Request for Tenders for the provision of SaaS Email Filtering Service

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 involves the provision of a Software as a Service (SaaS) email filtering service for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. The contractor will be responsible for implementing and maintaining a cloud-based email filtering solution, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements for security, efficiency, and compliance.

Key activities include:

• Email Security and Filtering: Implementing robust filtering mechanisms to prevent spam, phishing, and malware.
• Content Control and Quarantine: Managing and quarantining suspicious emails for review.
• URL Sandboxing: Analyzing links within emails to prevent access to malicious websites.
• Live Statistics and Reporting: Providing real-time analytics on email traffic and filtering effectiveness.
• Compatibility with Cloud-based Email Systems: Ensuring seamless integration with existing cloud email platforms used by the department.

The contractor must also ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations and provide support for any technical issues that arise during the contract period.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to enhance the email security infrastructure of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. The move aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to bolster cybersecurity measures across public sector entities. The department has previously relied on various email security measures but seeks a more integrated and efficient SaaS solution to address evolving threats. The incumbent provider is not specified, but the department aims to transition to a more effective service model.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €250,000 (Ex VAT) for the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7m limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5m limit for any one claim.
• Product Liability: €1m limit for any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €1m limit for any one claim.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of three comparable projects delivered in the last three years.
• 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 most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) approach. The award criteria and their respective weights are as follows:

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the named template with no specified page limit.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, no specific page count mentioned.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule as per Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide three case studies of similar projects, detailing value and scope.
• Declarations: Include 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.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a term of one year, with the possibility of three one-year extensions. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the documents.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified in the documents.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 90 days' written notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified in the documents.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must remain responsible for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The estimated contract value of €130,000 may suggest a low turnover threshold of €250,000, which could limit competition.
• The requirement for three comparable projects may exclude smaller firms or those new to the market.
• The absence of specified SLAs or KPIs may lead to ambiguity in performance expectations.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in providing SaaS email filtering services. A viable bidder should have:

• Relevant experience in cybersecurity and email filtering.
• The capacity to meet insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to form partnerships or subcontract if necessary.

Bid preparation may require several days to compile the necessary documentation and case studies. The presence of a low turnover threshold may signal an opportunity for SMEs, but the requirement for three comparable projects could limit participation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Email Filtering Service-Tender-2026-2030.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not stated
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on eTenders.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement