Air Service from Aerfort Chonamara, Na Mine, Co na Gaillimhe to Oileáin Árann, Co. na Gaillimhe, Ireland 2026 -2030

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks a contractor to provide a public service obligation (PSO) air service connecting Aerfort Chonamara, County Galway, to the Aran Islands (Oileáin Árann), County Galway. The estimated value of the contract over its four-year term is €5,741,083.57, excluding VAT. The service is intended to operate from 2026 to 2030, with potential extensions.

The core activities required of the successful tenderer include:

• Scheduled Air Service Operation: Operating a regular air service between Aerfort Chonamara and the Aran Islands. This involves maintaining a flight schedule that meets the needs of island residents and visitors.
• Aircraft Provision and Maintenance: Supplying and maintaining aircraft that meet specific operational requirements. These aircraft must have a minimum of 9 passenger seats and be capable of carrying 10kg of cargo. The tenderer must ensure aircraft back-up and resilience, including provisions for unforeseen circumstances.
• Passenger and Cargo Handling: Managing passenger check-in, boarding, and disembarkation at both Aerfort Chonamara and the Aran Islands. This also includes the handling and transportation of mail and any other approved cargo.
• Route Management: Operating the service to and from the specified locations. The Aran Islands consist of three islands: Inis Mór (land mass of 3,090 hectares), Inis Meáin (land mass of 910 hectares), and Inis Oírr (land mass of 566 hectares).
• Reporting and Invoicing: Submitting monthly invoices and regular reports as required by the Contracting Authority.
• Compliance: Adhering to all applicable environmental, social, and labour laws, as well as specific regulations related to air transport and public service obligations.
• Fuel Price Management: The contract includes provisions for potential adjustments to the service price based on significant fluctuations in fuel prices. Tenderers must detail fuel usage and proof of price paid for the previous three months.

The service is expected to operate throughout the year, with specific requirements for frequency and capacity likely detailed in Appendix 1 of the RFT.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Department of Rural and Community Development to ensure the continuity of essential air connectivity for the Aran Islands. The service is a public service obligation (PSO) route, indicating its importance for the social and economic well-being of island communities. The contract term of four years, with potential extensions, suggests a need for stable, long-term provision. The estimated contract value of over €5.7 million reflects the ongoing operational costs and strategic importance of this service. The Department's policy encourages participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and larger enterprises, promoting collaboration to maximise social and economic benefits. This tender aligns with broader government objectives to support rural and island development through essential infrastructure and services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered for this tender, bidders must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover requirement: A minimum average annual turnover in excess of €1,255,620 in at least one of the tenderer’s last three financial years. Alternatively, reassurance on the company’s financial and operational bona fides may be accepted.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12,700,000 for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence. Policies must include an indemnity to principals clause.
• Public Liability/Passenger and Third-Party Liability: €6,500,000.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not explicitly detailed as a separate criterion in the provided extract, but implied through the need to demonstrate financial and operational bona fides and the ability to provide the service.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: The service operates from Aerfort Chonamara, Co. na Gaillimhe, to Oileáin Árann, Co. na Gaillimhe. Tenderers must be capable of operating within Ireland.

Tenderers must also submit audited accounts for the three most recent years, or equivalent financial documentation if trading for less than three years. Subsidiaries must provide parent company accounts or equivalent reassurance. A declaration regarding financial circumstances that could interfere with service provision is required, certified by auditors or a bank/accountant if audit exemption is claimed.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the contract will be based on the principle of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). The evaluation will consider both quality and price.

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria