Upgrade of Finner Camp Dining Hall to include Water Services Upgrade

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 the upgrade of water services within the Finner Camp Dining Hall. This is a construction project requiring the contractor to undertake works to improve the existing water infrastructure. The scope encompasses the physical execution of the upgrade, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Key activities and requirements include:

• Water Services Upgrade: This is the primary objective, focusing on the enhancement and modernisation of the water supply and distribution systems within the dining hall. Specific details of the required upgrades are not detailed in the provided metadata but will be elaborated in the full tender documents.
• Construction Works: The contractor will be responsible for all aspects of the construction, including any necessary demolition, installation, and finishing works associated with the water services upgrade.
• Site Management: The contractor must manage the worksite at Finner Camp, ensuring safety, security, and order. This includes keeping the site free from unnecessary obstructions and securing it against unauthorised access.
• Health and Safety: The contractor must ensure the safety of all personnel on site and protect the public and nearby areas from hazards arising from the works. This includes compliance with the role of Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) if required by the Building Control Regulations.
• Materials and Goods: The contractor must use goods and materials of good quality and ensure their suitability for the intended purpose. Certification for compliance with the Building Control Regulations will be required.
• Compliance: All works must be carried out in accordance with the contract, the Employer’s Representative’s written instructions, and applicable law. This includes adherence to the Short Public Works Contract conditions.
• Access and Services: The contractor is responsible for the suitability and availability of access routes to and through the site, and for obtaining all required facilities, power, water, and other services, unless the Employer is specified to provide them.
• Reporting and Certification: The contractor must provide necessary information and certifications to the Employer’s Representative and Assigned Certifier, including timely notification before works are covered and opportunities for inspection.

The contract is based on the PW-CF6 Short Public Works Contract conditions.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being undertaken by the Department of Defence. The project, the "Upgrade of Finner Camp Dining Hall to include Water Services Upgrade," is a capital works project. While specific policy drivers are not detailed, such upgrades are typically undertaken to maintain and improve military infrastructure, ensuring operational readiness and the welfare of personnel. Finner Camp is a military installation, and the dining hall is a critical facility. The procurement follows standard public sector tendering procedures for works contracts.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement:
• Average annual turnover of €1.5 million arising from construction work.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €6,500,000 per accident. Maximum excess of €10,000 for property damage only. No excess permitted for death, injury, or illness.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum €13,000,000 per accident. No permitted excess.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum cover level to be confirmed, but the maximum permissible excess is the greater of 2% of annual turnover or €5,000. Cover is on an annual aggregate basis.
• Contractors All Risk Insurance: Minimum cover not less than the Contract Sum plus a minimum of 30%.
• Certifications:
• Safety Management System: Must be in accordance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent.
• Past experience:
• Must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 3 individual separate projects similar in nature and complexity to the works required.
• These projects must have been completed within the period stated in the qualification criteria (period not specified in metadata).
• Projects costing in excess of €250,000 each are referenced in relation to experience, and projects in excess of €500,000 completed in a live campus or secure environment are also mentioned.
• Personnel:
• Contracts Manager: If no formal qualifications, must have at least 10 years’ experience in the Building Trade, including at least 5 years in a management role.
• Foreman (Site Manager): If no formal qualifications, must have at least 10 years’ experience in the Building Trade, including at least 5 years as a Foreman.
• Health and Safety Manager/Site Safety Officer: Must have a Degree/diploma or equivalent H&S training, or at least 3 years acting in the capacity of Health and Safety Manager/Site Safety Officer on building construction projects.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not detailed in the provided metadata. Typically, public works contracts in Ireland are awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), which considers both price and quality. The specific weighting and sub-criteria for this tender would be detailed in the full tender documentation.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• List of Previous Works Projects: Completed using Appendix B1, detailing at least 3 projects similar in nature and complexity. Certificates of Satisfactory Execution are required.
• Banker's Letter: Using Appendix C, confirming the contractor's banking relationship and facilities.
• Insurance Details: Confirmation of insurance cover meeting the specified minimum levels and maximum excesses. This may include a broker's confirmation of ability to procure cover if not already in place.
• Safety Management System: Proof of compliance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent.
• Pricing Schedule: Format and template to be specified in the tender documents.
• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) or equivalent.
• Bona Fide Tenders declaration.
• Tax clearance information.
• Conflict of Interest declaration.
• Method Statement / Response Document: Specific format and page limits will be detailed in the tender documents.
• CVs: For named personnel, with specified page limits and roles.
• Case Studies: Number and value range to be specified.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform. Specific formatting rules for electronic submissions will be provided.
• Mandatory Site Visit: If required, details of the date and contact person will be provided in the tender documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will be governed by the PW-CF6 Short Public Works Contract v1.15 (25th November 2025). Key terms include:

• Contract Term: The contract duration is not explicitly stated but is linked to the Time for Completion, which is 112 days. Extensions to the Time for Completion are possible for specific reasons outlined in clause 2.7.
• Payment Terms: Interim payments are made on account as scheduled. A final payment is made after the Defects Certificate is issued. Payment claims and responses follow a defined process, with payment due within the period stated in the Schedule. Late payments incur interest as per the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not explicitly detailed in the metadata, but performance is measured against the Time for Completion and the quality of works.
• Liquidated Damages: A liquidated damages rate of €200 per day applies if the Contractor fails to substantially complete the Works within the Time for Completion.
• Termination: The contract can be terminated under specific circumstances, including prolonged suspension of works (clause 3.12) or breach of contract.
• IP Ownership: Not specified in the metadata.
• Sub-contracting: The Contractor may not assign the Contract or any part of it without the Employer’s consent (clause 1.7). Sub-processors for Personal Data processing require prior written notice to the Employer (clause 1.9).
• Performance Bond: If required by the Schedule, a performance bond must be provided within 7 days of tender acceptance.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Insurance Cover Confirmation: While minimum levels are stated, the requirement for Contractors All Risk Insurance to be "No less than Contract Sum amount plus a minimum of 30%" necessitates careful calculation and potential broker engagement to confirm this level can be procured.
• Short Time for Completion: A Time for Completion of 112 days is specified. For an upgrade project, this may be tight depending on the complexity of the water services upgrade and potential site access or unforeseen issues.
• Department of Defence Context: Working within a military camp environment may involve specific security protocols, access restrictions, and operational considerations that differ from standard civilian construction sites.
• PW-CF6 Contract: This is a "Short" Public Works Contract, which implies a streamlined set of conditions. Bidders should familiarise themselves with its specific clauses, particularly regarding payment, variations, and dispute resolution.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a proven track record in construction, specifically in mechanical or water services upgrades.

• Credible Bidders: SMEs with an annual turnover of €1.5 million and experience in completing at least three similar projects valued over €250,000 each are well-positioned. The insurance requirements, particularly Public Liability (€6.5m), are substantial but achievable for established SMEs.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The contract states the Contractor may not assign the contract or any part of it without the Employer’s consent. However, sub-contracting for specific elements of the works is generally permissible in construction contracts, provided it is managed appropriately and disclosed if required. The formation of a consortium to meet experience or capacity requirements is also a possibility, with the lead member typically submitting the tender.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant tender, including gathering project references, insurance confirmations, and developing pricing, could require 10-20 days of effort for an experienced SME.
• Pwin Signal: The tender does not explicitly indicate an incumbent. The use of a standard public works contract and the clear, albeit substantial, eligibility criteria suggest a competitive process. The primary challenge for SMEs will be meeting the insurance and past experience requirements.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): Not specified in metadata.
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in metadata.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not specified in metadata.
• Most Important Attachments:
• Appendix B1: List of Previous Works Projects
• Appendix C: Banker's Letter
• Schedule of Insurance Requirements
• PW-CF6_Contract_v1.15_25-11-2025.pdf (Short Public Works Contract Conditions)