Heavy Cargo Service for Bere Island, 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 Rural and Community Development Heavy Cargo Service for Bere Island, Co. Cork 2026 - 2030 60100000 €403,000.00 not stated Open not stated Bere Island, Co. Cork 4 years 24 June 2026, 12:00 Q3 2026

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves providing a subsidised Roll on/Roll Off (RoRo) heavy cargo service between Bere Island, Co. Cork, and the mainland. The service is expected to operate year-round, with a minimum of two return sailings per week. The anticipated operational period spans 48 months, commencing in Q3 2026.

Key activities include:

• Sailing Schedule: Minimum of two return sailings per week, all year round.
• Service Operations: The contractor must manage logistics for heavy cargo transport, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Reporting: Quarterly reports on service performance and fuel usage must be submitted to the Minister within 30 days of each quarter end.
• Fuel Management: The contractor must monitor fuel prices and usage, with adjustments to service costs if average fuel prices fluctuate significantly.
• Compliance: Adherence to environmental regulations and safety standards is mandatory throughout the contract duration.

The contractor must also maintain communication with the Contracting Authority regarding any operational changes or issues that may arise.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Department of Rural and Community Development's initiative to enhance connectivity to Bere Island, thereby supporting local economic development. The service is part of a broader strategy to improve transport links for remote communities in Ireland. The contract is being issued now to ensure that the service is operational by Q3 2026, coinciding with anticipated increases in cargo demand.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12,700,000 limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 limit for any one claim.
• Protection and Indemnity (Marine) Insurance: €50,000,000 limit for any one claim.
• Hull and Machinery: For the full value of the ferry.
• 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

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 documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template; page limits not specified.
• CVs: For key personnel; page count not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the format provided in Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders.gov.ie, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: 4 years, with an option for two extensions of up to six months each.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: The successful Tenderer must designate a single entity responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The requirement for a minimum of two return sailings per week may limit flexibility for bidders with less operational capacity.
• The insurance requirements are substantial, which may exclude smaller operators without adequate coverage.
• The contract's reliance on fuel price stability could pose financial risks if prices fluctuate significantly.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in maritime logistics and heavy cargo transport. Bidders should have:

• Relevant insurance coverage as specified.
• Capacity to manage the operational demands of a RoRo service.
• The ability to submit a compliant tender within the specified timeframe.

Consortium arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to partner with larger entities to meet the requirements. Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly for documentation and compliance checks. The incumbent's strength and experience in providing similar services may influence the competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT-Lastas Throm-An t-Oileáin Mór 2026 - 2030.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement.