Single Supplier Framework Contract for Fuel Charge Card Services

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

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks to establish a single-supplier framework contract for the provision of fuel, energy, automotive products, and fuel charge card services across three distinct lots. The framework will enable designated public sector entities, referred to as Framework Clients, to procure these services.

The core service involves a fuel charge card mechanism allowing cardholders to purchase:

• Automotive fuel products: Unleaded petrol, road diesel/derv, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and green diesel/agri diesel.
• Automotive ancillary products: Lubricants and AdBlue.
• EV charging facilities.
• Car washing facilities.
• Air/water services.

The scope also includes the management and coordination of these fuel charge cards. Tenderers must be prepared for potential future requirements for additional energy sources, such as Hydrogen or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), if identified by the Contracting Authority during the framework term.

The framework is divided into three lots:

• Lot 1: An Garda Síochána: Anticipated annual volume of 5.5 million litres of liquid fuel, with 90% diesel and 10% petrol.
• Lot 2: Health Sector: Anticipated annual volume of 10.5 million litres of liquid fuel, with 90% diesel and 10% petrol. This lot includes entities like the Health Service Executive (HSE) and HSE-funded agencies.
• Lot 3: All other entities: Anticipated annual volume of 8 million litres of liquid fuel, with 90% diesel and 10% petrol. This lot covers central government departments, local authorities, third-level educational institutions, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and their schools, the Irish Prison Service, and the Defence Forces.

Tenderers may bid for one, two, or all three lots, but a single supplier can be awarded a maximum of two lots. Specific rules apply to the award of Lot 2, where a highest-ranked tenderer for Lot 2 will be awarded only Lot 2, even if they are also highest-ranked for other lots.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) on behalf of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The OGP acts as a central purchasing body for the Irish public service. The tender aims to establish a single-supplier framework contract to streamline the provision of fuel charge card services for a wide range of public sector bodies. The estimated value of €197 million over a 48-month term indicates a significant strategic sourcing initiative. The policy also seeks to encourage participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), either directly or through collaboration with larger enterprises.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered compliant:

• Turnover requirement:
• Lot 1: Minimum average annual turnover of €8,000,000 (excl. VAT).
• Lot 2: Minimum average annual turnover of €16,000,000 (excl. VAT).
• Lot 3: Minimum average annual turnover of €12,000,000 (excl. VAT).
• To be awarded both Lot 1 and Lot 3: Minimum average annual turnover of €20,000,000 (excl. VAT).
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Cyber Liability Insurance: €5 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• For Lot 1 & Lot 3: Service stations must be able to serve a minimum of 386 out of 406 client locations listed.
• For Lot 2: A minimum of one 24-hour station must be proposed within each county in the Republic of Ireland.
• Fuel must conform to IS EN 228:2012+A1:2017 (petrol) and UNE-EN 590:2026 or equivalent (diesel, allowing up to 7% biodiesel).

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the framework contract will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of price and quality. The specific weighting and scoring methodology are detailed in Part 3 of the RFT. While the exact percentages are not provided in the metadata, the evaluation will consider factors that contribute to the overall value and quality of the proposed service. Tenderers must meet minimum requirements in specific areas to avoid elimination.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit their bids electronically via the eTenders platform. Key submission requirements include:

• Electronic Single Procurement Document (eESPD): Must be completed and submitted.
• Pricing Schedule: Must be completed in full for each Lot tendered for, as per Appendix 2. Failure to complete all values for a Lot will result in elimination from that Lot.
• Tenderer’s Statement: A scanned, signed copy on letterhead, as per Appendix 3.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances: As per Appendix 4.
• Confidentiality Agreement: Signed original to be returned, as per Appendix 6.
• Proposed Service Stations & Minimum Coverage Requirements: As per Attachment 3.
• File size limits: Maximum 250MB per file, with a total limit of 2GB for all documentation.
• Format: Documents must be readable in Word, Excel, or PDF.
• Language: Tenders must be submitted in English.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework contract will have a term of 48 months. Payments will be made in accordance with the Framework Contract (Appendix 5). Tenderers must confirm that all quoted prices will remain valid for 6 months from the tender deadline. Currency variations over the term of a Client Contract will be borne by the Tenderer. The successful tenderer must comply with all applicable environmental, social, and labour laws, including those related to employee rights in the event of transfers of undertakings and the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012. Tax clearance will be verified online prior to award.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender specifies a single-supplier framework, which inherently limits competition post-award. A key unusual aspect is the strict award rule for Lot 2: the highest-ranked tenderer for Lot 2 will be awarded only that lot, even if they are the highest-ranked for other lots. This mechanism is designed to ensure a competitive outcome for Lot 2 and potentially allow the second-highest ranked tenderer to secure another lot. Tenderers must also note the significant estimated value (€197 million) and the potential for future energy source requirements, which could necessitate adaptation. The requirement for specific minimum station coverage within counties for Lot 2 is a critical constraint.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a single-supplier framework, meaning only one entity will be awarded each lot. While the OGP encourages SME participation, the substantial turnover requirements (€8m to €16m minimum annual turnover per lot) suggest that only larger, established fuel card service providers are likely to meet the eligibility criteria directly. SMEs may find it challenging to meet these thresholds independently. Consortium bids or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, offering a route for SMEs to participate by partnering with larger entities. The bid preparation effort is likely to be significant due to the complexity of the service, the multi-lot structure, and the detailed requirements. The "single supplier" nature of the framework suggests a strong incumbent advantage may exist, though this is not explicitly stated.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: UGF018F_Fuel-Cards_RFT_FINAL-01.07.2026.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Attachment 3: Proposed Service Stations & Minimum Coverage Requirements