RFT for Direct Marketing, Creative and Copywriting Services

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 |-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|------------------------------|------------------| Trócaire_166765 RFT for Direct Marketing, Creative and Copywriting Services not stated not disclosed not stated Open not stated not stated 3 years (with 2 x 12-month extensions) 2026-07-01 17:00 GMT not stated

2. Scope of Work

Trócaire requires comprehensive creative and copywriting services to support its direct marketing efforts, which are essential for generating income. The contractor will engage in the following activities:

• Direct Mail Appeals: Four main appeals annually, including seasonal campaigns (Lent and Christmas).
• Supporter Newsletters: Three newsletters per year to engage existing donors.
• Thank-You Mailings: Acknowledgment communications to donors.
• Donor Acquisition Campaigns: Creative services for acquiring new donors, including emergency response and tax back campaigns.
• Digital Marketing: Development of email campaigns, social media content, and digital advertising to complement direct mail efforts.
• Welcome Journeys: Creating onboarding experiences for new supporters.
• Ongoing Donor Engagement: Campaigns aimed at deepening relationships with existing donors.
• Bespoke Campaigns: Additional targeted initiatives such as legacy giving and emergency appeals, requiring flexible creative support across print and digital channels.

The contractor must demonstrate a proven track record in producing high-performing fundraising communications that effectively engage supporters through storytelling and strong calls to action. Trócaire may award a single contract or multiple contracts for different services, depending on the proposals received.

3. Background & buyer context

Trócaire, an international NGO based in Maynooth, focuses on addressing the root causes of poverty and injustice in up to 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The procurement of these services aligns with Trócaire's strategic goals to enhance fundraising capabilities and supporter engagement. This tender is part of a broader initiative to strengthen direct marketing efforts, which are critical to the organization's income streams.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of two (2) campaign case studies delivered within the past five (5) years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification from further evaluation.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach. Bidders must meet minimum scoring thresholds to qualify.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Written submission detailing company profile, experience, and competencies.
• CVs: Summaries of experience for staff nominated to provide the service.
• Pricing schedule: Completed using the provided template, including quotes for various campaign types.
• Case studies: Minimum of two (2) campaign case studies demonstrating relevant experience.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders (www.etenders.gov.ie).

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will be a Framework Agreement for services with an initial period of three years, extendable for two additional 12-month periods based on performance. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Not specified for this tender.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with service levels.
• Termination clauses: Trócaire reserves the right to terminate the contract for unsatisfactory performance or upon giving appropriate notice.
• Intellectual Property: All materials developed during the contract will belong to Trócaire.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns specific to this tender include:

• The requirement for a minimum of two campaign case studies may limit participation to established firms with prior experience in charity direct marketing.
• The lack of specified turnover or insurance requirements could indicate a preference for larger, more established agencies.
• The option to appoint multiple suppliers may lead to increased competition, but could also dilute the focus on a single supplier's performance.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this tender typically possess:

• Experience in charity direct marketing, particularly within the Irish market.
• A portfolio demonstrating successful fundraising campaigns, including both acquisition and retention strategies.
• The ability to provide both creative and copywriting services, either in-house or through partnerships with designers.

Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, suggesting that individual firms or agencies are preferred. Bid preparation may require several days to compile the necessary documentation and case studies. The presence of minimum experience requirements may signal a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents are involved.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT for Direct Marketing, Creative and Copywriting services 2026.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 – Pricing Template, General Terms and Conditions of Procurement, Supplier Code of Conduct.