TII Open Research Call 2026

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 TII Open Research Call 2026 encompasses two distinct research projects aimed at enhancing environmental considerations in transport infrastructure. The contractor will engage in research activities that are critical for informing future transport projects and ensuring sustainability.

Deliverables:

• Lot 1: Research on the total cost and value of environmental factors in transport infrastructure projects.
• Lot 2: Assessment of the lifespan of timber posts used in road boundary fencing.

Activities:

• Conduct a national survey of in-service timber fence posts from five different motorway locations.
• Analyze environmental factors impacting transport infrastructure, including lifecycle assessments and sustainability metrics.
• Produce comprehensive reports detailing findings, methodologies, and recommendations for future projects.

Volume:

• The research is expected to span a contract length of up to 24 months, with a focus on delivering actionable insights that can be integrated into TII's ongoing and future projects.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with TII's strategic objectives to enhance environmental sustainability in transport infrastructure. The call for research is timely, as TII seeks to integrate more robust environmental assessments into its project planning and execution processes. The initiative is part of a broader governmental push towards sustainable infrastructure development, reflecting current policy trends and public expectations regarding environmental stewardship.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

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

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13m each and every claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €500k in the aggregate.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: At least one economist with a minimum of 15 years’ post-graduate 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 a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing quality and cost.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Adhere to the provided template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule as per Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide 2 relevant case studies, each valued at a minimum of €50,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract will last for up to 24 months, with potential extensions based on project needs.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract at Appendix 5.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be established to measure the success of the research.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property generated during the contract will belong to TII.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed in the tender submission.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• The absence of specified turnover and past experience requirements may lead to a wider range of bidders, but could also dilute the quality of submissions.
• The contract's estimated value of €315,000 may attract bids that exceed the budget, particularly for Lot 1, which has a higher allocation.
• The lack of geographic constraints may encourage participation from a broader pool of firms, but could also result in challenges in managing remote teams.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in environmental research and infrastructure projects.

• Credible bidders: Firms with experience in environmental assessments, particularly those with a background in transport infrastructure, will be well-positioned to bid.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: Bidders are encouraged to form consortia to enhance their capabilities, particularly for Lot 1.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Approximately 10-15 days may be required to prepare a competitive bid.
• Pwin signal: The absence of an incumbent may provide an opportunity for new entrants, but the complexity of the research may favor established firms.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: TII523 Open Call for Research 2026 RFT.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5 — Services Contract