D3 Cruise Berth · UK public procurement notice

This procurement relates to the construction of a new heavy duty quay and deep water berth at D3, a 46 acre reclaimed site at the northern extent of Belfast Harbour. Full planning permission was granted on 23rd July 2019 (reference number LA04/2016/0421/F) and is valid for 5 years (expires July 2024). Marine licences were issued in July 2022.

The primary function of the project is as a new cruise berth to accommodate vessels up to 360m in length. However, there are several other possible uses for D3 such as dry bulk, break bulk and project cargoes, including for the offshore wind industry, which have also been considered in the design. The scope of work consists of a 340m combi-wall type quay structure with return walls and mooring dolphins at either end which will be built approximately 60m out from the existing revetment. Compacted rock fill will be placed behind the the quay wall and a 35-50m wide heavy duty piled relieving slab is to be constructed along the length of the quay. The berth pocket and approaches will be dredged to up to -13mHD. The will also be hinterland asphalt surfacing and associated drainage; fenders and bollards, high mast lighting, foundations for a cruise building and electrical infrastructure, and a new access roadway with entrance barriers, lighting and services including power, water, telecoms ducts and sewerage.

This tender process has been structured in 2 stages as described below.

In Stage 1, all shortlisted Bidders will be invited to submit tenders which will be assessed on the basis of 50% quality and 50% cost, based on an exemplar design which will be provided in the tender documents. The successful tenderer will be appointed under the terms of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement to work with BHC and its design team in Stage 2 to develop the precise scope and cost for the final scheme and to facilitate an open book tendering process for the key sub-contract packages at Stage 2. This will enable BHC to progress commercial arrangements with potential end users and take forward an FID proposal for Board approval. If approved, and subject to the terms of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement, then BHC may, at its discretion, appoint the successful tenderer to undertake the works. It is intended that the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Construction (for Building and Engineering Works designed by the Employer) will be used, but with amendments to suit this particular project.

It is currently anticipated that quality submissions at Stage 1 will require shortlisted Bidders to answer a number of questions on their approach to management and delivery of the project, which will be evaluated and an overall quality score awarded. The price aspect will require shortlisted Bidders to price an exemplar design via a Bill of Quantities. The purpose of the pricing assessment at Stage 1 of the process will not be to identify a contract sum for the works, but to identify the most economically advantageous tender and obtain an accurate cost for the exemplar design, with reliable rates for all the key elements (e.g. piling, reinforced concrete, dredging, infilling). It is currently anticipated that the preliminaries, mark-up percentages and key rates will be fixed for Stage 2 of the tender process, to ensure consistency in pricing is maintained during any design development that may take place.

In Stage 2, the design will be further developed and refined in conjunction with the successful tenderer to achieve the final agreed scope, programme and contract price for the works. It is expected that a number of design development workshops will be held. The successful tenderer will be expected to bring their expertise in programming, buildability, optioneering, value engineering and health & safety, quality and environmental best practice into the process. The Pre-Construction Services Agreement will set out the terms under which the design development fees will be paid. In the event of any significant changes in scope or programme during the design development process, any additional fees payable to the contractor will be calculated based on the hourly rates for team members specified by the contractor in its tender submission.

Contractors who wish to participate in this procurement will be required to provide contact details before downloading the tender documents. Contractors who fail to provide their details to BHC or register in this manner will not receive any clarifications or updated information provided by BHC during the tender process.