Provision of Services for Preparation of Integrated Source Protection Plan for Ballintrillick Group Water Scheme

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 | :---------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------- | :-------------- | :------- | :------------- | :--- | :------- | :-------------- | :------------------ | :-------------- | Ballintrillick Group Water Scheme Provision of Services for Preparation of Integrated Source Protection Plan 71313000-5 not disclosed not stated not stated 1 Ireland not stated 2026-10-05 14:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will develop an Integrated Source Protection Plan (ISPP) for Ballintrillick Group Water Scheme (GWS). This plan is required to comply with the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023. The ISPP will cover the water source, treatment infrastructure, and supply details.

The contractor's responsibilities include:

• Developing the ISPP: This involves a comprehensive assessment of the water source and its protection.
• Source Assessment:
• Identifying and mapping the source catchment area.
• Assessing the geological and hydrogeological characteristics of the source.
• Evaluating potential contamination risks within the catchment.
• Reviewing existing abstraction records and discussing them with GWS committee members.
• Measuring flow rates at the source.
• For surface water sources, a minimum of one year's data will generally be needed.
• Treatment Infrastructure Assessment:
• Evaluating the existing treatment infrastructure, including spring chambers and collection tanks.
• Assessing the functionality and condition of treatment processes.
• Supply Details:
• Documenting the supply network, including gravity flow to collection tanks.
• Mapping the location and site description of the supply.
• Risk Management:
• Identifying and prioritising risks to water quality.
• Developing mitigation measures and management strategies.
• Plan Documentation:
• Producing a final ISPP document.
• The final ISPP must be completed within 6 months of the contract award.
• Collaboration:
• Liaising with the GWS committee members and other stakeholders.
• Attending an initial meeting within 1 week of contract award.

The scope includes ensuring the ISPP aligns with the requirements of the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023. The contractor will act as the prime contractor, assuming full responsibility for the discharge of all obligations, including those of any subcontractors.

3. Background & buyer context

Ballintrillick Group Water Scheme (GWS) is procuring services to develop an Integrated Source Protection Plan (ISPP). This procurement is driven by the transposition of S.I. No. 99/2023 – European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023, which mandates such plans. The existing infrastructure includes a spring chamber and tank in operation since 1984. The GWS committee includes a representative from the Geological Survey of Ireland. The ISPP is intended to ensure the protection of the water source and the quality of the water supplied to the scheme's users.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000 Bidders must confirm their ability to upgrade to these levels if successful.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience:
• Minimum of 12 years' demonstrated expertise in Hydrogeology for a Senior Consultant role.
• Minimum of 5 years' demonstrated expertise in Hydrogeology for a Consultant role.
• Experience in areas such as Engineering, attained from an accredited academic institution, is also required for key personnel.
• Personnel:
• Key personnel must possess engineering qualifications from an accredited academic institution.
• Specific experience requirements for Hydrogeology are detailed under 'Past experience'.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not explicitly detailed in the provided text. However, the contract will be awarded based on the RFT and the contractor's submission, which includes the specification of services, key personnel, and functional specifications. The pricing schedule will also be a factor. The general principle of public procurement in Ireland is to award contracts on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT), which balances price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit a response to the Request for Tenders (RFT). Specific submission requirements include:

• Method statement / response document: The RFT document itself, along with any clarifications issued, forms the basis of the requirements. The contractor's submission, including any clarifications, is incorporated by reference into the agreement.
• CVs: CVs for key personnel are required, detailing their qualifications and experience, particularly in Hydrogeology.
• Pricing schedule: A schedule detailing the charges for the services is required.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer, confirming no exclusion grounds under Regulation 57 of the Regulations apply.
• Tax Clearance Certificate is required for payment.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders are submitted via eTenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

The contract is expected to be open for acceptance for a period of 6 months from the deadline for submission.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The agreement commences on the Effective Date and expires on a date to be specified, unless terminated or extended. The Client reserves the right to extend the Term for periods of up to one month, with a maximum of six such extensions.
• Payment terms: Invoicing is on agreed terms. Payment is subject to compliance with the agreement, submission of valid invoices, and the Client being in possession of a current Tax Clearance Certificate. Queries on invoices must be raised within 14 calendar days; otherwise, the invoice is deemed accepted. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2012 apply.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Compliance with service levels and performance indicators set out in Schedule D is required. Time of delivery is of the essence.
• Liquidated damages: Not explicitly detailed in the provided text, but clause 5H notes a placeholder for liquidated damages for late delivery.
• Termination: Either party may terminate with one month's written notice. Termination can also occur immediately for serious breaches (if not remedied within 30 days), insolvency, conflict of interest, or if exclusion grounds under Regulation 57 apply. Force Majeure events continuing for 14 days allow termination with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: All Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in reports, data, manuals, and other materials produced for the agreement vest in the Client. The Contractor assigns all IPR to the Client.
• Sub-contracting: The Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for subcontractors. Subcontractors must comply with the agreement, and the Client can require the replacement of a subcontractor if exclusion grounds apply.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Contract length ambiguity: While the ISPP must be completed within 6 months, the overall contract term and extension provisions are not precisely defined, allowing for potential extensions up to 7 months beyond the initial term.
• Unspecified value and budget: The estimated value is not disclosed, making it difficult to gauge the scale of the project or the expected pricing.
• Limited detail on award criteria: The specific weighting and scoring for award criteria are not provided, which can make bid preparation challenging.
• Potential for client intervention: The Client has "absolute discretion" regarding the suitability of replacement personnel, which could lead to disputes if replacements are rejected without clear justification.
• Force Majeure termination: The ability for either party to terminate with 14 days' notice if a Force Majeure event continues for 14 days is a relatively short period, potentially impacting project continuity.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specialised expertise in hydrogeology and environmental consulting. The key requirements focus on the technical qualifications and experience of personnel rather than large corporate turnover.

• Who can credibly bid: SMEs with a strong track record in hydrogeological assessments, water resource management, and regulatory compliance within the water sector. Firms with demonstrable experience in developing source protection plans for group water schemes or similar public water supplies would be well-positioned.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: The contract states the contractor assumes full responsibility for subcontractors, implying sub-contracting is permissible. This allows SMEs to partner with other specialists if needed.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Bid preparation would likely involve significant effort in detailing personnel qualifications, outlining the methodology for the ISPP development, and preparing a competitive pricing schedule. This could range from 10-20 days of focused effort for a specialised firm.
• Pwin signal: The tender is open to competition, with no clear indication of an incumbent. The primary success factors will be the technical merit of the proposed approach and the qualifications of the key personnel, alongside competitive pricing.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: [Blank_GWS_ISPP_Contract_for_Services.docx]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie (messaging facility)
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 1 to the RFT (describing the Services)
• Schedule B (detailing the Specification of Services)
• Schedule C (detailing the Charges)
• Confidentiality Agreement (Appendix 6 to the RFT)