Provision of Software 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 provision of Software Support Services, which includes a managed service for multiple systems under a Service Level Agreement (SLA). The successful contractor will provide a dedicated Senior Software Developer for ongoing maintenance and interventions. The Developer will be required for 70 days in the first year (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027) and 46 days for subsequent years.

The scope of work includes:

• Managed Service: Overseeing multiple systems under a managed SLA.
• Dedicated Developer: A Senior Software Developer will be assigned for:
• 70 days in Year 1.
• 46 days in Year 2 and any subsequent years.
• Professional Services: Provision of ad-hoc professional services based on a rate card to activate projects and tasks as required.
• Transition Period: Acknowledgment of a transition period required before full service delivery.

The contractor must ensure that all services align with the specified requirements in Appendix 1 of the RFT.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated to enhance the software support capabilities of the Public Appointments Service. The contract aligns with the government's digital transformation strategy, aiming to improve service delivery through efficient software management. The buyer has a history of engaging with IT service providers to maintain and upgrade their systems. The incumbent provider is not specified in the documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,000,000 (excluding VAT) for each of the last three complete financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million limit for any one claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Product Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million limit in the aggregate per insurance year.
• Cyber Insurance: €5 million limit for any one claim.
• 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.

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 best price-quality ratio. No minimum scoring threshold per criterion is specified.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Follow the named template with a specified page limit.
• CVs: For key personnel, adhering to a specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the named template.
• Case studies: At least two, with a value range specified.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie, adhering to specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: 2 years, with the possibility of two 12-month extensions.
• 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: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: The successful Tenderer must designate a single entity responsible for the contract, regardless of subcontracting.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €1,000,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The absence of specified past experience requirements may lead to a lack of clarity on the expected qualifications of bidders.
• The lack of defined SLAs/KPIs could lead to ambiguity in performance expectations.

10. SME fit assessment

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can credibly bid must:

• Have a minimum annual turnover of €1,000,000, which may limit participation to medium-sized firms.
• Consider forming consortia or subcontracting to meet the requirements.
• Expect a bid preparation effort of approximately 5-10 days, depending on existing capabilities.
• The presence of a potential incumbent or established firms may indicate a competitive landscape, impacting the probability of winning (Pwin).

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: publicjobs Software Support Service 2026 Final.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement