MH-PLA-26-05 - Field Survey and Report Preparation for Wetland Sites across Co. Meath

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 field surveys and preparing reports for wetland sites across County Meath over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028. The contractor will address a knowledge gap identified in previous surveys, focusing on 642 potential wetland sites, of which 586 are outside designated conservation areas. The contractor will undertake the following activities:

• Field Surveys: Conduct detailed ecological surveys of selected wetlands, particularly in the Ratoath Municipal District, to assess habitat types, distribution, and condition.
• Site-Specific Reports: Produce reports for each surveyed site, including conservation ratings based on NRA Site Evaluation Criteria.
• Data Management: Upload project data to the National Biodiversity Data Centre and integrate findings into Meath County Council’s GIS database.
• Public Engagement: Raise awareness about wetland conservation through liaising with landowners and the public.
• Methodology: Follow established guidelines for habitat survey and mapping, including the Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping (Smith et al., 2011).
• Outputs: Deliver interim reports in August and final reports by November each year, including detailed site reports and GIS maps.

The contractor will prioritize wetlands of high conservation value and may adjust survey sites based on initial assessments.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of a strategic initiative by Meath County Council to enhance biodiversity and natural heritage conservation in the region. The project is funded through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with additional match-funding from the council. The previous phase of the wetlands survey, completed in 2025, identified significant knowledge gaps regarding the ecological status of many wetland sites in Meath, necessitating this follow-up survey.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €100,000 during one of the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1.5 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of three comparable projects in ecological field surveys, with at least one project based in Ireland.
• Personnel: Must demonstrate access to skilled personnel with relevant experience.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall scoring will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A detailed response document following the provided template, with specified page limits.
• CVs: For all team members, with a focus on relevant roles and experience.
• Pricing schedule: A detailed breakdown of costs using the specified template.
• Case studies: At least three examples of relevant projects, including values and descriptions.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, tax clearance, and conflict of interest statements.
• Site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Duration: The contract is for three years, from 2026 to 2028, with potential extensions based on performance and funding.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of deliverables as outlined in the contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely delivery of interim and final reports, adherence to survey methodologies, and public engagement efforts.
• Termination clauses: The council reserves the right to terminate the contract for reasons outside its control, including funding issues.
• IP ownership: All reports and data produced will be owned by Meath County Council.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the primary contractor must maintain overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Funding dependency: The project is reliant on external funding from the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, which may affect continuity.
• Geographic constraints: The focus on specific Municipal Districts may limit the pool of qualified bidders.
• Tight timelines: The requirement for interim reports in August and final reports by November may pose challenges for timely data collection and analysis.
• Incumbent advantage: Previous contractors may have an edge due to familiarity with the sites and methodologies.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in ecological surveys and habitat mapping. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in conducting ecological field surveys, particularly in wetland habitats.
• Relevant certifications and insurance coverage as specified.
• The capacity to engage with local communities and landowners.
• The ability to form consortia or subcontract if necessary to meet the requirements.

Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly for assembling case studies and detailed methodologies. The presence of an incumbent contractor may signal a competitive environment, but the open procedure allows for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: 2A Request for Tender Contract Open Procedure (RFT) - MWS (002).docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: Queries must be submitted via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• County Meath Wetlands Survey 2025 Data Consolidation and Mapping Project report
• Mapbook and Total Site Data (Excel document)
• GIS datasets (available on request)