Project QS and Contract Docs and Events Review Services for Howth FHC Dredging Project

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 contractor will provide Quantity Surveying (QS) and contract documentation review services for the Howth FHC Dredging Project. This project involves extensive marine civil engineering work, with a focus on dredging, stabilisation, and related activities. The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Document Review: Regular review of contractor documentation, including contracts, change orders, and compliance reports.
• Cost Management: Monitoring and reporting on project costs, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints.
• Meetings: Participation in project meetings with stakeholders to discuss progress, challenges, and resolutions.
• Reporting: Preparation of internal reports during the works phase, including monthly updates on project status and financials.
• Close-out Reporting: Final reporting at project completion, summarising outcomes and lessons learned.
• Compliance Checks: Ensuring all activities comply with relevant regulations and standards.

The contractor will engage with various stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and other project partners, to ensure effective communication and project delivery.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's strategic objectives to enhance marine infrastructure and support sustainable development. The Howth FHC Dredging Project is part of a broader initiative to improve harbour facilities and ensure safe navigation. The urgency of this procurement is driven by the need to commence works in Q2 2026, with an estimated duration of 24 months for the dredging activities. The incumbent contractor is not specified in the documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,250,000 for the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum €6,500,000 per accident.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum €13,000,000 per accident.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum €600,000 per claim and €700,000 annual aggregate.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of three comparable projects in marine civil engineering, each with a value exceeding €2,000,000, completed within the last five years.
• Personnel: At least one qualified Quantity Surveyor with a minimum of 15 years’ post-graduate experience.
• 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 the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on the balance between price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Adhere to the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Use the specified template for pricing details.
• Case studies: Provide three case studies of relevant projects, each valued between €2,000,000 and €5,000,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders portal, following the specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made based on agreed milestones and deliverables.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the contract will belong to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but requires prior approval from the contracting authority.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €1,250,000 may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The absence of specified insurance requirements for certifications may create uncertainty for bidders regarding compliance.
• The lack of clarity on the timeline for project commencement and completion could pose scheduling challenges for bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

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

• Relevant experience in marine civil engineering projects, particularly those exceeding €2,000,000 in value.
• A qualified Quantity Surveyor with significant experience in similar projects.
• The ability to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.

Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements are allowed, which may enable smaller firms to collaborate and meet the eligibility criteria. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at 10-15 days, considering the documentation and case studies required. The presence of stringent eligibility criteria may signal a lower probability of winning (Pwin) for SMEs, particularly if larger firms dominate the market.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITT_S2b_Services_Open HowthDredgingProjQSServs.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Schedule B to the Conditions of Engagement
• Suitability Assessment Questionnaire
• Form of Tender and Schedules A and B