Sea Going Training to the SFPA

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 Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) seeks a contractor to deliver various training services for its personnel across multiple locations in Ireland. The contract encompasses seven distinct training categories, each with specific requirements and geographical coverage. The contractor will provide training courses that comply with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and other relevant certifications.

The key activities include:

• STCW 95 Courses:

• Personal Survival Techniques

• Elementary First Aid

• Proficiency in Personal Safety and Social Responsibility

• Basic Fire Prevention and Firefighting (3-day course)

• Basic Fire Prevention and Firefighting refresher (1-day course)

• RIB Capsize and Righting Training:

• Training on righting a RIB in the event of a capsize, including the effects of whole-body vibration.

• ISA National Powerboat Certificate:

• A two-day course for seagoing personnel.

• Radio Operators Short Range Certificate:

• A two-day course for seagoing personnel.

• Coxswain Training:

• Additional modules including IS Coastal Navigation Theory, IS Intermediate Powerboat Course, and IS Advanced Powerboat Course.

• SFPA RIB Trailer Towing:

• A bespoke course for towing SFPA RIBs, requiring participants to hold a ‘BE’ licence.

• 1-Day Fire Awareness Training:

• A non-STCW course tailored for SFPA RIB crew.

The training will be delivered at various SFPA locations, including Clonakilty, Killybegs, Castletownbere, Dunmore East, Howth, Ros a Mhíl, Dingle, and Greencastle. The contractor must ensure that training facilities are accessible and suitable for the courses offered.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of these training services aligns with the SFPA's mandate to ensure compliance with sea-fisheries law and food safety law. The SFPA, established under the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, aims to promote safety and efficiency in the fishing industry. The current tender reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and safety of personnel operating in maritime environments. The SFPA has previously engaged various training providers, and this tender aims to establish a new framework for training delivery.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €50,000 in each of the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million limit for one claim or series of claims.
• Public/Product Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €100,000 limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Certifications: Relevant qualifications and registrations must be provided.
• Past experience: References from three clients for contracts similar to SFPA's requirements within the last three years.
• Personnel: Relevant qualifications and experience of key personnel must be demonstrated.
• Geographic constraints: Training must be deliverable at specified SFPA locations.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The total score will be out of 1,000 points, with the most economically advantageous tender being selected.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Complete the Tender Response Document as per the provided template.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule.
• Case studies: Provide references for three comparable projects.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract will be for 24 months, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon receipt of invoices and completion of training sessions.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Successful delivery of training sessions and timely reporting on attendance and performance.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: Training materials developed under the contract will remain the property of the SFPA.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted, but the primary contractor remains responsible for all obligations.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a minimum turnover of €50,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The geographical constraints may restrict the pool of qualified bidders, particularly for specific training locations.
• The contract's reliance on the successful delivery of multiple training courses across various regions may pose logistical challenges for bidders.
• The absence of a mandatory site visit may lead to discrepancies in understanding the training environment.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with the following characteristics:

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in delivering maritime training, particularly those holding relevant certifications and insurance.
• Consortiums allowed: Bidders may form joint ventures to meet financial and technical requirements.
• Bid-prep effort: Estimated preparation time is approximately 10-15 days, considering the need for documentation and case studies.
• Pwin signal: The presence of previous incumbents may indicate a competitive landscape, but the opportunity remains open for new entrants with the right qualifications.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT - Sea-Going Training.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: eTenders messaging facility
• Important attachments: Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule, Tender Response Document, Form of Tender.