Architect-Led Integrated Design Team Services

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 to establish a Multi-Party Framework Agreement for Architect-Led Integrated Design Team Services to support Teagasc's capital works projects. The framework will provide access to multidisciplinary design teams capable of delivering professional and technical services for the planning, design, procurement, construction, and completion of capital works projects across the Teagasc estate.

The scope of services encompasses a wide range of potential projects, including but not limited to:

• New buildings and extensions.
• Refurbishment, alteration, and upgrade works.
• Laboratory and research facilities.
• Agricultural and farm buildings.
• Education and training facilities.
• Office and administrative accommodation.
• Specialist research and technical facilities.
• Infrastructure, site development, and associated external works.
• Other capital works projects across the Teagasc estate.

The framework will be divided into two geographic Lots: Lot 1 (Northern Region) and Lot 2 (Southern Region). Up to five Framework Members will be appointed to each Lot.

Framework Members will be required to provide Architect-Led Integrated Design Team Services for individual projects awarded under the framework. The Architect will act as the Design Team Lead, responsible for the management, coordination, and integration of the multidisciplinary design team. The precise scope of services for each project will be detailed in project-specific procurement documentation and subsequent appointments. Services may be required through applicable stages of the Standard Conditions of Engagement for Consultancy Services.

Key disciplines and Specialist Skills that may be required include:

• Architectural Services: Acting as Design Team Lead, responsible for design development, coordination, feasibility studies, brief development, concept and detailed design, statutory approvals, tender documentation, construction-stage services, and handover. May also include roles of Employer's Representative, Design Certifier, and/or Assigned Certifier.
• Quantity Surveying Services: Cost management, preparation of cost plans and estimates, value management, tender documentation, tender analysis, payment assessment, variation and claim evaluation, cost reporting, financial control, and final account preparation.
• Civil & Structural Engineering Services: Assessment of existing structures and site conditions, structural design, civil engineering design, drainage, utilities, infrastructure, preparation of technical documentation, coordination, construction-stage inspections, and technical advice.
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Services: Building services engineering, including mechanical, electrical, heating, ventilation, water services, lighting, power, controls, communications, energy and sustainability considerations, preparation of technical documentation, construction-stage inspections, commissioning, and handover.
• Fire Safety Consultant: Providing fire safety consultancy services.

The framework operation involves a two-stage Restricted Procedure: Suitability Assessment, followed by a Tender Stage for shortlisted applicants. Initial projects for each Lot are identified, and the highest-ranked tenderer for each Lot will be awarded the initial contract and admitted to the Framework. Subsequent contracts will be awarded via mini-competition among Framework Members.

3. Background & buyer context

Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is procuring these services to establish a panel of Architect-Led Integrated Design Teams. This framework aims to streamline the procurement of professional services for capital works projects across its national estate. The initiative aligns with Teagasc's ongoing capital development programme, which includes projects with estimated construction values potentially exceeding €1,000,000. The framework is intended to provide access to multidisciplinary design teams for a variety of projects, from new builds to refurbishments and specialist facilities, supporting Teagasc's operational and research needs. The estimated value of professional services over the lifetime of the multi-party framework is between €1,000,000 and €3,000,000. Teagasc reserves the right to use the framework for projects valued below €1,000,000.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum €1,250,000 on each and every claim basis, and €1,500,000 on an annual aggregate basis. Specialist Skill Providers (Quantity Surveying, M&E Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Fire Safety Consultancy, PSDP, Disability Access Design Services, Conservation Architectural Services) also require a minimum of €1,250,000 on each and every claim basis and €1,500,000 on an annual aggregate basis.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €2,600,000 in respect of any one accident.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum €13,000,000 in respect of any one accident.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Applicants must provide Certificates of Satisfactory Execution for up to 21 previous projects of a similar nature. The project number must match the project number in Appendix B1.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: The framework is divided into two geographic Lots: Lot 1 (Northern Region) and Lot 2 (Southern Region). Applicants will be appointed to specific Lots.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria will be applied during the Stage 2 Tender Stage. The contract will be awarded to the Framework Member submitting the most economically advantageous tender. The specific award criteria and methodology will be detailed in the Stage 2 Invitation to Tender and any subsequent mini-competition documentation. While a precise scoring breakdown is not provided at this stage, the evaluation will consider factors that determine the most economically advantageous tender, likely encompassing both quality and price elements.

