WCC242026 Landscape Masterplan, Feasibility Study, Part 8 Planning and Works Delivery Consultancy Services for Saint Gabriel’s Cemetery, Arklow, County Wicklow

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 providing consultancy services for the development of a Landscape Masterplan for Saint Gabriel’s Cemetery in Arklow, County Wicklow. The contractor will be responsible for a comprehensive feasibility study, Part 8 planning, and the delivery of works. The scope encompasses multiple phases, including:

• Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Conducting workshops and meetings with stakeholders and elected members.

• Gathering input and feedback to inform the design process.

• Phase 2: Site Analysis and Capacity Review

• Performing a detailed site analysis to assess existing conditions.

• Reviewing cemetery capacity and identifying potential expansion areas.

• Phase 3: Design Development

• Creating a Landscape Masterplan that incorporates ecological considerations, heritage constraints, and accessibility requirements.

• Developing detailed design options for the cemetery layout, including pathways, planting schemes, and facilities.

• Phase 4: Planning Documentation

• Preparing and submitting Part 8 planning documentation to Wicklow County Council.

• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

• Phase 5: Implementation Support

• Providing oversight during the implementation of the approved designs.

• Coordinating with contractors and ensuring adherence to the masterplan.

The contractor must demonstrate experience in landscape masterplanning, public realm design, and multidisciplinary project coordination. The expected deliverables include reports, design documents, and planning applications, all to be completed within specified timelines.

3. Background & buyer context

Wicklow County Council initiated this procurement to address the growing need for enhanced cemetery services in Arklow. The project aligns with local government objectives to improve public amenities and manage burial grounds effectively. The council aims to develop a sustainable and accessible cemetery that meets community needs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance local infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring they are fit for future demands.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement

• Minimum average annual turnover of €1,500,000 over the last three years.

• Insurance

• Public Liability Insurance: €6.5m

• Employers’ Liability Insurance: €13m

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1m per claim and €1m annual aggregate.

• Certifications

• Membership in relevant professional bodies such as the Landscape Institute, RIAI, or equivalent.

• Compliance with ISO standards or other relevant certifications.

• Past experience

• Minimum of 3 comparable projects completed in the last 5 years, each valued at €100,000 or more.

• Personnel

• Lead Consultant must have a minimum of 8 years’ post-graduate experience in landscape architecture and project management.

• Geographic / facility constraints

• Bidders must be based within the EU/EEA.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing quality and price. Bidders must achieve a minimum score of 40% in each criterion to qualify for consideration.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the specified pricing template.
• Case studies: Provide 3 case studies of relevant projects, each valued between €100,000 and €500,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: A site visit is required on [insert date], contact [insert name] for arrangements.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, following specified electronic format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: The contract will have an initial term of 12 months, with the possibility of a 12-month extension based on performance.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made monthly based on milestones achieved, with a retention of 10% until project completion.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely delivery of reports and adherence to project timelines will be monitored.
• Liquidated damages: A penalty of €500 per week will apply for delays beyond agreed deadlines.
• Termination clauses: The council may terminate the contract with 30 days' notice for non-performance.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the project will be owned by Wicklow County Council.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the council.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns for bidders include:

• The turnover requirement of €1.5m may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The geographic constraint requiring bidders to be based within the EU/EEA could exclude capable local firms.
• The tight timeline for project completion may pose challenges for resource allocation and scheduling.
• The requirement for a mandatory site visit may limit participation from firms unable to travel.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in landscape architecture and project management. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in landscape masterplanning and public realm design.
• The capability to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement.

Consortium bidding is allowed, provided the combined turnover meets the minimum requirement. Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 10-15 days, including time for site visits and document preparation. The presence of an incumbent or previous winners may indicate a competitive landscape, but SMEs with relevant experience can still compete effectively.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: FTS9_Consultancy_v1.10_16-09-2024.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [insert email]
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B1 — List of Previous Projects/Certificate of Satisfactory Execution
• Appendix D — Reliance Guarantee and Warranty Forms
• Designer Evaluation and PSDP Questionnaire