2026 25 Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the Supply and Delivery of Promotional Clothing including Embroidery

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

This tender seeks to establish a multi-supplier framework agreement for the supply and delivery of promotional clothing, including embroidery services. The framework will be used by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (ETB) and potentially other public bodies. The estimated value for the initial 12-month term is €130,000.

The contractor's responsibilities will include:

• Supply of Promotional Clothing: Providing a range of clothing items as specified, with a minimum requirement to supply 95% of the goods listed in Appendix 5.
• Embroidery Services: Applying college logos to the specified clothing items.
• Delivery: Delivering the finished goods to the Contracting Authority.

Specific items for which samples are required include:

• Half Zip: Lightweight technical 1/4 Zip, polyester/elastane blend (80% upwards), breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, stretch elastic cuff, auto-lock half zip, at least one zipped pocket. Must include college logo on the left-hand side, embroidered.
• Hoodies: Fabric composition of 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester for the body, with overlays of 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton. Ribbed cuffs and hem. Must include college logo on the left-hand side, embroidered.
• Polo Shirts: Self-fabric collar, stretch fabric, three-button placket, optional side slits. Must include college logo on the left-hand side, embroidered.
• Jackets: Soft-shell jackets, mechanical stretch woven with waterproof, breathable membrane and water-repellent finish. Minimum 95% Polyester, not less than 270 g/m². Adjustable cuffs with hook and loop closure. Must include college logo on the left-hand side, embroidered.

All items are to be supplied in Blue, with specified sizes (Medium for Half Zip, Large for Hoodies and Jackets, XL for Polo Shirts). The college logo, as attached in Appendix 6, must be embroidered on the left-hand side of each garment.

The framework agreement will operate on a call-off basis, where individual requirements (RFQ's) will be issued to appointed framework members.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (ETB). The establishment of a multi-supplier framework agreement for promotional clothing aims to streamline the procurement process for such items across the organisation. The framework is intended to provide a readily available supply of branded apparel for various ETB activities and events. The estimated value of €130,000 suggests a moderate but consistent demand for these goods. The tender documents indicate that the framework is designed to be open for acceptance for a period of 12 months from the submission deadline.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Confirmation that turnover exceeded €100,000.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13m
• Public Liability: €6.5m
• Product Liability (goods only): €6m
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.
• Core Items Compliance: Tenderers must achieve the minimum marks allocated to each scoring band. A minimum of 95% of the goods listed in Appendix 5 must be supplied.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not fully detailed in the provided extract. However, the following points are noted:

The tender documents mention that for evaluation purposes, a bidder's percentage discount for non-core items will be applied to a notional sum of €1,000 (ex VAT). If no discount is offered, the full €1,000 will be applied to their tender sum for evaluation. It is intended to award a minimum of two suppliers. The evaluation panel may award a minimum of 70% of the total marks for Scoring Band 3. The overall award is based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, though specific weightings for quality and price are not detailed.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Method statement / response document: Not specified.
• CVs: Not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Bidders must provide a percentage discount for non-core items. This discount will be applied to a notional sum of €1,000 (ex VAT) for evaluation.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations:
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number are required.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (confirming no exclusion grounds under Regulation 57).
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: Bids must be submitted via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: The framework agreement is for 12 months from the deadline for submission. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to extend the Term for a period or periods up to a maximum of [Insert Number] months, with a maximum of [Insert Number] such extensions permitted.
• Payment terms: Payment of Charges is subject to Contractor compliance with the agreement, valid invoices, and possession of a current Tax Clearance Certificate. The European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2012 apply. Invoices are deemed accepted if no queries are raised within 14 calendar days.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in detail, but Contractor must act with due care, skill, and diligence.
• Liquidated damages: If the Contractor fails to deliver within promised timeframes, the Contracting Authority may deduct a percentage per week of late delivery, up to a maximum percentage of the Charges.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice if the breach is capable of remedy, within 30 days of written request. The Contracting Authority can terminate immediately if the Liquidated Damages Threshold is met or exceeded.
• IP ownership: All Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in materials produced for the agreement vest in the Contracting Authority. The Contractor assigns all IPR to the Contracting Authority.
• Sub-contracting rules: The Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for subcontractors. Sub-contracts must include a right for the Contractor to terminate if exclusion grounds apply to the subcontractor. The Contracting Authority can require the replacement of a subcontractor.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Low Estimated Value: The estimated value of €130,000 for a multi-supplier framework over 12 months is relatively low. This may indicate limited call-off volumes per supplier, potentially impacting profitability for successful bidders.
• Discount-based Evaluation for Non-Core Items: The evaluation methodology for non-core items relies on a percentage discount applied to a notional sum. This approach could lead to complex comparisons if bidders have significantly different pricing structures for these items.
• Minimum 95% Compliance: The requirement to supply a minimum of 95% of the goods listed in Appendix 5 is a strict operational requirement that bidders must be able to meet consistently.
• Unspecified Award Criteria Weighting: While MEAT is implied, the specific weightings for quality versus price are not detailed, making it difficult to gauge the precise balance of evaluation.
• Potential for Limited Call-Offs: As a multi-supplier framework, there is no guarantee of minimum call-off volumes for any individual supplier.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a multi-supplier framework agreement, which generally allows for broader SME participation.

• Who can credibly bid: Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with established capabilities in garment supply and embroidery are well-suited. The key requirements are the ability to meet insurance levels (€13m EL, €6.5m PL, €6m PL) and demonstrate a turnover exceeding €100,000. Experience in supplying promotional clothing and applying logos via embroidery is essential.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: The contract terms state the Contractor is the prime contractor and assumes full responsibility for subcontractors. This implies that consortia or subcontracting arrangements are permissible, provided they meet the overall contractual obligations and are managed by the prime contractor.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Bid preparation would likely involve compiling insurance certificates, financial statements to demonstrate turnover, detailing pricing for core and non-core items (including discount structures), and preparing any required declarations. This could require 3-5 days of effort for a well-prepared SME.
• Pwin signal: The tender aims to award a minimum of two suppliers, suggesting a competitive process. The low estimated value and the discount-based evaluation for non-core items may favour bidders with efficient operations and competitive pricing. There is no clear indication of an incumbent supplier from the provided text.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): Not specified.
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 4 Samples
• Appendix 3 Contract T&C_Services Promotional Clothing including Embroidery.DOCX
• Appendix 5 (referenced for minimum goods compliance)
• Appendix 6 (referenced for college logo details)