Construction and Development of the Corrib Water Sports Facility

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 construction and development of the Corrib Water Sports facility. The contractor will be responsible for various tasks related to the construction and operational setup of the facility. The scale of the project includes significant construction works, installation of sports equipment, and landscaping.

Key activities include:

• Construction Works:

• Site preparation and earthworks.

• Structural works including foundations, walls, and roofing.

• Installation of utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage systems.

• Equipment Installation:

• Installation of water sports equipment, including docks and storage facilities.

• Setup of safety and operational equipment for water sports activities.

• Landscaping:

• Development of surrounding areas including pathways, green spaces, and recreational areas.

• Compliance and Safety:

• Adherence to health and safety regulations throughout the construction process.

• Implementation of environmental protection measures as per local regulations.

• Project Management:

• Coordination with local authorities and stakeholders.

• Regular reporting on project progress and adherence to timelines.

The contractor must ensure that all works comply with the relevant building codes and standards, and that the facility is operationally ready by the specified go-live date.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with Galway City Council's initiative to enhance local recreational facilities and promote water sports activities in the region. The project is part of a broader strategy to improve community engagement in outdoor sports and leisure activities, supported by local government funding. The urgency of this procurement stems from a growing demand for water sports facilities in Galway, particularly following increased interest in outdoor activities post-pandemic. The council aims to provide a modern facility that meets the needs of both residents and visitors.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1.5 million over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Employer's Liability: €13 million
• Product Liability: €5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million
• Cyber Insurance: not specified for this tender
• Motor Insurance: not specified for this tender
• Certifications:
• ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
• Safe-T-Cert (Health and Safety)
• Past experience: Minimum of 3 comparable projects completed in the last 5 years, each with a value of at least €1 million.
• Personnel:
• Project Manager with a minimum of 5 years' experience in similar projects.
• Site Supervisor with a minimum of 3 years' experience in construction.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Bidders must be based within 50 km of Galway City.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on the best balance between price and quality. A minimum score of 70% is required across all criteria to qualify for contract award.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the specified template.
• Case studies: At least 2 case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values between €1 million and €3 million.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Scheduled for 2026-05-01, contact details for coordination will be provided.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform in PDF format.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Initial contract term of 12 months with an option for a 6-month extension based on performance.
• Payment terms: Monthly payments based on milestones achieved, with a retention of 5% until project completion.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely completion of phases, adherence to budget, and quality of work as per specifications.
• Liquidated damages: €1,000 per day for delays beyond the agreed completion date.
• Termination clauses: The council may terminate the contract for non-performance or breach of terms.
• IP ownership: All designs and documentation produced during the contract remain the property of Galway City Council.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the council.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €1.5 million may exclude smaller firms, limiting competition.
• Geographic constraints: The requirement for bidders to be within 50 km of Galway may restrict participation from capable firms outside this radius.
• Tight timelines: The go-live date is set for September 2026, which may be challenging given the scope of work required.
• Incumbent advantage: If an incumbent contractor is involved, they may have an advantage due to familiarity with the project and local regulations.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have:

• Experience in construction and project management, particularly in recreational facilities.
• The capability to meet insurance and certification requirements.
• The resources to manage a project of this scale, including personnel with relevant experience.
• The ability to collaborate with subcontractors if necessary.

Consortium arrangements are allowed, which may enable smaller firms to combine resources and expertise. Preparation for the bid may require approximately 10-15 days of effort, depending on the firm's existing documentation and experience. The presence of an incumbent contractor may signal a competitive environment, but the tender is open to new entrants who can demonstrate capability.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITTW2-v3.1-25-11-2025 Update.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Volume A: Works Requirements
• Volume B: Form of Tender and Schedule
• Volume C: Pricing Document