Nature-based Solutions Catchment Management Plan - Hollyford, Co. Tipperary

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 services comprise the development of a Nature-based Solutions Catchment Management (NbS-CM) Plan for the area upstream of Hollyford, Co. Tipperary. The plan will focus on reducing flood risk and improving water quality through targeted Nature-based Solutions.

The core activities and deliverables include:

• Developing a targeted suite of NbS: Identifying and detailing specific Nature-based Solutions designed to mitigate flood risk and enhance water quality within the specified catchment area.
• Matching measures with funding streams: Aligning the proposed NbS measures with available funding sources, including the Farming for Water EIP and OPW schemes.
• Creating a practical implementation and maintenance guide: Producing a comprehensive guide detailing how the identified NbS measures are to be practically implemented and subsequently maintained.
• Conducting a rigorous cost-benefit analysis: Assessing, developing, and executing a thorough cost-benefit analysis for the proposed NbS interventions.

The project is estimated to have an expenditure of approximately €80,000 (excluding VAT) over its term, with a potential for extensions. The Contracting Authority encourages the participation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and suggests that those with capacity concerns explore forming relationships with other enterprises.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Office of Public Works (OPW), acting as the Contracting Authority. The project aligns with broader initiatives focused on catchment management and the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address environmental challenges such as flood risk and water quality. The specific focus on Hollyford, Co. Tipperary, indicates a targeted approach to managing local environmental conditions. The estimated value suggests this is a pilot or focused intervention within a larger programme. The OPW is responsible for flood relief, water safety, and the management of public works in Ireland.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: The tenderer must declare, via the ESPD, that its annual turnover for each of the last three financial years (or since establishment if more recent) equals or exceeds €100,000 (Ex VAT) per annum.
• Insurance: The successful tenderer must hold the following insurances for the term of the Services Contract:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising from one single occurrence.
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000 limit in the aggregate per insurance year.
• Product Liability: N/A.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified as a minimum requirement in the provided text.
• Personnel:
• A minimum of one individual must hold an NFQ Level 8 degree in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or a closely related field.
• This individual must document a minimum of five years' experience in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) design, implementation, or catchment management.
• A minimum of one individual must hold an NFQ Level 8 degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• This individual must document a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) design, implementation, or catchment management.
• A minimum of one individual must hold an NFQ Level 7 qualification in Agricultural Science, Rural Development, or Public Engagement.
• This individual must document a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in public and stakeholder engagement.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Tenderers must also declare via eESPD that no mandatory grounds for exclusion apply, or if they do, that sufficient measures are in place to demonstrate reliability. They must also satisfy the economic and financial standing requirements, including solvency, confirmed by a letter from their principal auditors.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation of tenders will be based on the Award Criteria detailed in Part 3.3 of the RFT. While specific scoring weights are not provided in the extract, the process involves evaluating compliant tenders that meet the Selection Criteria. The Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest priced tender. The award will be made to the tenderer who provides the most economically advantageous tender, considering a balance of quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders.gov.ie platform. Key submission requirements include:

• Method statement / response document: Tenderers must follow the RFT format and respond to each element in the order presented. Specific templates are not detailed in this extract.
• CVs: CVs for named personnel are required, detailing their qualifications and experience as per the minimum requirements. Page limits are not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Tenderers must complete the Pricing Schedule at Appendix 2. Prices must be all-inclusive (excluding VAT), quoted in Euro, and remain valid for 6 months from the Tender Deadline.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD) must be completed and submitted electronically.
• A scanned, signed copy of the Tenderer’s Statement (Appendix 3) must be returned on the tenderer's letterhead.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (Appendix 4).
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Mandatory site visit: Not arranged by the Contracting Authority; tenderers are invited to conduct their own site inspections.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the ‘electronic tenderbox’ on www.etenders.gov.ie. File size limits apply (250MB per file, 2GB total). Tenders must be submitted in English.

7. Key dates & process

Note: The clarification deadline date (15/09/2025) appears to precede the RFT issue date (26/08/2026). This is likely an error in the source document or the provided metadata.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: The Services Contract will have an initial term of one (1) year. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to extend the term for periods up to a total of 6 months, with a maximum of one such extension.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract at Appendix 5.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Termination clauses: Not specified in the provided extract, beyond general contract law.
• IP ownership: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Sub-contracting rules: Tenderers may use subcontractors. If a subcontractor's capacity is relied upon for selection criteria, they must submit a separate eESPD. If a subcontract exceeds 10% of the contract value, the subcontractor must not be a prohibited economic operator under Regulation (EU) No 833/2014.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified in the provided extract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated value vs. Contract term: The estimated value of €80,000 for a one-year contract with potential extensions is relatively low. This may suggest a focused, pilot project or a scope that requires specialist, but not extensive, input.
• Clarification deadline: The stated clarification deadline of 15/09/2025 precedes the RFT issue date of 26/08/2026. This indicates a potential error in the documentation or metadata that tenderers should seek clarification on.
• No formal site visit: Tenderers are invited to conduct their own site inspections, implying the areas are publicly accessible or that the nature of the work does not require formal access arrangements controlled by the OPW. This places the onus on the tenderer to understand the site conditions.
• Personnel experience requirements: The specific experience requirements for named individuals in NbS design, implementation, and stakeholder engagement are detailed. Tenderers must ensure their proposed team meets these minimums.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to be accessible to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The estimated contract value of €80,000 is within the range typically manageable by smaller firms. The requirement for specific expertise in Nature-based Solutions and catchment management, rather than broad civil engineering or construction, suggests a focus on specialist consultancies.

• Who can credibly bid: A small to medium-sized consultancy with demonstrable expertise in environmental science, hydrology, ecology, and stakeholder engagement, particularly with experience in Nature-based Solutions and catchment management planning. Firms with an NFQ Level 8 qualification in relevant fields and at least three years of specific experience in NbS are well-positioned.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Consortia and prime/subcontractor arrangements are permitted. SMEs that may not meet all requirements independently are encouraged to form relationships with other SMEs or larger enterprises.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Given the scope and the need to detail methodology, personnel qualifications, and pricing, bid preparation could require 5-10 working days for a focused SME, assuming existing templates and expertise.
• Pwin signal: The tender is open procedure, suggesting no pre-determined incumbent. The low value and specialist nature might attract niche consultancies. The encouragement for SMEs and consortia indicates a desire for broad participation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: [2416-NbS MWS Pilot_RFT_2.2Final.pdf]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications (Project Brief)
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement
• Appendix 5: Services Contract