A very interesting FÁS tender. Surely not?

[MsAnneThrope]

Full Tender document here: FÁS: Framework Agreement - Building Maintenance & Construction Services

Fás is inviting bids from qualified maintenance and construction companies. They say this is for their own nationwide premises.

FAS have in the region of 100 Premises nationally consisting of Training Facilities, Satellite Training Facilities, Employment Services Offices and Clinics. This number of premises may vary.

Fair enough. These premises will of course need maintenance and occasional construction services. But when I read further it struck me that what they were trying to put in place was perhaps a bit of overkill, for just 100 premises. On a closer look it seems they want to line up about 40 maintenance and construction firms:

Number of participants to the framework agreement envisaged
Maximum number:40

Quantity or scope: NOT KNOWN AT THIS STAGE, WILL BE A CALL OFF - AS NEEDS ARISE

Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate: 02-10-2009 17:00

Date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates: Estimated date 01-02-2010

They are structuring the Framework Agreement into 8 separate, regional lots. It currently doesn't specify how many services suppliers would be allocated to each lot, as some lots may require more than others.

Lot No: 1 Title: FÁS DUBLIN REGION
Lot No: 2 Title: FÁS MIDLANDS REGION (Kildare, Laoise, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath)
Lot No: 3 Title: FÁS MIDWEST REGION (CLARE, LIMERICK, TIPPERARY NORTH)
Lot No: 4 Title: FÁS NORTHEAST REGION (Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan)
Lot No: 5 Title: FÁS NORTHWEST REGION (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo)
Lot No: 6 Title: FÁS SOUTHEAST REGION (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow)
Lot No: 7 Title: FÁS SOUTHWEST REGION (Cork, Kerry)
Lot No: 8 Title: FÁS WEST REGION (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon)

In addition to the timing of this tender, and the estimated 'start date' of February 2010 for actual participation, the following list of the required services is what really spiked my curiousity:

The type of building works/maintenance which may be awarded, but not limited to under the Framework Agreement will include:-

-Maintenance of roofs.

-Maintenance of ceilings.

-Maintenance of walls.

-Maintenance of floors.

-Maintenance of internal fabric.

-Maintenance of windows.

-Maintenance of drainage.

-Maintenance of external works.

-Miscellaneous small building works.

Are you now thinking what I thought? Have I scored a hole-in-one or am I way off in the bunker do you think?

[tenderloins1]

I'm no building expert but would "The type of building works/maintenance which may be awarded" in the main not be things done by FAS trainees.

FAS - Apprenticeship Listings

So FAS Offices galore to be mothballed?

[MsAnneThrope]

I'm no building expert but would "The type of building works/maintenance which may be awarded" in the main not be things done by FAS trainees.

Yes

So FAS Offices galore to be mothballed?

No

[SIZE="1"]* clue in the tags[/SIZE] ☺

[birthday]

Any chance of ending the suspense?

[He3]

Ah!

[Iarmhi Gael]

I think Anne is saying - Its a tender for all the Nama construction companies to get more state aid.....

Why is the OPW not doing this??

[MsAnneThrope]

Not saying it is yet, just asking you wise people what your read of it is

[maxthedog]

Not saying it is yet, just asking you wise people what your read of it is

FAS want to hang on to their huge budget, by creating a list of essential work. Keep the gravy train rolling.


I`ll get my coat!

[tenderloins1]

As it stands individuals are not able to finish their apprenticeships unless they have work experience outside FAS.

Given that apprenticeships in the construction sector are few and far between at the minute, this 'scheme' would artificially create work placement for FAS Trainees.
In other words you do the whole apprenticeship on site (or do the work placement at a different FAS office).

This way they still produce people with trades despite there being no market for them at the minute. .... but when the upturn comes... we will have the supply.
.

[draiocht23]

As an aside, does anyone know if these jokers still have a €1bn budget?