RTÉ Satellite News Gathering Vehicle Framework

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

This procurement seeks to establish a framework agreement for the supply of a Satellite News Gathering (SNG) vehicle. The successful tenderer will be appointed to a single-party framework for future supplies of such vehicles. The contract duration is initially three years, with RTÉ holding the right to extend it by up to two additional one-year periods, resulting in a maximum total duration of five years.

The core requirement is the supply, build, integration, and commissioning of a compact editing/outside broadcast (OB) vehicle, designed for up to three cameras. This vehicle is primarily intended for:

• Remote editing operations: Facilitating post-production work in the field.
• IP-based contribution and distribution workflows: Enabling modern broadcast signal transmission and reception.
• Live streaming and bonded cellular transmission: Supporting real-time content delivery over various networks.
• Small-scale live production support: Providing capabilities for minor live broadcasts.
• General broadcast field operations: Serving as a versatile tool for news gathering and reporting.

The vehicle platform must be equivalent to a Mercedes Vito-sized medium wheelbase van, suitable for operation by one to two personnel.

Mandatory Vehicle Platform Requirements:

• Base Vehicle: Modern commercial van platform equivalent to Mercedes Vito, Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, Renault Trafic, or a similar approved alternative. A white vehicle is preferred for branding.
• Gross Vehicle Weight: Not to exceed 3.5 tonnes, suitable for installed equipment.
• Drive: Right-hand drive.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air conditioning, cruise control, parking sensors, rear-view camera, Apple Car Play.
• Payload: Adequate payload margin after conversion.
• Engine: Euro-compliant.
• Security: Alarm system.

The specification also outlines minimum requirements for the vehicle's internal systems, including lithium battery technology, sufficient usable battery capacity, intelligent battery management, vehicle charging integration, shore power charging, and system monitoring and control for the AC system.

3. Background & buyer context

Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) is Ireland's national public service media organisation, providing television, radio, and online services. In 2026, RTÉ marks 100 years of public service media. The organisation operates multiple television and radio stations, extensive digital services including RTE.ie and RTÉ Player, and manages Saorview, Ireland's free-to-air digital television service. RTÉ Archives maintains a significant collection of audiovisual recordings. The procurement of an SNG vehicle is a strategic investment to modernise RTÉ's news gathering capabilities, ensuring it can continue to inform, engage, and entertain the nation with high-quality content across its expanding range of services. This initiative aligns with RTÉ's ongoing commitment to technological advancement in broadcast operations.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement: Tenderers must demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least €300,000 over the last three financial years. This is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Supporting documentation such as audited accounts or a letter from an accountant may be required.
• Insurance: Tenderers must hold or be able to put in place the following minimum insurance levels:
• Employers Liability: €13 million
• Public/Product Liability: €6.5 million This is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Consortium members must each meet these requirements or be covered by another member's insurance.
• Technical and Professional Ability: Tenderers must demonstrate sufficient recent and relevant experience to deliver a contract of this nature. This requires submitting evidence of up to three contracts similar in size, nature, and complexity to the tendered engagement, commenced within the last four years. A substantive response is mandatory; ESPD declarations alone are insufficient.
• Staff Resources: Tenderers must demonstrate they have sufficient overall staffing with appropriate education and experience to manage the contract. This is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
• Completion of R143 EBU Cyber Security Questionnaire: Tenderers must complete this questionnaire to a satisfactory standard, demonstrating adequate cyber security processes and procedures. This is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded to the tenderer submitting the most economically advantageous tender, based on the following criteria:

Award Criteria