Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for Minor Building Works Projects in the HSE Dublin North/North City Region

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

This tender seeks to establish a multi-supplier framework agreement for minor building works projects within the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Dublin North/North City Region. The framework will cover construction, refurbishment, adaptation, compliance, maintenance, lifecycle replacement, energy upgrade, decarbonisation, and improvement works, as well as minor capital projects across various HSE-owned, leased, and occupied properties. These include Primary Care Centres, Community Healthcare facilities, Section 38 and Section 39 funded organisations, acute hospital campuses, and other affiliated entities.

Successful contractors will be expected to act as both Works Contractor and Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS), as applicable to call-off projects. The framework is divided into two lots:

• Lot 1: For works valued up to €250,000 (exclusive of VAT).
• Lot 2: For works valued between €250,000 and €1,000,000 (exclusive of VAT).

The anticipated aggregate value of contracts awarded under the framework is approximately €60 million over the maximum four-year term. The estimated annual value for Lot 1 is €13.5 million, and for Lot 2 is €1.5 million.

Call-off contracts awarded under the framework will utilise either the PW-CF5 Public Works Contract for Minor Building and Civil Engineering Works (Designed by the Employer) or the PW-CF6 Short Form of Contract, as determined by the HSE based on the nature, scope, and complexity of the specific project.

The framework agreement will operate for an initial term of two years, with the HSE holding the option to extend it for up to two further 12-month periods. Call-off contracts awarded during the framework period may extend beyond its expiry.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement establishes a multi-supplier framework agreement for minor building works projects within the HSE Dublin North/North City Region. The initiative aligns with the HSE's ongoing need to maintain and improve its extensive portfolio of healthcare facilities. The framework aims to provide a streamlined and efficient procurement route for a range of minor works, supporting the operational continuity and development of healthcare services. The previous framework for similar works in this region, valued up to €250,000, is being superseded. The anticipated aggregate value of contracts awarded under this new framework is approximately €60 million over its maximum four-year term, indicating a significant ongoing demand for these services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this tender:

• Turnover requirement:
• Lot 1: Average annual turnover of €750,000 in general construction over the previous three years.
• Lot 2: Average annual turnover of €2,000,000 in general construction over the previous three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000 minimum per accident.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: €13,000,000 minimum per accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications:
• Evidence of a safety management system in accordance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent (e.g., Safe-T-Cert).
• Evidence of an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001 or equivalent.
• Past experience:
• Lot 1: Three (3) construction projects completed as Main Contractor & PSCS within the past five (5) years, with contract values between €50,000 and €250,000 (exclusive of VAT). At least one project must be between €150,000 and €250,000, and at least two projects must be between €50,000 and €250,000.
• Lot 2: Three (3) construction projects completed as Main Contractor & PSCS within the past five (5) years. At least one project must be between €500,000 and €1,000,000 (exclusive of VAT), and at least two projects must be between €250,000 and €1,000,000 (exclusive of VAT).
• Healthcare Environment Experience (for both Lots): Three (3) construction projects completed as Main Contractor & PSCS within a live healthcare environment or comparable occupied operational environment within the past five (5) years, meeting the same value thresholds as the general experience for the respective Lot.
• Each project must include a valid contact name and telephone number for the client, project manager, architect, or a similar senior person.
• Personnel:
• Minimum of eight (8) years' relevant construction industry experience for proposed management personnel.
• Minimum of four (4) years' experience managing projects of similar scale and complexity for proposed management personnel.
• Minimum of five (5) years' relevant construction industry experience for other proposed personnel.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience managing projects of similar scale and complexity for other proposed personnel.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience managing contracts and cost control for proposed personnel.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience managing health and safety on projects of similar scale and complexity for proposed personnel.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the framework agreement will be based on a qualitative assessment of tenders. While specific scoring weights are not detailed in the provided extract, the process involves a two-stage evaluation:

1. Stage 1 (Qualitative): Bidders are assessed against the eligibility and selection criteria outlined in the Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and associated tender return documents. This stage is pass/fail.
2. Stage 2 (Mini-Competition): For individual call-off contracts, the HSE will conduct mini-competitions. The award criterion for these mini-competitions is stated as "cost assessment only to determine the lowest cost tender." This implies that once a bidder is on the framework, individual projects will be awarded based on price.

