Consultancy Services to prepare Regional Renewable Energy Strategies for the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, Northern and Western Regional Assembly and Southern Regional Assembly

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves consultancy services to prepare Regional Renewable Energy Strategies for three regional assemblies: the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, and the Southern Regional Assembly. The contractor will be responsible for developing comprehensive strategies that align with national and regional energy policies, focusing on renewable energy sources.

The key activities include:

• Research and Analysis: Conducting assessments of current energy usage and renewable energy potential within the regions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with local authorities, community groups, and industry stakeholders to gather input and feedback.
• Strategy Development: Formulating actionable strategies that include targets for renewable energy capacity, implementation timelines, and monitoring mechanisms.
• Documentation: Preparing detailed reports and presentations that outline the strategies, including visual aids such as maps and charts.
• Compliance: Ensuring that the strategies comply with relevant legislation, including the Planning and Development Act, 2024.
• Public Consultation: Facilitating public consultations to present findings and gather community feedback.
• Final Submission: Delivering the final strategies to the regional assemblies for approval.

The project is expected to take approximately 6 months, with the possibility of extensions based on the needs of the assemblies.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the Government of Ireland's commitment to enhancing renewable energy usage and reducing carbon emissions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet national climate goals and support local economies through sustainable energy practices. The Southern Regional Assembly, along with the other regional assemblies, aims to develop tailored strategies that reflect the unique energy landscapes of their respective areas. The urgency of this procurement stems from the need to finalize these strategies in time for upcoming legislative requirements and funding opportunities.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000 for 3 out of the last 5 years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million limit for any one claim.
• Product Liability: not applicable.
• 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.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on the best balance of price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Use the named template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, with a specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule using the provided template.
• Case studies: Provide a minimum of two case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with values ranging from €50,000 to €150,000.
• Declarations: Include the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Services Contract will have a term of 6 months, with the possibility of extending for up to 24 weeks. Payment terms will be outlined in the Services Contract, with payments subject to the completion of agreed milestones. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to measure the contractor's performance. Liquidated damages may apply for delays in deliverables. The contractor must ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations. Subcontracting is permitted, but the primary contractor will retain overall responsibility for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks associated with this tender include:

• The lack of specified past experience requirements may lead to a wide range of bid quality.
• The absence of geographic constraints could result in a larger pool of bidders, potentially diluting the quality of local engagement.
• The contract's reliance on timely stakeholder engagement and public consultation may pose risks if community feedback is not adequately incorporated.
• The potential for extensions may lead to uncertainty in project timelines and deliverables.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in renewable energy strategy development. Viable bidders should have a proven track record in similar consultancy projects, particularly in energy policy or environmental planning. Consortiums or subcontracting arrangements are encouraged, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at 10-15 days, considering the need for thorough research and stakeholder engagement. The presence of established firms in the sector may signal a competitive bidding environment, but the lack of incumbent references suggests opportunities for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Request for Tender for Regional Renewable Energy Strategy for the SRA, NWRA and EMRA MM 16.06.2026.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed to the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement