fittings, and finishes as necessary to prepare the space for refurbishment. This may include flooring, wall coverings, and potentially existing cabinetry or equipment.
• Construction and Fit-out: Installation of new finishes, including flooring, wall treatments, and ceiling elements. This will involve carpentry, plastering, and painting works.
• Mechanical and Electrical Services: Upgrades or replacements to the room's electrical systems, including lighting, power outlets, and potentially data points, to meet current standards and the functional requirements of a modern Home Economics room. Plumbing adjustments may also be required for any new sink or appliance installations.
• Cabinetry and Worktops: Design, supply, and installation of new kitchen cabinetry, worktops, and storage solutions tailored to the specific needs of Home Economics teaching. This will require precise measurements and a focus on durability and hygiene.
• Appliance Installation: Installation of new appliances, such as ovens, hobs, washing machines, and refrigerators, as specified in the project requirements.
• Finishing Touches: Installation of any necessary fixtures, fittings, and decorative elements to complete the refurbishment.
• Site Management: Ensuring the works are carried out safely, with minimal disruption to the school environment outside of the contracted works period. This includes site security, waste management, and adherence to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Compliance: Ensuring all works comply with the Building Control Regulations and any other relevant legislation.

The contractor will be responsible for all labour, materials, plant, and equipment necessary to complete the refurbishment to a high standard, ready for use at the commencement of the academic year in Autumn 2026.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is for a specific capital works project at Skerries Community College, identified as "Summer Works 2026". The project focuses on refurbishing the Home Economics room, indicating a need to update or modernise facilities to support educational delivery. The procurement is being managed by the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB), a statutory body responsible for the provision of education and training services within its geographical remit.

The timing of the works, scheduled for "Summer Works 2026", suggests a strategic approach to minimise disruption to the school's operational calendar. Educational institutions frequently undertake such refurbishment projects during academic holidays to avoid impacting students and staff. The project aligns with broader initiatives within the education sector to maintain and improve school infrastructure, ensuring facilities are fit for purpose and conducive to effective teaching and learning. No specific policy or programme is explicitly cited, but the project falls under the general remit of capital investment in educational facilities managed by an ETB.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this tender:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000.00 for any single claim.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000.00 for any one event.
• 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.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not detailed in the provided tender metadata. Typically, public sector tenders in Ireland are awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), which balances price and quality. The specific weighting between price and quality, along with any sub-criteria for quality assessment (e.g., technical approach, experience, personnel, methodology), would be detailed in the full tender documents. A minimum scoring threshold for individual criteria or the overall bid may also be stipulated.

6. Submission requirements

The specific submission requirements are not detailed in the provided metadata. However, based on standard public works tendering practices in Ireland, bidders can anticipate the need to submit:

• Completed Tender Response: This will likely include responses to specific questions, method statements, and technical proposals addressing how the contractor will deliver the works.
• Pricing Schedule: A detailed breakdown of costs, likely in a specified format, covering all aspects of the refurbishment.
• CVs: For key personnel proposed for the project, demonstrating relevant experience.
• Case Studies/References: Evidence of previous, similar projects undertaken by the contractor.
• Declarations: Including but not limited to:
• European Single Procurement Document (ESPD).
• Bona Fide Contractor declarations.
• Tax clearance certificates.
• Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Insurance Details: Confirmation of the required insurance cover.
• Submission Portal: Tenders will be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform.

A mandatory site visit may be required, with details to be provided in the full tender documentation.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will be based on the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6) v1.15, dated 25th November 2025. Key terms include:

• Contract Term: The contract duration will be defined by the Time for Completion, which is the period to substantially complete the Works. Extensions to this time are possible for specific reasons outlined in clause 2.7, such as Compensation Events or weather events.
• Payment Terms: Payments are made in instalments, including interim payments, a percentage upon substantial completion, and the final balance after the Defects Certificate is issued. Payment claim notices require a response within 14 days, and the Employer must pay the invoiced amount within the period stated in the Schedule.
• Liquidated Damages: If the Contractor fails to substantially complete the Works within the Time for Completion, liquidated damages are payable at the rate specified in the Schedule.
• Termination: The contract allows for termination under specific circumstances, including prolonged suspension of works (clause 3.12).
• Sub-contracting: The Contractor cannot subcontract the whole of the Works. Subcontracting parts of the Works requires the Employer's Representative's consent, unless already provided for in the contract.
• Performance Bond: If required by the Schedule, a performance bond must be provided by the Contractor within 7 days of tender acceptance.
• Price Variation: The Price will only change as expressly provided in the Contract. Adjustments can occur due to Compensation Events or changes in law affecting customs, excise duties, or PRSI.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The primary unusual aspect of this tender is the lack of disclosed value and detailed award criteria within the provided metadata. This suggests that the full tender documents will contain significant detail on how bids will be evaluated, and the absence of a stated value means bidders must assess the likely scale of the project themselves based on the scope. The tight timeframe implied by "Summer Works 2026" presents a risk for contractors, requiring efficient planning and execution to complete the refurbishment within the academic holiday period. The reliance on the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6) framework means bidders must be familiar with its specific clauses regarding payment, extensions of time, and dispute resolution. The submission deadline of August 20th, 2026, is unusually late for a project intended for the summer of 2026, implying either a very short mobilisation period or a potential for the project to extend beyond the summer break.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with demonstrable experience in general building refurbishment and fit-out works, particularly within educational or similar institutional settings. The scope, focusing on a single room refurbishment, is manageable for smaller firms.

• Credible Bidders: Firms with a track record in domestic or light commercial refurbishment, including carpentry, plastering, painting, and basic M&E installation, would be well-positioned. Experience with kitchen fit-outs and adherence to public sector procurement processes would be advantageous.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The PW-CF6 contract explicitly prohibits subcontracting the whole of the works. Subcontracting parts of the works is permissible with the Employer's Representative's consent. Consortium bids are not explicitly mentioned but are generally permissible in public procurement if structured correctly.
• Bid-Prep Effort: The effort will depend on the detail provided in the full tender documents. However, for an SME, preparing a compliant bid for a single-lot project of this nature could range from 5 to 15 days of focused effort, including site visits, pricing, and response compilation.
• Pwin Signal: The absence of a stated incumbent or previous contractor in the metadata makes it difficult to assess incumbent strength. The "Summer Works" designation suggests a need for timely completion, favouring contractors with proven project management capabilities and efficient resource allocation. The late submission deadline for a summer project is a notable point.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: [PW-CF6_Contract_v1.15_25-11-2025.pdf]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in metadata.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Not specified in metadata.
• Key Attachments:
• PW-CF6 v1.15 25-11-2025 Conditions
• Schedule (details of contract-specific terms, dates, and potentially pricing structure)