Provision of a Feasibility Study for UCD Transnational Education Expansion

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| University College Dublin (UCD) Provision of a Feasibility Study for UCD Transnational Education Expansion not stated €100,000 not stated Open procedure not stated not stated 6 months 09/07/2026 12:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will conduct a feasibility study for the expansion of Transnational Education (TNE) at University College Dublin (UCD). This study aims to assess the viability of expanding UCD's educational offerings internationally. The contractor will engage in a series of activities to gather data, analyze potential markets, and provide recommendations based on their findings.

The key activities involved in this feasibility study include:

• Market Analysis: Assessing potential international markets for TNE, including demographic studies and educational demand.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Conducting interviews and surveys with relevant stakeholders, including academic staff, students, and industry partners.
• Financial Assessment: Evaluating the financial implications of TNE expansion, including cost estimates, revenue projections, and funding sources.
• Regulatory Review: Identifying and analyzing the regulatory requirements for establishing TNE programs in target countries.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluating potential risks associated with TNE expansion, including political, economic, and operational risks.
• Report Preparation: Compiling findings into a comprehensive report that includes actionable recommendations for UCD.

The contractor will be expected to deliver the final report within a six-month timeframe from the contract start date.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated as part of UCD's strategic plan to enhance its global presence through Transnational Education. The initiative aligns with the university's goals to diversify its educational offerings and reach a broader audience. The decision to conduct this feasibility study follows a growing interest in international education and the need to adapt to changing global educational landscapes. UCD aims to leverage its existing strengths while exploring new opportunities for growth in TNE.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria to be considered for this tender:

• Turnover Requirement: Minimum annual turnover of €100,000 for any one of the three previous financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million (for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence).
• Public Liability: €6.5 million (for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence).
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million (for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence).
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past Experience: Successful delivery of at least two comparable contracts in terms of nature, scale, and complexity.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / Facility Constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall scoring will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method Statement / Response Document: Complete the Tender Response Document (TRD) as per the provided template.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel involved in the project.
• Pricing Schedule: Complete the Pricing Schedule available on eTenders.
• Case Studies: Provide evidence of at least two comparable projects.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Submission Portal: All documents must be submitted via the electronic post-box on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will operate for a period of six months. Key terms include:

• Payment Terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination Clauses: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP Ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting Rules: The successful Tenderer must designate a single entity responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• Turnover Threshold: The turnover requirement of €100,000 may limit participation to a small pool of bidders.
• Limited Experience Requirement: The requirement for two comparable contracts may exclude newer firms or those without extensive portfolios.
• Tight Timeline: The six-month contract duration may impose pressure on the contractor to deliver results quickly.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate the required turnover and experience. Viable bidders may include:

• Firms specializing in educational consultancy or market research.
• Companies with experience in conducting feasibility studies for educational institutions.

Consortium arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities. Bid preparation may require approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the submission. The presence of a turnover threshold and experience requirements may signal a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents are involved.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: UCDOPP5603 Feasibility Study Transnational Education expansion RFT.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact Email: Not specified.
• Important Attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement