Schools Energy Pathfinder 2025 - Biomass Programme - Heating Upgrade and Building Enabling Works Package - Bundle 5 (LWETB)

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 Schools Energy Pathfinder 2025 - Biomass Programme encompasses a comprehensive heating upgrade and building enabling works package for educational facilities under the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB). The contractor is expected to deliver a range of construction and engineering services aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability within the schools.

Key activities include:

• Heating System Installation: Upgrading existing heating systems to biomass solutions across multiple school sites.
• Building Enabling Works: Conducting preparatory construction activities necessary for the installation of new heating systems, including structural modifications and enhancements.
• Compliance with Standards: Ensuring all works are compliant with relevant building regulations and energy efficiency standards.
• Project Management: Overseeing the project from initiation through to completion, including coordination with LWETB and other stakeholders.
• Health and Safety Management: Implementing a comprehensive health and safety plan throughout the project lifecycle.
• Quality Assurance: Conducting regular inspections and quality checks to ensure adherence to project specifications and standards.

The contractor must also manage logistics, including the procurement of materials and scheduling of works to minimize disruption to school operations. The project is expected to involve multiple phases, with specific timelines for each phase to ensure timely completion.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of the broader Schools Energy Pathfinder initiative, which aims to enhance energy efficiency in educational facilities across Ireland. The programme is aligned with national policies promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprints in public sector buildings. The Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board has a history of engaging in projects that improve educational infrastructure, and this tender follows previous initiatives aimed at upgrading heating systems in schools. The strategic driver for this tender is the government's commitment to achieving energy efficiency targets and promoting the use of renewable energy sources in public buildings.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €5,500,000 in general construction.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €6,500,000 for any one event.
• Employers’ Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13,000,000 for any one event.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum annual aggregate limit of €750,000.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• 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 evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any page limits specified.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing document using the specified format.
• Case studies: Provide two case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €1,000,000 to €5,000,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: If applicable, details will be provided in the tender documents.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, following the specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: The contract duration is not specified, but extensions may be granted based on performance.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made based on milestones achieved, with a minimum interim payment of €5,000.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be established to monitor project progress and quality.
• Liquidated damages: Penalties may apply for delays in project completion.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated for non-compliance or failure to meet performance standards.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property developed during the project will remain with the LWETB.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted, but the main contractor remains responsible for all work performed.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €5,500,000 may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding smaller contractors.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified, but if present, could restrict competition.
• Funding dependency: The project may rely on external funding, which could impact timelines.
• Tight deadlines: The go-live date is set shortly after the award, which may pose challenges for project execution.
• Integration with existing systems: The need to integrate new heating systems with existing infrastructure could complicate implementation for non-incumbents.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for medium to large construction firms with experience in energy efficiency projects. Eligible bidders should have:

• A proven track record in general construction, particularly in heating system upgrades.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• Experience in managing similar projects, ideally within the education sector.

Consortium bidding is allowed, which may enable smaller firms to participate. Preparation for this bid may require several weeks of effort, including gathering documentation and formulating a competitive proposal. The presence of an incumbent contractor could signal a strong competitive advantage for existing players.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 01 - Invitation to Tender.zip
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• "Master Project Information Memorandum (PIM)"
• "Instruction to Tenderers (ITTs)"
• "Volume A – Works Requirements"