Printing of Secure Certificate Templates for QQI by an externally accredited security print company/organisation

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 the printing of secure certificate templates for QQI, requiring a contractor with expertise in security printing. The contractor will produce certificates and transcripts with specific security features and design variations. The scope includes:

• Certificate Types:

• Higher Education and Training Awards (standard template)

• Higher Education and Training Awards (bespoke templates)

• Further Education and Training Awards (standard template)

• Annual Quantities:

• FET Certificates: 200,000

• HET Certificates: 15,000

• Transcripts: 80,000

• Materials:

• A4 White 170gsm Keaykolour or equivalent

• Printed process front with a blank reverse

• Security Features:

• Microtext on the reverse

• Hidden ultraviolet feature on the reverse

• Registered hologram with an electronic eye for registration

• Transcript Specifications:

• A4 Docucheck, watermarked toner fuse II

• Plain document with QQI awarding logo and footer text

The contractor must ensure compliance with QQI's specifications for design and layout, which will be confirmed during the contract period.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by QQI to ensure the secure printing of certificates and transcripts that uphold the integrity of qualifications awarded in Ireland. QQI, established in 2012, is responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services. The contract aligns with QQI's mandate to maintain high standards in the issuance of qualifications and is part of their ongoing efforts to enhance the security of educational credentials.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Product Liability: €6.5m
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must provide evidence of compliance with these requirements as part of their submission.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The contract will be awarded to the tender that provides the most economically advantageous offer, with a price/quality split of 50/50.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document (specific template required)
• CVs for key personnel (limited to 2 pages each)
• Pricing schedule (specific format required)
• Case studies (minimum of 2, with values ranging from €50,000 to €200,000)
• Declarations (ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest)
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified
• Submission portal: eTenders, with specific format rules for electronic documents

All submissions must be made electronically via the eTenders post-box facility.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Duration: 3 years, with an option to extend for 2 additional years.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer, with a schedule to be agreed upon with the successful tenderer.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: QQI retains copyright ownership of materials developed under this contract.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must be clearly identified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The requirement for a specific insurance level (€6.5m) may limit participation to larger firms.
• The absence of specified turnover and past experience requirements could lead to a wide range of bidder qualifications, potentially affecting the quality of submissions.
• The contract's reliance on specific security features may favour incumbents with established relationships and experience in security printing.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that specialize in security printing and have the capacity to handle large volume orders. Bidders should have:

• Relevant experience in printing secure documents.
• The ability to meet the insurance requirements.
• A strong financial standing to support the contract's demands.

Consortium bidding is allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate with larger enterprises. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at 5-10 days, depending on the complexity of the submission. The presence of specific insurance and financial requirements may signal a competitive environment, particularly for established firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT Printing of Secure Certificate.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Queries should be submitted via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Appendix 2 — Company Details, Appendix 3 — Declaration of Bona Fides, Appendix 4 — Self Declaration Re Financial Status.