RFT to Call for Digitalisation Skills Expertise to support Skillnet Ireland in the implementation of specific tasks under the EU ENTIRE EDIH project

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 contractor will support Skillnet Ireland in implementing specific tasks under the EU ENTIRE EDIH project, focusing on digitalisation skills for SMEs in Ireland. The project aims to enhance digital competencies and practices among businesses, particularly in the Southwest region. The contractor will engage in various activities, including curriculum development, training delivery, and evaluation.

Key activities include:

• Task 5.1: Curricula Development Develop a comprehensive inventory of upskilling activities, including workshops and training programs, tailored to the needs of SMEs. This task will involve consultation with partner organizations to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

• Task 5.2: Education and Upskill Delivery Foster competencies through specific courses aimed at upskilling workers in various market segments. This will include compiling relevant online courses and making them accessible via the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH).

• Task 5.3: Accurate Recording of Services Maintain detailed records of all services availed by companies throughout the project duration, ensuring compliance with European standards.

The contractor will also contribute to outputs such as AI-focused courses, Change Management workshops, and Business Analysis training, alongside participation in national and regional events to promote the ENTIRE services offering.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with Skillnet Ireland's role in implementing the EU ENTIRE EDIH project, which is part of a broader initiative funded by the European Commission's Recovery and Resilience Fund. The project aims to enhance digital skills across SMEs in Ireland, addressing current gaps in digitalisation and ensuring competitiveness in the market. Skillnet Ireland has a strong reputation in workforce development and aims to leverage this project to expand its reach and impact.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Minimum Turnover Tenderers must demonstrate a minimum annual turnover of €300,000 in each of the three (3) previous financial years.

• Insurance Tenderers may be required to demonstrate that an appropriate level of Professional Indemnity Insurance of €1,500,000 is in place prior to any contract being agreed.

• Prior Experience Tenderers must provide three (3) examples of similar projects implemented in the last five (5) years, with at least one (1) being part of an EU-funded project.

• Organisation Tenderers must be a Cluster Organisation with a minimum membership base of 200 companies, demonstrating resources and capabilities for upskilling delivery in the Southwest of Ireland.

• 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 evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with a total maximum score of 1,000 points.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Adhere to the provided template with a maximum of 2 A4 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to one page each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the specified pricing template.
• Case studies: Provide three examples of relevant projects.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders website, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Duration: 18 months, commencing on 2nd December 2024.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made within 30 days of invoice submission, with a pre-financing payment expected in January 2025.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• Intellectual Property: All rights to materials produced will vest in Skillnet Ireland.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The minimum turnover requirement of €300,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The requirement for prior experience in EU-funded projects may restrict the pool of eligible bidders.
• The contract's reliance on ongoing funding could introduce uncertainty regarding project continuation.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for:

• Credible bidders: Firms with a proven track record in digitalisation training and workforce development, particularly those with experience in EU-funded projects.
• Consortiums or sub-contracting: Not specified, but collaboration may enhance capabilities.
• Bid-preparation effort: Estimated at 10-15 days, considering the documentation and project understanding required.
• Pwin signal: The presence of established players in the sector may indicate a competitive landscape, with potential incumbents having an advantage.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT Call for Digitalisation Skills Expertise EU Entire EDIH Project.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Specification of Requirements, Appendix 2 — Instructions to Tenderers, Appendix 3 — Pricing Schedule.