Design and Delivery of a Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice in Management and Development Studies

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Údarás Na Gaeltachta Design and Delivery of a Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (60 ECTS credits) in Management and Development Studies 80000000 €275,000 not stated Open not stated Ireland 2 years 23 February 2024, 13:00 February 2024

2. Scope of Work

The contractor is responsible for the design and delivery of a Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (60 ECTS credits) in Management and Development Studies. This diploma is a key component of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Graduate Development Programme (GDP), which aims to enhance the skills and employability of graduates in the Gaeltacht region.

The contractor's day-to-day activities will include:

• Curriculum Development: Design a comprehensive curriculum that meets QQI standards for Level 9 courses, ensuring alignment with the objectives of the GDP.
• Course Delivery: Conduct classes, workshops, and seminars, ensuring a minimum of 21 contact hours per week over the two-year period.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Develop assessment methods to evaluate student performance and provide feedback.
• Programme Coordination: Appoint a Programme Coordinator proficient in the Irish language to oversee course delivery and student engagement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local businesses and educational institutions to ensure the programme meets regional needs.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding student progress and programme effectiveness.

The contractor must ensure that at least 50% of the course content is delivered in Irish, reflecting the linguistic and cultural context of the Gaeltacht.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to support the launch of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Graduate Development Programme, which aims to address skills gaps in the Gaeltacht region. The programme is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic, social, and cultural development in the area, aligning with national policies on education and regional development. The authority has a history of managing educational initiatives and seeks to partner with experienced providers to deliver this diploma effectively.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €75,000 during one of the previous three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million (any one claim)
• Public Liability: €6.5 million (any one claim)
• Professional Indemnity: Risk assessed based on potential damage and/or loss.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Proven track record of delivering at least two comparable training programmes.
• Personnel: The Programme Coordinator must demonstrate proficiency in the Irish language.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The price/quality split is based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT), with a minimum scoring threshold of 50% for qualitative criteria.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing template provided in Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide details of at least two relevant projects, including value and outcomes.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic post-box on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Initial contract for two years with an option to extend for up to 18 months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance metrics will be established based on course delivery and student outcomes.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must be clearly identified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• The requirement for a Programme Coordinator to be proficient in the Irish language, which may limit the pool of eligible bidders.
• The turnover threshold of €75,000, which is relatively low compared to the contract value, potentially favoring incumbents.
• The emphasis on previous experience with similar training programmes, which may disadvantage new entrants.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with:

• Experience in delivering higher education programmes, particularly in management and development studies.
• Proficiency in the Irish language, particularly for roles involving course delivery.
• Capacity to collaborate with other SMEs or larger firms if necessary.
• Estimated bid preparation effort is approximately 10-15 days, considering the documentation and proposal requirements.
• The presence of an incumbent or established providers may signal a competitive landscape, but SMEs with relevant experience may still find opportunities.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: RFT - Development of Graduate Management Training Programme leagan Foirfe 23012024.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: 3004618
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 – Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 – Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 – Tenderer’s Statement.