Contract for the Construction of the National Cricket Centre - Contract Two

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 is responsible for the construction of the National Cricket Centre, which encompasses a significant scale of work. The project site spans approximately 7 hectares within a larger 30-hectare cricket facility. The contractor must deliver a range of activities, including:

• Site Preparation: Clearing and grading the site to prepare for construction.
• Building Construction: Erecting the main cricket facility structure, including indoor and outdoor training areas.
• Infrastructure Development: Installing necessary utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage systems.
• Landscaping: Completing external works, including pitches, practice areas, and spectator facilities.
• Compliance: Ensuring all construction aligns with ISO 19650-2:2018 standards for information management.
• Project Management: Overseeing the construction process, ensuring timelines and budgets are adhered to.

The project must be completed and fully operational by May 2029 to host test events leading up to the World Cup in 2030. The contractor will also be responsible for a 12-month defects liability period following substantial completion.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with Sport Ireland's strategic initiative to enhance sports infrastructure in Ireland, particularly in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in 2030. The National Cricket Centre aims to provide state-of-the-art facilities for cricket training and events. The decision to procure this contract now reflects the urgency to establish the centre ahead of the World Cup, ensuring that Ireland meets international standards for hosting major sporting events. The incumbent contractor is not specified in the documentation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover Requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €25 million in general construction.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum cover of €6.5 million.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6.5 million for any one accident.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13 million for any one accident.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO 45001:2018 or equivalent safety management systems.
• Past Experience: Evidence of at least three completed projects of similar nature and complexity, each with a contract value exceeding €25 million, delivered within the last seven years.
• Personnel: Key personnel must include roles with a minimum of five years' experience in construction management.
• Geographic Constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The price/quality split follows the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle. Bidders must achieve a minimum of 50% of the available marks under each criterion to remain eligible for further consideration.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method Statement: A response document following the provided template, limited to 20 pages.
• CVs: Detailed CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed using the specified template.
• Case Studies: A minimum of three case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values exceeding €25 million.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Attendance at a site visit is required; details will be provided in the tender documents.
• Submission Portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term Structure: 24-month construction period followed by a 12-month defects liability period.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Public Works Contract terms.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be outlined in the contract, focusing on timely completion and quality standards.
• Liquidated Damages: Penalties may apply for delays beyond the agreed completion date.
• Termination Clauses: Conditions under which the contract may be terminated by either party.
• IP Ownership: All intellectual property generated during the project will belong to Sport Ireland.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must comply with specified guidelines.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• High Turnover Requirement: The €25 million turnover threshold may limit participation to larger firms, potentially excluding capable smaller contractors.
• Complexity of Requirements: The necessity for extensive past experience in large-scale projects may disadvantage newer entrants.
• Tight Timeline: The requirement for substantial completion by May 2029 places pressure on bidders to demonstrate capacity for rapid execution.
• Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The project may require integration with existing facilities, which could pose challenges for non-incumbent bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is primarily suited for larger construction firms with extensive experience in high-value projects. Viable bidders should possess:

• A strong track record in general construction, particularly in sports or leisure facilities.
• The capacity to meet stringent insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to mobilize resources quickly to meet the tight project timeline.

Consortium bids may be allowed, enabling smaller firms to partner with larger entities to meet eligibility criteria. Preparation for this bid may require significant effort, estimated at several weeks. The presence of a high turnover threshold and the complexity of the project may signal a strong incumbent advantage, potentially limiting opportunities for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: NCC Contract 2 - QW1 Part 1 Issued .docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact Email: not specified
• Important Attachments:
• Appendix B1 — List of Previous Works Projects
• Appendix D1 — Letter of Undertaking Bond
• Appendix C — Bankers Letter