Expert Services for Research & Policy

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 establishes a multi-supplier framework agreement for the provision of expert services to support the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Research and Policy Insights Directorate. The framework will cover Lot 3: Research and Innovation Delivery Services.

The scope of services is broad and will be delivered through either a Direct Draw Down or a Mini-Competition process.

Direct Draw Down:

• This method is envisaged for service requirements with a lower size, value, and/or complexity, typically up to 10 days of work.
• SEAI will select a framework member based on demonstrated competency in the required areas, using a cascade system favouring the highest-scoring tenderer from the initial process.
• Factors considered include subject matter expertise, specific competencies, availability, and established working knowledge of SEAI programmes or processes.
• Performance to date, as evaluated by SEAI, will also be a consideration.
• Work is allocated via rotation among eligible framework members.
• Once a task is assigned, SEAI will issue a Purchase Order, which must be referenced. Work cannot commence until this Purchase Order is received.

Mini-Competition:

• This method is used for contracts likely to exceed 10 days of work, or for larger, higher-value, and/or complex service requirements.
• SEAI will invite all framework members capable of performing the contract to participate.
• A Request for Mini-Tender will be issued via email, detailing the scope, award criteria, and closing date.
• Framework members must submit bids in writing, with proposed rates not exceeding original tender rates.
• The Call-Off Contract will be awarded to the best tender based on the specified award criteria.
• SEAI will issue a notification to all participating framework members regarding the award decision, including reasons for rejection for unsuccessful bidders.
• Upon award, SEAI will issue a Purchase Order referencing the Framework Agreement. Work cannot commence until this Purchase Order is received.

General Requirements:

• Log retention is a minimum of 6 months.
• Framework members must maintain tax clearance status throughout the framework period and any contract duration.
• Any proposed replacement personnel must have equal or better qualifications and expertise than the original nominated person and require SEAI agreement.
• SEAI reserves the right to operate outside the framework terms if value-for-money is not achieved.
• SEAI may suspend or exclude a framework member based on performance reviews, breaches of agreement, financial standing, or other specified reasons.
• SEAI may terminate the framework agreement with 14 days' notice.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender establishes a multi-supplier framework agreement for expert services to support SEAI's Research and Policy Insights Directorate. The procurement aligns with SEAI's strategic objectives in advancing energy research and policy development. The framework is established via an open procedure, as advertised on etenders.gov.ie and the Official Journal of the European Union, in accordance with Directive 2014/24/EU and Irish S.I. 284 of 2016. The framework agreement itself will form the basis for awarding subsequent Call-Off Contracts. SEAI is the contracting authority, located at 3 Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, D02 FX65. The framework is intended to provide SEAI with access to a pool of expert service providers for its research and policy needs over a defined period.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following criteria to be considered for this framework agreement:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

However, the following are mandatory requirements for participation:

• Statement of Going Concern: Tenderers for Lot 3 must provide a statement of going concern on headed paper, signed by an authorised person. This statement must certify:
• The tenderer is a going concern with financial and operational capacity for at least the next 12 months.
• The tenderer has the capacity to fulfil contract requirements.
• The tenderer is not subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, or analogous processes, nor expects to become so.
• Information provided is true and accurate, with prompt notification of material changes.
• This statement must be accompanied by corroborating evidence:
• A letter from the tenderer’s accountant or bank confirming financial standing and solvency (Yes/No).
• Audited or certified accounts, or management accounts for available periods (Yes/No).
• A cash-flow forecast for the next 12 months (Yes/No).
• Tax Clearance: Framework members must maintain a valid tax clearance status throughout the framework period and any contract duration.
• Consortium: If bidding as a consortium, an ESPD must be completed by each member and uploaded by the prime consortium member.
• Conflict of Interest: Tenderers must declare any conflicts of interest and inform SEAI of any arising during the framework period. Registrable interests involving SEAI or its employees must be communicated immediately.
• Corrupt Gifts and Inducements: Parties must comply with the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889-2010.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of Call-Off Contracts under this framework will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT).

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria