Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme - Site Investigation

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

This tender seeks site investigation services for the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme. The contractor will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to inform the design and construction of flood relief measures. The work involves detailed site assessment, data collection, and reporting.

The scope of work includes:

• Geotechnical Investigations:
• Cable Percussion (CP) boreholes: A total of 23 boreholes are specified, with target depths ranging from 15.0m to 20.0m. Specific borehole IDs include MM-CP/RC-01 through MM-CP/RC-23.
• Trial Pits (TP): 30 trial pits are required, with depths of 4.5m. Specific IDs range from MM-TP-01 to MM-TP-30.
• Windowless Sampling (WS): 20 windowless sampling locations are specified, with depths ranging from 7.0m to 8.0m. IDs include MM-WS-07 to MM-WS-20.
• Dynamic Probing (DP): 16 dynamic probing locations are specified, with depths ranging from 7.0m to 8.0m. IDs include MM-DP-01 to MM-DP-16.
• Slit Trench (ST): 12 slit trench locations are specified, with depths of 1.2m. IDs include MM-ST-01 to MM-ST-12.
• In-situ Testing:
• Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) are to be conducted within boreholes.
• Variable Head Permeability tests are required.
• BRE Soakaway Tests are to be performed where no water is present.
• Instrumentation:
• Installation of Standpipe Piezometers (50mm ID) with raised (1A) or flush (1B) headworks, some with Water Level Loggers (X).
• Installation of Pumping Wells (300mm ID) with associated loggers (X, Y, Z).
• Sampling and Analysis:
• Collection of environmental samples.
• Laboratory testing of samples, including geological and geotechnical analysis.
• Petrography on rock core or bulk sample to IS EN 933.
• Protection Measures:
• Installation of Standard Timber Fences (10A) and Heavy Duty Timber Fences (10B).
• Installation of Heavy Duty Concrete Ring Protection Measures (10C).
• Reporting and Supervision:
• Preparation of reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Provision of supervision for specific works.
• Site Operations:
• Securing the site, maintaining good order, and ensuring safety.
• Minimising disruption to the public and surrounding areas.
• Setting out works according to contract specifications.
• Providing access for inspection and testing.
• Notifying the Employer's Representative before covering or packing work for inspection.
• Handling discoveries of national monuments, archaeological objects, or human remains.
• Reporting unforeseen physical conditions on site.
• Ensuring suitability and maintenance of access routes.
• Providing necessary facilities, power, water, and services.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is for site investigation services related to the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme. The scheme is a public infrastructure project undertaken by Laois County Council. The need for this investigation arises from the requirement to gather detailed geotechnical and environmental data to inform the design and subsequent construction of flood defence measures for Mountmellick. This aligns with broader governmental objectives for flood risk management and infrastructure development. The contract is being procured under an open procedure, indicating a desire for a competitive process to select a qualified contractor.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered for this tender, bidders must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover Requirement:
• Average annual turnover of €1,400,000 ex VAT in the Civil Engineering category, averaged over the last 3 years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €6,500,000 in respect of any one accident.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum €13,000,000 in respect of any one accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum annual aggregate of €6,500,000. The maximum permissible excess for Professional Indemnity Insurance in any one claim is the greater of 2% of the tenderer's annual turnover or €5,000.
• Certifications:
• Safety management system in accordance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent.
• Quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001:2015.
• Environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001:2015.
• Past Experience:
• A minimum of 3 schemes of similar size and complexity, with a contract value of €250,000 excluding VAT each, for Ground Investigation Works.
• A minimum of 2 years fulfilling the role of PSCS for Site Investigation Contracts.
• Personnel:
• A qualified independent temporary traffic management designer with a minimum of ten years' relevant experience.
• A professional qualification in Engineering, Geology, or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years' relevant experience.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing price and quality. The specific weighting between price and quality is not explicitly stated in the provided metadata. However, typical evaluation would involve assessing technical merit, experience, proposed methodology, and personnel qualifications against the stated requirements, alongside the submitted price. Bidders are expected to demonstrate compliance with all mandatory requirements.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following documentation:

