HR/2026/03 Single Party Framework Agreement for ICT and Digital Capability Training

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

Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, procured a single-party framework agreement for ICT and Digital Capability Training. The estimated value of this framework is €200,000.00. The contract duration is for 4 years. The primary objective is to support the ongoing development of ICT and digital capability across Fáilte Ireland's organisation.

The training services will be delivered primarily through online live learning. However, there may be a requirement for in-person or e-learning modules. The scope encompasses providing professional training to enhance expertise, knowledge, and skills that align with Fáilte Ireland's Vision, Mission, and Strategy.

Key activities and requirements include:

• Training Delivery Methods: Predominantly online live learning, with potential for in-person sessions and e-learning modules.
• Capability Development: Focus on enhancing ICT and digital capabilities within Fáilte Ireland staff.
• Alignment with Strategy: Training content must align with Fáilte Ireland's Vision, Mission, and Strategy.
• Quality Assurance: Tenderers must demonstrate adequate measures for quality service delivery.
• Professional Development: Tenderers must show established training and professional development procedures.
• Technical Systems: Tenderers must possess effective and efficient technical systems for service delivery.
• Human Resources: Tenderers must have an appropriate number of qualified resources with relevant experience.
• Contractual Framework: The agreement is a framework agreement, with call-off contracts to be awarded via a template Task Order.
• Pricing: Rates quoted are maximum rates for the duration of the framework.

The framework aims to leverage efficiency in processes and methods, delivering effectiveness and value for money for Fáilte Ireland.

3. Background & buyer context

Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, is procuring these training services to support its strategic objective of sustaining Ireland as a high-quality and competitive tourism destination. The organisation provides practical business supports to tourism businesses and promotes Ireland as a holiday destination. Fáilte Ireland is committed to sustainable procurement, aiming to achieve value for money while minimising environmental impact and delivering wider social aims such as diversity and inclusion. This framework agreement is adopted to leverage efficiency in services, processes, and methods, ensuring effectiveness and value for money. The procurement aligns with the Government's climate policy through the incorporation of green criteria.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement:
• Average annual turnover of at least €100,000 during any of the previous 3 financial years.
• Note: For consortia, this condition can be met by the group members collectively.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: €13,000,000 indemnity limit.
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000 indemnity limit.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1,300,000 indemnity limit.
• Certifications:
• Up-to-date Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Past experience:
• Details of 3 contracts undertaken within the last 3 years demonstrating experience of successfully providing a service of similar scope, scale, and complexity. Tenderers must clearly state their organisation's specific delivery under these contracts.
• Personnel:
• Demonstrate an appropriate number of suitably qualified resources with relevant experience.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award of the framework agreement will be based on a combination of quality and cost. The evaluation process involves a pass/fail stage followed by scoring against specific award criteria.

The tenderer with the lowest total cost that also meets all minimum qualitative award criteria will receive the maximum score for the cost criterion. Tenderers must pass all pass/fail criteria to be considered for the award process.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform. The following components are required:

• Method statement / response document: Tenderers must follow the sequence and format of the provided response document template.
• CVs: Not explicitly mentioned, but implied under Human Resources requirements.
• Pricing schedule: Tender prices must be submitted in Euro only. Rates quoted are maximum rates for the framework duration.
• Case studies: Details of 3 comparable contracts undertaken within the last 3 years.
• Declarations:
• Tenderers' Statement (must be completed and signed).
• Declaration of financial capacity and insurance.
• Confirmation of agreement to the 12-month tender validity period.
• Declaration on the use of Artificial Intelligence in tender preparation.
• Tax Clearance Certificate (must be up-to-date).
• Conflict of Interest disclosure.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie. No other submission methods will be accepted.
• File size limits: Maximum 250MB per file, with a total limit of 2GB for all documentation.
• Consortia and Subcontractors: Details must be provided if applicable.

7. Key dates & process

* Fáilte Ireland intends to adhere to these dates but reserves the right to change them.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: The framework agreement duration is 4 years. The delivery period for subsequent contracts may extend beyond the framework expiry.
• Payment terms: Payment will be made within 15 days of receipt of a correct and appropriately vouched invoice, provided there is no dispute. Fáilte Ireland operates in accordance with EU Regulations on Late Payment.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the provided extract.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: All programmes developed or used, and associated material, will be owned by Fáilte Ireland. The service provider must provide this to Fáilte Ireland upon contract termination.
• Sub-contracting rules: Tenderers must indicate the proportion of the contract intended for subcontracting and list proposed sub-contractors and their services. The successful tenderer must designate a single entity (Prime Contractor) responsible for the contract.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Single-Party Framework: The tender specifies a "Single Party Framework Agreement," indicating only one supplier will be appointed to the framework. This limits competition post-award.
• No Guaranteed Award: While admitted to the framework, there is no guarantee that any specific contract will be awarded to the appointed company. Fáilte Ireland reserves the right to conduct separate procurements outside the framework.
• Maximum Rates: Quoted rates are maximums for the duration, implying potential for negotiation downwards but no upward adjustment.
• Tender Validity: A 12-month tender validity period is required, which is substantial and requires bidders to commit resources for an extended period before potential award.
• No Amendments to Tender Documents: Tenderers are strictly prohibited from amending or deleting sections of the tender documents or the Services Contract. Doing so may lead to disqualification.
• Strict Submission Method: Tenders must be submitted exclusively via the eTenders electronic tenderbox. Any other submission method will result in disqualification.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a single-party framework agreement, meaning only one supplier will be appointed. The estimated value of €200,000 over 4 years suggests a moderate ongoing spend.

• Who can credibly bid: A small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with a strong track record in delivering ICT and digital capability training, particularly online live learning, could be a suitable bidder. The requirement for 3 comparable contracts within the last 3 years indicates a need for demonstrable experience. The insurance requirements, particularly Professional Indemnity at €1.3 million, are significant but potentially manageable for established SMEs.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Consortia are permitted, and subcontracting is allowed. This offers opportunities for SMEs to partner with other firms to meet requirements or to bid for specific elements if they lack full capability.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparing a compliant bid will require significant effort. This includes gathering details for the 3 case studies, ensuring insurance and financial capacity meet the thresholds, detailing HR and technical systems, and completing all declarations. An estimate of 5-10 days of dedicated effort for a small team is reasonable.
• Pwin signal: The single-party nature of the framework and the absence of an incumbent mention suggest a competitive process. However, the specific nature of ICT and digital training means that a provider with a highly specialised offering or a strong existing relationship with Fáilte Ireland (though not explicitly stated as an advantage) might have an edge. The emphasis on quality alongside cost suggests that technical capability and experience are paramount.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITT ICT and Digital Capability Training.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Messaging body on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 1 – Fáilte Ireland Supply of Services Contract
• Appendix 2 – Framework Task Order
• Appendix 3 – Award Criterion D - Cost