Climate Action SWS - Drumshanbo Science Lab Upgrade and Sustainability Works

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 upgrading and implementing sustainability measures at the Drumshanbo Science Lab located within the Drumshanbo Vocational School. The project aims to enhance the facility's functionality and energy efficiency, aligning with climate action objectives.

Key activities include:

• Upgrade of laboratory facilities: Renovation of existing science lab spaces to meet modern educational standards.
• Sustainability works: Implementation of energy-efficient systems and materials to reduce the environmental impact of the facility.
• Compliance with Building Regulations: Adherence to Irish Building Regulations Part F, ensuring proper ventilation and energy performance.
• Installation of new equipment: Upgrading laboratory equipment to support advanced educational methodologies.
• Airtightness and face velocity standards: Ensuring a minimum average face velocity of 0 for ventilation systems, with a minimum of 6 air changes per hour when fully occupied.
• Project timeline: The works must be completed by 28 August 2026, with a contract period of 11 weeks for on-site works.

The contractor will be responsible for coordinating with the Mayo Sligo and Leitrim ETB and ensuring that all work meets specified standards and regulations.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Irish Government's commitment to climate action and sustainability in educational facilities. The project is part of a broader initiative to enhance educational infrastructure funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The Mayo Sligo and Leitrim ETB has a history of investing in educational upgrades, and this project aims to modernize the Drumshanbo Vocational School's science lab to better serve the educational community. No incumbent contractor is specified for this tender.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1.5 million in the relevant area of work.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €6.5 million for any one event.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum level of €13 million for any one event.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum level of €1.5 million.
• Certifications: Compliance with relevant ISO standards, and registration with applicable bodies (not specified for this tender).
• Past experience: Minimum of 3 comparable projects completed within the last 5 years, each valued at €100,000 or more.
• Personnel: At least one project manager with a minimum of 5 years' experience in similar projects.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be located within 100 km of Drumshanbo Vocational School.

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 balance between price and quality. No minimum scoring threshold is specified for individual criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 10 pages.
• CVs: Detailed CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Completed using the specified template.
• Case studies: At least 2 case studies of similar projects, each valued between €100,000 and €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Contract duration: The contract is expected to last until the completion of the works, with a potential extension based on performance.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of milestones as outlined in the contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Adherence to project timelines and quality standards will be monitored.
• Liquidated damages: A rate of €400 per day will apply for delays beyond the completion date.
• Termination clauses: The buyer reserves the right to terminate the contract under specified conditions.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property created during the project will belong to the buyer.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the buyer.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Tight timeline: The project must be completed by 28 August 2026, which may pose challenges for bidders with limited resources.
• High insurance requirements: The minimum insurance coverage may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: The requirement for bidders to be within 100 km of the site could restrict competition.
• No incumbent specified: The lack of an incumbent may lead to uncertainty regarding project expectations and standards.

10. SME fit assessment

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

• Have experience in educational facility upgrades or similar projects.
• Hold the required insurance coverage and certifications.
• Be capable of meeting the project timeline and quality standards.
• Consider forming a consortium or subcontracting to meet specific requirements.
• Expect to invest approximately 15-20 days in bid preparation, including document compilation and site visits.
• Be aware that the absence of an incumbent may provide an opportunity for new entrants, but the high insurance and turnover requirements may still pose challenges.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITT-W4-v2.0-18-11-24.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix B2 — Suitability Assessment
• Mandatory Requirements Schedule
• Pricing Document Template