Provision of a Test of Professional Competence for Radiographers

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

This tender seeks a provider to design and deliver a Test of Professional Competence (ToPC) for Radiographers for CORU. The ToPC is intended to assess international applicants' ability to meet the required standards for professional practice in Ireland, thereby ensuring public protection. The contract duration is two years, with potential for two 12-month extensions. The estimated contract value is €290,000 (excl. VAT) over the full potential term, based on an estimated 75-100 candidates annually.

The scope of work includes:

• Test Design: Developing a written test that assesses competence against CORU's Standards of Proficiency for Radiographers across five domains:
• Professional Autonomy and Accountability
• Communication, Collaborative Practice and Teamworking
• Safety and Quality
• Professional Development
• Professional Knowledge and Skills The test must incorporate mandatory questions on radiation safety and legislation within Domains 1-4, and a research-based question within Domain 5. Specific diagnostic imaging modalities must be covered, with general radiography, fluoroscopy, emergency, ward, theatre, and paediatric techniques forming 50% of mandatory questions, and other modalities (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, etc.) forming the remaining 50%.
• Test Format: The test will consist of two parts:
• Part 1: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), weighted at 40% of the total marks.
• Part 2: Interpretative or scenario/case study type questions, weighted at 60% of the total marks. A minimum pass mark of 50% is required for both Part 1 and Part 2.
• Test Delivery: Providing proctored, in-person testing facilities within Ireland. This includes:
• Scheduling and coordination of tests.
• Liaison with candidates.
• Conducting the written test, anticipated to be 3-4 hours in duration.
• Running the in-person test a minimum of two times per year.
• Candidate Support: Providing candidate guidance materials, including explanations of test format, structure, expectations, location details, sample questions, and optional mock assessments (outside contract scope).
• Quality Assurance: Developing and implementing a robust quality assurance system to ensure the validity, reliability, consistency, and fairness of the test delivery.
• Reporting: Providing post-assessment reports to CORU for each candidate, detailing summary outcomes, performance across Standards of Proficiency domains, and a Pass/Fail recommendation to the Registration Board.
• Administrative Functions: Maintaining a designated point of contact for CORU and candidates, and ensuring compliance with data protection legislation for processing confidential information.
• Test Re-sits: Accommodating candidates who may repeat the test once if unsuccessful on the first attempt.

3. Background & buyer context

CORU is Ireland's statutory regulator for health and social care professionals, established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. Its primary mission is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training, and competence through the registration of these professionals. CORU comprises the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and individual Registration Boards for each regulated profession.

The Radiographers Registration Board (RRB) within CORU is responsible for evaluating international applicants' qualifications and experience to ensure they meet the required standard for registration in Ireland. The Test of Professional Competence (ToPC) is a critical component of this evaluation process. This procurement is initiated because CORU is seeking qualified tenderers to design and deliver this essential assessment, moving from a previous paper-based assessment system to an in-person test. The estimated contract value reflects anticipated usage over the contract term. CORU actively promotes fair participation by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this contract. These are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.

• Turnover requirement:
• Minimum average annual turnover of €100,000 over each of the last three financial years.
• Note: An alternative minimum average turnover of €500,000 over the past three financial years is also stated in the source documents. Tenderers should clarify which figure is binding.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13 million limit per claim or series of claims arising from a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit per claim or series of claims arising from a single occurrence.
• Product Liability: Not applicable (N/A).
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million limit.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience:
• Demonstrate previous experience of a minimum of 3 comparable reference projects.
• Details of organisational profile and capacity must be provided.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Provision of proctored in-person testing facilities in Ireland.
• The test must be conducted in the Irish State.

Tenderers must also declare compliance with social security and revenue obligations and possess a current Tax Clearance Certificate. Where tenderers rely on the capacity of other entities (subcontractors), separate eESPDs must be submitted for each, and proof provided that necessary resources will be placed at the prime contractor's disposal.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of qualitative and cost criteria.

A minimum score of 60% must be achieved for each qualitative award criterion (A and B) to be considered for award. Failure to meet this threshold on any qualitative criterion will result in the tender being excluded. The lowest cost tender that meets all minimum qualitative requirements will receive the maximum score for the cost criterion. Other tenders will be scored proportionally.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers are required to submit the following documentation:

• Electronic European Single Procurement Document (eESPD): Completed and submitted via www.etenders.gov.ie. If previously used, confirmation of accuracy and satisfaction of selection criteria is required.
• Tenderer Response Document (TRD): Completed in line with instructions, responding to each element in the order set out in the RFT.
• High-level test outline: Submitted with the tender response by 18th September 2026.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed using the provided template (Appendix 2).
• Declarations:
• Tenderer's Statement (paragraph 6.4).
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer & Tenderer Statement (Appendix 3).
• Bona Fides (implied via eESPD and other declarations).
• Tax Clearance Certificate (verified online).
• Conflict of Interest declaration.
• CVs: Not explicitly mentioned, but key personnel may be required for verification meetings.
• Case studies: Not explicitly mentioned, but past experience must be demonstrated.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Format: Tenderers must not alter or edit the RFT documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: 2 years, with a maximum of two possible 12-month extensions.
• Payment terms: Not specified, but standard prompt payment legislation applies.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance will be continually monitored, with regular performance reviews. Failure to meet obligations can lead to contract termination.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: CORU reserves the right to terminate the contract for failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance. If terminated within the tender validity period, CORU may revert to the second-placed tenderer.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Tenderers may rely on subcontractors for selection criteria, requiring separate eESPDs. Subcontracting is permitted for work not critical to meeting selection criteria, with specific eESPD requirements.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated Value vs. Turnover: The estimated contract value of €290,000 over a potential 4 years is significantly lower than the stated minimum average turnover requirement of €100,000 or €500,000 per year. This suggests a potential mismatch or a high bar for financial stability relative to the contract size.
• Tight Design Deadline: The requirement for a high-level test outline by the tender submission deadline (18th September 2026) is very tight, especially given the RFT issue date.
• Uncertain Uptake: The estimation of candidate numbers (75-100 annually) is acknowledged as difficult due to the shift from a paper-based to an in-person assessment, introducing uncertainty in projected volumes.
• SME Policy: While CORU promotes SME participation, the financial requirements might present a barrier for smaller, specialised testing firms unless they form consortia.
• Test Re-sit Policy: The allowance for one re-sit per candidate adds a layer of complexity to test administration and resource planning.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely open to established testing and assessment providers, potentially those with experience in regulated professional environments.

• Credible bidders: Organisations with proven experience in designing, developing, and delivering high-stakes examinations, particularly in healthcare or allied professions. Experience in creating MCQ and scenario-based assessments is crucial. A strong quality assurance framework and robust operational delivery capabilities are essential.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The tender explicitly encourages joint ventures or consortia, particularly for SMEs finding the scope beyond their capacity. Sub-contracting is also permitted. This allows smaller, specialised firms to participate by partnering with others.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparing a compliant bid would likely require significant effort, estimated at 10-20 days for a dedicated team, covering test design methodology, operational planning, pricing, and documentation.
• Pwin signal: The tender is an open competition, but the specific requirements for test design and delivery in a regulated sector suggest that incumbent providers of similar services, or firms with deep expertise in professional competence assessment, may have an advantage. The emphasis on quality and robust methodology, alongside cost, indicates a balanced evaluation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 260731 CORU RFT - ToPC Radiographers.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact for Queries: Via www.etenders.gov.ie ONLY.
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Electronic European Single Procurement Document (eESPD)
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer & Tenderer Statement
• Appendix 4: Services Contract