6. Submission requirements

Applicants must submit responses through the eTenders portal. Specific submission requirements include:

• Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): Applicants must complete the relevant parts of Part 2 of the SAQ, including Applicant Details and Declarations.
• Declarations:
• ESPD (European Single Procurement Document) or Appendix A for the Applicant, each member of a consortium, and any entity relied upon.
• Bona Fides declarations regarding consent for data processing, meeting qualification criteria, and providing supporting documentation.
• Tax clearance verification via Tax Reference Number.
• Disclosure of registrable interests and conflicts of interest.
• Declarations regarding Russian sanctions and Foreign Subsidies Regulation, if applicable.
• Past Performance Evidence: Certificates of Satisfactory Execution for up to 21 previous projects (Appendix B1).
• Pricing Schedule: Not specified for the Suitability Assessment stage; will be required for the Tender Stage.
• CVs: Not specified for the Suitability Assessment stage.
• Case Studies: Not specified for the Suitability Assessment stage.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for the Suitability Assessment stage.
• Submission Portal: eTenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

The procurement process uses a Restricted Procedure with two stages: Suitability Assessment and Tender Stage. Up to five qualified applicants per Lot will be invited to tender.

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework has a maximum intended duration of four years. Individual call-off contracts will result in separate agreements between Teagasc and the successful Framework Member, detailing scope, fee, programme, deliverables, and conditions. Contracts awarded before the framework expiry may continue beyond it. Performance will be managed at individual contract and framework levels. Framework Members must maintain professional capacity, insurances, and resources. Project-specific performance issues will be managed according to the applicable Conditions of Engagement and Framework terms. Teagasc does not guarantee minimum work volumes and reserves the right to procure services outside the framework.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender establishes a multi-party framework, meaning appointment does not guarantee work. Teagasc explicitly states no minimum volume or value of contracts is guaranteed, and they may procure services outside the framework. The estimated value of professional services (€1m-€3m) is relatively low for a four-year framework covering two regions, suggesting potential for limited call-offs or a focus on smaller projects. The tender is structured in two stages (Suitability Assessment and Tender), with the initial contract for each Lot awarded as part of the Stage 2 tender process, rather than a subsequent mini-competition, which is a common but notable approach.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a framework agreement, potentially suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can operate as part of an integrated design team. The requirement for specific insurance levels (e.g., €2.6m Public Liability, €13m Employer's Liability) may be a barrier for very small firms unless they can secure appropriate cover or operate within a consortium. Consortium or subcontracting is permitted, as indicated by the structure for Applicant Members and reliance on other entities. The bid preparation effort for the Suitability Assessment stage involves completing detailed questionnaires and providing evidence of past performance, which could require several days of focused work. The "Pwin" signal is moderate; while it's a framework, the relatively low estimated value and the two-lot structure suggest competition may be focused. The requirement for up to 21 past project certificates could favour more established firms or those with a strong track record in public sector projects.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): C4872 - Framework Operation and Call Off Procedures.docx, C4872 - Service Requirements.docx, C4872 - Initial Projects.docx, C4872 - Locations.docx, QC_Part_2_v1.1_04-11-2024 (2).docx, Appendix_B1_QC1_and_QC2_09-02-2022.docx, C4872 - Tender Documentation.zip
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in provided text.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified in provided text.
• Most important attachments:
• C4872 - Service Requirements.docx
• QC_Part_2_v1.1_04-11-2024 (2).docx (Suitability Assessment Questionnaire)
• Appendix_B1_QC1_and_QC2_09-02-2022.docx (List of Previous Projects)