20 Jan 2025

Tendering a building project in Northern Ireland involves adhering to specific procedures and regulations designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with both local and broader UK and EU procurement laws. Here’s an overview of the key rules and steps:

1. Understand the Procurement Thresholds

  • Public Procurement Rules: Public sector projects must comply with Northern Ireland’s procurement policies and, for certain projects, UK and EU legislation (e.g., the Public Contracts Regulations 2015).
  • Thresholds: Different rules apply depending on the contract’s value. Higher-value contracts may require advertising in the UK’s Find a Tender Service (FTS).

2. Develop a Tender Strategy

  • Define Requirements: Clearly outline the scope, objectives, and specifications of the project.
  • Tendering Route: Decide the type of tendering procedure (open, restricted, negotiated, or competitive dialogue).

3. Prepare Tender Documents

The following documents are typically required:

  • Instructions for Tenderers: Detailed guidelines on how to prepare and submit bids.
  • Specification of Work: A clear and detailed description of the project’s technical and functional requirements.
  • Form of Tender: A formal declaration by bidders agreeing to the terms.
  • Contract Conditions: Terms and conditions applicable to the project, including penalties for non-compliance.
  • Pricing Schedule: A breakdown of costs to be provided by bidders.

4. Advertise the Tender

  • Local and National Portals: Advertise in Northern Ireland-specific channels like eTendersNI or, for broader exposure, the UK’s Find a Tender Service (FTS).
  • Transparency Requirements: Include all necessary information to ensure fair competition (e.g., timelines, criteria, and contact details).

5. Evaluate Submissions

  • Selection Criteria: Typically based on a combination of cost and quality (Most Economically Advantageous Tender – MEAT).
  • Compliance Check: Ensure bidders meet mandatory requirements (e.g., insurance, financial stability, health and safety standards).
  • Scoring System: Use predefined scoring metrics to assess bids.

6. Award the Contract

  • Award Notification: Inform the successful bidder and provide feedback to unsuccessful bidders.
  • Standstill Period: Allow for a cooling-off period (usually 10 days) for unsuccessful bidders to challenge the decision.

7. Contract Management

  • Implementation: Monitor compliance with the contract terms.
  • Ongoing Evaluation: Regularly review progress to ensure the project stays on track and within budget.

8. Adhere to Legal and Ethical Standards

  • Environmental and Social Considerations: Address sustainability and social value objectives where applicable.
  • Anti-Corruption Measures: Ensure all parties adhere to anti-bribery and corruption laws.

Key Legislation and Guidance

  • Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (amended post-Brexit)
  • Northern Ireland Construction Procurement Guidelines
  • Building Control Regulations (Northern Ireland)

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