Multi-party Framework agreement for Provision of Senior Technical Specialist (Application) resources and associated support and services

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1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Pobal Multi-party Framework agreement for Provision of Senior Technical Specialist (Application) resources and associated support and services Services €1,800,000 not stated Open 3 Dublin, Ireland 4 years 2024-11-18 17:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

Pobal seeks to establish a multi-party framework agreement for the provision of Senior Technical Specialists (Application) with extensive technical skills and specialized platform experience. The framework will support existing Pobal solutions and facilitate future enhancements, including potential AI technology integration.

Key activities include:

• Application Support and Development:
• Support, maintain, and improve existing and future Pobal ICT business needs around enterprise solutions, specifically:
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM (extensive experience with CRM 2011 required)
• Microsoft SharePoint (extensive experience with SharePoint 2010 required)
• Microsoft SQL and SQL Server Integration Services
• Data Migration:
• Facilitate data migration to Microsoft Dynamics CRM and SharePoint.
• Bespoke Software Development:
• Develop and enhance bespoke software solutions as required by Pobal.
• Technical Consultancy:
• Provide expert consultancy for Pobal systems, collaborating with the internal ICT Support helpdesk.
• Documentation and Testing:
• Ensure all application designs and developments are well-documented and tested before deployment.
• Out-of-Hours Support:
• Provide support outside standard office hours as needed.
• Team Collaboration:
• Work collaboratively with various government departments and internal teams, managing multiple stakeholders.

The initial contract will last for one year, with a dedicated resource required to start within six months of contract award.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with Pobal's ongoing efforts to enhance its ICT capabilities and support its various programs, which include social inclusion and community development. Pobal administers numerous government programs and has allocated approximately €901 million in 2022. The establishment of this framework is part of a strategic initiative to ensure that Pobal can efficiently manage and upgrade its ICT systems in response to evolving needs.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Turnover requirement:

• Minimum average annual turnover of €100,000 for each of the last three years or a cumulative turnover of €300,000 over the same period.

• Insurance:

• Employer's Liability: €13 million (not required for sole traders)

• Public Liability: €6.5 million

• Professional Indemnity: €1 million

• Cyber Insurance: €0.5 million

• Certifications:

• Compliance with ISO 27001 standards.

• Past experience:

• Demonstrated successful delivery of at least two comparable projects.

• Personnel:

• Relevant experience in technical roles, with specific qualifications in Microsoft technologies.

• Geographic 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.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to page limits.
• CVs: For proposed resources, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must follow the specified format.
• Case studies: At least two, demonstrating relevant experience.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: Responses must be submitted via eTenders as a single ZIP file.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: Initial contract for one year, with potential extensions of 12 to 18 months, up to three renewals based on performance.
• Payment terms: Fixed fee for the initial resource; daily rates for additional roles must be included in the Pricing Schedule.
• SLA/KPIs: Performance and quality of delivery are critical; poor performance may result in removal from the framework.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the lead tenderer must assume overall responsibility.
• IP ownership: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• The requirement for a guaranteed start date within six months may pose challenges for bidders with existing commitments.
• The framework's reliance on a cascade system may limit opportunities for lower-ranked bidders.
• The insurance requirements, particularly the high levels of Employer's Liability, may restrict participation from smaller firms.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with relevant experience in Microsoft technologies and a proven track record in similar projects can credibly bid. Consortiums or subcontracting are permitted, allowing SMEs to pool resources. Bid preparation may require several days, including time for gathering documentation and case studies. The presence of established incumbents may signal a competitive landscape, but the framework's open nature allows for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: RFT POBAL Senior Technical Specialist (Applications).pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email: Not specified; clarifications can be sought via the eTenders portal.
• Important attachments: Tender Response Document, Pricing Schedule.