Software Process Automation Developer Traineeship (online)

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will deliver an online Software Process Automation Developer Traineeship. This programme is designed to transition learners from foundational automation training to real-world automation delivery environments. The traineeship will equip learners with the skills and knowledge of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) using UiPath technology.

The programme has a duration of 52 weeks, inclusive of 10 days for annual leave and public holidays. The delivery is entirely online and tutor-led, incorporating an industry work placement. The course will run with a minimum of 12 learners and a maximum of 20 learners per iteration.

Key activities and components include:

• Programme Onboarding & Professional Preparation: 1 week dedicated to initial orientation and preparation.
• Automation Team Project Simulation: 8 weeks focused on simulating team-based project work in automation.
• Industry Work Placement: 34 weeks providing practical experience with employer partners.
• Advanced Technical Skills Development: 23 days of upskilling in advanced automation techniques.
• Professional Skills & Employability Development: 12 days focused on soft skills and career readiness.
• UiPath Automation Developer Associate Certification Preparation: 5 days dedicated to preparing for the UiPath Certified RPA Associate (UiRPA) certification.
• UiPath Automation Developer Professional Certification Preparation: 5 days dedicated to preparing for the UiPath Certified Advanced RPA Developer (UiARD) certification.
• Certification Outcome: Learners will work towards the UiPath Certified Professional Automation Developer Professional Credential.
• Course Administration: This includes timekeeping and attendance reporting, managing disciplinary processes, invoicing (every four weeks, not in advance), delivering and maintaining assessment records, submitting results on RCCRS, completing weekly and final training reports, conducting mid-course and end-of-course learner feedback, and recording timekeeping and attendance on TACS where applicable.
• Recruitment Support: The provider may be required to answer queries arising from the recruitment process, which is managed by the Recruitment Office in Raheen.
• Quality Assurance: Results approval falls under the quality system of Raheen Training Centre. The provider will return an RCCRS generated F-12 to the Training Standards Office for presentation at Results Approval.
• Health and Safety: The provider or sub-contractor must provide policies and procedures related to online delivery, identity validation, cyber bullying, and data protection upon request.

The contractor will be responsible for providing named tutors who must have a minimum of 4 years of recent full-time instructional experience in the subject matter area and be UiPath-certified or possess equivalent industry experience. If sub-contracting is used for delivery, the sub-contractor must demonstrate a minimum of 4 years' experience in delivering this course online.

3. Background & buyer context

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) is procuring this traineeship as part of its contracted training services. This procurement is operating under transitional arrangements, pending the establishment of a new national framework for contracted training services. LCETB delivers educational services to over 38,000 students and learners annually and works with community groups in approximately 300 locations throughout Limerick. The strategic driver for this procurement is to equip learners with in-demand skills in Software Process Automation, specifically Robotic Process Automation (RPA), to meet industry needs and enhance learner employability. The programme aims to develop learners into employment-ready Automation Developers.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Cyber Liability: €1 million for any one claim or series of claims.
• Certifications:
• Management System currently certified as compliant with ISO9000 or an equivalent internationally recognised standard is required.
• Past experience:
• If sub-contracting is used for delivery, the sub-contractor must have a minimum of 4 years' experience in delivering this course online.
• Tutors must have a minimum of 4 years recent full-time instructional experience in the subject matter area.
• Personnel: Tutors must have a minimum of 4 years recent full-time instructional experience in the subject matter area. They must also be UiPath-certified or have equivalent industry experience, experience delivering enterprise automation and AI projects, experience supporting learners in work-based learning environments, and experience preparing learners for UiPath certification examinations.
• Geographic / facility constraints: The course is delivered online. The provider or sub-contractor must detail the platform used for online delivery and how assessments are managed.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria will be based on the lowest cost tender that also meets all minimum requirements of the qualitative criteria. The specific scoring mechanism for qualitative criteria is not detailed in the provided text, but the tender process is described as a single-stage tender where all interested parties may tender, but only those meeting the selection criteria will be evaluated. The primary driver for award appears to be cost, provided all qualitative and mandatory requirements are met.

