Establishment of a Single Party Framework for the Provision of a Microsoft Azure services partner

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start | :-------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------- | :-------------- | :------- | :-------------------------------------------- | :--- | :------- | :-------------- | :------------------ | :-------------- | Enterprise Ireland 2025/027 Establishment of a Single Party Framework for the Provision of a Microsoft Azure services partner not stated not disclosed not stated Open procedure (Directive 2014/24/EU) 1 Ireland 12 months 2026-09-01T11:00:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks to establish a single-party framework agreement for the provision of Microsoft Azure services. The framework will enable Enterprise Ireland and other designated Framework Purchasers to procure Azure-related services on an as-needed basis through Call-Off Contracts. The scope encompasses a broad range of services essential for managing and optimising cloud environments.

The contractor will be required to provide services that fall within the scope detailed in Schedule 1 of the Invitation to Tender. While specific services are not enumerated in the provided text, the framework's purpose is to facilitate the procurement of Microsoft Azure services. This implies a need for expertise in cloud architecture, deployment, management, security, and potentially migration services.

Key activities and requirements under this framework will include:

• Service Provision: Delivering Microsoft Azure services as instructed by Enterprise Ireland or other Framework Purchasers via Call-Off Orders or Supplementary Tenders.
• Framework Management: Adhering to the terms and conditions of the Framework Agreement throughout its duration.
• Call-Off Contract Management: Entering into legally binding Call-Off Contracts for specific service requirements, based on the initial Tender or Supplementary Tenders.
• Personnel Deployment: Assigning qualified personnel, as identified in the Tender or Supplementary Tender, to deliver services. Replacements require Client/Framework Purchaser consent.
• Rate Management: Adhering to maximum rates for services, which are fixed for the initial twelve months and then adjusted for inflation annually based on the CPI Index. Lower rates may be offered or requested.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Meeting agreed-upon SLAs as detailed in Schedule 8.
• Sub-Contractor Management: Managing any approved sub-contractors, who must have comparable qualifications and expertise. The Operator remains responsible for sub-contractor acts and omissions.
• Insurance Compliance: Maintaining specified insurance levels as detailed in Schedule 4.
• Tax Compliance: Complying with all EU and domestic taxation laws, including maintaining a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Confidentiality: Protecting confidential information related to the services and the Client/Framework Purchaser.
• Data Protection and Security: Complying with Data Protection Laws (including GDPR), acting as a Processor for Personal Data, implementing technical and organisational measures for data security, and reporting Personal Data Breaches within 24 hours.
• Reporting and Audits: Providing information to demonstrate compliance with GDPR Article 28 and facilitating audits.

The framework is non-exclusive, meaning Enterprise Ireland and Framework Purchasers are free to contract with other suppliers.

3. Background & buyer context

Enterprise Ireland is procuring this framework to establish a single-party agreement for Microsoft Azure services. This initiative aligns with the broader digital transformation efforts within the public sector and Enterprise Ireland's own strategic objectives for leveraging cloud technology. The establishment of a framework agreement streamlines the procurement process for Azure services, allowing for efficient and compliant acquisition of necessary cloud capabilities. The framework is established in accordance with Directive 2014/24/EU and applicable procurement rules, having been advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union or on the eTenders website. The purpose is to appoint a single economic operator to provide these services, with the framework agreement setting out the award procedure for Call-Off Contracts and the main terms and conditions for such contracts.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered eligible for this tender:

• Turnover requirement: Bidders must demonstrate that their turnover exceeded €400,000 per annum over the last three financial years, or pro-rata if more recently established.
• Insurance: Bidders must confirm the following insurances are in place:
• Employer’s Liability (where applicable): €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Cyber Liability: €5 million
• Certifications: Bidders must demonstrate access to at least the minimum numbers of skilled personnel stated. They should also provide information on measures to ensure quality delivery, such as an externally certified system (e.g., ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, or other independent audits).
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate experience necessary to supply the Services. Specific details on the number or value of past projects are not explicitly stated as a mandatory criterion in the provided text, but experience is a Pass/Fail requirement. Contracts must relate to services delivered within the 36 months prior to the deadline for submission.
• Personnel: Access to at least the minimum numbers of skilled personnel stated is a mandatory requirement. Specific roles and minimum years of experience are not detailed in the provided extract as mandatory selection criteria, but personnel qualifications are critical for service delivery.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also demonstrate compliance with all relevant Health & Safety and Environmental legislation and guidelines.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the contract will be based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), which involves a combination of price and quality. The specific weighting between price and quality is not detailed in the provided extract. However, the tender documents indicate that certain criteria are subject to a Pass/Fail assessment, meaning failure to meet these minimum requirements will render a bid ineligible. These mandatory criteria include:

• Demonstrating necessary experience.
• Access to the minimum numbers of skilled personnel.
• Measures for quality service delivery (e.g., ISO certifications).
• Compliance with Health & Safety legislation.
• Compliance with Environmental legislation.

