Evaluation Consultancy Services Framework

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Evaluation Consultancy Services Framework not stated €1,500,000 not stated Open procedure 3 not stated 48 months 18:00hrs on 16th July 2026 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) seeks to establish a multi-supplier framework agreement for evaluation consultancy services. The framework will consist of three distinct lots, each addressing specific evaluation needs. The contractor will provide services over a four-year term, with an estimated total of 760 days of consultancy work required.

The activities involved in this contract include:

• Lot 1: Senior Technical Advisory Services

• Provide senior technical advice during various stages of evaluations.

• Conduct quality assurance on evaluation processes.

• Lot 2: Building Evaluation Capacity and Culture

• Develop and deliver training and learning events on contemporary evaluation best practices.

• Provide guidance to DFAT staff to enhance evaluation skills.

• Lot 3: Evaluation Team

• Participate in evaluations as part of a team alongside DFAT’s Evaluation and Audit Unit (EAU).

• Conduct evaluations of DFAT Mission Strategies in partner countries.

Each assignment is expected to last between 50 to 80 days, with potential short-notice projects requiring completion within two weeks. Bidders must demonstrate the ability to deliver these services effectively, ensuring compliance with DFAT’s standards and expectations.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to enhance DFAT's evaluation capabilities in line with its strategic objectives. The framework aligns with DFAT's commitment to improving evaluation practices and ensuring accountability in its operations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen evaluation culture within the department, ensuring that evaluations are conducted with high standards of quality and relevance. The framework is designed to allow for flexibility in engaging consultants as needed, based on the evolving requirements of DFAT.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €100,000 over the last three financial reporting years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,700,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000
• 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.

Bidders must provide evidence of their financial stability and capability to deliver the required services.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) approach. The award criteria are as follows:

Bidders must score a minimum of 70% of the allocated marks in respect of each award criterion to be considered for the contract.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any page limits specified.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule using the specified template.
• Case studies: Provide two case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with values ranging from €75,000 to €1,225,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework agreement will have the following key terms:

• Term: 48 months, with potential extensions based on performance.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the documents.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: DFAT reserves the right to terminate the contract for serious breaches.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontractors must be identified, and the prime contractor must take overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €100,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, potentially favoring larger incumbents.
• The lack of specified past experience requirements may lead to ambiguity in evaluating bidders' qualifications.
• The absence of clear SLAs/KPIs could result in challenges in performance measurement.
• The framework does not guarantee a minimum value of services to be purchased, which may affect financial planning for successful bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with relevant evaluation experience. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in evaluation consultancy or related fields.
• The capacity to form consortia or subcontract with other SMEs to enhance their proposal.
• An indicative bid preparation effort of approximately 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the submission.

The presence of a minimum turnover requirement may signal a competitive environment, with incumbents potentially having an advantage due to established relationships with DFAT.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT - Evaluation Consultancy Framework.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement