Background

Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) is intended to strengthen Malta’s cultural infrastructure by providing a platform for contemporary art and internationalisation. With its launch, Malta is about to take a great step forward and become a proactive player in the contemporary art world.

MICAS will not only become a showcase for local contemporary artists but will also engage with international institutions to present ground-breaking works by acclaimed artists from all over the world.

MICAS aims to positively energise Malta’s cultural ecology and impact that of the Euro-Mediterranean region it inhabits. MICAS mission is to be an advocate of contemporary art by raising public awareness to the significance of the visual arts in contemporary life, and by bringing to the forefront the way art and artists help mediate and interpret the world we live in.

MICAS is a Government of Malta infrastructural legacy project for the Culture and the Arts sector.

Scope

To manufacture, deliver, install and finish temporary walls for the Malta International Contemporary Art Space Galleries.

Description

The internal build

All museum and galleries require walls, and Malta International Contemporary Art Space is no exception. The architect and developers delivered to MICAS a building that was in a raw internal state, and that MICAS team adapted the interior to provide the formal prerequisites of any art museum or gallery. The programming of the first exhibition Joana Vasconcelos: Transcending the Domestic, was in part to show the building and restoration project to full effect as no internal build was required. MICAS ongoing artistic programme features many wall-based works and the requirement for a flexible hanging system is imperative.

Restrictions of the building

MICAS galleries with their influx of natural light and open configuration, in addition to the outer perimeter walls being both listed and battered, do not immediately appear to lend themselves to formal gallery spaces. With the remit of being truly international, not only does Malta Contemporary have an obligation to show work of an international significance, the expectations from lending entities – museums, foundations and artists – is that MICAS will provide all the conditions that are universally expected. Restricted natural light levels, state of the art artificial lighting, adequate security arrangements and fit for purpose walls on which to hang artwork. MICAS has embraced all that this unusual building has given and fully intends to marry the requirements of exhibiting works against celebrating the unique features of the building, and in doing so celebrating how this makes MICAS unique on the world stage.

Aesthetics and providing a sensitive intervention.

The beauty and openness of the building and the revealing of Malta’s historic past are to be celebrated and not obscured by any internal build. However, we have to marry this with a duty of care to both the art and artists exhibited there and to the public who visit. The building is undeniably a draw, but in reality, visitors will venture to Malta International Contemporary Art Space primarily to see the artwork. The solution is one that MICAS feel honours the building and its historic setting. It does not fight against the architecture or challenge it in any way and replicates the openness of the space and the ability for visitors to flow through. It also addresses the unusual issue of looking down on galleries from above and recognises the need to animate these spaces. The asymmetry of the galleries, given the staircases, provides another issue to be addressed. The low-ceilinged 2^nd floor gallery with columns, with its richness of historic walls also has its own set of challenges.

Long-term application of the proposed walls

While all walls are temporary, i.e they can be removed without any material impact on the historic building, we see this essential investment as long term solution. In order to drive down the costs of individual exhibitions, MICAS has designed these walls for long-term and flexible use. Their design and flexibility are intended for all our programmed exhibitions, so that element cost will be eliminated from the individual exhibition budgets.

Solution

The building displays both openness and elegance and this is reflected in the final solution of the temporary walls. All are high – the majority at around four (4) metres and all are slender. It has been no mean feat to address and deliver both these qualities. The height is important for the display of artwork so that we can provide a space where visitors can contemplate the art without other visuals interference. Each floor is treated differently as befits their particular architectural quality. The top floor (level 3) has suspended walls, with three large walls forming a U-shape and leaving open the view towards the lower floors and the architectural feature of Barbara’s Arch at the bottom. The back wall will serve to block light and the far wall will mask the visual distraction from the staircase to level 4. Smaller hanging wall units can be installed to increase the linear meterage in the space.

The second floor will have two fixed temporary walls across the back and either side of the door to the panoramic lift. Free standing walls of 2m wide and supported by Maltese stone blocks can occupy the central spaces. The columned gallery will have a series of wall ‘screens’ fixed to the pillars. This will provide hanging space but also provides perforated views to the historic walls behind. Level 1 of the galleries will have floor to ceiling walls across the back and side walls under the under-croft space. Freestanding walls supported by stone will occupy the rest of the gallery.

List of obligations by the Contractor:

List of objectives:

1. The contractor must manufacture, deliver, install and finish the mentioned walls as per attached drawings provided with this expression of interest by the end of the month of May 2025 as per attached Gantt Chart.
2. The awarded contractor is to note that details and dimensions in the drawings provided are indicative and these need to be confirmed on site before fabrication.
3. Contractor must abide with all specifications listed in the drawings and if changes need to be done the contractor must obtain prior approval from MICAS representative.
4. The walls shall be manufactured off-site and delivered on site ready for installation and finishing only.
5. The contractor must not purchase any equipment on behalf of MICAS for the manufacturing, delivery, installation and finishing of these walls. All equipment necessary for the service must be provided at the contractor’s own expense.

