Facilitation and Development of Connexus Project

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 facilitation and development of the Connexus Project, a cross-border initiative aimed at enhancing digital inclusion and community capacity across six Connected Hubs in County Sligo. The contractor will work with Sligo County Council and partner organizations in Leitrim and Northern Ireland.

• Programme Planning & Coordination: Collaborate with hubs in Sligo, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEABC), and Leitrim County Council (LCC) to develop annual activity plans. Participate in cross-border planning workshops.
• Delivery of Hub-Based Programming: Design and deliver activities focusing on digital inclusion, health and wellbeing, enterprise support, and community development. Conduct digital skills sessions and training on ICT facilities.
• Cross-Border and Cross-Community Engagement: Support cross-border study visits and conferences. Prepare participants for exchange activities.
• Collaboration & Reporting: Attend monthly coordination meetings with Sligo County Council. Maintain monitoring records and provide quarterly progress reports.
• Communications & Promotion: Promote hub activities through social media and community networks. Support Connexus branding rollout.
• Compliance: Adhere to PEACEPLUS branding and data protection requirements. Ensure all staff are qualified and Garda-vetted.
• Deliverables: Conduct a minimum of two structured programme sessions per hub per week. Participate fully in Connexus cross-border programme elements.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of the PEACEPLUS IA2.4 Connexus Programme, supported by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The initiative aims to enhance digital inclusion and community capacity across the island of Ireland. Sligo County Council, in collaboration with Leitrim County Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, seeks to strengthen cross-border collaboration and community impact through this project. The strategic drivers include promoting digital literacy, reducing rural isolation, and fostering cross-community engagement.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Minimum turnover of €100,000 in one of the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Successful delivery of three comparable contracts involving community facilitation and EU-funded project management.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract is awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) with a price/quality split.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use named template, no page limits specified.
• CVs: Maximum two A4 pages per key personnel.
• Pricing schedule: Format as per named template.
• Case studies: Three required, demonstrating relevant experience.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders, electronic submission only.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract duration is 2 years and 10 months, ending by 31st March 2029. Payment terms are not specified. Key performance indicators include the delivery of structured programme sessions and compliance with SEUPB requirements. The contract allows for termination with 14 days' notice under certain conditions. Intellectual property ownership and sub-contracting rules are not specified. No parent-company guarantee or bond is required.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The contract's turnover requirement is relatively low, potentially opening the field to smaller firms. The geographic focus on Sligo and cross-border collaboration may limit the bidder pool to those with existing regional networks. The contract's success is contingent on ongoing external funding from SEUPB, which introduces a dependency risk. The requirement for cross-border engagement may pose challenges for firms without prior experience in such collaborations.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises with experience in community development and EU-funded projects. Firms should have a turnover exceeding €100,000 and the specified insurance cover. Consortium bids are allowed, encouraging partnerships. Bid preparation may require several days, given the need for detailed methodology and past project documentation. The presence of an incumbent is not specified, suggesting an open field for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Request for Tender Connexus Development Contract FINAL2.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Via www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Appendix B2 — Suitability Assessment, Mandatory Requirements Schedule