Ireland - Waterford Area Partnership: Invitation to Tender - Feasibility Study

Description

Invitation to Tender for Feasibility Study Context: Waterford Area Partnership wishes to commission a competent and independent Consultant/Consultancy team to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study into developing a multi-use community facility in Dungarvan Co Waterford. The study will set out a blueprint for the successful development of a suitable multi-use community hub to support the existing and future needs of emerging community groups and projects. The feasibility study has emerged from consultations with local community groups, service providers and state agencies within Dungarvan and environs who identified a lack of available resources to meet their developmental needs. The final report will support a proposal to Waterford City & County Council who have identified the development of a Community Centre in Dungarvan within their pre-draft Dungarvan & Ballinroad Town Plan and as a specific objective (DGD011) in their County Development Plan 2022-2028. Other relevant plans and strategies include Waterford Local Economic & Community Plan 2023 to 2029 and Dungarvan’s designation as a Key Town within Southern Regional Assembly Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy. Dungarvan is a vibrant, central town in West Waterford and within its infrastructure of retail, businesses, industry, education etc. services the rural communities of Mid to West Waterford. The community infrastructure is very strong with many voluntary, community and state supports provided to residents within a wide rural environment. The provision of additional community facilities will strengthen and build on existing community activities while creating opportunities for new and emerging projects. Aim of the study: To present an evidence-based study, assessing the needs of potential users to inform and provide a foundation for the development of a new Dungarvan Community Centre for current and future community supports and services. Objectives of the study: On completion of this study the successful consultant will present to Dungarvan Community Centre Advisory Group, led by Waterford Area Partnership a comprehensive study to include the following: Evidence-based research affirming the significant role of the community centre in meeting the current and emerging needs of the community. Contextualisation of community needs in terms of the socio-community profile and demographics of Dungarvan and its environs, detailing existing facilities and activities/programmes currently available in the area. Capture, through consultation the community and community organisations priorities / interests for consideration in developing this facility. Capture, through consultation the priorities of other potential stakeholders for consideration e.g. community services, state agencies etc. Propose governance and management structures for the community centre by outlining similar type of projects, participation of community in decision-making, identification of suitable funding streams and additional resources required. To identify funding streams under community and capital developments including eligibility criteria, potential timeframes and bridging loan options. Explore 1-2 case studies of other similar community projects as a reference and comparison. In partnership with the advisory committee review the collated information taking into consideration the identified priorities, potential success of project in line with local planning requirements/restrictions, financial sustainability etc. Present a draft Business Plan proposal outlining key tasks (short/mid & long-term), risk analysis, budget lines, skills and expertise required for progression of the project. Presentation of findings and recommendations to Waterford City & County Council. Methodology Approach The tenderer should set out a detailed methodology for the feasibility study but should consider the following: Literature Review and analysis of relevant written documentation, including Waterford County Development Plan (WCDP), Dungarvan Local Area Plan, Waterford Local Economic and Community Plan, etc. The approach and focus is based on participative models of community engagement. Consultation methodologies outlined based on relevant stakeholders. Consultation with stakeholders to provide an informed view of the feasibility of a multi-use community facility in identifying key priorities. The priorities may result in the study proposing a phased approach to support potential future developments so that the project is more attainable. Consultation with key informants in statutory and voluntary agencies; representatives of community development, youth development organisations / projects working in the area and elected politicians representing the area. Research on other facilities in Dungarvan and environs to ascertain existing facilities and availability to ensure the new development is complementary. Analysis and survey of potential users. Identify good management structures, best practices, financing options and opportunities for the proposed development. Liaison with Waterford City & County Council regarding proposed development, planning processes and other potential issues. Financial analysis and financial modelling for the proposal. Regular meetings with Dungarvan Community Centre Working Group to present progress and presentation of a draft report. Output of the feasibility study The output of the feasibility study should be very practical document, covering the above considerations, which would provide a real plan for the implementation phase. It should be clear, concise, and structured as follows: Profile of development within the context of the Local Area Plan for the region to include data relevant to the area. Overview of the project. Organisational issues in relation to undertaking and managing the initiative. Overview of relevant technical aspects Management and Operations with a particular focus on the multi-user aspect Financial Analysis including evaluation of potential sources of finance, financial modelling, cash flow and sustainability. Conclusions and Recommendations including actionable steps for advancing the project. Reporting for the study  This feasibility study is commissioned by Waterford Area Partnership CLG which will issue all contracts for the work. It is expected that there will be liaison with the researcher on a regular basis to consider progress and support needs for the researcher throughout the process. Timescale  The timeframe is December 2024 to May 2025 with final report presented by end of May. Budget and Tender process. The maximum budget inclusive of VAT, travel etc is €9,000/10,000. All proposals must reference the information outlined above and include the following: All tenders must be addressed to Waterford Area Partnership CLG Tender must be signed, dated and on headed paper indicating Business Name, Contact Name, Address, Telephone, Email and VAT Number. If the contact person is different to the lead person, please include them. Understanding the brief: Present a clear understanding of the tender proposal and a summarised briefing of your understanding of the expected outcomes of the tender brief with an emphasis on the stakeholder engagement, consultation and innovativeness. Methodology: Outline a detailed methodology as to how the tender brief will be completed including: The process used for completing the brief, overall approach to the work and tasks outlined. The number of days/hours associated with each task required to complete the brief. A detailed budget for the delivery of each strand of the brief and an outline of all associated costs/expenses e.g. Travel, accommodations etc Track record and experience: Please provide: Name and contact details of the tenderer/organisation and the personnel who would be involved in the delivery of the work, a lead consultant needs to be identified as a contact person. Previous experience of all personnel involved in undertaking the work (copies of relevant previous work can be attached to responses) Detail of at least 2 assignments of a similar nature which demonstrates working with a similar group with contact details to check for references. Tax Affairs: Evidence of Tax Compliance, provide a current tax reference number and eTax Clearance. Please complete the Declaration. Insurance: The successful tender must have professional indemnity insurance. Please complete the Declaration. All Documents submitted in word or PDF format. Assessment criteria for selection of successful tender Tenders will be evaluated on the information provided at the time of tender. The contract will be initiated immediately following confirmation of funding.Unsuccessful tenders will be notified when the appointment of the successful tender has been confirmed. The contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous tender based on the following criteria: Criteria - % available Cost: The tenderer is required to provide detail costs associated with each strand of the brief - 20%  Addressing Project Specifications of Requirements: Clearly demonstrates an understanding of the scope and objectives of the tender brief and its intended outcomes. - 30%  Methodology: Has clearly outlined a systematic and comprehensive methodology and engagement/consultation process to secure the tender brief is met - 30%  Capacity to Deliver: Demonstrates capacity to deliver based on the level of resources indicated and details of personnel involved - 20%  Total - 100 Tenders will be required to score a minimum of 70% to qualify. Tenders must demonstrate how they meet all the above criteria in their tender submission in order to enable the warding authority to assess fully the extent of their offers. Waterford Area Partnership CLG is entitled, but not obliged to seek clarification of the tenders during the evaluation process. No change in the price or substance of the tender shall be sought, offered or permitted. The successful Consultant/Consultancy Team will be engaged through a sub-contract with Terms & Conditions. Submission of Tenders  Please submit tenders by Friday, December 6th at 11a.m. (late submissions will not be accepted) by email to Catherine Power, Community Development Manager, Waterford Area Partnership cpower@wap.ie with the subject line Dungarvan CC Feasibility Study. Queries on the tender will be accepted via email only. The successful consultant must be available to commence work immediately i.e. initial meeting with Advisory Group in December to agree tasks, dates etc.

Opportunity closing date

06 December 2024

Value of contract

to be confirmed