Call for Tender for the Provision of Website Development and Support Services

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 redevelopment of the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) website, BIM.ie, to create a modern, accessible, user-centred platform that aligns with BIM's mission to enhance the Irish seafood sector. The project aims to deliver a website that is intuitive, informative, and compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards.

Key activities include:

• Website Design and Implementation: Develop a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily find and understand information related to BIM services, supports, grants, and training.
• Content Management Framework: Establish a robust content governance framework to ensure ongoing management and quality of website content.
• User Experience Research: Conduct user research to inform design decisions and validate the website's information architecture.
• Accessibility Compliance: Ensure the website meets or exceeds WCAG 2.2 AA standards at launch and maintains these standards throughout its lifecycle.
• Training and Support: Provide training for BIM staff on content management and website governance to empower them to manage the site effectively.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Offer support services for the website post-launch, including performance monitoring and updates.

The project is expected to be completed within a six-month timeframe, with a focus on delivering a clear, trustworthy, and accessible digital channel for the seafood industry.

3. Background & buyer context

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is Ireland's Seafood Development Agency, tasked with supporting the growth and sustainability of the Irish seafood sector. This tender aligns with BIM's corporate strategy, "Turning the Tide" (2022-2026), which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the seafood industry. The current website has been assessed as needing improvement to better serve its users, prompting this tender for redevelopment.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €250,000 over the past three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Product Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1.3 million
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Cyber Liability: €5 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of three comparable projects in website delivery within the last three years.
• 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 overall scoring will follow a price/quality split, with a total of 7,000 marks available.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, with a specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the Annex 2 Form of Tender.
• Case studies: Provide details of three relevant projects.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Not specified.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Performance monitoring and maintenance obligations.
• Liquidated damages: 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 concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €250,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The absence of specified geographic constraints could lead to a wider pool of bidders, but the lack of clarity may also create uncertainty.
• The requirement for extensive accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.2 AA) may pose challenges for firms without prior experience in this area.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid for this tender should have:

• Relevant experience in website development, particularly in user-centred and accessible design.
• The capacity to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.
• A well-qualified team with experience in similar projects.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, suggesting that bidders should be prepared to undertake the project independently. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at several days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of established firms in the sector may indicate a competitive landscape, but the tender is open to all qualified vendors.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: CFT - Provision of Website Development and Support Services (BIM 2026-04).pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified.
• Important attachments:
• Annex 2 - Form of Tender
• Annex 5 - Tender Response Document
• Draft Contract