MULTI SUPPLIER FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT - REQUEST FOR TENDERS FOR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES FOR DEPAUL IRISH GROUP

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 |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|--------------------|------------------| Depaul MULTI SUPPLIER FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT - REQUEST FOR TENDERS FOR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES FOR DEPAUL IRISH GROUP 79100000 - Legal services €180,000 not stated Open 5 Republic of Ireland 3 years, with 1-year extension option 24 July 2026, 11:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The Depaul Irish Group requires legal services across five distinct areas, referred to as Lots. These services will be provided on an ad-hoc basis, with the potential for multiple firms to be appointed under each Lot. The contractor's day-to-day activities will include:

• HR and Employment Law Consultancy Services: Providing comprehensive HR and employment law support, including employee relations guidance, workplace dispute support, TUPE advice, and GDPR compliance. Services will also include representation at the Workplace Relations Commission and/or Labour Court.

• Property Law: Advising on and negotiating lease agreements for residential and office properties, providing conveyancing support for property acquisitions, particularly in the context of Approved Housing Bodies (e.g., CAS and CALF-funded schemes), and resolving property-related disputes.

• Commercial and Contract Law: Supporting the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, including bespoke supplier agreements, and providing advice on public procurement regulations and contract law matters.

• Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Advising on actual or threatened litigation involving the organization, including disputes with regulators, suppliers, service users, or the public. This includes legal risk assessment and development of defense strategies.

• Governance and Company Law: Supporting the organization’s Boards and management with advice on governance matters, legal responsibilities, and regulatory compliance, including guidance on company law and conflicts of interest.

Each Lot will result in a separate Framework Agreement, and Tenderers must specify which Lot(s) they wish to be considered for. Up to three firms may be appointed under each Lot.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of legal services is a strategic initiative by the Depaul Irish Group, which operates as a charity providing social care services across Ireland and Northern Ireland. This tender aligns with the organization's need for specialized legal support in various operational areas, including HR, property, and governance. The establishment of a multi-supplier framework is intended to streamline access to legal expertise as required, ensuring that the organization can effectively manage its legal obligations and risks. The decision to initiate this tender reflects ongoing operational needs and the necessity for timely legal support.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.

• Insurance:

• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000

• Public Liability: €6,500,000

• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000

• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.

• Past experience: Bidders must provide at least three reference contracts of similar size and nature within the last two years.

• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.

• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must complete the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) to demonstrate compliance with these criteria.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on the best combination of quality and price. There are no specified minimum scoring thresholds per criterion.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must produce the following documents for their submission:

• Method statement / response document (Appendix 2 – Tenderer’s Statement)
• CVs for key personnel (not specified for page count)
• Pricing schedule (Appendix 1 - Pricing Schedule)
• Case studies (three references for each Lot)
• Declarations (ESPD, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest)
• Submission via the electronic tender box on www.etenders.gov.ie
• All documents must be submitted in English and comply with specified formatting rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Framework Agreement will have a duration of three years, with the option to extend for an additional year. Payment terms will be agreed upon with the successful tenderer, typically involving Electronic Funds Transfer. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to monitor service delivery. The successful tenderer must maintain the required insurance coverage throughout the contract term. The contract may be terminated if the successful tenderer fails to comply with the insurance requirements or other contractual obligations.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• The absence of specified turnover requirements may indicate a low barrier to entry, potentially leading to a high volume of submissions from less experienced firms.
• The requirement for multiple references may disadvantage smaller firms with limited experience in similar contracts.
• The framework's reliance on direct awards may lead to limited competition for individual call-off orders, potentially impacting pricing and service quality.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialize in legal services, particularly those with experience in HR, property, commercial law, litigation, and governance. Bidders must demonstrate a strong track record in providing legal services and meet the insurance requirements. Consortium bids are allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate and enhance their capabilities. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at several days, depending on the number of Lots applied for. The presence of established firms in the sector may indicate a competitive environment, but the framework's structure allows for multiple appointments, potentially benefiting SMEs.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Invitation to Tender Framework Agreement (2).docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 - Pricing Schedule, Appendix 2 - Tenderer’s Statement, Appendix 3 - Conflict of Interest Form.