Contracted Training for Agentic Automation Foundation Training

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 seeks a contractor to deliver a 12-week, full-time online instructor-led training programme titled "Agentic Automation Foundation (Online)". The programme is designed for unemployed persons and aims to equip learners with foundational skills in agentic automation, artificial intelligence, and UiPath development. The training will cover modules including Induction and Digital Learning Skills, Programming and Technical Foundations, UiPath Development Fundamentals, Database and Data Foundations, Business Analysis and Process Discovery, Integration and API Fundamentals, Agentic AI and UiPath Agent Builder, Professional Skills and Employability, and a Capstone Project with UiPath Final Assessment.

Key activities and requirements include:

• Course Delivery:
• Full-time online instructor-led training, 31 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Delivery requires access to Microsoft Office 365 (Teams/Outlook), a Learning Management System, an internet-connected laptop/PC, UiPath Academy, UiPath Automation Cloud/Studio license, IBM Bluework Live/SkillsBuild account, and a virtual machine/lab environment.
• The course will run with a minimum of 12 learners and a maximum of 15 learners per iteration.
• Tutor Requirements:
• Tutors must possess UiPath certification or equivalent industry experience.
• Tutors require experience in delivering automation, AI, and software development programmes.
• Tutors must have experience supporting remote learners via Microsoft Teams and be able to deliver/support UiPath Academy content and assessments.
• A minimum of 4 years of recent full-time instructional experience in the subject matter area is mandatory.
• Tutor packs, including CVs, must be submitted for approval. Tutor substitution requires prior ETB written approval.
• Subcontracting:
• Delivery may be via subcontract. If subcontracting, the subcontractor must demonstrate a minimum of 4 years' experience in delivering this course online.
• Learner Support:
• Providers must detail support mechanisms for learners struggling with online provision.
• Policies and procedures for online delivery, identity validation, cyber bullying, and data protection must be available on request.
• Course Administration:
• Timekeeping and attendance reporting.
• Reporting disciplinary issues to the LCETB Contracted Training Officer (CTO).
• Invoicing every four weeks (no advance invoicing).
• Delivering and maintaining assessment records, submitting results via RCCRS F-12, and providing copies of certification.
• Completing weekly and final training reports.
• Conducting and facilitating mid-course and end-of-course learner feedback.
• Submitting end-of-course returns within one month of delivery completion, including contractor's report, attendance logs, training materials details, and a learner outcomes report.
• Ensuring timekeeping and attendance are recorded on TACS, where applicable.
• Quality Assurance:
• Results approval process falls under Raheen Training Centre's quality system.
• Providers must return an RCCRS generated F-12 for presentation at Results Approval.
• Certification:
• UiPath diplomas will be awarded upon successful completion, meeting attendance, participation, practical lab, project work, and final assessment requirements.
• Recruitment:
• The recruitment process will be managed by the Recruitment Office in Raheen. Providers may be required to answer queries and conduct initial suitability assessments.
• Health and Safety:
• Policies and procedures related to online delivery, identity validation, cyber bullying, and data protection must be provided on request.

3. Background & buyer context

The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) is procuring contracted training services as part of transitional arrangements. This procurement is pending the establishment of a new national framework for contracted training services. The LCETB delivers educational services to over 38,000 students and learners annually across Limerick and Clare, operating in approximately 300 locations. This specific training initiative addresses the growing demand for skills in automation and AI-powered agentic systems, aligning with digital transformation trends across various sectors. The contract is intended to bridge a gap until a national framework is operational.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability Insurance: €13,000,000 minimum indemnity limit per claim or series of claims.
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000 minimum indemnity limit per claim or series of claims.
• Product Liability Insurance: €6,500,000 minimum indemnity limit per claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000 minimum indemnity limit per claim or series of claims arising from a single occurrence.
• Cyber Liability: €1,000,000 minimum indemnity limit per claim or series of claims.
• Note: Employers' liability cover is not required if the third party is self-employed.
• Certifications:
• A management system currently certified as compliant with ISO9000 or an equivalent internationally recognised standard is required.
• Past experience:
• A minimum of 4 years of recent full-time instructional experience in the subject matter area is required for tutors.
• If subcontracting, the subcontractor must have a minimum of 4 years' experience in delivering this course online.
• Personnel:
• Tutors must have a minimum of 4 years' recent full-time instructional experience in the subject matter area.
• Tutors must be UiPath-certified or have equivalent industry experience.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• The training is delivered online. No specific geographic or facility constraints are stated for the provider's location.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award will be based on the lowest cost tender that meets all minimum qualitative requirements. The tender documents do not specify a formal scoring matrix or weighting for qualitative criteria. The primary award driver is cost, provided all mandatory requirements are met.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following:

• Pricing Schedule: A completed pricing schedule template (Appendix 1) detailing costs per course instance, including tutor costs, recruitment, delivery, registration, software, certification, contingency, management, administration, and subcontracting costs. The quote must be based on a maximum of 20 learners and outline cost reductions for fewer than 15 learners or learner dropouts within the first 4 weeks.
• Tutor Packs: For all tutors, including CVs outlining qualifications and experience.
• Insurance Details: Copy of valid insurance policies meeting the specified minimum indemnity limits.
• Tax Clearance Certificate: Proof of tax clearance.
• Management System Certification: Evidence of ISO9000 or equivalent certification.
• Declarations:
• Confirmation that the submitted price is fully inclusive and remains valid for the contract duration.
• Confirmation of no additional charges unless agreed in writing.
• Subcontractor Information (if applicable): Details on the subcontractor's experience and a breakdown of subcontract costs.
• Policies and Procedures: On request, policies and procedures related to online delivery, identity validation, cyber bullying, and data protection.
• Submission Portal: Bids must be submitted via the eTenders platform.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The agreement has a maximum term of six (6) months from the Commencement Date and will automatically expire unless terminated earlier.
• Payment: Payment is made in accordance with an agreed milestone schedule and subject to satisfactory performance. Invoicing occurs every four weeks, with no advance payments.
• Termination:
• The ETB may terminate for convenience with 30 days' written notice.
• Termination is possible if a new national framework becomes operational.
• Either party may terminate for material breach if not remedied within 14 days of notice.
• Upon termination, the contractor is paid for services properly delivered. No compensation for loss of future business is payable.
• Intellectual Property: IP arising from the Services vests in the ETB upon payment of Fees, unless otherwise agreed.
• Assignment and Subcontracting: Assignment or subcontracting requires prior written consent from the ETB.
• Indemnity and Liability: The contractor indemnifies the ETB against losses arising from negligence, breach of contract, or statutory duty. Contractor liability excludes fraud, personal injury, or death.
• Confidentiality: Both parties must maintain confidentiality of information received from the other.
• Data Protection: The contractor must comply with all applicable data protection legislation and process personal data only per ETB instructions. The contractor acts as a Data Processor for the ETB (Data Controller).

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Short Contract Duration: The maximum contract length is six months. This is a transitional arrangement, indicating a limited operational window.
• Termination for National Framework: The ETB can terminate the contract if a new national framework for contracted training services becomes operational. This introduces an element of uncertainty regarding the full contract term.
• Lowest Cost Award: The award criterion is the lowest cost tender that meets all minimum requirements. This places significant emphasis on price, potentially limiting the scope for qualitative differentiation beyond meeting the baseline.
• No Advance Payment: Invoicing is on a reimbursement basis, occurring every four weeks after services are supplied. This requires the contractor to manage cash flow for the initial period of service delivery.
• Contingency Fund: Bidders must include a 10% contingency fund under "Other Costs" in their pricing, indicating an expectation of unforeseen expenses.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with established expertise in delivering online IT training, specifically in automation and AI using platforms like UiPath.

• Credible Bidders: A viable bidder would be a training provider with a proven track record in delivering similar online courses, possessing qualified and certified tutors in UiPath and AI, and holding the required ISO9000 certification. They must also have robust insurance coverage and the capacity to manage online learning platforms and administrative tasks.
• Consortium/Subcontracting: Subcontracting is permitted, provided the subcontractor meets specific experience requirements (minimum 4 years online delivery of this course). This allows smaller providers to partner or for a lead contractor to outsource specific components.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Bid preparation would likely involve compiling tutor CVs, detailing course delivery methodology, obtaining updated insurance and certification documents, and preparing a detailed cost breakdown. This could require 5-10 days of effort for a focused team.
• Pwin Signal: The award is based on the lowest compliant price. This suggests that incumbent advantage is less critical than competitive pricing. However, demonstrating compliance with all technical and administrative requirements, alongside a strong price, will be key. The short, transitional nature of the contract may also indicate a desire for a straightforward, cost-effective solution.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: CFT_Agentic_Automation_Foundation_Limerick_Contracted_Training.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: LCETB\2026\2813
• Contact/Clarification Portal: Not explicitly stated, but typically via the eTenders messaging system.
• Most Important Attachments:
• Appendix 4 – Contract Terms and Conditions
• Appendix 2 – Course Specification
• Appendix 1 – Pricing Schedule Template