Multi-Party Framework Agreement for Microsoft Application Development Services

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks to establish a multi-party framework agreement for Microsoft application development services. The framework will cover a range of Microsoft technologies, including but not limited to Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Other Microsoft application development tools may also be required.

The specific scope of services is detailed in Appendix 1 of the Request for Tender (RFT). A key initial requirement is the development and implementation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Dynamics 365 CRM solution. This MVP is intended to support Coimisiún na Meán's Broadcasting and Video-On-Demand (BVOD) complaints handling process. The evaluation of tenders will assess the proposed approach to service delivery, encompassing development, implementation, support, contract management, and innovation, with a specific focus on the application of these services to the BVOD complaints handling process MVP.

The framework agreement will have a term of four years. Call-Off Contracts awarded under this framework may extend beyond the framework's expiry date. The Commission anticipates that the BVOD complaints handling process MVP will be the first contract awarded under the framework to the highest-ranked bidder. The scope of this initial contract will be defined in a Call-Off Order and may evolve from the requirements outlined in Appendix 1.

The services required under the framework include:

• Microsoft Application Development: Development, implementation, support, and maintenance of applications using Microsoft technologies.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365: Specific focus on development and configuration within the Dynamics 365 suite.
• Microsoft Power Platform: Utilisation of Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents.
• Microsoft 365 Ecosystem: Integration and development within the wider Microsoft 365 environment.
• BVOD Complaints Handling MVP: Development of a Minimum Viable Product CRM solution for managing BVOD complaints.
• Contract Management: Ongoing management of services provided under the framework.
• Innovation: Proposing and implementing innovative solutions within the scope of the services.

The framework agreement will be a multi-supplier arrangement with a maximum of four Framework Members, ranked based on their tender performance. Call-Off Contracts will be awarded via a Cascade mechanism, where the Commission issues a Call-Off Order to the First-Ranked Framework Member. If this member cannot accept, the order will be offered to the next-ranked member. A Mini-Competition process may also be used for multi-disciplinary, complex, or strategically significant matters, or where demonstrably better value for money is anticipated.

3. Background & buyer context

Coimisiún na Meán (the Commission) was established in March 2023, following the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. Its remit includes supporting and developing the Irish media sector, regulating broadcasting, audiovisual on-demand, and designated online services, and enforcing online safety frameworks. The Commission's key legislative bases include the Broadcasting Act 2009, the Digital Services Act, the Audio-Visual Media Service Directive, and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation.

The procurement of Microsoft application development services is driven by the Commission's evolving functions and objectives. The establishment of this framework is intended to provide agile and expert support for the Commission's IT infrastructure and operational needs. The immediate priority is the development of a Dynamics 365 CRM solution to manage Broadcasting and Video-On-Demand (BVOD) complaints, reflecting the Commission's regulatory responsibilities in this area. The framework aligns with the need for efficient and effective digital solutions to support the Commission's regulatory and development mandates within the Irish media landscape.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered eligible:

• Turnover requirement: Tenderers must have achieved a minimum average annual turnover of at least €2 million in each of the previous three financial years. For newer companies, a pro-rata turnover will be considered.
• Insurance: Tenderers must declare that they have in place, or have the ability to obtain, the following insurance levels:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €2 million limit per claim.
• Public Liability Insurance: €6.5 million limit per claim or series of claims arising from a single occurrence.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: €13 million limit per claim or series of claims arising from a single occurrence.
• Cyber Insurance: €1 million limit per claim and in aggregate per insurance policy year.
• If a consortium or joint venture is bidding, these insurance requirements apply to the Prime Contractor.
• 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.

Tenderers must also confirm that they are not subject to any exclusion grounds under Regulation 57 of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation of tenders will be conducted based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria, with the primary award mechanism being the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). The specific weightings for award criteria will be detailed in the Request for Mini-Tenders for any Mini-Competition process. For the initial framework award, the evaluation will focus on the qualitative aspects of the tender response.

Criterion