HSE West Estates - Merlin Park Hospital Galway - Traffic Calming

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 contractors to implement traffic calming measures at Merlin Park Hospital in Galway. The project involves works related to traffic management and potentially minor civil engineering to achieve the stated objectives. The contract is based on the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6).

The scope of work includes:

• Traffic Calming Implementation: The primary objective is to introduce measures that reduce vehicle speeds and improve traffic flow and safety within the hospital grounds. Specific details of the required measures are not fully elaborated in the provided metadata but will be detailed in the full tender documents.
• Traffic Management: The contractor will be responsible for implementing and managing traffic management measures during the execution of the works. This includes providing necessary signage, barriers, and personnel to ensure the safety of hospital staff, patients, visitors, and the public, as well as site personnel. Management measures must be issued to the Employer's Representative a minimum of 7 days in advance of any works.
• Site Investigations: The contract may require site investigations to be carried out in accordance with IS EN 1997-2 and BS5930, 2015 Code of Practice for Site Investigations, with precedence given to IS EN 1997-2 where applicable.
• Coordination with Existing Services: The contractor must be aware of and coordinate with existing underground services, including gas networks. If a high-pressure transmission pipeline is identified within 10m of any intended excavations, work must not proceed before Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) is consulted. The true location and depth of a transmission pipeline must be verified on site by a GNI representative. Work in the vicinity of the gas network must comply with the HSA publication "Code of Practice For Avoiding Danger From Underground Services".
• Compliance with Regulations: All works must be carried out in compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, including the Construction Regulations. The contractor may be required to act as Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).
• Documentation and Reporting: The contractor will be required to submit various documents, including traffic management plans, and potentially progress reports, as stipulated in the contract.

The duration for completion of the whole of the works is approximately 7 weeks.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) West Estates department for Merlin Park Hospital in Galway. The project, titled "HSE West Estates - Merlin Park Hospital Galway - Traffic Calming," aims to address traffic management issues within the hospital campus. The procurement is being managed under an Open Procedure using the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6). The tender documents are issued by the Office of Government Procurement. The project is associated with "Merlin Park University Hospital CNU - Additional Car Park Works," suggesting it may be part of a broader campus development or improvement initiative.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €6,500,000 for any one event.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum indemnity limit of €13,000,000 for any one event.
• Insurance of the Works and goods and materials for the Works: Maximum excess of €6,500.
• Public Liability: Maximum excess of €6,500.
• Employer's Liability: Maximum excess of €6,500.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also supply their Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification of their tax status.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criterion is the lowest price. The tender will be evaluated based on the price submitted by compliant bidders.

The Contracting Authority is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender received.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted in accordance with the Instruction to Tenderers (ITT-W4 v2.0). Key submission requirements include:

• Form of Tender: Must be signed by an authorised person on behalf of the Tenderer's full legal name. If the Tenderer is a consortium or partnership, each member must sign.
• Pricing Document: A completed pricing document (Volume C) is required.
• Contract Documents: The Contract, if formed, will consist of the Tender Acceptance, written post-tender clarifications, Conditions of the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6), documents describing the Works (Volume A), the completed Form of Tender and Schedule (Volume B), and the completed pricing document (Volume C).
• Performance Bond: Where required, the Contractor will be required to provide a Performance Bond. The percentage of the Price for the bond is 0% up to substantial completion and 0% thereafter.
• Tax Clearance: Tenderers must supply their Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Submission Method: Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform. Sufficient time must be allowed for upload, and a reliable connection speed is necessary. Tenderers are responsible for ensuring timely and complete upload and that documents are not corrupt.
• Confidentiality: Tenderers must treat competition documents, their Tenders, and participation as confidential.
• Conflict of Interest: Any conflict of interest must be fully disclosed.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Form: Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6).
• Time for Completion: Approximately 7 weeks.
• Liquidated Damages: €250.00 per day.
• Defects Certificate: Issued between 12 and 13 months after substantial completion.
• Interim Payment: Monthly, 90% of the value of works completed and materials delivered.
• Final Payment: 95% of the Price paid after certification of substantial completion.
• Payment Terms: 30 working days after the Employer receives an invoice for a certified sum.
• Performance Bond: Required, 0% of the Price up to substantial completion, 0% thereafter.
• Termination: If the Employer terminates and appoints another contractor, 4% of the unpaid portion of the Price is paid.
• Project Supervisor: The Contractor is to be appointed as Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).
• Liability Cap: The Contractor's liability to the Employer shall not exceed the value of the Project, unless otherwise stated.
• Price Variation: Applies to Materials (31%), Fuel (2%), Non-Adjustable Overheads (12%), Plant (25%), and Labour (30%). Specific indices for materials and fuel are detailed.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Late Submission Deadline: The submission deadline of 16 September 2026 is unusually far in the future for a project of this apparent scale, suggesting potential for significant delays or a long lead-in period.
• Short Public Works Contract: The use of the Short Public Works Contract (PW-CF6) indicates a relatively straightforward project, but it also means fewer detailed contractual provisions compared to standard forms.
• Price-Only Award: The award criterion being solely lowest price can incentivize cost-cutting, potentially impacting quality or safety if not managed carefully by the HSE.
• Insurance Requirements: While the Public Liability insurance requirement is substantial (€6.5m), the Employer's Liability insurance is significantly higher (€13m). The maximum excess for various insurances is capped at €6,500.
• Gas Network Proximity: The presence of gas networks requires careful site verification and adherence to strict safety protocols, particularly if excavations are within 10m of high-pressure pipelines.
• Flood Risk: Flood extent maps are provided, indicating potential flood risk areas within or near the hospital grounds, which may influence design or construction methods.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in civil engineering, roadworks, or traffic management. The use of the Short Public Works Contract and the relatively short estimated completion time (7 weeks) suggest a project that does not require the resources of a large construction firm.

• Viable Bidders: SMEs with a proven track record in delivering similar infrastructure works, particularly within sensitive environments like hospital campuses, would be well-positioned. Experience in traffic management and adherence to safety regulations, especially concerning underground services, is crucial.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The tender documents do not explicitly prohibit consortia or sub-contracting, but the Short Public Works Contract typically implies a single main contractor. Bidders should clarify if sub-contracting specific elements is permissible.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant bid for a Short Public Works Contract typically requires 5-10 days of effort, focusing on pricing, method statements, and ensuring all mandatory requirements are met.
• Pwin Signal: The award being based on the lowest price suggests a competitive market. The HSE's role as the buyer and the hospital campus location indicate a need for a contractor experienced in working within operational public facilities. There is no clear indication of an incumbent contractor or a sole-supplier framework.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s):
• FTS-6_v1.7_06-11-2025.docx
• ITTW4_Open_Procedure_Short_Form_v2.0_18-11-2024.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in provided metadata.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not specified in provided metadata.
• Most Important Attachments:
• "FTS-6_v1.7_06-11-2025.docx" (Form of Tender)
• "ITTW4_Open_Procedure_Short_Form_v2.0_18-11-2024.docx" (Instruction to Tenderers)
• "Merlin Park, Co. Galway.pdf" (Site/Utility Information)