Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for Recruitment Services – Executive Search, General and Specialist

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 | :------------------------ | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :------------- | :-------------- | :------- | :------------- | :--- | :------- | :-------------- | :------------------ | :-------------- | Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for Recruitment Services – Executive Search, General and Specialist 79600000-0 €2 million Not stated Open Procedure 1 Ireland Not stated 2026-10-22 12:00 Not stated

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks to establish a multi-supplier framework agreement for the provision of recruitment services to Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland. The estimated value of the framework over its duration is €2 million, excluding VAT. The framework will cover executive search, general recruitment, and specialist recruitment.

The scope of services includes:

• Executive Search: Identifying and sourcing senior-level candidates for leadership positions. This involves proactive headhunting, market mapping, and assessing candidates against specific leadership competencies.
• General Recruitment: Sourcing candidates for a broad range of roles across the organisation. This includes advertising vacancies, screening applications, conducting initial interviews, and presenting shortlisted candidates.
• Specialist Recruitment: Sourcing candidates with niche skills and experience for technical, scientific, or other specialised roles. This requires a deep understanding of specific industry sectors and technical requirements.

The framework agreement will govern the terms under which Research Ireland can engage with selected recruitment service providers. Individual contracts, referred to as "Call-Off Contracts," will be issued to framework members as specific recruitment needs arise. The framework aims to streamline the procurement of recruitment services, ensuring access to a pool of qualified and vetted suppliers.

The services will be provided in accordance with the "Specification" detailed in Schedule B of the draft Service Contract. This specification will outline the nature, quality, time of delivery, key personnel, and functional requirements for the recruitment services. Framework members are expected to act with due care, skill, and diligence in all aspects of service provision, including candidate selection, monitoring, and retention. They must also comply with all applicable laws, including environmental, social, and labour law, and statutory employer requirements.

The framework agreement does not guarantee any minimum number or value of contracts to any framework member. Research Ireland reserves the right to interview or appoint any candidate submitted and may determine that none of the candidates submitted are suitable.

3. Background & buyer context

Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is procuring these recruitment services to establish a multi-supplier framework agreement. This initiative is designed to provide a streamlined and efficient mechanism for sourcing talent across various levels and specialisms within the organisation. The establishment of this framework aligns with broader public sector procurement strategies aimed at achieving value for money and access to a diverse range of service providers. The estimated value of €2 million suggests a consistent need for recruitment support over the framework's term. The tender documents do not explicitly state the incumbent provider for these services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered for this framework agreement, tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover requirement: Tenderers must demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of €500,000 in each of the last three financial years. Failure to meet this threshold will result in elimination from the competition.
• Insurance: Tenderers must hold the following levels of insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Cyber Liability: €1 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Services are to be provided within Ireland.

Tenderers must declare their satisfaction of these minimum thresholds in their Tender Response Document or eESPD and be able to provide supporting documentation upon request.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the framework agreement will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). The specific weighting and scoring mechanism are not detailed in the provided extract. However, the evaluation process will assess tenders against both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Tenderers must satisfy all mandatory requirements to be considered for evaluation. The contract value is estimated at €2 million.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers are required to submit the following documentation:

• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD).
• Bona Fides declarations.
• Tax clearance information, including Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number.
• Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Pricing Schedule: To be provided in a specified format.
• Method Statement / Response Document: Not explicitly detailed in terms of format or page limits in the provided extract.
• CVs: Not explicitly detailed in terms of format or page limits in the provided extract.
• Case Studies: Not explicitly detailed in terms of number or value range in the provided extract.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform. Specific formatting rules for the submission portal are not detailed in the extract.

Tenderers must ensure all submitted information is accurate and verifiable.

7. Key dates & process

The tender deadline is 12:00 hours on 22nd October 2026. Prices quoted in the tender must remain valid for 180 days from the tender deadline.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The framework agreement has a specified term, with the possibility of extensions. The client reserves the right to extend the term for up to 24 months, with a maximum of two such extensions.
• Payment terms: Payment of charges is subject to the contractor's compliance with the agreement, including milestones and operational protocols. Invoices must be submitted within ten working days of the end of each month, with supporting documentation. Queries on invoices must be raised within 14 calendar days; otherwise, the invoice is deemed accepted. Payment is subject to the client being in possession of the contractor's current Tax Clearance Certificate. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012 apply.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not explicitly detailed in the provided extract, but the draft service contract mentions the contractor must act with "due care, skill and diligence."
• Liquidated damages: The client may deduct a specified amount per week/day for late delivery, up to a "Liquidated Damages Threshold." If this threshold is met or exceeded, the client can claim further damages and/or terminate the agreement.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with one month's written notice. Immediate termination is possible for serious breaches, insolvency, bankruptcy, or the occurrence of conflicts of interest or registrable interests. The client can also terminate if exclusion grounds apply to the contractor or its subcontractors.
• IP ownership: All Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in materials produced for the agreement vest in the client. The client grants the contractor a royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use the client's pre-existing IPR for the term. The contractor indemnifies the client against IPR breaches.
• Sub-contracting rules: The contractor cannot subcontract more than 50% of the total contract value to economic operators from a third country subject to an IPI measure. The contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for its subcontractors.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Framework Agreement Structure: This is a multi-supplier framework, meaning multiple providers will be appointed. However, the framework does not guarantee any minimum number or value of contracts. Call-off contracts will be issued based on Research Ireland's needs, potentially favouring certain suppliers based on performance or specific requirements.
• Limited Detail on Award Criteria: While MEAT is stated, the specific weighting and scoring for quality versus price are not provided in the extract, making it difficult to assess the precise balance of the award.
• Potential for Client Dissatisfaction: The draft contract includes clauses allowing the client to withhold payment (Retention Amount) if dissatisfied with performance, with a cap on the retention. This indicates a focus on performance management.
• Strict IPR Vesting: All IPR in materials produced for the agreement vests in the client. This is a common clause in public sector contracts but requires careful review by bidders.
• Tax Clearance Requirement: Continuous possession of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition for payment, requiring ongoing compliance from the contractor.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a multi-supplier framework agreement, indicating an intention to engage with multiple providers. The minimum annual turnover requirement of €500,000 over the last three years suggests that very small or newly established businesses may find it challenging to meet this criterion. However, for SMEs that meet this financial threshold and possess the required insurance levels, the framework offers an opportunity to secure ongoing work with Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.

Consortium bidding or subcontracting is not explicitly prohibited or encouraged in the provided extract, but the emphasis on the contractor being the "prime Contractor" and assuming full responsibility for subcontractors suggests that lead bidders should have significant capacity.

The bid preparation effort is likely to be moderate to high, given the need to demonstrate financial stability, insurance coverage, and potentially provide detailed service methodologies and pricing structures. The absence of specific past experience requirements might make it more accessible for firms that haven't previously worked with this specific buyer, but general experience in executive search, general, and specialist recruitment is implicitly required. The Pwin signal is neutral, as it's a new framework with multiple potential suppliers and no incumbent explicitly identified as a sole provider.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): [APPENDIX 7 - Draft Service Contract.docx] (This appears to be a draft service contract, not the full RFT, but contains key terms).
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact Email / Clarification Portal: Not specified in the provided text.
• Most Important Attachments:
• [APPENDIX 7 - Draft Service Contract.docx] (Provides critical contract terms and conditions).
• The full Request for Tender (RFT) document (not provided in extract).
• Any appendices detailing the Specification of Services (Schedule B) and Charges (Schedule C).