Construction of New Cattle Housing Building at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Kildavin, Co. Wexford

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 tender involves the construction of a new cattle housing building at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Kildavin, Co. Wexford. The project encompasses a steel-framed agricultural building, which includes the following key components:

• Foundations: Reinforced concrete foundations and walls.
• Flooring: Concrete floor slab.
• Roofing: Roof cladding designed to meet specified agricultural standards.
• Drainage: Installation of associated drainage systems.
• Site Works: Ancillary site works necessary for the completion of the project.

The contractor is responsible for ensuring that all construction activities comply with the specifications, drawings, and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) requirements referenced in the tender documentation. The facility must be operational before the upcoming winter housing period, indicating a tight timeline for project completion.

The contractor must also appoint a Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations. The works may be extended to include additional similar works at the discretion of the Contracting Authority.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of Teagasc's ongoing commitment to enhancing agricultural infrastructure. The construction of the cattle housing building aligns with national agricultural policies aimed at improving livestock management and welfare. The urgency of this procurement is underscored by the need for the facility to be operational before the winter housing period, which is critical for animal welfare. Teagasc has a history of managing agricultural projects and is focused on ensuring that the facilities meet modern agricultural standards.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: Minimum indemnity limit of €6.5 million for any one event.
• Employer's Liability: Minimum indemnity limit of €13.0 million for any one event.
• 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.

Bidders must demonstrate their capability to deliver similar agricultural building projects, which will be a significant factor in the assessment of suitability and technical capability.

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 minimum scoring thresholds specified for individual criteria or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the named template with specified page limits.
• CVs: For key personnel, with a maximum of two pages per CV.
• Pricing schedule: Must be submitted using the named template.
• Case studies: At least two case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values ranging from €100,000 to €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: May be organized via Rioch Fox ([email protected]).
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders, adhering to any specific format rules outlined in the documentation.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: The contract duration is not explicitly stated, but completion is expected within a specified timeframe.
• Payment terms: Monthly payments of 90% of the value of works completed and materials delivered, with title vested in the Employer.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely completion is critical, with penalties for delays.
• Liquidated damages: €200 per day for delays beyond the completion date.
• Termination clauses: Not specified, but the Employer may appoint another contractor within 12 months of termination.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for demonstrated experience in similar agricultural building projects may limit the pool of eligible bidders, particularly affecting smaller firms without a strong track record.
• The tight timeline for project completion, necessitating operational readiness before the winter housing period, may pose challenges for bidders in terms of resource allocation and scheduling.
• The absence of specified turnover and certification requirements may create uncertainty for bidders regarding the minimum standards expected.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in agricultural construction. Viable bidders should possess:

• Relevant experience in constructing agricultural buildings, particularly cattle housing.
• The capability to meet insurance requirements, including public and employer's liability.
• The ability to mobilize resources quickly to meet the tight project timeline.

Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements may be permissible, although specific rules are not detailed in the documentation. Bid preparation may require a commitment of several days to compile the necessary documentation and case studies. The incumbent's strength and the requirement for past experience may signal a competitive bidding environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: C4825 - Invitation to Tender Letter.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Volume A: Works Requirements
• Volume B: Tender & Schedule
• Volume C: Pricing Schedule