The exact scoring mechanism and sub-criteria for the quality elements are not detailed in the provided text. The pricing schedule will be evaluated, but the specific method of scoring against price is not disclosed in this extract.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following as part of their tender response:

• Tender Response: A submission in response to the Invitation to Tender, potentially including clarifications, additions, or amendments accepted by the Client.
• Pricing Schedule: A schedule detailing the proposed rates and costs for services. The specific format and template are not detailed in this extract.
• Personnel Information: Details of personnel assigned to deliver the services, as evidenced in Schedule 3.
• Insurance Evidence: Confirmation of required insurance policies as per Schedule 4.
• Declarations: A signed Declaration under Public Sector Directive 2014/24/EU (Article 57) as set out in Schedule 5.
• Tax Clearance: Provision of Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number.
• Sub-Consultant/Contractor Details: Information on any proposed sub-consultants or contractors, as evidenced in Schedule 10.
• Case Studies: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but often a component of quality assessment.
• CVs: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but likely required for key personnel.
• Method Statement: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but implied by the need to demonstrate experience and quality measures.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders. Specific format rules are not detailed here.

7. Key dates & process

The Framework Agreement is intended to take effect on the Commencement Date, which is not specified but is referenced as potentially being 1 January 2026 in example text.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term & Extension: The Framework Agreement has an initial term of 12 months, with an option for Enterprise Ireland to extend it by a further 12 months. Call-Off Contracts may extend beyond the Framework Period.
• Payment Terms: All public sector bodies must pay invoices within 30 days of receipt. Interest and compensation apply after 30 days.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Service Level Agreements are detailed in Schedule 8 and apply to the performance of services under any Call-Off Contract.
• Liquidated Damages/Penalties: Not explicitly detailed in the provided text.
• Termination Clauses: The Framework Agreement can be terminated earlier according to its terms. Failure to meet obligations under Clause 7 (Fixed Terms for Call-Off Contracts) is considered a material breach.
• IP Ownership: Not explicitly detailed in the provided text.
• Sub-contracting Rules: Sub-contractors must be approved, have comparable qualifications, and the Operator remains responsible for their acts and omissions. Collateral warranties may be required.
• Parent-Company Guarantee/Bond: Not explicitly detailed in the provided text.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Single-Party Framework: The establishment of a "Single Party Framework" with only one economic operator means that once awarded, this operator is the sole provider for the duration of the framework for services procured through it. This significantly limits competition for subsequent Call-Off Contracts.
• Non-Exclusivity Clause: Despite being a single-party framework, Clause 3 states that no exclusivity or volume guarantee is granted. Enterprise Ireland and Framework Purchasers remain entitled to contract with other suppliers for similar services, provided they observe procurement rules. This could mean the framework is not fully utilised if other procurement routes are deemed more advantageous.
• Value Not Disclosed: The estimated value of the framework is not disclosed, making it difficult for bidders to gauge the potential scale of work and investment required for bid preparation.
• Open-Ended Scope: While the services are related to Microsoft Azure, the specific scope within Schedule 1 is not detailed in the provided text. This requires bidders to make assumptions about the breadth of services required.
• Fixed Rates with Inflation Adjustment: Maximum rates are fixed for the initial 12 months and then adjusted for inflation annually via the CPI Index. While this provides some protection against rising costs, it limits potential upside for the contractor if market rates increase significantly faster than inflation.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a single-party framework, meaning only one supplier will be appointed. Given the nature of Microsoft Azure services and the typical scale of public sector cloud requirements, this tender is likely best suited for established IT service providers with significant experience in cloud solutions and a proven track record with Microsoft Azure.

• Credible Bidders: Viable bidders would typically be medium to large IT consultancies or managed service providers specialising in Microsoft Azure. They would need to demonstrate substantial turnover, robust insurance cover, and a strong portfolio of comparable cloud projects. Experience with public sector procurement and compliance requirements would be advantageous.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The Framework Agreement allows for the use of Sub-Consultants/Contractors, provided they are identified in the Tender and approved by Enterprise Ireland. This means an SME could potentially bid as part of a consortium or as a sub-contractor to a larger prime contractor, if such arrangements are permitted by the prime bidder. However, the primary award is to a single economic operator.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a bid for a framework agreement of this nature, especially one requiring detailed demonstration of experience, quality management, and compliance, would likely require significant effort. This could range from 20-40 days of dedicated work for a core bid team, depending on the bidder's existing documentation and resources.
• Pwin Signal: The "single party" nature of the framework suggests a strong incumbent advantage might exist if a previous framework was in place, or that Enterprise Ireland is seeking a specific, long-term strategic partner. The lack of disclosed value and specific scoring criteria makes it difficult to assess the competitive landscape definitively. However, the requirement for significant insurance cover and demonstrated experience suggests a focus on established players rather than very small, niche providers unless they are part of a larger bid.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: [2025 027 Azure technology partner (Single Party Framework Terms and Conditions).pdf]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not surfaced in provided text.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Not surfaced in provided text.
• Most Important Attachments:
• Invitation to Tender (referenced throughout)
• Schedule 1 (Scope of Services)
• Schedule 4 (Insurance Requirements)
• Schedule 5 (Declaration under Public Sector Directive)