Inclusive Upgrade at Castleisland Playground

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 an inclusive upgrade at Castleisland Playground. The project is funded in part by a DCDE Grant of €24,754.19 excluding VAT (€28,096 including VAT). The primary objective is to install a level access inclusive roundabout and associated safety surfacing.

The constituent activities for the contractor include:

• Installation of a level access inclusive roundabout: This is the central element of the upgrade, requiring the contractor to procure and install a specific piece of play equipment designed for inclusive use.
• Installation of safety surfacing: The roundabout and surrounding play area will require appropriate safety surfacing. The exact type and specification of this surfacing are not detailed but must comply with relevant safety standards for playgrounds.
• Site preparation and enabling works: This will involve preparing the ground for the new equipment and surfacing, ensuring level access as specified.
• Demolition and removal of existing elements (if any): While not explicitly stated, site preparation may involve the removal of existing play equipment or surfacing to accommodate the new installation.
• Compliance with Building Control Regulations: The contractor must ensure all works comply with the Building Control Regulations 1997-2014 and any amendments.
• Project management and site supervision: The contractor is responsible for managing the project from commencement to completion, including the supervision of all contractor's personnel and activities on site.
• Health and Safety: The contractor is responsible for the safety and stability of the works and all operations on site, including temporary works, and must protect persons on site and users of nearby areas from hazards.
• Quality Assurance: The contractor must construct the works according to good practice, using only goods and materials of good quality.
• Site maintenance and tidiness: The contractor must keep the site in good order and free from unnecessary obstructions, and as far as practicable, secure the site and keep off unauthorized persons.
• Completion and Handover: The contractor must substantially complete the works within the Time for Completion and complete any outstanding work promptly after the Employer's Representative instructs.

The contract is based on the Short Public Works Contract PW-CF6 v1.14.

3. Background & buyer context

Kerry County Council is procuring this upgrade for Castleisland Playground. The project is partially funded by a DCDE Grant, indicating a strategic initiative to enhance public amenities and promote inclusivity in play facilities. The grant amount of €24,754.19 (excl. VAT) suggests a focused scope for this specific upgrade, primarily centred on the installation of an inclusive roundabout and safety surfacing. The procurement falls under the standard public works contracting framework, utilising the Office of Government Procurement's Short Public Works Contract. There is no mention of an incumbent contractor for this specific upgrade.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: Minimum indemnity limit of €6,500 for any one event.
• Employer's Liability: Minimum indemnity limit of €13.0 million 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 extract. The tender will be evaluated based on the submitted bid, with the specific weighting of quality versus price not disclosed. Typically, public works tenders utilise a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, which balances these factors.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Tender documents: These must include the number and type of paper and/or electronic copies as stated in the Particulars.
• Electronic Copies: Type: pdf, Number: Not specified.
• Tax Clearance: Bidders must supply their Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Performance Bond: If required by the Schedule, a performance bond must be provided within 7 days of tender acceptance.
• Pricing Schedule: Format and template not specified.
• Declarations: Not specified for this tender.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Type: Short Public Works Contract PW-CF6 v1.14.
• Contract Duration: Time for Completion is stated in the Schedule, with potential extensions under clause 2.7.
• Payment Terms: Interim payments on account as scheduled. Substantial completion payment is a percentage of the Price. Final payment after Defects Certificate issuance. Payment is due within the period stated in the Schedule after invoice. Late payments incur interest as per the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012.
• Liquidated Damages: Rate specified in the Schedule, applied from the day after the last day of the Time for Completion until substantial completion. The rate is stated as €0 per day in the provided metadata, which is unusual and may be a placeholder or specific to this contract.
• Termination: The Employer may terminate if a suspension lasts longer than 3 months and the Contractor requests permission to proceed, which is not granted within 20 working days.
• Sub-contracting: The Contractor may not 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: Required if stated in the Schedule, to be provided within 7 days of tender acceptance.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The most significant unusual aspect is the stated rate of liquidated damages as €0 per day. This is highly atypical for public works contracts and warrants clarification. It suggests either a very low risk tolerance for delay from the buyer's perspective, or a potential oversight in the documentation. The absence of specified turnover, experience, and personnel requirements might indicate a broad tendering approach, but could also mean these are assessed more qualitatively or are implicitly covered by the standard Short Public Works Contract conditions. The contract is based on the PW-CF6 v1.14, which is a standard form, reducing the risk of bespoke, unusual clauses, but bidders should still scrutinise the Schedule for any specific additions.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender appears to be structured to be accessible to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with experience in general construction and playground works. The absence of explicit minimum turnover or extensive past experience requirements suggests that firms with a solid track record on smaller to medium-sized projects could be competitive. Consortium bidding or subcontracting is permitted for parts of the works, offering flexibility for SMEs to partner or specialise. The bid preparation effort is likely moderate, focusing on demonstrating capability and competitive pricing within the framework of the Short Public Works Contract. The Pwin signal is neutral, as there is no clear indication of an incumbent or a pre-determined preferred supplier.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: PW-CF6-v1.14-19-07-2023.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Not specified
• Key Attachments:
• PW-CF6 v1.14 19/07/2023 - Conditions
• Schedule (referenced throughout the Conditions)