Repointing of External Stonework on Block 8 at Haulbowline Naval Base, Co Cork

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 | :-------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------- | :-------------- | :------- | :------------- | :--- | :--------- | :-------------- | :------------------ | :-------------- | Department of Defence Repointing of External Stonework on Block 8 at Haulbowline Naval Base, Co Cork Not stated Not disclosed Not stated Not stated Not stated Co Cork Not stated 2026-08-06 11:00 Not stated

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks a contractor to perform repointing of external stonework on Block 8 at Haulbowline Naval Base, County Cork. The work involves the repair and restoration of the stone facade of an existing four-storey detached block. The contract duration is not specified, but the nature of the work suggests a project-based engagement.

The core activities for the successful contractor will include:

• Stonework Assessment: Detailed inspection and assessment of the existing stonework to identify areas requiring repointing, including the condition of mortar joints, stone units, and any associated structural elements.
• Mortar Removal: Careful and controlled removal of deteriorated or failing mortar from the joints. This process must be executed without causing damage to the surrounding stonework.
• Repointing: The application of new mortar to the prepared joints. The specification of the mortar mix (composition, aggregate type, colour, and strength) will be critical and must match or be compatible with the original materials and historical context of the building.
• Stone Cleaning: Where necessary, cleaning of the stonework to remove surface soiling, biological growth, or efflorescence, using methods appropriate for historic stone.
• Stone Repair/Replacement: Minor repairs to damaged stone units or the replacement of severely deteriorated stones, if identified as necessary during the assessment phase.
• Site Management: Ensuring a safe and efficient working environment on site, including the implementation of health and safety protocols, site security, and waste management.
• Quality Control: Implementing quality assurance measures throughout the works to ensure the repointing meets specified standards and aesthetic requirements.
• Project Reporting: Providing regular progress reports to the Department of Defence, detailing work completed, any issues encountered, and planned activities.

The work is to be carried out on Block 8 at the Haulbowline Naval Base. Specific volumes or quantities of stonework to be repointed are not detailed in the provided metadata, nor are specific workflows or named systems beyond the general description of repointing. The contract is for works, and the contractor will be required to act as Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) as per the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Department of Defence for essential maintenance and repair works at the Haulbowline Naval Base in County Cork. The specific requirement is for the repointing of external stonework on Block 8. This type of work falls under general building and maintenance services for public infrastructure. The tender is being conducted under the Short Public Works Contract framework, indicating a project of a certain scale and complexity. No specific government programme or policy is explicitly cited as the driver, but such maintenance is standard for the upkeep of state-owned facilities. The incumbent contractor for this specific task is not identified. The strategic driver is the preservation and structural integrity of a state asset.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover Requirement:
• Average annual turnover of €1.5 million in the area of construction work over the period specified in the qualification criteria (likely the past 5 or 7 years, as per HS criteria).
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €6,500,000 per accident. Maximum excess of €10,000 for property damage only.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum €13,000,000 per accident. No permitted excess.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum level not specified, but the maximum permissible excess is the greater of 2% of annual turnover or €5,000. Cover is on an annual aggregate basis.
• Contractor's All Risk Insurance: Minimum cover not less than the Contract Sum plus 30%.
• Certifications:
• Safety Management System: Must be in accordance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent. Certified membership of Safe-T-Cert may be deemed equivalent.
• Past Experience:
• Successfully completed 3 no. individual separate projects of works similar in nature, size, and complexity within the past 5 years, while working as a main contractor. Projects must have reached substantial completion by the tender submission date.
• Personnel:
• Management staff with appropriate educational/professional qualifications and experience relevant to the Works.
• Personnel with appropriate educational and professional qualifications and experience relevant to the Works.
• Specific experience requirements for roles like Contracts Manager (10 years' experience in Building Trade, 5 in management if no formal qualifications) and Foreman (10 years' experience in Building Trade, 5 as Foreman if no formal qualifications) are mentioned in the HS criteria context.
• Health and Safety Personnel: At least 3 years acting as Health and Safety Manager or Site Safety Officer on building construction projects if holding a degree/diploma or equivalent H&S training.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not explicitly detailed with scoring percentages in the provided metadata. However, the tender process will likely follow a standard public procurement model where bids are evaluated based on a combination of price and quality. The Health and Safety selection criteria are stated as pass/fail only. The contract will be awarded to the tenderer who submits a tender that is deemed to be the most economically advantageous, taking into account price and quality. Specific weighting for price versus quality is not stated.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Method Statement / Response Document:
• Completed Health and Safety Supplement 3.4.1, including sections on Educational and Professional Qualifications (Management and Personnel), List of Works Carried Out (Appendix B1 and B2), Measures for Ensuring Quality (including ISO 45001:2018 or Safe-T-Cert certification), and Average Annual Numbers of Persons Employed.
• Declaration of Competence as Contractor & PSCS.
• Appendix C: Bankers Letter on headed paper.
• Appendix B1: List of Previous Works Projects.
• Appendix B2: Certificate of Satisfactory Execution (for previous projects).
• CVs: Curricula Vitae for management staff and personnel, detailing relevant qualifications, experience on similar projects, and roles held. Page limits are not specified.
• Pricing Schedule: Format and template not specified in the metadata.
• Case Studies: Details of 3 no. projects of works similar in nature, size, and complexity, successfully completed within the past 5 years.
• Declarations:
• Tax Clearance Certificate and Tax Reference Number.
• Bona Fides declarations (likely covered within the questionnaire and declarations).
• Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Declaration of Competence as Contractor & PSCS.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified in the metadata.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform. Specific formatting rules for electronic submissions are not detailed.

7. Key dates & process

RFT issued Clarification deadline Mandatory site visit Tender deadline Expected award Contract start Go-live / mobilisation | :---------------- | :--------------------- | :------------------- | :-------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :--------------------- | Not stated Not stated Not stated 2026-08-06T11:00:00 Not stated Not stated Not stated

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Type: Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6 v1.15).
• Term & Extension: Contract length is not specified. Clause 2.7 allows for extension of the Time for Completion for specific reasons like compensation events, loss or damage, weather events, strikes, public authority orders, or failure of other parties.
• Payment Terms: Not detailed in the metadata. Standard public works contract payment mechanisms apply.
• SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the metadata.
• Liquidated Damages: Clause 2.6 states that if the Contractor does not substantially complete the Works within the Time for Completion, they must pay liquidated damages at the rate specified in the Schedule.
• Termination: Clause 12 covers termination, but specific grounds are not detailed in the metadata.
• IP Ownership: Not specified in the metadata.
• Sub-contracting: Clause 1.7 states the Contractor may not assign the Contract or any part of it without the Employer’s consent. Clause 1.9 details sub-processor rules for Personal Data.
• Performance Bond: If required by the Schedule, a performance bond must be provided within 7 days of tender acceptance, executed by the Contractor and an approved surety, in the amount stated in the Schedule.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Lack of Specificity: The estimated value and contract length are not disclosed, making it difficult for bidders to gauge the project's scale and potential profitability.
• Health & Safety Focus: The extensive detail on Health and Safety competence (3.4.1 HS criteria) indicates a high priority placed on this aspect by the Department of Defence, requiring thorough documentation and evidence.
• Pass/Fail Criteria: The emphasis on pass/fail for HS criteria means any bidder failing to meet these stringent requirements will be disqualified, regardless of their price or other qualifications.
• Short Public Works Contract: This contract form is typically used for projects with an estimated value below €1 million (excluding VAT) for works, suggesting a project of moderate scale. However, the specific value is not stated.
• Insurance Requirements: The insurance levels, particularly Public Liability at €6.5m, are substantial and may be a barrier for very small firms.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a proven track record in stonework restoration and general building works. A credible bidder would need:

• Demonstrable experience in repointing and heritage stonework.
• A turnover of at least €1.5 million per annum.
• The capacity to secure the required insurance levels (€6.5m PL, €13m EL).
• A robust Health and Safety management system, ideally certified to ISO 45001 or equivalent, or Safe-T-Cert.
• The ability to provide 3 strong reference projects of similar nature and complexity.
• Appropriately qualified and experienced personnel, particularly in management and H&S roles.

Consortium bidding or sub-contracting may be permissible, but the lead contractor must meet the primary eligibility criteria. The bid preparation effort could be significant, requiring detailed documentation for H&S compliance, past project evidence, and financial information. The Pwin signal is neutral as no incumbent or previous winner is identified. The tender appears open to specialist contractors who can meet the defined criteria.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): Not explicitly listed in metadata, but likely includes "Repointing of External Stonework on Block 8 at Haulbowline Naval Base, Co Cork".
• eTenders CFT ID: Not stated in metadata.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not stated in metadata.
• Most Important Attachments:
• [Appendix_C_Bankers_Letter.docx]
• [Schedule of Insurance Requirements.pdf]
• [Appendix_B1_List_of_Previous_Works_Projects_which_is_CEE.docx]
• [Declaration of Competence as Contractor & PSCS.pdf]
• [3.4.1-HS-Works-Contractor_v3.1-25-11-2025.docx] (Health and Safety Supplement)
• [PW-CF6_Contract_v1.15_25-11-2025.pdf] (Short Public Works Contract Conditions)