The tender documents state that the Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest priced or any tender.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Pricing Schedule: A quote per course instance, based on delivery and assessment for a maximum of 20 learners. The quote must include a breakdown of costs, detailing tutor costs, recruitment costs, laptop hire, individual module delivery costs, registration costs, software costs, certification costs, a 10% contingency fund under "Other Costs," management and administration costs (including number of days involved), and sub-contract costs (including a breakdown). Bidders must also outline how costs will reduce if numbers are less than 20 or if learners drop out within the first 4 weeks.
• Tutor Pack: For all tutors, including a copy of their CV, outlining qualifications and demonstrating required experience. Any change in tutor requires prior notification and submission of a new tutor pack.
• Insurance Details: Copy of valid insurance details must be submitted prior to contract issuance, meeting the specified minimum indemnity limits.
• Tax Clearance Certificate: Proof of tax clearance must be submitted prior to contract issuance.
• Sub-contractor Experience: If sub-contracting is used, details demonstrating the sub-contractor has a minimum of 4 years' experience in delivering this course online.
• Online Delivery Process: Details on the platform used for online delivery and how assessments are managed and administered.
• Support for Struggling Learners: Details on support provided to learners struggling with online provision.
• Management System Certification: Confirmation of compliance with ISO9000 or an equivalent standard.
• Declarations: Not explicitly detailed but typically include declarations of eligibility, bona fides, and tax compliance.
• Submission Portal: Bids must be submitted via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The agreement has a maximum term of twelve (12) months, commencing on the Commencement Date. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to extend the term for a period of zero (0) months.
• Payment terms: Payment will be made in accordance with an agreed milestone schedule and subject to satisfactory performance. Invoicing occurs every four weeks, not in advance, with the first two weeks potentially invoiced, then every four weeks thereafter.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not explicitly detailed as separate SLAs/KPIs, but satisfactory performance is a condition for payment. Course administration functions, learner feedback, and reporting requirements imply performance expectations.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified.
• Termination clauses:
• Termination for Convenience: The ETB may terminate with at least thirty (30) days' written notice.
• Termination Due to National Framework: The ETB may terminate if a new national framework becomes operational and continuation of this agreement is not required.
• Termination for Breach: Either party may terminate immediately for a material breach if not remedied within fourteen (14) days of written notice.
• IP ownership: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, intellectual property arising from the Services vests in the ETB upon payment of the Fees.
• Sub-contracting rules: The Contractor shall not assign or subcontract this Agreement without prior written consent of the ETB. If sub-contracting is used for delivery, the sub-contractor must have a minimum of 4 years' experience delivering the course online.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Transitional Arrangement: The contract is part of transitional procurement arrangements, indicating potential future changes or a move to a national framework, which could affect longer-term continuity.
• Budget Contingency: Bidders must include a 10% contingency fund under "Other Costs," suggesting an expectation of unforeseen expenses.
• "Zero-Month" Extension: The contract specifies a potential extension of "zero (0) months," which is unusual and may indicate a fixed term with no planned extension.
• Funding and Demand Dependency: The disclaimer notes that all courses will run subject to demand and availability of budget. If either is insufficient, the course will not run, and the contract will not be issued. This introduces uncertainty regarding contract commencement and execution.
• No Compensation for Loss of Future Business: Upon termination, no compensation is payable for loss of future business, limiting contractor recourse.
• Online-Only Delivery: The entire course is online, requiring robust technical infrastructure and support for remote learners.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specialised expertise in delivering online training programmes, particularly in the field of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and UiPath certification.

• Credible Bidders: A viable bidder would be an established training provider with a proven track record in delivering online, tutor-led courses. They must possess the necessary accreditations or be able to demonstrate compliance with ISO9000 or equivalent standards. Crucially, they need to have tutors with specific UiPath expertise and the required years of instructional experience. If sub-contracting is used, the sub-contractor must also meet stringent experience requirements.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: Sub-contracting for delivery is permitted, provided the sub-contractor meets the specified experience criteria. The primary contractor remains responsible for the sub-contractor's performance. The formation of consortia is not explicitly mentioned but would likely require ETB approval.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Bid preparation would involve compiling detailed pricing schedules, tutor CVs and qualifications, evidence of management system certification, insurance documentation, and outlining online delivery processes. This could require 5-10 days of effort for a focused SME.
• Pwin Signal: The tender is an Open Procedure, suggesting it is open to all eligible bidders. The award is based on the lowest cost that meets minimum qualitative requirements, favouring cost-competitive providers. The "transitional arrangement" and "subject to demand and budget" clauses introduce some uncertainty. There is no clear indication of an incumbent or a sole-supplier framework.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename(s): Revised_CFT_Software_Process_Automation_Developer_Limerick_Contracted_Training.pdf, Appendix 4 Short Form Contract_Final.pdf, Appendix 5 Confidentiality Agreement.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: LCETB\2026\2812
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified in provided text.
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 4 – CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Schedule 1 – Description of Services
• Appendix 1 - PRICING SCHEDULE TEMPLATE