2026/27 Multi Party Framework Agreement for Supply and Delivery of Audio-Visual Sound Production and Broadcasting Equipment in 2 Lots

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

This tender seeks to establish a multi-party framework agreement for the supply and delivery of audio-visual sound production and broadcasting equipment. The agreement will be structured into two lots, with a minimum of two suppliers intended to be awarded to each lot. The estimated total value for the framework is €216,000.00.

The scope of work for successful tenderers involves the supply and delivery of a range of audio-visual sound production and broadcasting equipment. While a comprehensive list of specific items is detailed in Appendix 4 of the Call for Tender (CFT), key activities and requirements include:

• Supply of Core and Non-Core Items: Tenderers must be capable of supplying a minimum of 95% of the goods listed in Appendix 4. For evaluation purposes, a discount percentage for non-core items will be applied to a notional sum of €1,000 (ex VAT).
• Equipment Suitability and Performance: Bidders must detail their proposed equipment and associated products, outlining their suitability and performance capabilities.
• Delivery: Goods are to be delivered to any location specified by the Contracting Authority in Ireland, without limit to the number of locations. Delivery includes unloading, stacking, or installation at the designated premises.
• Compliance: All goods supplied must conform to the specification, meet minimum requirements, and comply with applicable laws, including environmental, social, and labour law.
• Packaging and Marking: Goods must be packed and marked appropriately, in accordance with instructions, statutory requirements, and carrier/manufacturer needs. Hazardous goods require prominent warnings.
• Quality Assurance: Tenderers must guarantee goods for a specified period against faulty materials or workmanship. Rejected goods must be promptly repaired or replaced.
• Instruction: Where indicated in the Specification, charges must include the cost of instructing the Contracting Authority's personnel in the use and maintenance of the goods.

The framework agreement is intended to cover the period from the effective date until a specified expiry date, with the Contracting Authority reserving the right to extend the term for up to 12 months, with a maximum of two such extensions.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). The tender aims to establish a multi-party framework agreement for the supply and delivery of audio-visual sound production and broadcasting equipment. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of equipping educational and training facilities with necessary technology to support modern learning and operational needs. The framework is designed to provide a streamlined and efficient procurement route for LMETB and potentially other public bodies requiring such equipment. The previous procurement process, the Call for Tender (CFT), was advertised on etenders.gov.ie on 22nd July 2026, with a closing date of 5th August 2026.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered for this framework agreement, potential bidders must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover requirement: Confirmation that turnover exceeded €200,000.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13m minimum indemnity limit.
• Public Liability: €6.5m minimum indemnity limit.
• Product Liability (goods only): €6 minimum indemnity limit.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also describe how their proposed solution meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set out in Appendix 4 of the CFT, detailing the suitability and performance of their proposed equipment.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not fully detailed in the provided extract. However, the tender documents indicate that tenderers must achieve minimum marks allocated to each criterion. The evaluation panel may award a minimum of 70% of the total marks available if a tenderer scores 3 or more points. The specific weighting for each criterion, including the price/quality split (MEAT), is not detailed in the provided text.

6. Submission requirements

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

• Method statement / response document: A detailed description of the proposed solution, outlining its suitability and performance ability, and explaining why the proposed equipment is suitable. This should address how the solution meets or exceeds minimum requirements.
• CVs: Not specified for this tender.
• Pricing schedule: A schedule detailing the charges for goods, including a discount for non-core items. For evaluation, a discount percentage for non-core items will be applied to a notional sum of €1,000 (ex VAT). If no discount is offered, the full €1,000 will be applied.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number are required to facilitate payment.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer, confirming no exclusion grounds apply.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders are to be submitted via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: The agreement has an initial term expiring on a specified date, with the right for the Contracting Authority to extend it for up to 12 months, with a maximum of two such extensions.
• Payment terms: Payment of charges is subject to contractor compliance with the agreement, submission of valid invoices, and possession of a current Tax Clearance Certificate. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012 apply. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 calendar days.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not explicitly detailed as SLAs/KPIs, but delivery time is of the essence. Failure to deliver within the promised time may lead to termination.
• Liquidated damages: A penalty regime for late delivery is outlined, allowing the Contracting Authority to deduct a percentage per week of late delivery, up to a specified threshold. Exceeding this threshold can lead to termination.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice if a Force Majeure Event continues for a specified number of days. The Contracting Authority can terminate for late delivery or breach.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: The Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for subcontractors. Subcontracts must include a right for the Contractor to terminate if exclusion grounds apply to the subcontractor.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Low Estimated Value vs. Framework Nature: The estimated value of €216,000 for a multi-party framework agreement over an unspecified term appears low. This suggests that individual call-offs under the framework may be small, or the framework might be used for a limited duration or by a restricted number of entities.
• Limited Detail on Award Criteria: The absence of specific weighting for award criteria and the price/quality split makes it difficult to fully assess the evaluation process.
• Turnover Requirement: The turnover requirement of €200,000 is close to the total estimated framework value, which could be a barrier for very small businesses or indicate a focus on established suppliers.
• IPI Measure Obligations: The tender includes specific obligations related to the "Inclusion of Public Procurement in the Union" (IPI) measure, requiring contractors to limit subcontracting to third countries subject to an IPI measure and potentially pay a charge (10-30% of contract value) for non-observance. This adds a compliance layer.
• No Minimum Purchase Obligation: Clause 6A(8) explicitly states the Contracting Authority is under no obligation to purchase any minimum number or value of Goods, meaning awarded suppliers may receive minimal or no orders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a multi-party framework agreement, allowing for multiple suppliers to be appointed to each of the two lots. The estimated total value is €216,000.

• Who can credibly bid: A credible bidder would be a supplier with a proven track record in supplying audio-visual sound production and broadcasting equipment. They must meet the insurance requirements (€13m Employers Liability, €6.5m Public Liability, €6m Product Liability) and demonstrate a turnover exceeding €200,000. The requirement to supply a minimum of 95% of listed goods suggests a need for a broad product catalogue or strong sourcing capabilities.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Sub-contracting is permitted, but the prime contractor assumes full responsibility. The IPI measure obligations regarding subcontracting to third countries are a key consideration. Consortium bids are not explicitly mentioned but are generally permissible in public procurement if structured correctly.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Given the need to detail proposed solutions, meet insurance thresholds, and address specific contractual clauses like the IPI measure, bid preparation could require 5-10 days of effort for a focused team.
• Pwin signal: The tender is for a framework agreement, which implies competition. The requirement for a minimum of two suppliers per lot reinforces this. The €200,000 turnover threshold and specific insurance levels suggest a market segment that is accessible to established SMEs, but not necessarily micro-enterprises. The IPI measure obligations may deter some international suppliers.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): [2026 27 Appendix 2 FW_Contract_T&C_Goods.DOCX]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Clarifications are to be submitted via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 4 (Specification of Goods)
• Schedule A: Terms and Conditions
• Schedule C: Charges