EoI - Suitability Assessment for Design and Build Works Contractors for the construction of 12 no. Social Housing units together with all associated site works at Grange, Co.Sligo.

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the design and construction of 12 social housing units in Grange, Co. Sligo, along with all associated site works. The project encompasses a range of residential types, including four two-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom house, six three-bedroom houses, and one four-bedroom house. The contractor will be responsible for the entire construction process, from initial design through to completion, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

The key activities involved in this project include:

• Design Phase: Development of architectural and engineering designs for the housing units, ensuring they meet local planning requirements and building regulations.
• Site Preparation: Clearing and preparing the site for construction, including excavation and grading.
• Construction: Erecting the housing units, which includes:
• Foundation work
• Structural framing
• Installation of roofing and external finishes
• Internal fit-out including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
• Landscaping and External Works: Completing all external site works, including driveways, gardens, and communal areas.
• Quality Assurance: Implementing a quality management system to ensure all work meets specified standards and regulations.
• Health and Safety Management: Adhering to health and safety regulations throughout the construction process, including risk assessments and safety training for all personnel.

The contractor must also coordinate with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure compliance with community standards and expectations.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Sligo County Council as part of a broader initiative to address housing shortages in the region. The project aligns with government policies aimed at increasing the availability of social housing and improving living conditions for residents. The need for additional housing units has been underscored by rising demand and demographic changes in the area. The council has a history of engaging contractors for similar projects, and this tender is part of ongoing efforts to enhance local infrastructure and community services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €4,400,000 for the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum cover of €6.5m.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000.
• Certifications: Compliance with relevant ISO/EN/BS standards, including health and safety certifications.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least three comparable projects completed in the last five years, demonstrating similar scale and complexity.
• Personnel: Key personnel must include at least one design professional with a minimum of ten years’ experience and other personnel with a minimum of seven years’ experience.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Bidders must be located within the EU/EEA.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

A minimum score of 50% is required for the quality criterion to qualify for consideration. The overall evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A detailed response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Curriculum vitae for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: A completed pricing template outlining all costs associated with the project.
• Case studies: At least three case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €1,000,000 to €4,400,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: Attendance at a site visit is required; details will be provided upon request.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a duration of 15 months, with potential extensions based on performance. Payment terms will be milestone-based, linked to project deliverables. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will include adherence to timelines, quality of work, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Liquidated damages may apply for delays, and termination clauses will allow for cancellation under specific conditions, such as failure to meet contractual obligations. Intellectual property rights for designs will remain with the contractor unless otherwise agreed.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €4,400,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: The requirement for bidders to be located within the EU/EEA may exclude capable local contractors.
• Tight timelines: The 15-month contract duration may pose challenges for project completion, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
• Incumbent advantage: Previous contractors may have an advantage due to familiarity with local regulations and stakeholders.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this contract typically possess:

• A proven track record in residential construction, particularly in social housing projects.
• Relevant certifications and insurance coverage as specified in the eligibility criteria.
• The capacity to manage a project of this scale, including sufficient personnel and resources.
• Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate on bids.

Bid preparation may require an estimated effort of 10-15 days, including document compilation and site visits. The presence of an incumbent contractor may signal a competitive landscape, but opportunities exist for SMEs with relevant experience and capabilities.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: not specified
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B1 — List of Previous Works Projects
• Appendix B2 — Certificate of Satisfactory Execution
• Appendix D1 — Letter of Undertaking Bond