Invitation to Tender for Construction Works at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada. RN 71244F-Án Leadhbgharbh, Árainn Mór, Co. Dhún nGall F92 YP83

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 tender involves construction works at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, focusing on the refurbishment of a science classroom and entrance improvements. The project aims to enhance the educational environment for a school with a current student roll of just over 100 pupils. The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Refurbishment of Existing Science Room: Removal of existing fittings, finishes, and redundant services, ensuring safe disposal and restoration of surfaces.
• Internal Finishes: Provision of new finishes including walls, floors, ceilings, doors, decorations, and associated joinery works.
• Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades: Upgrades to heating, water, gas, ventilation, power, and lighting systems, including commissioning of these systems.
• Installation of Specialist Furniture: Supply and installation of science room furniture and equipment, including benches, storage units, fume cupboards, and associated fittings, compliant with Department of Education standards.
• Ancillary Works: All associated enabling works as specified in the tender documents.

The project is expected to be completed by 1st September 2026, aligning with the school’s reopening schedule.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Donegal Education and Training Board to enhance educational facilities in line with government objectives for improving school infrastructure. The project is part of a broader initiative to upgrade educational environments across Ireland, ensuring compliance with modern educational standards. The urgency for this tender arises from the need to complete the refurbishment before the new academic year begins, allowing for a seamless transition for students and staff.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1.5 million in construction works over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of 3 comparable projects completed in the last 5 years, each with a value of at least €500,000.
• Personnel: At least one project manager with a minimum of 5 years' experience in similar projects.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be based within 100 km of the project site.

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 documents:

• Method Statement: A detailed response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: CVs of key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: An itemized pricing schedule using the specified template.
• Case Studies: At least 2 case studies of similar projects, each valued between €500,000 and €1 million.
• Declarations: Completed European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance certificate, and Conflict of Interest declaration.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Bidders must arrange a site visit with the school principal, Ms. Derval Newman, prior to submission.
• Submission Portal: All submissions must be made through the eTenders portal, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and Extensions: The contract duration is not explicitly stated but is expected to align with the completion date of 1st September 2026.
• Payment Terms: Monthly payments of 90% of the value of works completed, with the remaining 10% payable upon certification of substantial completion.
• SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators are not detailed but adherence to timelines is critical.
• Liquidated Damages: A penalty of €500 per day for delays beyond the completion date.
• Termination Clauses: The employer may terminate the contract if the contractor fails to meet obligations, with a notice period of 21 days.
• IP Ownership: All intellectual property developed during the project will remain with the employer.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the employer.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and red flags include:

• Tight Timeline: The requirement for completion by 1st September 2026 may pose challenges, particularly if unforeseen delays occur.
• Geographic Constraints: The requirement for bidders to be within 100 km of the site may limit competition.
• Performance Bond: A performance bond of 10% of the contract value is required, which may affect cash flow for smaller contractors.
• Liquidated Damages: The specified penalty for delays could disproportionately impact smaller firms with less flexibility in project management.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in educational construction projects. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in similar refurbishment projects, ideally in the educational sector.
• The capability to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to manage projects within the specified geographic constraints.

Consortium bidding is allowed, which may enhance the capacity of smaller firms to meet the requirements. Preparation for the bid may require approximately 10-15 days of effort, depending on the firm's existing documentation and experience. The presence of a performance bond and the tight timeline may signal a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents are involved.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Letter of invite GMD science lab.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• "Tender & Schedule for Public Works Short Form of Contract"
• "Instruction to Tenderers Open Procedure for Works Contractors using the Short Public Works Contract"