REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (“RFQ”) For development and production of an online training programme for pharmacists in Ireland on the subject of “Open Disclosure”

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

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) seeks a contractor to develop and produce an online training programme focused on "Open Disclosure" for pharmacists in Ireland. The programme aims to enhance pharmacists' understanding of the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act (2023) and the National Open Disclosure Framework.

The contractor's day-to-day activities will include:

• Content Development: Create a training programme approximately 1-2 hours in length, including one hour of content and interactive case studies.
• Platform Compatibility: Ensure the programme is compatible with the IIOP’s Moodle platform (version 4.1.12).
• Instructional Design Document: Submit an outline instructional design document for approval before production.
• Engagement with Stakeholders: Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure content accuracy and relevance.
• Assessment Mechanism: Develop assessments that align with learning outcomes, including formative knowledge checks throughout the programme.
• Regular Updates: Provide updates based on legislative changes or feedback from participants.
• Project Management: Maintain communication with RCSI’s representative, providing regular progress updates and attending necessary meetings.

The contractor must also ensure that the programme is user-friendly, accessible across devices, and free from typographical errors. The design should incorporate engaging visual components and real-life scenarios to enhance learning.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) to ensure that pharmacists engage in appropriate continuing professional development (CPD). The PSI, established under the Pharmacy Act 2007, regulates pharmacy practice in Ireland, emphasizing patient safety and public protection. The Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP) is responsible for facilitating CPD and commissioning educational programmes. The current tender is driven by the need to implement training on the recently enacted Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act (2023), which mandates pharmacists to understand and apply open disclosure principles in their practice.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: Minimum coverage of €6,500,000.
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of €1,300,000.
• Professional Indemnity: Minimum coverage of €1,000,000 for each claim.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Named personnel must have relevant experience and qualifications, including at least one pharmacist involved in the development and delivery of the programme.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing quality and cost.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Tender Response Document: Complete the provided template.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing Schedule: Use the specified template to outline costs.
• Case Studies: Provide 2-3 relevant case studies demonstrating past experience.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: Quotations must be submitted electronically via www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract is for 12 months, with an option to extend for up to 2 additional years.
• Payment Terms: Payments for e-learning components will be made within 45 days of IIOP sign-off and receipt of invoice.
• SLA/KPI: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination Clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP Ownership: IIOP retains a perpetual and irrevocable exclusive license for all intellectual property created.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Insurance Requirements: The high minimum insurance coverage may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Complexity of Content: The requirement for a high level of subject matter expertise may disadvantage bidders without extensive experience in pharmacy training.
• Tight Timelines: The expectation for completion within 2024 may pose challenges for bidders with existing commitments.

10. SME fit assessment

Small businesses that can credibly bid should have:

• Experience in developing online training programmes, preferably in healthcare or pharmacy.
• Relevant certifications and insurance coverage as specified.
• A team that includes qualified pharmacists and instructional designers.
• The capacity to manage the project within the specified timelines.

Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, but may be feasible depending on the bidder's structure. Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly for content development and compliance documentation. The presence of established firms in the sector may indicate a competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 20240918_RFQ_Open Disclosure_v2.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email: Not specified; queries should be submitted via eTenders.
• Important attachments:
• Schedule 1 (Services Specification)
• Schedule 2 (Award Criteria)
• Schedule 3 (Form of Quotation)