Request for Tender for Cliffs of Moher Resurfacing and Drainage 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 resurfacing and drainage works at the Cliffs of Moher, a significant tourist attraction in County Clare. The project aims to enhance the safety and accessibility of the site while ensuring environmental sustainability. The contractor will be responsible for various activities, including:

• Resurfacing: Installation of new surfacing materials to improve pathways and visitor areas.
• Drainage Works: Implementation of effective drainage systems to manage water runoff and prevent erosion.
• Removal of Existing Structures: Dismantling and disposal of existing timber edging and other obsolete structures.
• Concrete Works: Use of ST1 and ST4 concrete mixes for various structural elements, adhering to BS EN standards.
• Installation of Kerbs and Gullies: Setting up new kerbs and drainage gullies to facilitate water management.
• Environmental Considerations: Ensuring all works comply with environmental regulations and best practices.
• Safety Management: Adhering to health and safety regulations throughout the project duration.

The contractor must also coordinate with local authorities and stakeholders to minimize disruption during the works.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is issued as part of Clare County Council's initiative to enhance infrastructure at the Cliffs of Moher, aligning with broader tourism and environmental policies. The project is funded through local government resources aimed at improving visitor experience and safety. The council has a history of managing similar projects in the region, and this tender follows previous successful contracts aimed at maintaining and upgrading the site. 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 €300,000 in the General Construction/Civil Engineering category.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €6,500,000 for any one event.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13,000,000 for any one event.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum level of €1,500,000.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past Experience: Evidence of at least three reference projects completed within the last five years that are similar in nature and complexity to the works required.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, focusing on the best price-quality ratio. No minimum scoring threshold is stated for individual criteria or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method Statement: A response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Curriculum vitae for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed using the specified template.
• Case Studies: Three case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values ranging from €100,000 to €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory Site Visit: A site visit is required; details will be provided in the tender documents.
• Submission Portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term Structure: The contract duration is not specified, but it will include provisions for extensions based on performance.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made upon completion of milestones as outlined in the contract.
• SLAs/KPIs: Specific service level agreements and key performance indicators will be defined in the contract.
• Liquidated Damages: A rate of €500 per day will apply for delays beyond the agreed completion date.
• Termination Clauses: Conditions under which the contract may be terminated are outlined but not specified in detail.
• IP Ownership: All intellectual property developed during the project will remain with Clare County Council.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by the council.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover Requirement: The minimum turnover requirement of €300,000 is close to the contract value, which may limit competition to established firms.
• Insurance Coverage: High insurance requirements may pose a barrier for smaller firms.
• Geographic Constraints: No specific geographic constraints are mentioned, which may broaden the pool of potential bidders.
• Funding Uncertainty: The project is dependent on local government funding, which may be subject to change.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in civil engineering and construction. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in similar projects, ideally with experience in tourism-related infrastructure.
• The capacity to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to manage subcontractors if necessary, as consortium arrangements are not explicitly mentioned.
• An estimated bid preparation effort of approximately 10-15 days, considering the documentation and site visit requirements.
• The presence of an incumbent contractor is not specified, indicating a potentially open competitive environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: Not specified.
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact Email: Not specified.
• Important Attachments:
• Appendix B1 — List of Previous Works Projects
• Appendix B2 — Certificate of Satisfactory Execution
• Health and Safety Supplement Document