Provision of CPD training programmes

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 the provision of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training programmes across three distinct lots, each focusing on different aspects of energy efficiency and auditing. The successful contractor will be responsible for the design, development, and delivery of these training courses, ensuring compliance with relevant certification requirements.

The specific activities include:

• Lot 1: Retrofitting Domestic Buildings for Energy Efficiency

• Deliver CPD-certified training.

• Estimated value: €140,000.

• Lot 2: Certified Energy Auditor

• Deliver CPD-certified training.

• Estimated value: €140,000.

• Lot 3: ISO 50001:2019 Lead Auditor

• Deliver training aligned with ISO 50001 standards.

• Estimated value: €140,000.

Each lot requires the contractor to develop course materials, conduct training sessions, and ensure that participants receive appropriate certification upon completion. The contractor must also implement quality assurance procedures to maintain the standard of training provided.

The total estimated expenditure for the services across all lots is approximately €420,000, exclusive of VAT. The contract is expected to last for 36 months, with the possibility of two 12-month extensions based on performance and mutual agreement.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Wind Energy Ireland, operating under the Green Tech Skillnet, to enhance the skills and qualifications of professionals in the renewable energy sector. The initiative aligns with national policies aimed at improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in line with EU directives. The current demand for CPD training in energy efficiency and auditing reflects the growing emphasis on compliance with environmental standards and regulations. The tender process is structured to encourage participation from SMEs, fostering collaboration with larger enterprises where necessary.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €50,000 over each of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7m in any claim or series of claims.
• Public Liability: €6.5m in any claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000.
• Cyber Insurance: €500,000.
• Product Liability: Not Applicable.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO standards relevant to the training provided, particularly ISO 50001 for Lot 3.
• Past experience: At least two comparable references for the design, development, and delivery of similar courses.
• 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 total score will be out of 1,000, with a minimum threshold of 60% required for non-price award criteria to qualify for further evaluation.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with a specified page limit.
• CVs: For key personnel, with a maximum of two pages per CV.
• Pricing schedule: Must be completed using the designated template.
• Case studies: At least two case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with values ranging from €50,000 to €140,000.
• Declarations: Including the European Single Procurement Document (eESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Initial contract term of 36 months, with two possible extensions of 12 months each.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract, with all prices quoted being inclusive of all expenses but exclusive of VAT.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in detail but will likely include performance metrics related to training delivery and participant satisfaction.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract for non-compliance or failure to meet performance standards.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must be designated and responsible for overall contract delivery.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €50,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, although the contract value is significantly higher.
• The lack of specified personnel requirements may lead to variability in the quality of bids.
• The absence of a mandatory site visit could lead to misunderstandings regarding the training environment and requirements.
• The contract's reliance on ISO certification for Lot 3 may disadvantage bidders without prior experience in ISO standards.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in CPD training, particularly in energy efficiency and auditing. Viable bidders should possess:

• Relevant certifications and experience in delivering similar training courses.
• The capacity to meet insurance requirements and financial thresholds.
• The ability to collaborate with other SMEs or larger firms if necessary.

Consortium arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to partner with others to meet the tender requirements. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at several days, depending on the complexity of the proposed training programmes. The presence of established firms in the sector may indicate a competitive landscape, but the emphasis on SME participation suggests opportunities for smaller entities.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT- CPD courses.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement