Architectural Design Team Services: Retrofit Works Fabric and M&E to Banagher Further Education Training Centre and Portlaoise 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 contract involves providing architectural design team services for retrofit works at two Further Education and Training Centres: Banagher and Portlaoise. The estimated total value of the project is €600,000, with €400,000 allocated to Banagher and €200,000 to Portlaoise. The work encompasses both fabric and mechanical and electrical (M&E) upgrades.

The contractor's day-to-day activities will include:

• Banagher Further Education Training Centre (FETC):

• Insulating the suspended floor and high ceilings.

• Upgrading attic insulation from 4 inches to 12 inches.

• Pumping walls with bead insulation where feasible.

• Installing thermostatic controls for heating systems.

• Implementing a Building Management System (BMS) for improved control of the low-temperature hot water (LPHW) system.

• Installing an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and a solar photovoltaic (PV) array of 11 kWp.

• Portlaoise Further Education Training Centre (FETC):

• Converting existing lighting to LED, increasing from approximately 40% LED.

• Installing a 20 kWp solar PV array.

• Insulating walls and upgrading windows and doors in prefabricated structures and the main building.

• Insulating the attic of the main building.

• Installing a heat pump and buffer tank after fabric improvements.

The contractor must ensure compliance with the Design Team Procedures for Small Works (TGD007, 7th Edition, October 2021) throughout the project.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board to enhance energy efficiency and modernize facilities at the Banagher and Portlaoise Further Education Training Centres. The project aligns with national educational infrastructure improvement policies and aims to provide better learning environments. The urgency for these upgrades stems from the need to meet contemporary standards for energy efficiency and sustainability in educational facilities. The incumbent contractor is not specified.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €600,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: €6.5 million.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: €13 million.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum €0.75 million with an excess not exceeding 1.5%.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Three comparable projects of similar nature, size, and complexity completed 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: Follow the named template with a maximum of four pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, adhering to specified page limits.
• Pricing schedule: Format as per the named template.
• Case studies: Provide three case studies demonstrating relevant experience.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Bidders must arrange site visits 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 and extension structure: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Not specified.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €600,000 closely aligns with the project value, which may limit competition.
• The requirement for a site visit could pose logistical challenges for bidders located further away.
• The lack of specified insurance and certification requirements may lead to ambiguity in compliance expectations.

10. SME fit assessment

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

• Experience in architectural design and retrofit projects, particularly in educational settings.
• The capability to provide a comprehensive team, including necessary additional services.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating past projects of similar size and complexity.
• The ability to meet insurance requirements and turnover thresholds.

Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements may be permissible, although specific rules are not detailed. Bidders should anticipate a significant effort in preparing their submissions, potentially requiring several days of work. The presence of an incumbent contractor is not mentioned, which may indicate an open competitive environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Call for Tender (CFT) (2).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.