Invitation to Tender for Bord Bia Healthspan Nation Research Study

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

Bord Bia seeks a partner agency to conduct a research study titled "Understanding the Role of Food and Drink in Ageing Well and Living Better for Longer." The contract duration is eight months, with an estimated maximum spend of €83,000 excluding VAT. The contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

• Research Design: Develop a comprehensive research methodology tailored to the objectives of the study.
• Data Collection: Utilize various methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather relevant data from target demographics.
• Analysis: Analyze collected data to derive insights regarding the role of food and drink in promoting health and longevity.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings, including actionable recommendations for Bord Bia.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with relevant stakeholders to disseminate findings and gather feedback.
• Output Creation: Develop visually engaging outputs, such as infographics and presentation-ready materials, to communicate insights effectively.

The contractor must demonstrate a clear understanding of Bord Bia's research needs and objectives, ensuring that the proposed approach aligns with the desired outcomes.

3. Background & buyer context

Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is responsible for promoting the food, drink, and horticulture industry in Ireland and internationally. This procurement aligns with Bord Bia's strategic objective to enhance the sustainability and growth of the Irish food sector. The study is timely as it seeks to address the increasing interest in health and wellness among consumers, particularly in the context of ageing populations. The contract aims to provide insights that can inform Bord Bia's marketing strategies and product development initiatives.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria to be considered for evaluation:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €145,000 for the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million (if applicable).
• Public Liability: €6.5 million.
• Professional Indemnity: €1.3 million for each claim.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of delivering three comparable projects within the last three years, with at least one project for Bord Bia.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification from the tender process.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided Tender Response Document template, adhering to specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing template included in the Tender Response Document.
• Case studies: Provide three case studies of similar projects, detailing their value and outcomes.
• Declarations: Include the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Declaration of Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made electronically via the eTenders postbox facility.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Duration: The contract is for eight months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon completion of milestones as outlined in the contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be established to measure the success of the project.
• Termination clauses: The contract may be terminated if the contractor fails to meet performance standards or deliverables.
• IP ownership: Bord Bia will retain ownership of all materials developed under the contract.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed and approved by Bord Bia.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover threshold: The minimum turnover requirement of €145,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Insurance requirements: The high levels of required insurance may pose a barrier for some bidders.
• Experience requirement: The need for three comparable projects may exclude newer firms or those without extensive portfolios.
• Limited contract duration: The eight-month contract length may not allow sufficient time for comprehensive research and analysis.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the following characteristics:

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in market research, particularly in the food and drink sector, and a proven track record of delivering similar projects.
• Consortiums allowed: Bidders may form consortiums to meet financial and technical capacity requirements.
• Bid preparation effort: Estimated preparation time is approximately 10-15 days, considering the need for detailed documentation and case studies.
• Pwin signal: The presence of specific experience requirements and the potential for incumbents to have an advantage may affect the probability of winning (Pwin) for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Final -ITT - Healthspan Nation.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries should be submitted via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments: Appendix A (Detailed Specification), Tender Response Document.