T.034.2026 Request for Tenders for the provision of Managed Cloud Services for An Garda Síochána

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 contract involves the provision of Managed Cloud Services for An Garda Síochána, which includes a comprehensive suite of cloud-based solutions tailored to meet the operational needs of the police service. The contractor will be responsible for delivering services that ensure data security, system availability, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Key activities include:

• Infrastructure Management: Provision and management of cloud infrastructure, ensuring 24/7 operational availability.
• Data Security: Implementation of security measures compliant with ISO 27001 and NIS2 standards.
• Service Transition: Transitioning existing services to the cloud environment, including the migration of data and applications.
• Support Services: Offering technical support and maintenance for cloud services, including incident management and problem resolution.
• Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of service performance, with reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Capacity Planning: Regular assessments of cloud resource usage to ensure scalability and efficiency.
• Compliance Management: Ensuring all services meet legal and regulatory requirements, particularly concerning data protection and privacy.

The contractor will operate under a service level agreement (SLA) that stipulates performance metrics and response times for service requests and incidents.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with An Garda Síochána's strategic initiative to modernize its IT infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency through cloud technology. The decision to procure Managed Cloud Services is driven by the need for improved data management, security, and accessibility in line with the digital transformation goals set forth by the Irish government. The initiative is part of a broader effort to leverage technology in public safety and law enforcement.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €800,000 over the past three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Cyber Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Certifications: Compliance with ISO 27001 standards.
• Past experience: Minimum of 3 comparable projects in the last 5 years, each with a value exceeding €400,000.
• Personnel: At least one project manager with a minimum of 8 years of ICT experience and 5 years managing enterprise managed cloud services.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Tenderers must achieve a minimum score of 60% on each criterion to be considered for award.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement: A response document following the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Completed using the specified template.
• Case studies: At least 3 case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values ranging from €400,000 to €1 million.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders portal, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: Initial duration of 3 years, with the possibility of 4 extensions of up to 12 months each.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract, with all prices quoted being inclusive of all costs except VAT.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance metrics will be outlined in the SLA, including uptime guarantees and response times for incidents.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified, but penalties may apply for failure to meet service levels.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated with 14 days' notice under certain conditions.
• IP ownership: Not specified in the documents.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the primary contractor must maintain overall responsibility for the contract.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €800,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Geographic constraints: Not specified, but potential bidders should ensure compliance with any location-based requirements.
• Incumbent advantage: Existing providers may have an advantage due to familiarity with the operational environment and existing systems.
• Tight timelines: The go-live date is not specified, which may indicate a need for rapid implementation post-award.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the following characteristics:

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in managed cloud services, particularly those with a proven track record in public sector contracts.
• Consortiums allowed: Bidders may form consortiums or subcontract to meet the eligibility criteria.
• Bid preparation effort: Estimated at 10-15 days to compile necessary documentation and prepare a competitive bid.
• Pwin signal: The presence of an incumbent may indicate a lower probability of winning for new entrants unless they can demonstrate significant value or innovation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: T.034.2026 RFT_Managed Cloud Services_AGS.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified; queries must be directed through the eTenders messaging facility.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement