Provision of Services for Preparation of Integrated Source Protection Plan for Lough Cumnel Group Water Scheme Co-operative Society Limited (Killeen GWS)

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 contractor will provide services to develop an Integrated Source Protection Plan (ISPP) for the Lough Cumnel Group Water Scheme (Killeen GWS). The ISPP aims to safeguard the water source and ensure compliance with drinking water regulations. The services encompass a comprehensive assessment of the water source, identification of potential risks, and the development of a plan to mitigate these risks.

Key activities and deliverables include:

• Source Assessment:
• Detailed characterisation of the water source, including geological and hydrological conditions.
• Analysis of historical water quality data, such as raw water pH (April 2008 to December 2013), colour (March 2009 to December 2013), and turbidity (April 2008 to December 2013), alongside monthly rainfall data.
• Identification of potential contamination pathways and sources within the catchment area.
• Assessment of groundwater vulnerability, noting areas where the water table is within 3m of the ground surface.
• Risk Identification and Evaluation:
• Identification of potential pollution sources, including agricultural activities, septic systems, and industrial discharges.
• Evaluation of the risk posed by these sources to the water supply, considering factors like proximity and potential for contaminant transport.
• Specific consideration of spreading of wastewater within 200m of the up-gradient side of the source.
• Development of the Integrated Source Protection Plan (ISPP):
• Formulation of specific measures and actions to protect the water source from identified risks.
• Development of a monitoring programme to assess the effectiveness of the protection measures.
• Creation of an emergency response plan for contamination incidents.
• The final ISPP must be completed within 6 months of the award of the contract.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Initial meeting with the service provider and the GWS/NFGWS/Other Stakeholders within 1 week of the contract award.
• Ongoing liaison and reporting to the Client's Contact.

The services are to be provided in accordance with the RFT, the contractor's submission, and the client's directions. The contractor must act with due care, skill, and diligence, and comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including environmental, social, and labour law.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement is driven by the transposition of S.I. No. 99/2023 – European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023. These regulations impose a requirement for integrated source protection plans for group water schemes. Lough Cumnel Group Water Scheme Co-operative Society Limited (Killeen GWS) requires an ISPP to ensure the continued safety and quality of its drinking water supply. The plan will identify and mitigate risks to the water source, ensuring compliance with current and future regulatory standards. The value of the contract is €15,000, with a completion timeframe of 6 months from award.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000 Bidders confirm they have these insurances in place and can upgrade to the required levels if successful.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience:
• A minimum of 5 years' practical expertise in catchment science is required for a qualified discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years' demonstrated expertise in catchment science is required for a senior qualified discipline.
• For surface water sources, a minimum of one year's data will generally be needed.
• Personnel:
• Qualified discipline attained from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of 5 years' practical expertise in catchment science.
• Qualified discipline attained from an accredited academic institution in addition to a minimum of 10 years' demonstrated expertise in catchment science.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not explicitly detailed in the provided text. However, the contract value of €15,000 suggests a focus on value for money. The selection criteria, particularly regarding experience in catchment science and the ability to provide historical data analysis, will be critical. The final ISPP must be completed within 6 months, indicating that timely delivery will be a key performance indicator.

6. Submission requirements

While specific submission templates are not detailed, the following are implied or stated requirements:

• Method statement / response document: Bidders must submit a response detailing how they will provide the Services, incorporating their expertise in catchment science and data analysis.
• CVs: CVs for key personnel, demonstrating the required years of experience in catchment science, will be necessary.
• Pricing schedule: A pricing schedule detailing the charges for the Services is required.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer, confirming no exclusion grounds apply.
• Confirmation of insurance levels.
• Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders are to be submitted via www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

The final ISPP must be completed within 6 months of the award of the contract.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: The contract term is 6 months. The Client reserves the right to extend the term for periods of up to one month, with a maximum of six such extensions permitted, subject to legal obligations.
• Payment terms: Payment of charges is subject to contractor compliance with the agreement, submission of valid invoices with supporting documentation, and the Client being in possession of a current Tax Clearance Certificate. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 calendar days. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2012 apply. Charges include all contractor costs and expenses. Professional Services Withholding Tax may be retained.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Time of delivery is of the essence. Failure to deliver within the specified time may lead to termination. Service levels and performance indicators are set out in Schedule D (not provided).
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender, but clause 5H indicates a potential for liquidated damages for late delivery, with a placeholder for amounts and a threshold.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with one month's written notice. Termination can occur immediately for serious breaches not remedied within 30 days, insolvency, conflict of interest, or if exclusion grounds under Regulation 57 apply. Force Majeure events continuing for 14 days allow termination with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: All Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in reports, data, manuals, and other materials produced for the agreement vest in the Client. The Contractor assigns all IPR to the Client. The Client grants the Contractor a royalty-free licence to use the Client's pre-existing IPR for the term.
• Sub-contracting rules: The Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for its subcontractors. Subcontractors must comply with the agreement, and the Client can require the replacement of a subcontractor if exclusion grounds apply.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Tight Completion Timeline: The requirement to complete the ISPP within 6 months of award, coupled with the need for initial stakeholder engagement within 1 week, presents a tight delivery schedule.
• Data Requirements: The reliance on historical water quality data (pH, colour, turbidity) spanning several years necessitates a contractor with robust data analysis capabilities and access to historical records.
• Limited Contract Value: The €15,000 value may limit the pool of larger, more established consultancies, potentially favouring smaller, specialist firms.
• Insurance Requirements: While the value is modest, the insurance requirements (particularly Employers Liability at €13m) are substantial and may be a barrier for very small, newly established firms.
• Unspecified Award Criteria: The absence of detailed award criteria means bidders must infer the weighting between technical capability, experience, and price.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specialised expertise in hydrogeology, environmental science, and water resource management.

• Who can credibly bid: A firm with demonstrated experience in catchment science, water quality analysis, and regulatory compliance within the water sector. The required insurance levels, particularly Professional Indemnity (€1.5m), are significant and may necessitate a well-established SME or a consortium.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: The contract allows for subcontractors, and a consortium approach could be viable for firms lacking specific expertise or capacity.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Bid preparation would likely involve compiling CVs for experienced personnel, detailing past project experience in similar assessments, and preparing a detailed pricing proposal. This could require 5-10 days of effort for a focused SME.
• Pwin signal: The relatively low contract value and the specific technical requirements suggest a competitive tender. The incumbent is not named. The primary success factors will be demonstrated technical expertise, relevant experience, and competitive pricing.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: [Blank_GWS_ISPP_Contract_for_Services.docx]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 1 to the RFT (description of Services)
• Schedule B (Specification)
• Schedule C (Charges)
• Schedule D (Service Levels and Performance Indicators)
• Appendix 6 to the RFT (Confidentiality Agreement)