Inspection of Private Rented Properties

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 conducting inspections of private rented properties in Wicklow to ensure compliance with Minimum Housing Standards regulations. The scale of work is defined by the need to inspect a significant number of properties within the county.

• Inspections: Conduct inspections of private rented properties to verify compliance with Minimum Housing Standards.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed reports on the findings of each inspection, highlighting any non-compliance issues.
• Follow-up: Conduct follow-up inspections as necessary to ensure compliance issues are rectified.
• Coordination: Work closely with Wicklow County Council to schedule inspections and report findings.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of all inspections and communications.
• Volume: The estimated expenditure for these services is €200,000 over the contract term, indicating a substantial volume of inspections.
• Personnel: The team must include at least one Senior Building Surveyor/Inspector and two Qualified Inspectors.
• Compliance: Adhere to the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 during inspections.

3. Background & buyer context

Wicklow County Council is procuring these services to ensure that private rented properties comply with the Minimum Housing Standards regulations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance living conditions and ensure tenant safety. The procurement aligns with national housing policies aimed at improving rental property standards. The council has not disclosed any incumbent service provider, suggesting an open field for new bidders.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000
• Cyber Liability: €1,000,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel:
• Minimum of 1 Senior Building Surveyor/Inspector with a relevant degree.
• Minimum of 2 Qualified Inspectors.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation follows the MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) principle, with a 70/30 quality to price split.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Tender Response Document (TRD), no page limit specified.
• CVs: Required for key personnel, no page count specified.
• Pricing schedule: Appendix 2 format.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders, PDF format required.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract is for one year, with the possibility of up to three one-year extensions. Payment terms are not detailed but must comply with the Services Contract at Appendix 5. Key performance indicators or service level agreements are not specified. Liquidated damages or penalties for non-performance are not mentioned. Intellectual property rights and subcontracting rules are not detailed. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender requires significant insurance coverage, which may limit participation to firms with existing policies. The absence of a specified turnover requirement could open the field to smaller firms, but the insurance requirements may counterbalance this. The lack of detailed past experience criteria suggests flexibility, but also uncertainty about the expected bidder profile. The contract's reliance on compliance with housing standards may require bidders to have specific regulatory knowledge.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for SMEs with experience in property inspections and the ability to meet the insurance requirements. Firms specializing in building surveying or property management could credibly bid. Consortiums or subcontracting are allowed, which may benefit smaller firms looking to partner with larger entities. Bid preparation is likely to require several days, given the need for detailed documentation and compliance checks. The absence of an incumbent suggests a fair opportunity for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: WCC Inspection of Private Rented Properties RFT Draft PDF.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: eTenders messaging facility
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5: Services Contract