Provision of Craft Apprenticeship Cards

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 production, printing, and issuance of Craft Apprenticeship national craft cards. The contract spans 24 months with potential extensions, focusing on delivering secure identification cards for apprenticeships.

• Production: Manufacture of secure identification cards.
• Printing: Overprinting of personalized data on cards.
• Issuance: Distribution of cards to designated recipients.
• Volume: Not specified, but must meet demand as per SOLAS requirements.
• Systems: Must integrate with existing SOLAS data systems for data transfer.
• Locations: Services to be provided across the Republic of Ireland.
• Workflows: Include data transfer, card production, quality assurance, and dispatch processes.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards in card security and data protection.
• Reporting: Monthly throughput and quarterly management reports required.
• Environmental Considerations: Adherence to sustainable sourcing and production practices.
• Social Considerations: Promote employee wellbeing and safety.

3. Background & buyer context

SOLAS is procuring this service to support the national apprenticeship program, ensuring apprentices have secure identification cards. This initiative aligns with broader educational and vocational training strategies in Ireland. The procurement is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and security of apprenticeship programs. No incumbent provider is mentioned, indicating a potential new opportunity for suppliers.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Minimum €180,000 annual turnover for each of the last 3 years.
• Insurance:
• Professional Liability: €1m per claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5m per claim.
• Employers Liability: €12.7m per claim.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Three contracts for secure identification cards, each valued at €200,000, within the last 3 years.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Services must be provided within the Republic of Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Price/quality split follows the MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) principle.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use named template, no page limits specified.
• CVs: Not specified for this tender.
• Pricing schedule: Must complete Section 3 Part 1 of the Tender Response Document.
• Case studies: Three required, each with a minimum contract value of €200,000.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable.
• Submission portal: eTenders, documents must be in English.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract is for 24 months with the possibility of two 12-month extensions. Payment terms are not specified beyond compliance with the Services Contract. Key SLAs include timely card issuance and adherence to data protection standards. Liquidated damages or penalties are not detailed. Termination clauses allow for a 14-day notice period. Intellectual Property rights are not specified. Sub-contracting is allowed, but the Prime Contractor must assume overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The turnover requirement of €180,000 may limit smaller firms. The insurance levels are high, potentially excluding smaller businesses. The need for integration with existing SOLAS systems could favor incumbents or those with prior experience. The contract's conditionality on extensions and the lack of a specified go-live date may introduce uncertainty.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for firms with experience in secure card production and issuance, capable of meeting the financial and insurance requirements. Consortium bids are allowed, which may benefit smaller firms. Bid preparation is moderate, likely requiring several days to compile necessary documentation and case studies. The presence of high insurance requirements and specific past experience criteria may favor larger or more specialized firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 2608-SO-N - Apprenticeship Cards_CfT.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: eTenders messaging facility
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement
• Appendix 5: Services Contract Terms