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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 contractor will provide archaeological consultancy services over a contract period of 86 weeks. The scope encompasses a range of activities necessary for compliance with archaeological regulations and standards.

Key activities include:

• Archaeological Assessment: Conducting assessments to identify archaeological sites and artifacts.
• Fieldwork: Engaging in excavation and site surveys, including the recovery of artifacts.
• Reporting: Preparing detailed reports on findings, including recommendations for further action.
• Public Engagement: Facilitating community engagement and educational outreach regarding archaeological findings.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring all activities comply with relevant legislation and guidelines.
• Collaboration: Working with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure project alignment with community interests.

The contractor must demonstrate experience in managing similar projects, particularly those involving archaeological assessments valued at a minimum of €150,000 (ex-VAT). The work will likely involve multiple phases, including initial assessments, excavation, and post-excavation analysis.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to support ongoing archaeological projects in alignment with national heritage preservation policies. The contract aligns with government initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural heritage management and is part of a broader strategy to integrate archaeological considerations into urban development plans. The buyer has a history of engaging with various contractors for similar services, although the incumbent provider is not specified in the documentation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,250,000 for the past three financial years (2023, 2024, 2025).
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €2,600,000 per accident.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum €13,000,000 per accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum €1,250,000 per claim and €1,500,000 annual aggregate.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Must provide evidence of at least one comparable project with a minimum value of €150,000 (ex-VAT) completed in the last three years.
• 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 evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, focusing on the balance between price and quality. No minimum scoring threshold is specified for individual criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• 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: Must follow the specified format in the provided template.
• Case studies: At least two case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €150,000 to €500,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: The initial contract period is 86 weeks, with potential for extensions based on performance and project needs.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of specified milestones, with a 30-day payment window post-invoice submission.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be established to monitor compliance with project timelines and quality standards.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The buyer reserves the right to terminate the contract for non-compliance or failure to meet performance standards.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the contract will remain with the buyer.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the buyer.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €1,250,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, potentially favoring incumbents.
• Lack of specified geographic constraints may lead to a broader pool of bidders, but also raises concerns about the quality of local knowledge.
• Absence of a mandatory site visit could hinder bidders' understanding of project-specific challenges.
• The absence of detailed scoring thresholds may introduce ambiguity in the evaluation process.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid must:

• Have a proven track record in archaeological consultancy, with relevant certifications and insurance.
• Be capable of meeting the turnover requirement, potentially through consortium arrangements.
• Expect to invest significant time in bid preparation, estimated at 10-15 days.
• The presence of a strong incumbent may signal a competitive landscape, as past winners are not disclosed.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: N59 Archaeology 2026 SAQ Appendix B1- Projects List.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B1 — Projects List
• Appendix A — Article 57 (Grounds for Exclusion)