Clonmel, Co. Tipperary: Architect-Led Integrated Design Team Consultancy Services Framework Agreement

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 single-party framework agreement for architect-led integrated design team consultancy services. The framework will cover consultancy services for projects within Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. The estimated value for the framework is €800,000.00.

The scope of work encompasses the provision of integrated design team consultancy services, led by an architect. This will involve the coordination and delivery of various professional services required for public realm upgrade projects and potentially other capital works within Clonmel.

Key constituent activities and services include:

• Architectural Services: Lead design role, conceptualisation, design development, detailed design, and oversight of architectural aspects of projects.
• Integrated Design Team Management: Coordination of all design team members, ensuring cohesive and integrated design solutions.
• Quantity Surveying Services: Cost estimation, cost control, contract advice, and financial management of projects.
• Engineering Services: Structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering design and advice as required for public realm and capital projects.
• Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP): Appointment as PSDP in accordance with the Construction Regulations, managing design safety aspects.
• Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS): Potential appointment as PSCS, managing construction stage safety.
• Other Specialist Skills: Provision of any other specialist consultancy services identified as necessary for project delivery, which may include services such as landscape architecture, heritage consultancy, or environmental consultancy.

The initial contract under this framework is for the "Clonmel Town Centre Public Realm Upgrade." The framework is intended to provide a streamlined procurement route for future projects of a similar nature within the specified geographic area. The duration of the framework agreement itself is not explicitly stated, but the initial contract is for a specific project. The services will be delivered in accordance with the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) and relevant EU and domestic regulations.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by Tipperary County Council. The tender is for the establishment of a single-party framework agreement for architect-led integrated design team consultancy services, specifically for projects in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. The framework is intended to facilitate the procurement of consultancy services for public realm upgrades and potentially other capital works. The initial project to be delivered under this framework is the "Clonmel Town Centre Public Realm Upgrade."

The procurement aligns with the principles of the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF), which mandates best practice guidance for public sector construction procurement. The use of a restricted procedure indicates that only a select number of pre-qualified applicants will be invited to tender in the second stage. This approach is designed to ensure that only capable and experienced firms are invited to submit detailed proposals for the contract. The framework aims to provide an efficient and effective mechanism for Tipperary County Council to access essential design consultancy services for its capital projects in Clonmel.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered eligible for this tender, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover requirement:
• An average annual turnover of at least €500,000 excluding VAT over the previous three financial years.
• For consortia, the combined total turnover of all members must meet this minimum.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000 in respect of any one accident. Maximum excess for property only is €10,000.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000 in respect of any one accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance:
• For the Principal Service Provider: Minimum cover of €1,250,000 on each and every claim basis, and €1,500,000 on an annual aggregate basis.
• For Specialist Skill Providers (e.g., Quantity Surveyor, Engineer): Minimum cover of €1,250,000 on each and every claim basis, and €1,500,000 on an annual aggregate basis.
• Certifications:
• Not explicitly stated as mandatory for initial qualification, but ISO 14001 or equivalent accreditations are mentioned as potentially relevant.
• Past experience:
• A minimum of 15 comparable projects where consultancy services provided had a value in excess of €100,000.
• Specific experience requirements for key personnel:
• A minimum of 15 years post-qualification experience on projects similar in nature, scale, and complexity for lead roles.
• A minimum of 12 years post-qualification experience for other key roles.
• A minimum of 10 years relevant experience for supporting roles.
• Personnel:
• Specific minimum years of post-qualification experience are required for named roles within the design team, as detailed above.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Services are for projects within Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. No specific facility location requirements are stated for the applicant's primary operations.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not fully detailed in the provided extract, but the process involves a two-stage restricted procedure. Applicants will first be assessed for suitability based on the eligibility and selection criteria. The five highest-scoring applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be invited to participate in Stage 2.

At Stage 2, a tender will be issued, and submissions will be evaluated. While specific scoring weights are not provided in this extract, public sector tenders in Ireland typically follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing quality and price. Quality elements often include technical approach, team experience, and understanding of the project. Price is also a significant factor. Any minimum scoring thresholds per criterion or overall would be detailed in the Stage 2 tender documents.

6. Submission requirements

Applicants must complete and submit the following documents as part of their Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) Submission:

• Part 2 of the Questionnaire: This section requires applicants to provide information about their organisation and any entities upon whose capacity they rely.
• European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) or Appendix A: Required for competitions above EU thresholds, to self-declare situations regarding exclusion grounds and selection criteria.
• Evidence or supporting documentation: Any other evidence required by the Questionnaire to demonstrate compliance with qualification criteria.
• Declarations:
• Applicant Declaration (Section 3 of Part 2).
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number (required prior to award for online verification).
• Disclosure of any conflicts of interest or registrable interests.
• Pricing Schedule: Not applicable at the SAQ stage; this will be required in Stage 2.
• CVs: Not explicitly detailed for the SAQ stage, but personnel experience is a key criterion. Specific CV requirements will be in Stage 2.
• Case Studies: Not explicitly detailed for the SAQ stage, but past project experience is a key criterion. Specific requirements will be in Stage 2.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for the SAQ stage.
• Submission portal: Electronic submission to the eTenders web portal is required.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The duration of the framework agreement is not specified. The initial contract is for the "Clonmel Town Centre Public Realm Upgrade."
• Extension: Not stated.
• Payment terms: Not detailed in the SAQ documents. Standard prompt payment directives are expected.
• SLAs/KPIs: Not detailed in the SAQ documents. Specific performance indicators will be defined in the Stage 2 tender documents and the final contract.
• Liquidated damages: Not detailed in the SAQ documents.
• Termination clauses: Standard termination clauses for breach of contract or convenience are expected.
• IP ownership: Not detailed in the SAQ documents.
• Sub-contracting: Specialist skills can be provided by sub-contractors. Entities relied upon for specialist skills must also meet qualification criteria and may be required to provide collateral warranties.
• Parent-company guarantee/bond: Not specified in the SAQ documents.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Two-Stage Restricted Procedure: This limits the number of bidders invited to Stage 2, meaning a significant number of applicants will be screened out at the SAQ stage.
• High Insurance Requirements: The Public Liability Insurance requirement of €6.5 million is substantial and may be a barrier for smaller firms.
• Specific Experience Threshold: The requirement for 15 comparable projects with a value exceeding €100,000 is a significant hurdle, potentially favouring larger, established firms.
• Framework Structure: A single-party framework agreement means only one supplier will be appointed for the duration, creating a sole supplier relationship for the defined scope.
• Geographic Focus: The services are specifically for Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, which narrows the potential project pipeline for the framework.
• No Budget Disclosed: The estimated value of €800,000 is provided, but the total potential value of the framework over its entire term is not explicitly stated.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a restricted procedure, meaning only a limited number of pre-qualified bidders will proceed to Stage 2. The SAQ stage acts as a significant filter.

• Who can credibly bid: Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a strong track record in architectural design, integrated team management, and significant project experience can bid. However, the high insurance requirements (€6.5m Public Liability) and the need for 15 past projects exceeding €100,000 each, along with 15 years of post-qualification experience for lead roles, present substantial barriers. Firms that can demonstrate these capabilities, potentially through consortia or by relying on other entities for specific capacities, are best positioned.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: Consortia and joint ventures are explicitly permitted. Applicants can also rely on the capacities of other entities (sub-contractors/specialist skill providers) to meet qualification criteria. This allows SMEs to combine strengths or bring in specialist expertise.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparing a compliant SAQ submission requires significant effort. Gathering evidence for past projects, detailing personnel experience, and compiling insurance and financial documentation could take a minimum of 5-10 working days for a dedicated team, assuming readily available information.
• Pwin signal: The restricted procedure and stringent qualification criteria suggest a competitive process among a pre-selected group. The framework structure (single-party) implies a strong incumbent advantage if the tender is for an existing service, or a significant opportunity for the winning bidder. The specific project focus on Clonmel suggests a defined, albeit potentially limited, pipeline of work.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): QC1 Part-1 QS Clonmel.docx, Appendix B1 - Clonmel SPFW.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be submitted in writing via the means of communication stated in Section 2.1 of the Project Particulars (not provided in extract).
• Most important attachments:
• QC1 Part-1 QS Clonmel.docx (Suitability Assessment Questionnaire)
• Appendix B1 - Clonmel SPFW.docx (List of Previous Projects/Certificate of Satisfactory Execution)