Rathtoe Recreational Hub Predevelopment

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

The contract involves the provision of multi-disciplinary design consultancy services for the Rathtoe Multifunctional Outdoor Recreational Hub. The project is located on a 0.45-hectare greenfield site and aims to create an inclusive and sustainable outdoor recreational facility. The contractor will engage in the following activities:

• Design Development:

• Conduct site appraisal and analysis.

• Prepare concept and detailed designs.

• Integrate universal access and inclusive play design.

• Develop sustainable drainage and environmental considerations.

• Planning & Statutory Process:

• Prepare documentation for the Part VIII Planning process.

• Coordinate with Carlow County Council Planning Department and relevant statutory bodies.

• Consultation & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate public consultation events and stakeholder workshops.

• Engage with local schools, disability advocacy groups, and community representatives.

• Technical & Environmental Assessments:

• Conduct site surveys and assessments.

• Prepare environmental screening and supporting reports.

• Cost Planning:

• Provide preliminary project cost estimates.

• Offer budget management advice to ensure deliverability within funding streams.

The deliverables include:

• Concept masterplan options.
• Visual presentations for public consultation.
• Planning documentation for Part VIII submission.
• Detailed design drawings and specifications.
• A final “shovel-ready” design package for construction funding applications.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the objectives of various local and national initiatives, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Town Centre First Policy. The project is a collaboration between Carlow County Council and the Rathtoe Development Group, aiming to enhance community facilities in Rathtoe. The local Parish Council has acquired the site, which will be leased to the Rathtoe Development Group. The initiative is driven by the need for inclusive recreational spaces for children, families, and community groups.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million limit to any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit to any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million limit in the aggregate per insurance year.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate experience in at least three comparable projects with a minimum value of €40,000.
• 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 overall scoring will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with a minimum required score of 50% for qualitative criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document using the provided template.
• CVs for each proposed team member (maximum 2 pages each).
• Pricing schedule in the specified format.
• Case studies of at least three comparable projects, each with a minimum value of €40,000.
• Declarations including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via www.etenders.gov.ie only.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will last for 10 months, with the possibility of termination if project funding does not allow for further progression after the planning stage. Payment terms and key performance indicators (KPIs) are not specified in the documents. The successful bidder must appoint a dedicated contract manager responsible for maintaining a good working relationship with the Contracting Authority. Contract management activities will be non-billable.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The project is contingent on securing funding for further progression after the planning stage, which may affect the contract's viability.
• The requirement for a minimum of three comparable projects may limit participation from smaller firms without extensive portfolios.
• The absence of specified personnel requirements may lead to ambiguity in qualifications.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in multi-disciplinary design consultancy. Bidders should have a proven track record in similar projects, particularly in community engagement and inclusive design. Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate and meet the tender requirements. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at several days, depending on the firm's existing capabilities. The presence of established firms in the area may indicate a competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: RFT - Rathtoe Recreational Hub Predevelopment.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Queries should be submitted via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Appendix B (map extract), Tender Response Document (TRD).