Sub-Contracting

1. The recommended bidder may not assign any or part of this agreement or any of the rights and obligations entered, to third party without the written consent of MICAS. In case of sub-contracting the recommended bidder is to present all relevant certificates that shall be requested by MICAS before granting its approval.
2. The recommended bidder must seek the prior written authorization of MICAS before entering into a sub-contract. This authorization will be based on the services to be subcontracted and the identity of the intended subcontractor. MICAS shall, within one (1) week of receipt of the notification, notify the recommended bidder in writing its decision, stating reasons, should it withhold such authorization.
3. No sub-contract can create contractual relations between any subcontractor and MICAS.
4. The recommended bidder shall be responsible for the acts, defaults and negligence of its sub-contractors and their experts, agents or employees, as if they were the acts, defaults or negligence of the recommended bidder, its experts agents or employees. The approval of MICAS of the sub-contracting or any part of the contract or of the engagement by the recommended bidder and subcontractors to perform any part of the services shall not relieve the recommended bidder of any obligations under the contract.
5. If a subcontractor is found by MICAS to be incompetent in discharging its duties, MICAS may request the recommended bidder forthwith, either to provide a subcontractor with qualifications and experience acceptable to MICAS as a replacement, or to resume the performance of the services itself.
6. Before granting the prior approval mentioned under Article 2.2, the Contracting Authority shall ensure that the subcontractor does not fall under any of the exclusion criteria and is not blacklisted in terms of Part VI of the Public Procurement Regulations.
7. In the execution of this contract, a subcontractor must ensure that he complies with applicable obligations in the fields of environmental, social, and labour law established by Union Law, national law, collective agreement or by the international environmental, social and labour law provision listed in Schedule 12 of the Public Procurement Regulations.
8. Those services entrusted to a subcontractor by the recommended bidder cannot be entrusted to parties by the subcontractor.
9. MICAS shall not be bound to the subcontractors and the legal relationship shall be solely with the recommended bidder as provided in the Public Procurement Regulations.
10. Any change of subcontractor without the prior written consent of MICAS shall be considered to be a breach of contract.

National Legislation

The recommended bidder shall be bound to conform and comply with Chapter 424 of the Laws of Malta (Occupational Health and Safety Authority Act 2000) and to all regulations/legal notices that form part of this Act, as well as any other national legislation, regulations, standards and/or codes of practice, in effect during the execution of the contract, regarding health and safety issues as they apply for the recommended bidder’s particular operating situation and nature of work activities.

Insurance and Indemnity

1. The recommended bidder shall fully indemnify and hold MICAS harmless against all and any claims at any time arising from the execution of this contract. In the event of any claims being made against MICAS, the recommended bidder, at his own expense shall conduct any litigation that may arise there from or any negotiations for settlements.
2. The recommended bidder shall insure against legal liability to third parties, in the joint names of MICAS and the recommended bidder, in respect of death of or injury to any person, including recommended bidder’s employees, staff, MICAS employees or visitors or loss of or damage to any property which may arise out of or in consequence of the service being provided , and against all claim proceedings, damages, costs, charges and expenses whatever in respect thereof or in relation thereto.
3. Insurance needs to be issued in the name of the recommended bidder and MICAS for their respective rights and interests.
4. Within fifteen (15) working days from the signing of the contractual agreement, the recommended bidder is to present policy schedules relating to the insurance covers as requested under this expression of interest. Furthermore, the recommended bidder must, within five (5) working days from the expiration of each policy period, present renewal endorsements or schedules, whichever applicable, confirming the renewal of the policies undertaken as per this expression of interest.

Termination of Contract

1. Without prejudice to the Government’s rights to dissolve ‘ipso jure’ the contract in the case of infringement of any condition thereunder and apart from the deduction established for delay in delivery MICAS reserves the right to claim actual damages incurred from the recommended bidder.
2. In addition, MICAS, may terminate the contract after giving seven (7) days’ notice to the recommended bidder in any of the following cases:
   • The recommended bidder fails to carry out its obligations under the contract.
   • The recommended bidder fails to comply within a reasonable time notice given by MICAS requiring it to make good the neglect or failure to perform its obligations under the contract which seriously effect the proper and timely execution of the service provided.
   • The recommended bidder refuses or neglects to carry out administrative orders given by MICAS.
   • The recommended bidder assigns the contract or subcontracts without the authorization of MICAS.
   • The recommended bidder becomes bankrupt or is being wound up, is having its affairs administered by the courts, has entered into and arrangement with creditors, has suspended business activities, is the subject of proceedings concerning those matters, or is any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure provided for in national legislation or regulations.
   • The recommended bidder has been convicted of an offence concerning its professional conduct by a judgement which has the force of res judicata;
   • The recommended bidder has been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means.
   • The recommended bidder has been the subject of a judgement which has the force of res judicata for fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organization or any other illegal activities detrimental to the financial interests of the EC.
   • the recommended bidder fails to provide the required guarantees or insurance, or the person providing the underlying guarantee or insurance is not able to abide by its commitments;
3. The recommended bidder or its delegated representative may, following termination on the basis of this contract, complete the services itself, or conclude any other contract with a third party, at the recommended bidder’s own expense. The recommended bidder’s liability for delay in completion shall immediately cease when the Central Government Authority terminates the contract without prejudice to any liability there under that may have already been incurred.
4. Where termination has been carried out on the basis of points above, the recommended bidder shall not be compensated for his expense.
5. Upon termination of the contract or when it has received notice thereof, the recommended bidder shall take immediate steps to bring the services to a close in a prompt and orderly manner and in such a way as to keep costs to a minimum.
6. MICAS shall, as soon as is possible after termination, certify the amount due by the recommended bidder as at the date of termination.
7. If termination of the contract is attributable to the recommended bidder’s, he shall not be entitled to claim, compensation for any loss or injury suffered.

