A new system is being launched to streamline the tendering process for €100m in contracts for minor building works across the entire public service.

The contracts will be tendered by the Local Government Operational Procurement Centre for the provision of Minor Building Works to public service bodies including 31 local authorities, the HSE, the OPW, the Department of Education and Teagasc.

The contracts will be tendered by way of two new frameworks. Once registered for the Frameworks, contractors will receive alerts to all future minor works projects that meet their stated preferences in terms of scope and location.

Service providers interested in competing for minor building works contracts who meet the minimum competencies can apply online through www.etenders.gov.ie. Applicants may indicate which services, county or region they wish to apply for during the process. Once accepted onto the framework, contractors will be informed of opportunities via the www.supplygov.ie website and can choose to accept or decline projects as they arise.

The frameworks will be tendered from October 2018 with two opportunities for contractors to participate – Minor Building Works Residential and Minor Building Works Commercial. While the scope and complexity of the works will vary significantly, it is envisaged that the average contract value will be in the region of €50,000 for residential works and €100,000 for commercial works.

Building contractors will be required to meet the competencies established for admittance to the frameworks. Building contractors already registered on www.etenders.ie should ensure that they have registered for tenders at a minimum under CPV Code 45000000-7 Construction work and CPV Code 45210000-2 Building construction work in order to be registered for the minor works tendering process.

Moira Murrell, Chairperson of the Local Government Procurement Programme Board said, “The local government sector, as lead partner, brings this opportunity to SMEs in Ireland in 2018. It represents a very significant opportunity for SMEs to deliver key contracts across the public sector. The value of the frameworks is estimated at €100m and the local government sector is eager to communicate this message to all small contractors in the building industry.

“These minor works frameworks are a great opportunity to win business from the public sector. They are open to businesses seeking to gain a first contract or those stepping up to tender for larger or commercial contracts. The local government sector is providing a number of supports to small businesses to help them to engage with this procurement process, including a series of regional information briefings.”

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is encouraging all building contractors to recognise the benefits of public service contracts and to engage with the procurement process. “The public sector is a good client for small businesses. Payment for services delivered within the terms of a contract is guaranteed and, in line with the requirements of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, public bodies have a legal obligation to pay their bills on time”, said Paul Dunne, Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government Management Agency.