Architectural Design Team Services for Retrofit Works Fabric and M&E to Mountmellick Further Education Training Centre and Portarlington Further Education and Training Centre

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 provision of architectural design team services for retrofit works at the Mountmellick Further Education and Training Centre and the Portarlington Further Education and Training Centre. The project aims to upgrade the building fabric and mechanical and electrical (M&E) installations to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and extend the lifespan of the structures. The total floor area for Mountmellick is 864 m² and for Portarlington is 696 m².

Key activities include:

• Design and Planning: Develop architectural designs that comply with the Department of Education's Technical Guidance Documents.
• Project Management: Oversee the project from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Site Meetings: Conduct bi-weekly site meetings attended by the Design Team Leader throughout the project duration.
• Documentation Preparation: Prepare tender documentation based on completed designs, including structural and building services designs.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Prepare a Preliminary Health and Safety Plan and ensure compliance with Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014.
• Certification: Act as Design Certifier and Assigned Certifier, preparing an Inspection Plan as required.
• Final Deliverables: Provide a full set of as-built construction drawings and detailed operation and maintenance manuals upon project completion.

The contractor must also manage the appointment of additional services, such as Quantity Surveying, as required.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board to enhance the educational facilities at the Mountmellick and Portarlington centres. The project aligns with government initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency in public buildings and is part of a broader strategy to modernize educational infrastructure. The tender does not mention an incumbent contractor, indicating a competitive bidding process.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: €6.5m
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: not specified
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: minimum €0.75m (excess not to exceed 1.5%)
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Three examples of work of similar nature, size, and complexity within the last seven 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 overall price/quality split is not explicitly stated, but a minimum score of 40% is required for each criterion to avoid exclusion.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template with a maximum of four pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, adhering to page limits.
• Pricing schedule: Format as per the named template.
• Case studies: Provide three case studies of relevant projects.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Schedule visits to both sites with Carl Stewart or Liam Dunne.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via the eTenders portal in PDF format, signed and scanned.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Not specified for this tender.
• Payment terms: Not specified for this tender.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns in this tender include:

• Turnover threshold: The absence of a specified turnover requirement may indicate a risk of limited competition.
• Mandatory site visits: The requirement for site visits could limit participation from firms located further away.
• Complexity of compliance: The need for compliance with Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 may pose challenges for less experienced firms.

10. SME fit assessment

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

• Size/specialism: Firms with experience in architectural design and retrofit projects, particularly in educational settings.
• Certifications: Relevant professional certifications and insurance coverage as specified.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Not specified, but firms may consider partnering with other specialists as needed.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Estimated preparation time may range from several days to a few weeks, depending on the firm's existing resources and experience.
• Pwin signal: The lack of an incumbent may provide an opportunity for new entrants, but the requirement for past experience may favor established firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Call for Tender (CFT) (1).docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Appendix E-Tender Proposal Form
• Volume A: Works Requirement
• Volume B: Form of Tender and Schedule