Kinsale Regional Museum Conservation and Repair 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 requires the provision of works for the essential conservation and repair of the Kinsale Regional Museum. This is a Short Public Works Contract, indicating a project of a defined scope and duration. The contractor will be appointed as the Works Contractor and the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).

The specific works include:

• Conservation and Repair: Undertaking essential conservation and repair activities to preserve the museum building. The documentation references timber floors/joist repairs, requiring cutting back decayed timber to sound timber and ensuring ceilings are detached without damage. It also mentions repairs to timber frame/rebates, timber door frames, and attic hatches.
• Materials and Standards: Compliance with specific standards is required, including BS EN 12588 for fixing, lapping, and jointing. Timber selection must be appropriate for repairs, and measures to prevent moisture collection are necessary.
• Structural Elements: Works may involve timber framing, supports, and seals. Repairs to timber floors and joists are specified, including cutting back decayed timber.
• Building Envelope: Repairs to timber door frames and attic hatches are mentioned.
• Site Constraints: Non-use of scaffolding or ladders within 10 metres of overhead lines is a specific constraint.
• Project Management: The contractor will act as the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS), responsible for health and safety management during the construction phase.
• Contract Form: The project will be executed under the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6).
• Project Duration: The Time for Completion is stated as 61 days. The project is projected to last approximately 3 months, from August to October.
• Defects Liability: A defects certificate is to be issued between 12 and 13 months after the works are certified substantially complete.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is for essential conservation and repair works at the Kinsale Regional Museum. Cork County Council is the contracting authority. The project is being procured under an open procedure using the Short Public Works Contract. The project number is ATS1_S-2025_037. The tender documents were issued in August 2026. The project falls within the remit of public works contracts managed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover Requirement:
• Minimum Average Yearly Turnover arising from Building/Construction Works: €500,000.00 over the last 3 previous financial years.
• Subcontractors' turnover will not be taken into account.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €6,500,000.00 for any one event.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13,000,000.00 for any one event.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Not specified for this tender (N/A).
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past Experience:
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in construction works is required.
• Applicants must demonstrate within the past 7 years, they have completed comparable projects.
• A list of previous works projects, similar in nature and complexity, must be provided.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criterion is the lowest price. The tender documents state: "The documents also set out the suitability assessment criteria, the award criterion and the evaluation and award process which will be followed by the Contracting Authority in making the assessment of which Tender is the lowest price."

There is no explicit mention of minimum scoring thresholds per criterion or overall, as the award is based solely on the lowest price among compliant tenders.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit the following:

• Form of Tender: Fully completed and signed, including the lump sum offer in words and figures, excluding VAT.
• Pricing Document: Completed pricing document (Volume C) where required.
• Declarations:
• Declaration of oath in accordance with suitability assessment questionnaire.
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Disclosure of any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest.
• Past Projects: A list of completed projects similar in nature and complexity to the works required, organised in order of precedence.
• Personnel Information: CVs for key personnel, detailing professional qualifications, years of experience, and health & safety training.
• Insurance Details: Confirmation of required insurance cover.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders.
• Copies: Submit 2 hard copies to the Employer.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Form: Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6).
• Contract Length: Time for Completion is 61 days. A defects liability period of 12-13 months after substantial completion applies.
• Payment Terms: Monthly interim payments of 90% of the value of works completed and materials delivered. 97.5% of the Price is paid after the Employer certifies substantial completion. Payment is due within 10 working days after the Employer receives an invoice for the certified sum.
• Liquidated Damages: €200.00 per day for late completion.
• Termination: If the Employer terminates and appoints another contractor within 12 months, 4% of the unpaid portion of the Price is paid.
• Performance Bond: Not required.
• Liability Cap: The Contractor's liability to the Employer shall not exceed €1,000,000.00 unless otherwise stated.
• Price Variation: Clause 18 applies, with specific weightings for Materials (39%), Fuel (1%), Non-Adjustable Overheads (5%), Plant (5%), and Labour (50%). The Permitted Increase Threshold is 5%.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Lowest Price Award: The award criterion is solely the lowest price. This can lead to a focus on cost reduction over quality or long-term value, potentially increasing risk if not managed carefully.
• Short Contract Duration: A 61-day completion period for conservation works can be challenging, especially if unforeseen issues arise within a historic building.
• PSCS Appointment: The contractor is also appointed as PSCS. This dual role requires robust health and safety management alongside construction delivery.
• Limited Insurance Detail: Professional Indemnity Insurance is listed as N/A, which is unusual for conservation works and may indicate a specific risk assessment by the buyer or a reliance on other contractual protections.
• Turnover Requirement: The €500,000 average annual turnover requirement is a standard threshold for public works, but it filters out very small specialist firms.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with proven experience in conservation and repair works, particularly those involving timber structures.

• Viable Bidder Profile: A firm with a turnover of at least €500,000 annually, a strong track record in heritage or conservation projects, and the capacity to manage health and safety as PSCS. Experience with the Short Public Works Contract would be advantageous.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The documents do not explicitly prohibit consortia or sub-contracting. However, the turnover requirement is based on the applicant's turnover, not combined. Subcontractors' turnover is not considered for the minimum requirement.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant tender will require significant effort, likely 5-10 days, involving detailed pricing, method statements, and compilation of past project evidence and personnel details.
• Pwin Signal: The award being based on the lowest price suggests a competitive tender. The absence of a performance bond requirement might indicate lower perceived risk by the buyer or a reliance on the contractor's track record and the PSCS role. The specific nature of conservation works may favour specialist firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s):
• Volume B Tender And Schedule Rev_A.pdf
• Instruction To Tenderes_Kinsale_Rev_A.pdf
• Appendix_B1_List_of_Previous_Works_Projects_which_is_CEE.docx
• APPENDIX L.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: ATS1_S-2025_037
• Contact: Not specified in the provided documents. Queries should be raised via the eTenders portal.
• Most Important Attachments:
• Volume B Tender And Schedule Rev_A.pdf (Contains Form of Tender, Schedule, Contract Conditions)
• Instruction To Tenderes_Kinsale_Rev_A.pdf (Outlines the tender process and requirements)
• Volume A Works Requirements (Not provided, but essential for scope details)