Request for tender for Farm Partner Groups

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 |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|--------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------| Macra Agricultural Skillnet Request for tender for Farm Partner Groups not stated €120,000 not stated Open Procedure 1 Republic of Ireland 1 year with option to extend 2 years 15th May 2026, 17:00 (local time) not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the provision of peer-to-peer learning networks known as farm partner groups across the Republic of Ireland. The contractor is responsible for facilitating discussions and knowledge exchange among farmers, focusing on best practices in agriculture. The scale of the project includes a minimum of two established groups, each comprising approximately 20 participants.

Key activities include:

• Group Structure: Establishment of a minimum of 2 groups, with approximately 20 participants per group.
• Meeting Frequency: Each group will hold approximately 6 to 8 meetings per year.
• Delivery Methodology: Sessions must be discussion-led and participative, prioritizing peer-to-peer engagement over traditional classroom instruction.
• Meeting Venues: Meetings may occur in various environments, including online, on-farm, or alternative venues.
• Membership Management: The contractor must manage evolving group membership, ensuring continuity and cohesion among participants.
• Outputs: The contractor is required to produce a programme plan, meeting schedule, attendance records, and an annual report.

The contractor must demonstrate effective coordination and management of the groups, ensuring that the delivery meets the expectations of the participants and aligns with the objectives of the programme.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of these services is driven by the need for enhanced knowledge exchange and best practice adoption within the agricultural sector. The Macra Agricultural Skillnet aims to support farmers through structured peer-to-peer learning networks. This initiative aligns with broader agricultural development policies and funding from Skillnet Ireland. The contract is structured to allow for an initial one-year term, with the potential for two additional years, contingent on continued funding.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of 2 comparable projects in the agricultural sector.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must demonstrate legal standing to provide services and financial capacity to undertake the contract.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria, with the following scoring breakdown:

There are no specified minimum scoring thresholds per criterion or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must produce the following documents for submission:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the named template and address all sections.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, with no specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Must be completed using the named template.
• Case studies: Minimum of 2 comparable projects.
• 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 eTenders, in English, and comply with all specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Initial contract duration of 1 year, with an option to extend for up to 2 additional years, subject to funding.
• Payment terms: Not specified for this tender.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Tenderers must declare any subcontractors or co-delivery partners and retain full responsibility for service delivery.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a minimum of 2 groups may limit the pool of bidders, particularly if the contractor must also manage evolving group membership.
• The contract's dependency on Skillnet Ireland funding for potential extensions may introduce uncertainty regarding long-term viability.
• The emphasis on discussion-led delivery may pose challenges for bidders unfamiliar with participative methodologies.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in agricultural training or facilitation. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in delivering peer-to-peer learning or similar programmes.
• The capacity to manage groups of approximately 20 participants effectively.
• Experience in agricultural systems and knowledge exchange.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, provided the primary contractor retains full responsibility. Bid preparation may require several days to compile the necessary documentation and responses. The incumbent's strength and the potential for limited competition may influence the probability of winning (Pwin).

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Rft Farm Partner Discussion Groups - Macra Skillnet 2026.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement