Provision of Solutions Architect and Project Manager for 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 Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) seeks to procure consultancy services for a Solutions Architect and Project Manager to assist with nuisance communications. The estimated expenditure for these services over the contract term, including any extensions, is €500,000 (excluding VAT). The contract is for an initial period of one year, with ComReg holding the option to extend the term for up to an additional 12 months.

The core of the services involves providing expert assistance to ComReg in managing and addressing issues related to nuisance communications. While specific day-to-day tasks are not detailed in the provided metadata, the roles of Solutions Architect and Project Manager imply the following key activities:

• Solutions Architecture:
• Designing, developing, and implementing technical solutions to identify, track, and mitigate nuisance communications.
• Evaluating existing systems and recommending improvements or new technologies.
• Ensuring solutions align with ComReg's strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Providing technical guidance and expertise on communication technologies and data analysis.
• Project Management:
• Planning, executing, and closing projects related to nuisance communications initiatives.
• Defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Managing project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Coordinating with internal ComReg teams and potentially external stakeholders.
• Risk management and issue resolution throughout project lifecycles.
• Reporting on project progress and outcomes.
• Knowledge Transfer:
• An initial formal induction and knowledge transfer phase, estimated to last approximately one week, is required to facilitate the establishment of activities.
• Resource Availability:
• The successful tenderer must have resources available for up to 5 days per week. It is envisioned that 60-80% of this capacity will be utilised.
• Legal Proceedings Support:
• Providing necessary assistance and support to ComReg in the event of any legal proceedings. Fees for such services will be calculated based on the maximum rates specified in the Pricing Schedule.

The services are expected to commence in September 2026.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), Ireland's statutory body responsible for regulating the communications sector. The tender is driven by the need to address issues surrounding nuisance communications, a persistent challenge within the regulatory landscape. ComReg's policy aims to encourage participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in this competition, suggesting a desire for diverse supplier engagement. Larger enterprises are also encouraged to consider how SMEs can be included in their proposals. The estimated value of the services exceeds the threshold for the application of the EU Directive on public procurement, necessitating an open procedure advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7M limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €6.5M limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Professional Indemnity: €150,000 for any one occurrence and in the aggregate per insurance year. (Note: A separate "DO-NOT-USE-AS-BINDING" phrase indicates €1 million for each and every claim, which may be a higher, potentially preferred, or alternative requirement. Bidders should clarify this ambiguity).
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Details of previous experience are required as part of the selection criteria (see Section 3.2.B of the RFT). Specific minimum numbers or values are not stated in the provided metadata.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender, beyond the requirement for a Solutions Architect and Project Manager.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria will determine the successful tenderer. The tender will be evaluated based on a combination of price and quality. The specific weighting for each criterion is not detailed in the provided metadata, but the evaluation will consider responses to the Award Criteria set out in Part 3, Section 3.3 of the RFT, including the completed Pricing Schedule.

The tender will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT).

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders.gov.ie portal as a single ZIP file containing four clearly identified sections:

• Section 1: Compliance
• Tenderer’s Statement (Appendix 3), printed on letterhead, signed by an authorised representative.
• e-ESPD (European Single Procurement Document).
• Details of Registrable Interest (or confirmation of none).
• Details of any Conflicts of Interest (or confirmation of none).
• Documents A-D must be executed by each Consortium Member and Subcontractor.
• Section 2: Selection Criteria
• Bankers Letter (Part 3, 3.2.A).
• Details of Previous Experience (Part 3, 3.2.B).
• Organisational Structure (Part 3, 3.2.B).
• Section 3: Award Criteria
• Responses to each Award Criterion (Part 3, 3.3).
• Completed Pricing Schedule (Appendix 2).
• Section 4: Not explicitly detailed in the provided metadata, but implied by the structure.

Additional requirements include:

• Tenders must be submitted in English.
• Documents must be text-searchable (not scanned images).
• A file size limit of 250MB per file, with a total limit of 500MB for all documents combined.
• Tenders must be prepared autonomously and independently.
• Tenderers must confirm acceptance of the Services Contract terms (Appendix 6) via the Tenderer's Statement.

7. Key dates & process

These dates are indicative and ComReg reserves the right to amend them.

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The Services Contract will have an initial term of one year.
• Extension: ComReg reserves the right to extend the term for up to 12 months, with a maximum of one such extension.
• Payment: Payments will be made within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice, in accordance with the Services Contract terms.
• Pricing: Maximum daily rates quoted in the Pricing Schedule will remain fixed for the duration of the contract, with no inflationary increases, except as provided for in the contract. Changes in key personnel must be notified, and ComReg may seek equivalent replacements at the original daily rate.
• Termination: Not specified in the provided metadata.
• IP Ownership: Not specified in the provided metadata.
• Sub-contracting: Permitted, but Consortium Members and Subcontractors must meet eligibility criteria and may be required to sign confidentiality agreements.
• Guarantees/Bonds: A Consortium may be required to establish legal personality. Tenderers must accept joint and several liability.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated Value vs. Contract Term: The estimated contract value of €500,000 (excl. VAT) over a potential 2-year term (1 year + 1-year extension) suggests a daily rate ceiling that may be restrictive for highly experienced senior consultants, particularly for a full 5-day week commitment. Bidders must carefully price within this constraint.
• Insurance Ambiguity: There is a discrepancy between the stated Professional Indemnity insurance requirement (€150,000 aggregate) and a separately listed figure (€1 million per claim). Bidders should seek clarification on the definitive requirement.
• SME Encouragement: While ComReg encourages SME participation, the nature of the roles (Solutions Architect and Project Manager) often requires significant experience, which might favour larger, established consultancies or specialist niche firms. SMEs are encouraged to form consortia.
• Limited Clarification Contact: All queries must be submitted via the eTenders messaging facility by a strict deadline. Direct contact with ComReg is not permitted.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to a range of bidders, including SMEs, larger enterprises, and consortia. A viable bidder would typically possess:

• Specialist Expertise: Proven experience in solutions architecture and project management, specifically within the telecommunications or regulatory sectors, with a focus on managing complex communication issues.
• Consultancy Background: A track record of delivering similar consultancy services to public sector bodies or large organisations.
• Resource Capacity: The ability to provide dedicated resources for up to 5 days per week, with a significant portion of that time being actively utilised.
• Consortium Potential: SMEs are encouraged to form consortia to pool resources and expertise, thereby meeting the requirements. Larger enterprises are encouraged to include SMEs in their proposals.

The bid preparation effort is likely to be moderate, requiring detailed responses to selection and award criteria, including a pricing schedule and evidence of past experience. The "Pwin" signal is not strong for any single incumbent, as this appears to be a new requirement for specific expertise. The encouragement of consortia suggests the market is open to new entrants or collaborative bids.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: RFT - Consultancy Service (Non-Framework) ComReg Ref T21946
• eTenders CFT ID: Not explicitly stated in the provided metadata.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 6: Services Contract