UL1051 - Architecture and Design Team Services Framework Agreement for Works Projects

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 University of Limerick seeks to establish a multi-lot framework agreement for architecture and design team services. The framework will support works projects valued up to €5,404,000 at the University or its properties. The agreement will employ a cascade award method.

• Project Coordination: Act as design team leader, coordinating all project stages.
• Design Meetings: Chair and minute design team meetings and consultations with the client.
• Site Assessments: Conduct surveys and investigations to assess site suitability.
• Design Development: Develop preliminary and detailed designs, including fire safety and façade consultancy.
• Regulatory Compliance: Prepare planning, fire safety, and disability access certificate applications.
• Tender Management: Issue tenders, evaluate submissions, and manage contract awards.
• Construction Oversight: Administer contracts, conduct site visits, and ensure compliance with planning and safety regulations.
• Handover and Completion: Manage project handover, prepare as-built drawings, and oversee defect rectification.
• Specialist Services: Provide fire safety consultancy and act as Assigned Certifier and Design Certifier under relevant regulations.

3. Background & buyer context

The University of Limerick is procuring these services to support its ongoing infrastructure development, aligning with strategic goals to enhance campus facilities. This framework agreement is part of a broader initiative to streamline procurement for design services, ensuring compliance with the Capital Works Management Framework. The procurement reflects the University's commitment to maintaining high standards in design and construction, with no incumbent specified.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5m
• Employers’ Liability: €13m
• 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.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, with a 70/30 quality/price split.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Named template, page limits not specified.
• CVs: Not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Format not specified, named template not provided.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders; specific format rules not detailed.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract is structured for an initial two-year term, with options to extend for two additional one-year periods. Payment terms are not specified. Key performance indicators and service level agreements are not detailed. Liquidated damages or penalty regimes are not mentioned. Termination clauses include standard provisions for breach and statutory compliance. Intellectual property rights allow the client to use designs for similar projects. Sub-contracting is not restricted, and no parent-company guarantee is required.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender does not specify a minimum turnover requirement, which may limit the ability to assess financial stability. The geographic constraint is not specified, potentially broadening the bidder pool. The lack of detailed submission requirements could lead to varied interpretations by bidders. The absence of a specified go-live date may affect project planning.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to firms with substantial experience in architecture and design services, particularly those familiar with public-sector projects. While consortiums or sub-contracting are not explicitly mentioned, they are likely permissible. Bid preparation effort is moderate, estimated at several days to compile necessary documentation. The absence of an incumbent suggests a level playing field, but the lack of detailed criteria may favor firms with prior experience in similar frameworks.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): ITT_Invitation_to_Tender UL.pdf, FTS9_Consultancy UL v1.0.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: [email protected]
• Important attachments: "Appendix B2 — Suitability Assessment", "Mandatory Requirements Schedule"