Multi Party Framework for Urban Design and Infrastructure Planning (UDIP)

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 framework agreement focuses on urban design and infrastructure planning for large-scale regeneration and urban expansion projects. The contractor will deliver robust planning frameworks and costed Infrastructure Delivery Plans (IDP). The work is divided into two main workstreams: Core Disciplines and Specialist Disciplines.

• Core Disciplines:

• Urban Design and Architectural-led design services

• Civil & Structural Engineering with infrastructure planning, phasing, and delivery

• Planning Consultancy Services, including Housing Needs Analysis and Planning Strategy Advice

• Traffic and Transport services

• Specialist Disciplines:

• Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

• Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura Impact Assessment

• Daylight and Sunlight Analysis

• Social Infrastructure Audit and Social Impact Assessment

• Socio-economic Assessment

• Landscape Design and Landscape Visual Impact Assessment

• Ecology and Biodiversity, including Biodiversity Net Gain Analysis

• Sustainability, Contamination, Waste Management

• Noise, Air & Climate, Access and Maintenance Strategy

• Heritage & Conservation Specialists, Arborist, Archaeology

• Hydrology/Geology, M&E and Energy Engineering

• Geographical Information System, 3D CGI, Communications and Public Engagement, Graphic Design

The Lead Consultant will act as the single point of contractual responsibility and will appoint Specialist Disciplines as Sub Consultants. The framework will support the development of high-quality urban communities, ensuring financial sustainability and deliverability.

3. Background & buyer context

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is Ireland's state body for affordable housing delivery, tasked with developing state and other lands to address housing needs. This procurement aligns with the LDA's mission to maximize affordable and social housing supply. The LDA operates under the Land Development Agency Act 2021 and is supported by a €7.5 billion equity capital commitment. The framework will support the LDA's strategic projects, such as those in Limerick, Dublin, and Galway, by providing essential urban design and infrastructure planning services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Minimum €3.5 million annual turnover for the lead applicant over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity: €6,500,000 per claim
• Employer's Liability: €13,000,000 per occurrence
• Public Liability/Product Liability: €6,500,000 per occurrence
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender
• Past experience: Minimum three comparable projects in the last seven years
• Personnel:
• Principal Urban Designer: 15 years' experience
• Principal Architect: 15 years' experience
• Senior Urban Designer/Architect: 10 years' experience
• Architect/Urban Designer: 7 years' experience
• Assistant Architect/Urban Designer: 5 years' experience
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender

5. Award criteria & scoring

The price/quality split follows the MEAT criteria, with a minimum scoring threshold of 40% for each criterion.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement/response document: Named template, page limits not specified
• CVs: Required for named roles, page count not specified
• Pricing schedule: Format and named template not specified
• Case studies: Three reference projects, value range not specified
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified
• Submission portal: eTenders, specific format rules not specified

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract term is 48 months, with a possible 12-month extension. Payment terms are not specified. Key SLAs/KPIs are not detailed. Liquidated damages or penalty regimes are not mentioned. Termination clauses include breach of contract and insolvency. IP ownership and sub-contracting rules are not specified. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are noted.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender requires a high turnover threshold close to the contract value, potentially limiting the bidder pool to larger firms or incumbents. The insurance requirements are substantial, which may deter smaller firms. The framework's reliance on external funding could pose risks if funding is not secured annually. The geographic scope is broad, but specific project locations may favor firms with local presence.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for medium to large firms with significant experience in urban design and infrastructure planning. Smaller firms may participate through consortia or sub-contracting arrangements. The bid preparation effort is likely to be significant, requiring detailed documentation and multiple reference projects. The presence of an incumbent or a limited pool of qualified firms may affect the probability of winning (Pwin).

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT_UDIP_Final.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 6 — Detailed Scope of Services, Appendix 9 — Schedule of Insurances