Request for Tender for the Design and Development of Renewed Guidance Materials relating to the Standards for Approved Housing Bodies

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 designing and developing updated guidance materials for Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to align with existing standards set by the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA). The project is structured to ensure comprehensive stakeholder engagement and the creation of clear, outcomes-focused guidance.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with various stakeholders to gather insights and feedback.
• Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research and analysis to inform the guidance materials.
• Drafting Guidance: Develop core guidance applicable to all AHBs, with additional tailored guidance for specific cohorts such as small and micro AHBs, growing AHBs, care and support AHBs, and those delivering Cost Rental and advance-funded schemes.
• Dissemination and Implementation: Propose effective strategies for disseminating and implementing the guidance to ensure consistent understanding and application across the sector.
• Alignment with AHBRA Standards: Ensure all guidance aligns with AHBRA’s existing standards and regulatory expectations.
• Project Phases: The project may include phases such as initial research, drafting, stakeholder review, finalization, and dissemination.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is part of AHBRA's initiative to refresh regulatory guidance materials for Approved Housing Bodies. The procurement aligns with the authority's strategic goal to enhance regulatory compliance and support AHBs in meeting evolving standards. The initiative is driven by the need to provide clear, tailored guidance that addresses the diverse needs of different AHB cohorts, ensuring they can effectively meet regulatory expectations.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Minimum annual turnover of €100,000 for each of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million per claim
• Public Liability: €6.5 million per claim
• Professional Indemnity: €1.5 million per claim
• Cyber Liability: €500,000 per claim
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of two comparable projects in the last three years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The price/quality split is 20% cost and 80% quality.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use named template, no page limits specified.
• CVs: Required for key personnel, no page count specified.
• Pricing schedule: Complete Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Minimum of two, maximum of three, demonstrating similar projects.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders, follow specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract is for six months with a possible six-month extension. Payment terms are not specified but will follow the Services Contract. Key performance indicators and service level agreements are not detailed. Liquidated damages or penalty regimes are not mentioned. Intellectual property ownership and sub-contracting rules are not specified. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are noted.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender requires a minimum turnover close to the contract value, which may limit competition. The insurance requirements are substantial, potentially excluding smaller firms. The project involves stakeholder engagement and dissemination, which could be challenging for firms without sector-specific experience. The absence of detailed KPIs or SLAs may pose risks in performance measurement.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized consultancy firms with experience in regulatory guidance development. Firms should have a strong financial standing, evidenced by a turnover of at least €100,000 annually. Consortium bids are allowed, and sub-contracting is possible. Bid preparation may take several days due to the need for detailed case studies and compliance with submission requirements. The incumbent's strength is not specified, but the insurance and turnover requirements suggest a competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT - Guidance Materials re AHBs Standards to AHBRA.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement