Remediation, Retrofit, and Refurbishment of Schools

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 tender involves the remediation, retrofit, and refurbishment of up to 17 schools across Ireland. The contractor will be responsible for various construction activities, including but not limited to:

• Remediation Works: Addressing structural and safety issues identified in existing school buildings.
• Retrofit Activities: Upgrading facilities to meet current standards for energy efficiency and accessibility.
• Refurbishment Tasks: Renovating interiors, including classrooms, restrooms, and common areas to improve functionality and aesthetics.
• Project Management: Overseeing all phases of construction, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engaging with school authorities, local communities, and regulatory bodies throughout the project lifecycle.

The project will be executed in multiple phases, with an initial package involving five schools, followed by subsequent packages of six schools each in the following years (2029-2030 and 2031-2032). The contractor must ensure that all work is completed within the specified timelines and adheres to the standards set by the Contracting Authority.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is aligned with the Irish Government's initiative to enhance educational infrastructure, particularly in response to the increasing demand for modernized school facilities. The project is part of a broader strategy funded by the Department of Education and Skills, aimed at improving educational environments across the country. The urgency for this tender arises from the need to address existing deficiencies in school buildings and to ensure compliance with contemporary educational standards. The incumbent contractor is not specified in the documentation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €43,500,000 in the area of General Construction/Civil Engineering.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum level of €2,500,000.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €6,500,000.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €13,000,000.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate experience in a minimum of 2 comparable projects within the last 5 years.
• Personnel: Key personnel must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in leading building/engineering projects.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Use the specified template for pricing.
• Case studies: Provide 3 case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €5 million to €20 million.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made through eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Not specified for this tender.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of milestones as defined in the contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance indicators will be established to monitor project progress and quality.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract for non-compliance with terms.
• IP ownership: Intellectual property rights for any designs or materials developed will remain with the Contracting Authority.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the Contracting Authority.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• High turnover requirement: The minimum turnover threshold of €43,500,000 may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding capable SMEs.
• Insurance levels: The required insurance coverages are substantial, which may pose financial challenges for smaller bidders.
• Project complexity: The multi-phase nature of the project may complicate management and execution, particularly for firms without extensive experience in similar projects.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this tender should have:

• Size/specialism: Experience in general construction and civil engineering, with a proven track record in school refurbishment projects.
• Certifications: While specific certifications were not detailed, relevant industry standards would be beneficial.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Allowed, which may enable smaller firms to collaborate and meet the requirements collectively.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Approximately 10-15 days to prepare a competitive bid, considering the documentation and case studies required.
• Pwin signal: The high turnover requirement and potential incumbency may indicate a low probability of winning for new entrants, particularly if past winners are not disclosed.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): Not specified.
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B1 — List of Previous Works Projects
• Appendix B2 — Certificate of Satisfactory Execution
• Appendix C — Bankers Letter