A study to research Traveller representation on local representative structures by local authority area and to make recommendations in regard to same

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 contractor will conduct a comprehensive study aimed at evaluating the representation of Travellers within local authority structures across Ireland. This research will assess how effectively the concerns and interests of the Traveller community are integrated into local planning, decision-making, and service delivery. The study will involve a detailed examination of local representative structures, identifying gaps in representation, and formulating recommendations for improvement.

Key activities include:

• Research Design: Develop a methodology for assessing local authority engagement with Traveller organisations.
• Data Collection: Gather qualitative and quantitative data from local authorities, Traveller organisations, and community stakeholders.
• Analysis: Evaluate the data to determine the level of Traveller representation and identify barriers to participation.
• Reporting: Produce a comprehensive written report detailing findings and recommendations for each local authority area.
• Presentation: Present the findings to the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS II) Regional Advisory Committee (RAC), Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (DCDE) officials, and relevant stakeholders.

The contractor must ensure that the research team is available for discussions and presentations as required throughout the project.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of the Irish Government's commitment to enhancing the representation of minority communities, specifically the Traveller community, in local governance. The Department of Children, Disability, and Equality aims to ensure that the voices of Travellers are adequately represented in local decision-making processes. This initiative aligns with broader policies aimed at promoting equality and inclusion within public services. The study is expected to provide actionable insights that can inform future policy and practice.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €93,330 (excluding VAT) for the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: None
• Professional Indemnity: €500,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of two related projects completed in the last five years, with descriptions of scale, dates, and services provided.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule as per Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide details of at least two relevant projects, including value ranges.
• Declarations: Submit the European Single Procurement Document (eESPD), Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Services Contract will have the following key terms:

• Term: 12 months, with an option for one extension of up to 6 months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract and are subject to the successful completion of deliverables.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The Contracting Authority may terminate the contract with 14 days' notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the contract will belong to the Contracting Authority.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted, but the Prime Contractor must maintain overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns associated with this tender include:

• Turnover threshold: The required turnover of €93,330 is close to the estimated contract value of €70,000, which may limit participation to established firms.
• Limited geographic scope: The tender does not specify geographic constraints, but the focus on local authorities may imply a need for local knowledge and connections.
• Tight timeline: The contract requires a quick turnaround for the research and reporting phases, which may pose challenges for smaller firms.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in social research, community engagement, or public policy analysis.

• Credible bidders: Firms with a background in social sciences, community development, or public administration are well-positioned to bid.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: Bidders are encouraged to form partnerships with other SMEs or larger firms to enhance their capacity.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparation may require several days of work, including research design and proposal writing.
• Pwin signal: The lack of an incumbent may provide an opportunity for new entrants, but the turnover requirement could limit competition.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT - A study to research Traveller representation on local representative structures by local authority area.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement