Framework Agreement for Chartered Engineer and Consultancy Services for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme (Lot 1 and/or Lot 2)

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 Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency seeks to establish a framework of qualified Chartered Engineers to provide consultancy services related to the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. The framework will consist of two panels, each covering designated local authority areas in Ireland. The contractor will be responsible for surveying, assessing, sampling, testing, and categorising dwellings affected by defective concrete blocks, in accordance with I.S. 465: 2018+A1:2020 and its forthcoming revision.

The key activities include:

• Building Condition Assessment: Conduct assessments for homeowners applying to the grant scheme.
• Remedial Works Plan: Develop plans for remediation and conduct inspections.
• Sampling and Testing: Take a minimum of twelve samples from affected dwellings, including cores and cut block samples, and conduct petrographic testing.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed reports summarising findings and recommendations based on assessments and tests.
• Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with relevant standards and regulations, including health and safety protocols.

The framework will allow for a maximum of eight consultancy practices per panel, with a notional project involving ten dwellings in each region to demonstrate qualitative skills and pricing competitiveness.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the objectives of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022. The Housing Agency is mandated to engage competent professionals to fulfill its responsibilities under this Act. The establishment of the framework is timely, given the increasing number of homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks, necessitating a structured approach to assessment and remediation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €250,000 for each of the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Employer's Liability: €13,000,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000 per claim and €1,000,000 annual aggregate
• Certifications: Must hold relevant certifications from recognized bodies, including CORU or equivalent.
• Past experience: Minimum of five years of practical assessment experience in geological resources, particularly related to concrete and concrete-making materials.
• Personnel: Must include a Chartered Engineer with at least ten years of post-graduate experience, including five years in a similar role.
• Geographic constraints: Bidders must be able to operate within the designated local authority areas specified in the Act.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: Complete the ITT Quality Response Template, adhering to page limits.
• CVs: Provide CVs for key personnel (maximum 2 pages each).
• Pricing schedule: Complete the specified format for pricing.
• Case studies: Include examples of at least three comparable projects.
• Declarations: Submit ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework agreement will have a term of two years, with a potential extension of up to two additional years at the Housing Agency's discretion. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Not specified in the documents.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance metrics will be defined in the framework agreement.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Standard termination rights apply.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the contract will remain with the Housing Agency.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted, but the primary contractor must maintain responsibility for all work.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• Geographic constraints: The requirement to operate within specific local authority areas may limit the pool of eligible bidders.
• Incumbent advantage: Existing contractors familiar with the Housing Agency's processes may have an advantage in scoring.
• Complex compliance requirements: The need for adherence to multiple standards and regulations may pose challenges for less experienced bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this tender should have:

• A proven track record in engineering consultancy, particularly in the assessment of concrete structures.
• Relevant certifications and insurance coverage as specified.
• The capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously, particularly in the designated regions.
• Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements are allowed, which may enable smaller firms to collaborate and meet the requirements.
• Bid preparation may require significant effort, estimated at several days to compile necessary documentation and case studies.
• The presence of incumbents or established firms in the market may signal a competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Invitation to Tender.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Instructions to Tenderers
• Description of Services
• Pricing Schedules (Lots 1 & 2)