Service Request for Tenders for the Provision of Press Release Management and Distribution Service

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 |--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|-------------------------------|------------------| Houses of the Oireachtas Service Request for Tenders for the Provision of Press Release Management and Distribution Service not stated €75,000 not stated Open not stated Ireland 3 years 19 June 2026, 12:00 noon not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will provide a Press Release Management and Distribution Service for the Houses of the Oireachtas Service. This service is expected to facilitate the creation, management, and distribution of press releases effectively and efficiently. The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• User Licenses: Provide a minimum of six user licenses for members of the Oireachtas press.
• Press Release Workflow: Develop and maintain a user-friendly system for creating and distributing press releases.
• Central Dashboard: Implement a central dashboard featuring targeted delivery, scheduling, and analytics.
• Database Management: Maintain an extensive database of media contacts across the Island of Ireland, including national, regional, and local media outlets, as well as Irish language media.
• GDPR Compliance: Ensure that all databases and lists are managed in compliance with GDPR regulations.
• Technical Security Measures: Implement technical and organizational security measures to protect sensitive information.
• Training and Support: Provide user training and ongoing support to ensure effective utilization of the service.

The contract is structured to allow for a term of three years, with the possibility of two extensions of up to 12 months each, based on performance and mutual agreement.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service's ongoing efforts to enhance communication and transparency. The procurement aligns with the strategic goal of improving public engagement and media relations. The service is intended to replace or augment existing capabilities, ensuring that press releases are managed and distributed in a timely and effective manner. The current provider has not been specified, but the initiative reflects a broader commitment to modernize communication strategies within the public sector.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €100,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €12,700,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Liability/Product Liability: €500,000
• Cyber Liability: €1,000,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of providing a similar service to at least two clients within the last four years, one of which must be in the public sector.
• 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 overall scoring will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

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 the specified format.
• Case studies: Provide details of two relevant projects, including value ranges.
• Declarations: Submit the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via the eTenders platform, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: Initial term of three years, with two possible extensions of up to 12 months each.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in detail but will relate to the effectiveness of the press release management and distribution service.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated with 14 days' notice if breaches are not remedied.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontracting is permitted, but the prime contractor must be designated.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover requirement: The minimum turnover threshold of €100,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Experience requirement: The need for past experience with public sector clients may exclude newer entrants or SMEs without a public sector track record.
• Insurance levels: High insurance requirements may pose a barrier for smaller firms.
• Lack of specified personnel requirements: This could lead to ambiguity regarding the qualifications necessary for key roles.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have experience in press release management and distribution. Viable bidders should possess:

• Relevant experience in similar services, particularly within the public sector.
• The capacity to meet insurance requirements.
• The ability to manage a user-friendly system and provide adequate support.

Consortium arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger enterprises. Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly in gathering documentation and case studies. The incumbent's strength in this area may influence the competitive landscape, as past performance in similar contracts could provide an advantage.

11. Where to dig deeper

• RFT filename: RFT for Press Release Management and Delivery Service 25.05.2026.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement.