Multi-Party Framework Agreement for Training Services

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 procurement seeks to establish a multi-party framework agreement for the provision of training services to support the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath. The framework will cover 14 distinct lots, each representing a specific area of business training. Service providers will be appointed to lots based on their scoring, with a maximum of 5 providers for Lot 01 (Start Your Own Business) and a maximum of 3 providers for all other lots. Contracts awarded under the framework will be on a rotational basis from the ranked list of appointed providers for each lot.

The scope encompasses the design and delivery of training programmes tailored to micro and small businesses in County Westmeath. Tenderers must be capable of delivering all courses within a lot, with the exception of Lot 02 (Business Programmes), where individual courses can be tendered for. Detailed information on course content, structure, delivery methodology, and learning objectives is required for each course within the applied-for lot.

The training services cover the following 14 lots:

• Lot 01: Start Your Own Business
• Lot 02: Business Programmes (individual courses can be applied for)
• Lot 03: Business Start Up Related Courses
• Lot 04: Financial Management
• Lot 05: SAGE Computerised Accounts – Computerised Payroll
• Lot 06: Digital Marketing and Social Media
• Lot 07: Human Resources Related Courses
• Lot 08: Management Development Programme
• Lot 09: Artificial Intelligence & Digital Protection
• Lot 10: Sustainability – Lean Intro
• Lot 11: Food Related Courses
• Lot 12: Photography of Products
• Lot 13: Customer Experience Programme
• Lot 14: Procurement – Tendering

Contract management activities, including reporting, performance reviews, and dispute resolution, are non-billable.

3. Background & buyer context

Westmeath County Council is conducting this procurement on behalf of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath. LEO Westmeath is part of a national network of 31 LEOs dedicated to fostering enterprise development and supporting small business creation across Ireland. Their services include business advice, information, training, management development, networking, mentoring, and financial support. This framework agreement aims to provide a structured and efficient mechanism for LEO Westmeath to access a range of essential business training services for entrepreneurs and small businesses within the county. The procurement is conducted under an Open Procedure, allowing all eligible parties to tender.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity: Minimum of €300,000.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience:
• Demonstrate successful delivery of three comparable contracts/experience within the last 36 months prior to the closing date.
• These references must be from three separate organisations/clients.
• If relying on third-party resources for experience, one project must be from that third party.
• Contact details for referees must be provided.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Tenderers must also provide confirmation of tax compliance with the Irish Revenue Commissioners and complete various declarations, including Bona Fides, statutory obligations, computer literacy, health & safety, and candidate statements, as detailed in the Tender Response Document Part 1.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The framework agreement will be awarded based on a combination of quality and cost, with a total of 10,000 marks available. Qualitative criteria are assessed first.

The lowest cost tender meeting qualitative minimums receives maximum cost score. Other scores calculated via formula: (Lowest Cost / Tender Cost) * Max Cost Points. Qualitative scores are based on a descriptive band system, with less than 50% in any criterion being unacceptable.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders post-box facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.

• Method statement / response document: Tenderers must use the provided Tender Response Document (TRD) Part 1 and TRD Part 2. TRD Part 2 must be completed for each Lot applied for. Personalisation or branding of TRDs is not permitted.
• CVs: Current CVs for each proposed trainer must be provided, demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.
• Pricing schedule: Half-day and full-day rates for online and in-person delivery must be provided in the specified format.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) is accepted.
• Declaration of Bona Fides.
• Declaration regarding compliance with statutory obligations.
• Computer Literacy Declaration.
• Health & Safety Declaration.
• Candidate Statement Declaration.
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: eTenders.gov.ie. Tenders must be uploaded as a ZIP file.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework agreement will have an initial term of 2 years, with an option for two 12-month extensions. Contracts awarded under the framework may extend beyond the framework expiry date. Tenderers must accept the Contracting Authority’s Framework Terms and Conditions as appended to the TRD. Acceptance of these terms is mandatory for framework membership. Tenderers must also review and accept the Contract Terms and Conditions that will apply to each discrete assignment. Contract management activities are non-billable.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The estimated maximum spend under the framework is €360,000 excluding VAT, with an indicative annual spend of €90,000. This suggests a potentially low volume of individual contract awards, which could impact the financial viability for some providers. The framework operates on a rotational basis, meaning the highest-scoring tenderers will receive the first opportunities, but subsequent assignments depend on availability and ranking. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to procure requirements outside of this framework. Tenderers must use the provided TRD documents without amendment, and failure to do so may lead to disqualification.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and larger enterprises. SMEs are encouraged to form consortia or partnerships to meet capacity requirements. The scope covers a broad range of business training topics, suggesting that specialist training providers in specific areas (e.g., digital marketing, finance, HR) are well-suited. Bidders must demonstrate experience in delivering training to micro and small businesses. The bid preparation effort is likely moderate, requiring completion of TRD Part 1 and a separate TRD Part 2 for each lot applied for, including detailed course outlines and trainer CVs. The "Pwin" signal is neutral, as it's a new framework with no explicit mention of an incumbent.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT Multi-Party Framework.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: 0000000 (placeholder)
• Contact for queries: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix A – Training Course Requirements and Specifications
• Tender Response Document (TRD) Part 1
• Tender Response Document (TRD) Part 2