Health and Safety

1. The contractor shall be responsible to ensure that the designated working area is to be kept in a good state and all Occupational Health and Safety Regulations observed.
2. The Contractor shall be bound to conform with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority 2000 (Cap 424 of the Laws of Malta) and to all regulations/legal notices that form part of his/her Act; as well as any other national and European Union legislation, regulations, standards, and/or codes of practices in effect during the execution of the contract, regarding Health and Safety issues, as they apply for the Contractor’s particular operating situation and nature of works activities.
3. The contractor shall provide all health and safety related equipment as required by the Maltese legislation, good practice, as may be required by MICAS and as may be further detailed in this contract.
4. The recommended bidder shall allocate all the necessary resources to safeguard the health and safety of operatives, and of any persons who the services may affect. The recommended bidder shall undertake to perform all necessary risk assessments, Health and Safety procedures and maintain all relevant supporting records as required by Maltese legislation, good practice and as may be required by MICAS. MICAS reserves the right to carry out inspections in this respect and if the recommended bidder is found non-compliant then MICAS shall ask the recommended bidder to abide with Health and Safety Regulations with immediate effect.

Maintenance

The recommended bidder is responsible for the cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of the designated working area.

Instructions from MICAS

The recommended bidder binds himself to adhere to all the obligations imposed upon him by the contact and to follow instructions given to him by MICAS or by those delegated to him.

The recommended bidder

The recommended bidder may not assign or transfer his rights in terms of this agreement to third parties.

Execution of the Contract

The contract shall commence from date of last signature of contract.

Requirements:

All Interested applicants must submit the below:

• Confirmation that supplies can be manufactured, delivered, installed and finished within the designated time frames by signing the declaration form provided according to the Gantt Chart provided.
• Confirmation to abide by all specifications as per provided drawings by signing the declaration form provided.
• Filled in Bill of Quantities.

Duration of the Contract

The performance period of the contract shall be from last signature of contract up till the month of May 2025 as specified in the Gantt Chart.

Payments

MICAS will pay the awarded contractor on presentation of an invoice. Payments will be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of invoice after the finishing of installation of the walls.

Clarification requests

The interested persons may submit any clarification requests to MICAS by sending an email to procurement@micas.art by not later than Tuesday 25^th March 2025.

The interested persons are advised that clarification notes, interpretations, correction or changes to the EOI will be uploaded on www.micas.art/get-involved  -get-involved Section.

The interested persons are advised that any clarification notes, interpretations, correction or changes to the EOI will constitute an integral part of this EOI and it is the responsibility of the bidders to ensure that the website is reviewed regularly prior submitting their offer.

Submission of offers.

Interested persons who are eligible to apply are to indicate their interest by sending all the requested documents under requirements by sending an email to procurement@micas.art  by not later than noon of Tuesday 1^st April 2025 indicating the subject and reference of the EOI (MICAS/EOI/002/2025).

Interest submitted by other means will not be considered.

Emails submitted after the Closing Date for the submission will not be considered. No liability will be accepted for rejection of late quotations.

This EOI does not constitute an offer to enter into any contract with MICAS. MICAS will in no case be responsible or liable for such costs or expenses incurred by prospective bidders, whatever the conduct or outcome of the competitive procedure initiated pursuant to this EOI, including cancellation.

Required Documents can be found here:

01. Gantt Chart + Declaration Form

02. Bill of Quantities

03. Declaration form concerning Specifications

04. Drawings

Selection and Award Requirements

In order to be considered eligible for the award of this expression of interest, interested applicants must provide evidence that they meet or exceed certain minimum criteria described under Skills and Requirements Section of this EOI.

The contract will be awarded to the interested person submitting the most satisfying Skills and Requirements requested in this EOI.

Selection and Evaluation

Each submission will be treated in strict confidence by the selection board and evaluated with cheapest compliancy option taking preference and as per the below evaluation criteria:

Evaluation Criteria Marks

Pass mark: 60 Total marks: 100

MICAS reserves the right to select and/or reject any or all the submitted offers or to select multiple submissions as necessary to fulfill the needs outlined in this Expression of Interest document. Should none of the submissions be considered satisfactory, MICAS reserves the right to assign the job to another service provided who were not necessarily involved in this Expression of Interest. The decision of MICAS in this regard is final and binding. The cheapest compliant offer will be awarded the said Expression of Interest.