Establishment of 8 multi-party framework agreements for training services (Categories 1 & 2)

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 procurement seeks to establish eight multi-party framework agreements for the delivery of a wide range of training services across two primary categories: Advanced Technical & Digital Engineering, and Infrastructure, Renewables & Sustainability. Up to ten Economic Operators will be admitted per sub-category. The frameworks will facilitate the technical up-skilling and transversal development of adult learners in industry. Training will encompass certified pathways (QQI and NFQ levels) and uncertified/bespoke programmes, including hands-on workshops, blended/modular programmes, and Work-Based Learning. Training delivery can occur nationwide, either in-person or online.

The provision of training aims to develop a skilled workforce for green and digital transitions within sectors including, but not limited to: Agricultural and Marine; Automotive, Aerospace and Defence; Engineering and Building services; Energy and Environment; Industrial Automation; Materials handling; Metal fabrication and Processing; Packaging, Paper and Print; and Precision Engineering.

The scope is divided into the following sub-categories:

• Category 1: Advanced Technical & Digital Engineering

• 1.1 Automation & Robotics: PLC (IEC 61131-3), SCADA, Cobots, and systematic mechatronics troubleshooting for 3-phase/inverter systems.

• 1.2 Digital Connectivity: Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET), Edge computing, and Digital Twin management.

• 1.3 Design & Simulation: AI and 3D modelling (Catia, SolidWorks), CNC/CAM optimization, and CAE (FEA/CFD) using MATLAB, Ansys, or COMSOL.

• 1.4 Fabrication: Advanced robotic welding, joining technologies, and metallurgy for high-strength steel.

• Category 2: Infrastructure, Renewables & Sustainability

• 2.1 Civil & Structural: Foundation design for wind turbines, rail/port infrastructure, and structural integrity monitoring (BIM, Eurocode 3).

• 2.2 Power and Energy Systems: Commissioning/maintenance of green equipment, high-voltage (HV) grid integration, and energy safety/management.

• 2.3 Green Tech: Engineering for hydrogen storage, carbon capture, and sustainable facility services.

• 2.4 Site Operations: Rigging, lifting, and specialized safety for heavy fabrication and large-scale infrastructure.

There is no guaranteed expenditure. Contracts awarded under the frameworks may extend beyond the life of the frameworks. Framework members are required to nominate a dedicated contract manager responsible for overall relationship management, performance reporting, dispute resolution, and proactive suggestions for improvement.

3. Background & buyer context

Engineering Skillnet, IBEC, is the Contracting Authority for this procurement. The initiative aligns with the objective of developing a highly skilled workforce for Ireland's green and digital transitions across key industrial sectors. This procurement is part of a broader effort to enhance technical and digital engineering capabilities, as well as infrastructure, renewables, and sustainability expertise within the Irish economy. The policy promotes participation by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on a fair and equal basis, encouraging collaboration to meet capacity requirements. This tender is separate from a concurrent procurement for Categories 3 (Operational Excellence & Leadership) and 4 (Regulation, Standards & Risk Management).

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following criteria on a pass/fail basis to be considered for evaluation.

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €2.0 million
• Certifications: Tenderers must demonstrate a commitment to quality assurance, providing details of policies and systems, and whether externally certified. Evidence of compliance with Health & Safety legislation is mandatory.
• Past experience: Tenderers must demonstrate, within the last three years, successful delivery of contracts/services of a relevant nature and comparable scale on two (2) occasions for each Category applied for.
• Personnel: Tenderers must demonstrate access to skilled personnel, providing details of their specific relevant skills and qualifications for each category applied for. CVs are required for each nominated resource. A dedicated contract manager must be nominated.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Training can take place at various locations nationwide. No specific facility constraints are mentioned.

Tenderers may rely on the resources of other entities to meet these requirements, provided they can prove these resources will be at their disposal. Consortiums must appoint a single point of contact.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Framework agreements will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous compliant tender, considering the following criteria and weightings:

The total weighting is 100%. A minimum score of 50% is required for each qualitative criterion (B, C, D) to be considered eligible. Responses scoring less than 50% for any of these criteria are considered ineligible. The price is assessed on an average daily rate.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit their responses electronically via the eTenders postbox facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.

• Method statement / response document: Tenderers must use the provided mandatory documents: Appendix 1 (Selection Criteria Response Document) and Appendix 2 (Award Criteria Response Document). Specific page limits are not stated, but responses should be comprehensive.
• CVs: CVs are required for each nominated resource under Criterion C. Page count not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Tenderers must complete the mandatory Pricing Schedule (Appendix 3).
• Case studies: Not explicitly required as a separate submission, but previous experience must be demonstrated with sufficient detail.
• Declarations: Tenderers must complete the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) or equivalent, Declaration of Bona Fides, Declaration regarding compliance with statutory obligations, and Article 5K Declaration (EU regulation 2022/576).
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: eTenders postbox facility. Responses must be uploaded as a ZIP file.

7. Key dates & process

These dates are indicative and not guaranteed.

8. Contract terms that matter

The Frameworks will have a maximum duration of seven (7) years, commencing with an initial three (3) year term. The Contracting Authority may extend the Framework for two (2) additional two (2) year periods, subject to performance, budget, and business need. Contracts awarded under the frameworks may extend beyond the framework's life. Admission to the framework is conditional upon acceptance of the Contracting Authority’s Framework Terms and Conditions. There is no guaranteed expenditure. Contracts awarded under the framework may be direct awards (for values <€10,000) or via mini-tenders (for values >€10,000), inviting at least five framework members. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to negotiate rates. Admission to a framework does not guarantee contract awards.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The estimated total framework value of €1.4 million (excluding VAT) over a potential seven-year period suggests a relatively low average annual spend per framework, which may impact the viability for larger service providers. The "multi-party" nature means up to ten providers per sub-category will be appointed, increasing competition for any call-off contracts. The absence of a guaranteed minimum spend is a significant risk for bidders. The requirement for two distinct sets of previous experience for each Category applied for, coupled with the detailed award criteria for methodology and resources, indicates a need for well-structured and evidence-based proposals. The tender validity period of 12 months is substantial, requiring bidders to maintain pricing and resource commitments for an extended period post-submission.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a multi-party framework, allowing for up to ten providers per sub-category. This structure is designed to encourage participation from a broad range of suppliers, including SMEs. SMEs are explicitly encouraged to form relationships with other SMEs or larger enterprises to meet capacity requirements. Consortiums and joint ventures are permitted, provided they appoint a single point of contact. The bid preparation effort is likely to be moderate to high, given the detailed selection and award criteria, particularly the need for two distinct case studies per category and comprehensive methodology descriptions. The "Pwin" signal is neutral; the framework approach and multiple awardees suggest a competitive landscape rather than a sole incumbent advantage. The tender is genuinely open to specialist training providers of varying sizes, provided they can demonstrate the required technical expertise, quality assurance, and past experience relevant to the specified engineering and infrastructure categories.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: IBEC-ENG Skillnet RFT Cat1 and 2 Final.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: 8806588
• Contact email or clarification portal: Via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix 1 Selection Criteria Response Document Categories 1 and 2
• Appendix 2 Award Criteria Response Document Categories 1 and 2
• Appendix 3 Pricing Schedule Categories 1 and 2
• Appendix 4 FWA Multi Party Framework Terms and Conditions