ComReg T21673 Request for Tenders (RFT) for the provision of a solutions architect and project manager to ComReg in relation to nuisance communications

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 a solutions architect and project manager to assist the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in addressing nuisance communications. The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Solutions Architecture: Design and implement solutions to mitigate nuisance communications, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Project Management: Oversee project timelines, resources, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with ComReg's strategic objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements and feedback.
• Documentation: Produce comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, technical specifications, and progress reports.
• Training and Support: Provide training to ComReg staff on new systems and processes developed during the project.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Assess the effectiveness of implemented solutions and provide regular updates to ComReg management.

The contractor is expected to be available for 5 days per week, with a minimum commitment of 40 weeks per annum over the 2-year contract period. The initial phase of the project is estimated to take approximately 12 days per month during the first 6 months, reducing to 1 day per month thereafter.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to enhance ComReg's capabilities in managing nuisance communications, a growing concern in the telecommunications sector. The initiative aligns with ComReg's strategic objectives to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the communications market. The contract is part of a broader effort to improve regulatory frameworks and operational efficiencies in response to evolving communication technologies and consumer needs. The incumbent provider is not specified in the documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 for any one claim or series of claims.
• Employer’s Liability: €12,700,000 for any one claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000 for each and every claim.
• 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.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing price and quality. No minimum scoring threshold is specified for individual criteria or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template, adhering to any page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Use the specified template for pricing, detailing daily/hourly rates and total costs.
• Case studies: Provide 2 case studies of similar projects, with values ranging from €50,000 to €200,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via eTenders in a single ZIP file.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extensions: The initial contract is for 2 years, with the option to extend for up to 12 months, with a maximum of two extensions.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the documents.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified in the documents.
• Termination clauses: ComReg reserves the right to terminate the contract for non-compliance or failure to meet performance standards.
• IP ownership: Not specified in the documents.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontractors must be disclosed and approved by ComReg.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Insurance requirements: The high levels of required insurance may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Lack of specified turnover: The absence of a minimum turnover requirement may lead to uncertainty regarding the financial stability of bidders.
• No incumbent specified: This could indicate a competitive landscape but may also suggest that the project is open to new entrants without prior experience with ComReg.
• Tight timelines: The expectation for a quick go-live in September 2026 may pose challenges for bidders to mobilize resources effectively.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate expertise in solutions architecture and project management. Viable bidders should have:

• Relevant experience in managing similar projects, ideally within the telecommunications sector.
• The capacity to meet the insurance requirements outlined.
• The ability to form consortia or subcontract with other firms to enhance capabilities.

Bid preparation is estimated to require approximately 10-15 days of effort, including time for documentation and case study preparation. The absence of an incumbent may provide an opportunity for SMEs to compete effectively, although the lack of specified turnover requirements could also attract larger firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT - T21673 Solutions architect and project manager to ComReg.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderers’ Statement