Kilbeggan to Mullingar Greenway Archaeological Consultancy Services Stage (i)i Geophysical Survey

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 the provision of archaeological consultancy services specifically focused on geophysical surveys for the Kilbeggan to Mullingar Greenway project. The contractor will be responsible for conducting geophysical surveys across multiple sites along the designated route, ensuring compliance with archaeological standards and regulations.

Key activities include:

• Conducting magnetometer surveys at up to 10 locations, covering a total area of approximately 43.3 hectares.
• Performing resistivity surveys as required, also covering areas up to 10 hectares.
• Preparing detailed reports summarizing the findings of the surveys, including a minimum requirement for a viable digital archive of the survey data.
• Ensuring that all surveys are conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and protocols established by the National Roads Authority (NRA) and other regulatory bodies.
• Collaborating with local heritage bodies to disseminate findings and ensure compliance with heritage conservation standards.
• Providing a summary statement of the survey results, detailing any significant archaeological features identified during the survey process.

The contractor must also ensure that all personnel involved in the surveys are adequately trained and qualified, particularly in the use of detection devices and geophysical survey techniques.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Westmeath County Council's initiative to enhance local infrastructure through the Kilbeggan to Mullingar Greenway project. The project aims to promote sustainable transport and recreational opportunities in the region. The decision to procure these services now is driven by the need to assess the archaeological impact of the proposed greenway route, ensuring that any significant archaeological features are identified and preserved in accordance with national heritage policies. The council has a history of engaging with archaeological consultants for similar projects, and this tender is part of a broader strategy to integrate archaeological considerations into infrastructure development.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum certified turnover directly related to Geophysical Surveys must average a minimum of €50,000 (Excluding VAT) per annum over the three previous years.
• Insurance:
• Minimum level of Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1,250,000
• Minimum level of Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000
• Minimum level of Employer’s Liability Insurance: €13,000,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate experience in a supervised capacity of a minimum of 10 different archaeological site geophysical surveys.
• Personnel:
• Survey Director/Project Manager must have a Level 9 qualification in Archaeology or a related discipline and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Geophysical Surveyor must have a Level 8 qualification in Archaeology or a related discipline and at least 1 year of relevant supervised experience.
• 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 the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing quality and price. There are no specified minimum scoring thresholds per criterion or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document (template provided, page limits apply).
• CVs for key personnel (maximum 2 pages each).
• Pricing schedule (template provided).
• Case studies demonstrating relevant experience (minimum of 3, with values ranging from €50,000 to €250,000).
• Declarations including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: eTenders, with specific format rules for document uploads.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of milestones as outlined in the contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely submission of reports and adherence to survey schedules.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: The council reserves the right to terminate the contract for non-compliance with the terms.
• IP ownership: All data and reports generated during the contract will remain the property of Westmeath County Council.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a high level of insurance coverage may limit the pool of eligible bidders, particularly smaller firms.
• The need for specific qualifications and experience in geophysical surveys may disadvantage new entrants or smaller firms without a proven track record.
• The absence of a specified contract value raises concerns about the financial viability of the project and the potential for budget overruns.
• The lack of clarity regarding the timeline for project milestones may lead to challenges in scheduling and resource allocation.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this tender should have:

• A focus on archaeological consultancy and geophysical survey services, with relevant qualifications and experience.
• The capacity to meet the insurance and turnover requirements outlined.
• The ability to provide qualified personnel, particularly a Survey Director/Project Manager and Geophysical Surveyor with the necessary credentials.
• Consortium or subcontracting arrangements may be permissible, but this is not explicitly stated in the tender documents.
• Bid preparation may require a significant investment of time, estimated at several days to compile the necessary documentation and case studies.
• The presence of established firms in the sector may indicate a competitive landscape, with incumbents potentially holding an advantage due to their existing relationships and experience.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Appendix_B1_QC1_and_QC2_09-02-2022.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B1 — List of Previous Projects/Certificate of Satisfactory Execution
• Appendix C — Evidence of Technical Capability
• Westmeath County Council GDPR Process Agreement