Consultancy Services for assessing and quantifying the market supply and demand for scaling finance in Ireland

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 contract involves consultancy services focused on assessing and quantifying the market supply and demand for scaling finance in Ireland. The contractor will conduct a comprehensive analysis to identify potential funding sources and investment opportunities, ultimately aiming to enhance the scaling of finance within the Irish market.

Key activities include:

• Market Analysis: Evaluate the current landscape of scaling finance, identifying key players and funding sources.
• Data Collection: Gather quantitative and qualitative data on market supply and demand dynamics.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with relevant stakeholders, including investors, financial institutions, and businesses seeking scaling finance.
• Report Preparation: Deliver an initial draft report within 4 months of contract award, followed by a final report detailing findings and recommendations.
• Presentation of Findings: Present findings to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and other relevant parties.
• Timeline Management: Ensure all deliverables are completed within a 5-month period, with a commitment of resources to meet deadlines.

The contractor must demonstrate a structured approach to project management, ensuring timely completion of all phases of the work.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Irish Government's strategic objectives to enhance access to finance for businesses, particularly in the context of scaling operations. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment seeks to understand the current market conditions and identify gaps that may hinder investment. This initiative is part of a broader policy framework aimed at fostering economic growth and innovation in Ireland. The contract is being issued at a time when there is increasing emphasis on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing finance.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €400,000 for each of the three financial years preceding the publication of this RFT.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Product Liability: None specified.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million limit in the aggregate per insurance year.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of three comparable projects completed within the last three years, demonstrating relevant experience in consultancy services related to finance or market analysis.
• 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 most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) approach. The scoring criteria are as follows:

The total score will determine the successful bidder, with a focus on both quality and cost.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel involved in the project, with a specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule using the designated template.
• Case studies: Provide three case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with contract values included.
• Declarations: Submit the European Single Procurement Document (eESPD), Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract will last for 5 months, with the possibility of extending for up to 1 month, with a maximum of 6 extensions.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract, with all prices quoted to remain valid for 90 days from the tender deadline.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Timely delivery of reports and adherence to the project timeline will be critical.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the contract will belong to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontracting is permitted, but the Prime Contractor must maintain overall responsibility for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns for bidders include:

• The turnover requirement of €400,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller SMEs.
• The tight timeline for deliverables, particularly the requirement for an initial draft report within 4 months, may pose challenges for bidders with limited resources.
• The absence of specified certifications may create uncertainty regarding compliance expectations.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises with expertise in financial consultancy and market analysis. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in delivering similar consultancy projects.
• The capacity to meet the turnover requirement of €400,000.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.
• Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities.
• Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly in gathering documentation and formulating responses.

Incumbent firms or those with prior experience in similar contracts may have a competitive advantage.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Request for tender_Scaling_final.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement