Multi-Party Framework for the Printing, Refurbishing, and Installation of Internal and External Signage, including Graphic Design

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 provision of printing, refurbishing, and installation of internal and external signage, including graphic design services. The framework is intended to cover a range of signage needs for the Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (ETB) and potentially other framework clients. The estimated value for the single lot is €215,000 over the term of the agreement.

The scope of work encompasses the following key activities:

• Printing of Signage: This includes the production of various types of signage materials. Specific details on materials, sizes, and quantities will be detailed in individual orders placed under the framework.
• Refurbishing of Signage: The framework will cover the repair and restoration of existing signage. This implies assessing the condition of current signage and undertaking necessary work to bring it back to a satisfactory standard.
• Installation of Signage: This involves the physical fitting of new or refurbished signage at designated locations. The scope includes installation at any location specified by the Client in Ireland, without limit to the number of locations. Installation will include unloading, stacking, or fitting of the goods at the Client's premises as directed.
• Graphic Design Services: The framework includes the provision of graphic design expertise. This suggests that contractors will be expected to contribute to the design aspects of signage, ensuring visual appeal and adherence to branding guidelines.
• Delivery: Goods are to be delivered carriage paid to various locations as specified in orders, along with necessary delivery documentation. Pending delivery, the goods remain at the risk of the Contractor.
• Compliance: Contractors must comply with all applicable laws, including environmental, social, and labour law, as well as specific regulations such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). They are also responsible for all statutory employer requirements.
• Subcontracting: The Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for its subcontractors. Subcontractors must also comply with the terms of the agreement. The Client can require the replacement of a subcontractor if exclusion grounds apply.
• Quality and Inspection: The Contractor guarantees the goods for a specified period against faulty materials or workmanship. The Client may inspect or test goods during manufacture or upon completion. Rejected goods must be removed by the Contractor within a specified timeframe.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (ETB). The establishment of this multi-party framework aims to streamline the procurement of signage services, providing a pre-vetted list of suppliers for future needs. The framework is designed to be flexible, allowing for the addition or removal of locations during its life. The value of the framework is estimated at €215,000. The tender documents indicate that the framework is intended to cover a range of signage requirements, from initial design and printing to installation and refurbishment, suggesting a need for comprehensive signage management solutions.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

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

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million for any one claim and unlimited in the period of insurance.
• Public Liability: €2.6 million for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence per period of insurance.
• Product Liability: €1 million for any one claim per insurance year.
• 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, beyond the requirement for delivery within Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not fully detailed in the provided extract. However, the documents indicate that the lowest cost tender that also meets all minimum qualitative requirements will be considered. The evaluation panel may award a minimum of 70% of the total marks available. The contract will be awarded based on the principle of Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT).

6. Submission requirements

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

• Method statement / response document: Not specified for this tender.
• CVs: Not specified for this tender.
• Pricing schedule: Not specified for this tender.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (confirming no exclusion grounds apply).
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Any registerable interest involving a Framework Member and the Contracting Authority, any Framework Client, member of the Government, etc.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Bids must be submitted via www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The agreement has an effective date and expires on a specified date, unless terminated or lawfully extended. The Client reserves the right to extend the term for up to [Insert number] months, with a maximum of [Insert number] 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. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 calendar days. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2012 apply.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Clause 2D states that time of delivery is of the essence. Failure to deliver within the specified time may entitle the Client to terminate the agreement without further liability. Clause 2E outlines a potential liquidated damages regime for late delivery, allowing for deduction of an amount per week/day of late delivery, up to a maximum, and potentially leading to termination.
• Termination clauses: Either party can terminate with [insert period of time months] written notice. Either party can terminate immediately for serious breach (if not remedied within 30 days), insolvency, conflict of interest, or registrable interest. The Client can also terminate if exclusion grounds apply to the Contractor or if the Contractor falls within prohibited economic operators under EU Regulation 2022/576.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: The Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for subcontractors. The Client can require the replacement of subcontractors if exclusion grounds apply. 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

• Value vs. Term: The estimated value of €215,000 is relatively low for a multi-party framework, suggesting that individual call-off contracts may be small, or the framework duration is expected to be short.
• Unspecified details: Several key contract terms, such as the exact contract length, extension periods, and specific liquidated damages amounts, are marked as "[Insert number]" or "[Insert amount]", requiring clarification or further detail from the contracting authority.
• Delivery to any location: The requirement for delivery to "any location specified by the Client, in Ireland, without limit to the number of locations" could present logistical challenges for bidders not accustomed to widespread delivery networks.
• Potential for frequent call-offs: As a multi-party framework, there is a possibility of frequent, smaller orders rather than a few large ones, which may impact contractor resource planning.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in signage production, installation, and graphic design. The estimated value of €215,000 suggests that the framework is not intended for very large-scale projects, making it accessible to smaller firms.

• Credible bidders: A viable bidder would possess established capabilities in printing, sign manufacturing, installation, and graphic design. They would need to demonstrate compliance with the significant insurance requirements. Experience in public sector contracts or similar environments would be advantageous.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: The contract documents do not explicitly prohibit consortia. However, the Contractor is designated as the "prime contractor" with full responsibility for subcontractors, implying that while subcontracting is permitted, the primary entity must manage all aspects.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Given the insurance requirements and the need to detail operational capabilities for printing, refurbishing, installation, and design, bid preparation could require 10-20 days of effort for a focused SME. This includes gathering insurance certificates, detailing processes, and preparing any required documentation.
• Pwin signal: The tender is structured as a multi-party framework, which generally aims to broaden the supplier base. However, the specific insurance requirements and the potential for frequent, smaller call-offs might favour established suppliers with robust operational capacity and financial stability. The absence of specific turnover or past experience criteria in the provided text suggests a potentially open field, but the insurance levels are a significant hurdle.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): [App5a_Goods Contract (OGP0124).docx]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie
• Most important attachments:
• [App5a_Goods Contract (OGP0124).docx] (The Goods Contract itself)
• Schedule B (Specification) - referenced for Goods details.
• Schedule C (Charges) - referenced for payment details.