Framework for the Delivery of the Digital for Business Programme on behalf of Roscommon County Council

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 establishing a panel of consultants and mentors to deliver the Digital for Business Programme for the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Roscommon. The programme aims to support local businesses in digital transformation initiatives, enhancing their online presence and operational efficiency. The scale of the work includes providing expert guidance and mentorship to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Roscommon.

The contractor's day-to-day activities will include:

• Consultation Services: Providing one-on-one consultations with local businesses to assess their digital needs and develop tailored strategies.
• Workshops and Training: Conducting workshops on various digital topics, including e-commerce, digital marketing, and social media strategies.
• On-site Visits: Performing a minimum of one on-site visit per business to ensure personalized support and implementation of strategies.
• Reporting: Documenting progress and outcomes of consultations and workshops, including feedback from participants.
• Implementation Support: Assisting businesses in implementing recommended digital tools and strategies within a timeframe of 3 to 6 months.
• Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of the digital initiatives and providing follow-up support as necessary.

The contractor must ensure that all activities align with public health guidelines and government recommendations.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated as part of Roscommon County Council's commitment to enhancing local business capabilities through digital transformation. The Digital for Business Programme aligns with national policies aimed at fostering economic growth and resilience among SMEs. The Local Enterprise Office Roscommon has a history of supporting local businesses, and this initiative is expected to build on previous successful programs. The urgency of this procurement reflects the increasing need for businesses to adapt to digital trends, particularly in light of recent economic challenges.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €2,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €200,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Bidders must demonstrate relevant experience in delivering comparable projects, although specific minimum numbers are not stated.
• Personnel: Bidders must provide CVs for key personnel, confirming their qualifications and relevant experience.
• 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, balancing quality and price. There are no minimum scoring thresholds specified for individual criteria or overall.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the named template provided, adhering to any page limits specified.
• CVs: Provide CVs for key personnel, with a specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Format as per the named template.
• Case studies: Include a specified number of case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with value ranges.
• Declarations: Complete necessary declarations, including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: If applicable, details will be provided in the tender documents.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made through eTenders, following specific format rules outlined in the tender documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made based on the agreed daily rates, with a maximum of €900 per day, inclusive of all expenses but exclusive of VAT.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns for bidders include:

• Insurance requirements: The high levels of required insurance may limit participation from smaller firms that do not currently meet these thresholds.
• Experience requirements: The lack of specific minimum experience requirements may lead to ambiguity in evaluation, potentially disadvantaging less experienced bidders.
• On-site visit requirement: The expectation of on-site visits may pose logistical challenges, especially under public health guidelines.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises with expertise in digital transformation and consultancy. Viable bidders should possess:

• Relevant digitalisation qualifications and experience in delivering similar programmes.
• The capacity to conduct on-site consultations and workshops.
• The ability to meet the insurance requirements specified.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, but bidders may need to demonstrate that any partners meet the selection criteria. Preparation for the bid may require several days of effort, including assembling documentation and case studies. The presence of high insurance and experience thresholds may signal a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents have a strong track record.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Appendix III_ TenderResponseDocument.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Questions and Answers facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Appendix II_ TenderResponseDocument_ LEORoscommon.docx, Appendix III_ TenderResponseDocument.docx