CP/2026/01 Careers Audience Consumer Research

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 conducting a research study aimed at understanding the future generation's expectations from third-level education and training in the tourism and hospitality sector. The contractor will be responsible for generating actionable insights that will inform Fáilte Ireland's strategic approach to career pathways and course promotion.

Key activities include:

• Research Design: Develop a comprehensive research methodology that includes qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Data Collection: Engage with target demographics through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data on career expectations.
• Analysis: Analyze collected data to identify trends and insights regarding the skills and qualifications sought by the future workforce.
• Reporting: Produce a detailed report summarizing findings, including recommendations for Fáilte Ireland on investment in education and training initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Present findings to Fáilte Ireland and relevant stakeholders, facilitating discussions on the implications of the research.

The contractor must ensure that the research aligns with Fáilte Ireland's objectives and contributes to building a sustainable talent pipeline for the tourism sector.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with Fáilte Ireland's strategic objectives to enhance the tourism and hospitality sector's workforce. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address skills shortages and ensure that educational offerings meet industry demands. The timing of this tender reflects an urgent need to adapt to changing workforce expectations and to invest in future career pathways. Fáilte Ireland has a history of collaborating with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism practices.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €120,000 over the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability Insurance: €13,000,000
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1,300,000 for each claim
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least three comparable projects completed in the last three years, demonstrating similar scope and complexity.
• 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, focusing on the balance between price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Use the specified template to outline costs.
• Case studies: Provide details of three relevant projects, with values ranging from €10,000 to €60,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will be awarded for a duration of 9 months, subject to operational reviews and budget availability. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Invoices will be paid within 15 days of receipt, provided there are no disputes.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Fáilte Ireland reserves the right to terminate the contract under specified conditions.
• IP ownership: All materials developed during the contract will be owned by Fáilte Ireland.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontracting is permitted, but the primary contractor must maintain overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks include:

• The requirement for a minimum turnover of €120,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The lack of specified certifications could lead to ambiguity regarding compliance.
• The absence of a clear timeline for the expected award and contract start may create uncertainty for bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in market research and analysis. Viable bidders should possess:

• Relevant experience in conducting similar research projects.
• The capacity to meet the insurance requirements.
• The ability to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Consortium arrangements are allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate on submissions. Bid preparation may require approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The incumbent's strength in the sector may influence the competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITT Careers Audience Consumer Research.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 – Fáilte Ireland Supply of Services Contract, Appendix 2 – A New Era for Irish Tourism: National Tourism Policy Statement.