The overall framework selection process prioritises bidders who demonstrate the required experience, financial standing, and safety compliance.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation as part of their tender response:

• Completed SAQ (Suitability Assessment Questionnaire): This forms the mandatory part of the Stage 1 selection process.
• Tender Response Documents (Appendix B1, B2): Specific documents for Lot 1 and Lot 2, requiring detailed project examples and personnel information.
• Certificate of Satisfactory Project Execution: For each project submitted as evidence of experience.
• Statement of Average Annual Numbers of Persons Employed: Over the past three years, including managerial positions.
• Banker's Letter (Appendix C): Confirming financial standing and lending facilities.
• Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid eTax Clearance Certificate from the Revenue Commissioners must be held.
• Lot Selection and Preference Checklist (Appendix B): To indicate which lot(s) the bidder is applying for and their order of preference.
• Declarations: Including confirmation of accuracy and completeness of application preferences.

A mandatory site visit is not specified for the initial tender submission stage. The submission portal is eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Framework Term: Initial 2 years, with an option for two further 12-month extensions.
• Call-Off Contracts: Awarded via mini-competitions using Supplementary Requests for Tender (SRFT). Award is based on lowest cost tender.
• Contract Forms: PW-CF5 Public Works Contract for Minor Building and Civil Engineering Works or PW-CF6 Short Form of Contract.
• Performance Measurement: Contractors will undergo performance reviews based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in a Contract Performance Review Workbook. Persistent poor performance can lead to suspension from mini-competitions or termination from the framework.
• Termination: The HSE may terminate the agreement for various reasons, including contractor breach, material adverse change, or if call-off contracts are terminated. The HSE reserves the right to remove a participant and replace them with a reserve participant.
• Limitation on Liability: Neither party has liability to the other under or in connection with the framework agreement itself, but this does not affect liability under any call-off contract.
• Governing Law: Irish law.
• Sub-contracting: Not explicitly detailed, but contractors must ensure sub-contractors meet insurance requirements.
• Parent Company Guarantee/Bond: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Two-Stage Procurement: The process involves an initial framework selection followed by mini-competitions for individual call-off contracts. Bidders must be aware that framework appointment does not guarantee work.
• Lot-Specific Experience: The experience requirements are distinct for Lot 1 and Lot 2, particularly concerning project values and the necessity of healthcare environment experience. Bidders must carefully align their submissions to the specific lot(s) they are applying for.
• Healthcare Environment Focus: A significant emphasis is placed on demonstrated experience within live healthcare or similar operational environments, with specific definitions provided. This requirement may limit the pool of eligible bidders.
• Lowest Cost Award for Call-Offs: While the framework selection is qualitative, individual call-off contracts will be awarded solely on the lowest cost tender. This places a strong emphasis on competitive pricing during mini-competitions.
• Performance Management: The framework includes a robust performance review mechanism, with the potential for suspension or termination for persistent poor performance, indicating a focus on contractor accountability.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a multi-supplier framework, allowing for multiple contractors to be appointed to each lot.

• Credible Bidders: Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a strong track record in general construction and specific experience in healthcare environments, meeting the financial and insurance thresholds, are credible bidders. The turnover requirements (€750,000 for Lot 1, €2,000,000 for Lot 2) are significant but potentially achievable for established SMEs. The specific project value ranges for past experience also cater to a range of project sizes.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The documents do not explicitly prohibit consortium bids or sub-contracting. However, the SAQ and tender return documents are largely focused on the applicant's direct experience and resources. Consortium bids would need to clearly define roles and responsibilities.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant bid will require significant effort. This includes gathering detailed project histories with client references, financial statements, safety documentation, and personnel details. For a typical SME, this could range from 20-40 days of dedicated work, depending on existing documentation and internal resources.
• Pwin Signal: The tender is for a framework agreement, suggesting the HSE anticipates a competitive market. The specific value bands and the requirement for healthcare experience may favour incumbent contractors or those with established relationships with the HSE or similar public bodies. The award of call-off contracts on a lowest-cost basis during mini-competitions indicates that price will be a critical factor for securing actual work once on the framework.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s):
• HSE_Framework_Agreement_Lot_1_Building Contractor-2026.docx
• Appendix B-Lot Selection and Preference Checklist.docx
• Appendix_B1_List_of_Previous_Works_Projects_which_is_CEE.docx
• Appendix B2_Lot 1_Tender Return Document.docx
• Appendix B2_Lot 2_Tender Return Document.docx
• Appendix_C_Bankers_Letter.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not specified in the provided text.
• Most Important Attachments:
• HSE_Framework_Agreement_Lot_1_Building Contractor-2026.docx (Framework Rules)
• Appendix B2_Lot 1_Tender Return Document.docx (Lot 1 Specific Requirements)
• Appendix B2_Lot 2_Tender Return Document.docx (Lot 2 Specific Requirements)