• Response to Qualification Criteria:
• Details of average annual turnover for the last 3 years.
• Evidence of insurance cover as specified.
• Details of safety, quality, and environmental management systems.
• A list of at least 3 completed projects of similar size and complexity, with contract values of €250,000 excluding VAT each, for Ground Investigation Works.
• Evidence of fulfilling the role of PSCS for Site Investigation Contracts for a minimum of 2 years.
• CVs for key personnel, including the temporary traffic management designer and qualified site investigation professional.
• Pricing Schedule: A detailed breakdown of costs.
• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (ESPD).
• Bona Fide Tenders Declaration.
• Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Conflict of Interest Declaration.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: Bids must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform. Specific format rules will be detailed in the full tender documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will be based on the PW-CF7 v1.7 Investigation Contract Conditions. Key terms include:

• Contract Term: The contract duration is not explicitly stated but is linked to the completion of the investigation tasks.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made in instalments as scheduled. Payment claims are processed within specified timeframes, with the Employer required to pay within 30 days of receiving an invoice.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not explicitly detailed in the provided metadata, but performance is governed by task completion within performance periods and adherence to the scope.
• Liquidated Damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination: The Employer may terminate the contract under specific circumstances, including prolonged suspension of works.
• IP Ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting: The Contractor may engage sub-processors for personal data processing, subject to prior written notice and employer objection rights. General sub-contracting rules are not detailed in the provided text.
• Performance Bond: A performance bond may be required if stated in the Schedule.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Value vs. Turnover: The estimated contract value of €200,000 is significantly lower than the minimum annual turnover requirement of €1,400,000. This suggests the tender may be structured to attract larger, established firms or that the turnover requirement is a standard template applied broadly.
• Insurance Excess: The maximum permissible excess for Professional Indemnity Insurance is tied to 2% of the tenderer's annual turnover or €5,000, whichever is greater. For a firm with a €1.4m turnover, this could mean an excess of €28,000, which is substantial for a €200k contract.
• Contract Document: The contract is based on PW-CF7 v1.7, a standard template from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, which may contain specific clauses regarding public sector procurement and project management.
• Detailed Scope: The extensive list of specific borehole, trial pit, and probing locations, along with detailed investigation types and instrumentation requirements, indicates a well-defined scope that leaves little room for interpretation.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely best suited for established civil engineering or geotechnical investigation firms with significant experience and financial standing.

• Credible Bidders: Firms with a proven track record in delivering large-scale geotechnical investigations, demonstrated by a turnover of at least €1.4 million per annum and experience with projects valued at €250,000 or more. They must also possess robust safety, quality, and environmental management systems certified to ISO standards.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The tender documents do not explicitly prohibit consortia or sub-contracting. However, the stringent turnover and experience requirements suggest that lead bidders will need to meet these criteria directly. Sub-contracting may be permissible for specific specialist elements, but the primary contractor must hold the core qualifications.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant bid, particularly the technical proposal and evidence of past experience, would likely require 10-15 person-days of effort for a qualified team. This includes gathering documentation, writing method statements, and compiling personnel CVs.
• Pwin Signal: The significant disparity between the contract value (€200,000) and the turnover requirement (€1.4m annually) suggests that incumbent firms or those with existing frameworks with Laois County Council might have an advantage, or that the turnover requirement is a broad standard. The detailed scope also implies a preference for experienced, technically proficient bidders.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided metadata.
• eTenders CFT ID: Not surfaced in the provided metadata.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Not specified in the provided metadata.
• Most Important Attachments:
• [Appendix_B1_List_of_Previous_Works_Projects_which_is_CEE.docx]
• [19105-JBB-GE-ZZ -SH-CG-06145_Schedule 2_P04.pdf] (Schedule 2 - Investigation Details)
• [PW-CF7_Contract_v1.7_25-11-2025.pdf] (Investigation Contract Conditions)