Contracted 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

The Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) seeks to procure Contracted Training Services across 16 distinct Lots. Each Lot represents a specific training area, and bidders may apply for one or multiple Lots. The scope encompasses the delivery of training programs tailored to the needs of various sectors, including but not limited to Built Environment, Engineering, Business Administration, Information Technology, and Healthcare.

The contractor's day-to-day activities will include:

• Course Development: Design and develop training materials relevant to the specific Lot.
• Training Delivery: Conduct training sessions across various locations in County Tipperary, ensuring accessibility and compliance with local regulations.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Implement assessment methods to evaluate participant learning and program effectiveness.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports on training outcomes, participant feedback, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Collaboration: Work with local businesses and stakeholders to align training with industry needs.

The training services must be delivered in both English and Irish, where applicable. Bidders must demonstrate the capacity to deliver courses throughout County Tipperary and provide evidence of previous successful training projects of similar size and nature.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with TETB's strategic objectives to enhance skills development and workforce readiness in the region. The initiative is part of a broader government policy aimed at improving educational outcomes and addressing skills shortages in various sectors. The TETB has a history of engaging with local businesses to tailor training programs that meet specific industry needs. The incumbent provider is not specified in the tender documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €250,000 for the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1.5 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of successfully delivering at least 2 Contracted Training projects of similar size and nature within the last 3 years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Must confirm the ability to deliver courses throughout County Tipperary.

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 both price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Complete the provided template, adhering to any page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the designated pricing template.
• Case studies: Provide details of 2 relevant projects, including contract value and duration.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via the eTenders platform, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: Initial contract length of 12 months, with one optional extension of 12 months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in detail but will include training delivery metrics and participant satisfaction.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated with one month's notice by either party.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a minimum turnover of €250,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The geographic constraint of delivering services throughout County Tipperary could exclude bidders without local presence.
• The lack of specified personnel requirements may lead to variability in the quality of bids.
• The optional extension of the contract is contingent on ongoing need and budget availability, which may introduce uncertainty for bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in delivering training services. Viable bidders should possess:

• Relevant training qualifications and experience in the specified Lots.
• The capacity to deliver training across County Tipperary.
• The ability to meet insurance requirements.

Consortium bidding is allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities. Bid preparation may require approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of a minimum turnover requirement and the potential for an incumbent provider may signal a competitive bidding environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Contracted Training Call for Tender - Tipperary Education and Training Board.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: 8399980
• Contact for queries: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement
• Appendix 6 — Confidentiality Agreement