Open Tender for the provision of a national and local Communications Media Campaign of awareness for the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs)

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 tender seeks a contractor to deliver a national and local communications media campaign aimed at raising awareness for Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The campaign will focus on three distinct areas:

• Focus 1: Awareness Campaign – Targeting both local and national audiences to enhance visibility and understanding of LCDCs.
• Focus 2: Targeted Awareness Campaign – Specifically aimed at public sector stakeholders to ensure engagement and support.
• Focus 3: Communications Best Practice Training – Providing training to enhance the communication skills of LCDC members and stakeholders.

The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Developing and executing a comprehensive media strategy that includes digital, print, and broadcast channels.
• Creating tailored messaging for different audience segments, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
• Conducting outreach activities to engage local communities and public sector entities.
• Providing training sessions on best practices in communication for LCDC members.
• Reporting on campaign effectiveness through metrics and feedback mechanisms.

The contractor must demonstrate experience in managing similar campaigns, particularly in the public sector, and be capable of delivering materials in both English and Irish, considering varying literacy levels.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Department of Rural and Community Development's ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement and development through effective communication strategies. The initiative is part of a broader government policy aimed at strengthening local governance and community participation. The urgency for this campaign arises from the need to improve public awareness and understanding of the roles and functions of LCDCs, particularly in light of recent community development challenges. The incumbent provider is not specified in the documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000 in the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €6 million
• Public Liability: €2 million
• Professional Indemnity: Minimum €250,000 and maximum €1 million for each claim.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least two comparable projects within the last three years.
• 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, balancing quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with a maximum of 10 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel involved in the project, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the specified template and include all costs.
• Case studies: At least two case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €50,000 to €150,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders.gov.ie, adhering to file size limits (maximum 500MB total).

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a term of 6 months, with the possibility of extension for up to one year. Payment terms will be specified in the Services Contract, with invoices deemed accepted within 14 days unless contested. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to measure campaign effectiveness. The contractor must maintain all required insurances throughout the contract term and notify the contracting authority of any changes to their insured status.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The turnover requirement closely aligns with the contract value, which may disadvantage smaller firms.
• The absence of specified certifications may create uncertainty regarding compliance expectations.
• The lack of a specified incumbent could lead to competitive disadvantages for new entrants unfamiliar with the existing landscape.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in public sector communications. Viable bidders should have a proven track record in delivering awareness campaigns and training. Consortium arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities. Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 10-15 days, considering the documentation and proposal development. The presence of a defined turnover requirement may signal a competitive advantage for established firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: DRCD RfT - Media buying.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement