Digital Communities- Empowering People to Engage with Technology (EP2EIT). Lot 1- Development of Digital Mapping Tool

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 tender seeks to develop a digital mapping tool as part of the Empowering People to Engage with Information Technology (EP2EIT) project, which aims to enhance digital capabilities in rural communities within the Peace Plus intervention area. The successful contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Development of a Digital Mapping Tool: Create an online platform that presents information gathered from community participants, including a searchable database.
• Data Management: Conduct initial audits of participant information and upload this data to the database.
• Community Engagement: Support project staff in outreach efforts to maximize participation in the pilot areas.
• Beta Version Launch: Deliver a beta version of the mapping tool within 12 months, transitioning to an operational version 1.0 by the beginning of year 2.
• Annual Feedback Sessions: Facilitate annual feedback sessions in each pilot area to inform and promote the project locally.
• Compliance with Data Regulations: Ensure that all software and data management practices comply with GDPR and UK DPA regulations.
• Data Security and Management: Address issues related to data storage, security, and breach response, including appointing a compliance officer and conducting regular reviews.

The project will leverage existing digital assets and ecosystems to address the challenges faced by rural communities, focusing on enhancing digital access and capabilities.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement is initiated as part of the EP2EIT project, funded by PeacePlus, which aims to enhance digital capacity in rural communities. The project targets five remote pilot areas, focusing on increasing the digital capabilities of individuals, organizations, and local businesses. The initiative is driven by the need to improve access to Information Communications Technology (ICT) and to utilize data for better planning in social and economic development. The project is positioned as a pilot for broader initiatives aimed at scaling digital capacity building tools across the region.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1.5 million
• 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.

Bidders must also be registered on eTenders, possess the legal capacity to enter into a contract, and not be excluded from participation under Irish or EU procurement regulations.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, which considers both price and quality. The evaluation criteria and their respective weightings are as follows:

A minimum total score of 60 points out of 100 is required for a bid to be considered for award.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Complete the Quotation Response Document as per the provided template.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel involved in the project.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the Pricing Schedule Template with all costs broken down.
• Case studies: Provide 2-3 case studies of relevant projects completed in the past 3 years.
• Declarations: Include a valid Tax Clearance Certificate, insurance certificates, and conflict of interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable.
• Submission portal: Quotations must be submitted electronically through the eTenders portal (www.etenders.gov.ie).

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Contract Duration: 33 months, starting from 1 July 2026.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made within 15 calendar days of receipt of a valid invoice.
• Pricing Validity: Quoted prices must remain valid for 6 months from the quotation submission deadline.
• Intellectual Property: Ownership and rights relating to intellectual property will be negotiated within the contract agreement.
• Right to Reject: The contracting authority reserves the right to reject any or all quotations.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Insurance Requirements: The high insurance requirements may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Data Compliance: The need for strict adherence to GDPR and UK DPA regulations may pose challenges for bidders unfamiliar with these standards.
• Community Engagement: The success of the project heavily relies on effective community outreach, which may be challenging in rural areas.
• Tight Timeline: The requirement for a beta version within 12 months may be ambitious given the scope of work.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in digital tool development and community engagement. Bidders should possess:

• Relevant technical expertise in software development and data management.
• Experience in similar projects, particularly in rural or community-focused contexts.
• The capacity to engage with local communities effectively.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, but may be permissible depending on the bidder's strategy. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at several days, considering the need for detailed responses and documentation. The incumbent's strength and the project's funding structure may signal a competitive bidding environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT 26 May 2026.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments: Appendix A - Pricing Schedule Template, Appendix B - Declaration of Compliance with Legal Requirements, Appendix C - Conflict of Interest Declaration.