Research Services for Updating QQI’s Assessment Infrastructure

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 requires the provision of research services to establish a validated evidence base for Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). This evidence base will inform QQI's update of its standards-based assessment infrastructure for both Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education (HE) sectors in Ireland.

The core activities involve:

• Stakeholder Consultation: Discovering and documenting stakeholders' views on issues relevant to updating the assessment infrastructure. This includes identifying what is currently working well and areas requiring improvement.
• Quality Assurance Focus: Examining the quality assurance of assessment, including its interpretations and uses, rather than specific assessment techniques.
• National Context Analysis: Gaining a deeper understanding of the national context for standards-based assessment. This includes how awarding bodies in Ireland satisfy themselves regarding the effectiveness of their standards-based assessment-related policies, considering both summative and formative assessment purposes.
• International Benchmarking: Conducting a comparative analysis of practices in quality assurance for standards-based assessment, including its interpretations and uses, between a selection of international awarding bodies, providers, quality assurance agencies, and regulators, and those in Ireland.

The services are to be delivered over a term of up to 18 months, with potential for extensions. The estimated expenditure for these services is €160,000 (excluding VAT) over the entire contract term, including any extensions.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to address the need for an updated standards-based assessment infrastructure within Ireland's education sectors. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance the quality and effectiveness of assessment practices across Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education (HE). QQI, as the national agency responsible for quality assurance in Irish education and training, requires current evidence to inform policy and practice. The procurement is conducted under an open procedure, indicating a desire for a competitive process to secure the best research services. There is no mention of an incumbent provider in the provided documentation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

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

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender. Bidders must confirm they have the requisite turnover and financial capacity to complete the contract. Evidence of turnover for 2023, 2024, and 2025 may be requested.
• Insurance: Bidders must confirm they have the following insurances in place:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000 any one occurrence
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 any one occurrence
• Professional Indemnity: €200,000
• Product Liability: N/A
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Services are to be provided within Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not fully detailed in the provided extract. However, it is stated that the lowest cost tender that also meets all minimum requirements of the qualitative award criteria (A) to (C) will receive the maximum score for the cost criterion. This indicates a "Most Economically Advantageous Tender" (MEAT) approach, where price is a significant factor, but quality is also assessed. The specific weighting for price versus quality is not detailed.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following:

• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD): The electronic version must be completed and submitted.
• All required documentation: As specified in the RFT.
• Format: Follow the RFT format and respond in the order presented.
• Pricing Schedule: Complete Appendix 2. Prices must be all-inclusive, in Euro, and exclusive of VAT.
• Declarations:
• Tenderer's Statement (Appendix 3), signed and scanned.
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (Appendix 4).
• Confirmation of tax compliance.
• Confirmation of insurance coverage.
• Submission Portal: Via the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• File Size Limits: 250MB per file, 2GB total.
• Language: Tenders must be submitted in English.
• Number of Tenders: One tender in own capacity, one as part of a consortium/group.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term: Up to 18 months, with a potential for two extensions of up to three months each.
• Payment: Subject to the Services Contract at Appendix 5.
• Pricing: Prices must remain valid for the anticipated contract duration, including extensions. Currency variations are borne by the Tenderer.
• Sub-contracting: If a subcontractor's capacity is relied upon for selection criteria, they must submit a separate eESPD. If a subcontractor's value exceeds 10% of the contract value, they must not be within the category of prohibited economic operators under Regulation (EU) No 833/2014.
• Termination: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice if a breach is not remedied within 60 days.
• Indemnification: Tenderers must indemnify QQI for claims arising from failure to comply with employee rights regulations (Council Directive 2001/23/EC).

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated Value vs. Contract Length: The estimated value of €160,000 over a potential 21-month term (18 months + 2x3 month extensions) suggests a relatively modest monthly spend, which may influence the type of firm best suited to bid.
• Lack of Specificity in Criteria: The absence of explicit turnover requirements or detailed past experience criteria means bidders must self-declare their capacity. This places a higher onus on QQI during the verification stage.
• International Procurement Instrument (IPI) and Foreign Subsidies: Tenderers must be aware of and comply with Regulation (EU) 2022/1031 (IPI) and Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 (Foreign Subsidies). This may require additional declarations and documentation, particularly for non-Irish entities.
• Confidentiality and FOI: Tenderers must carefully identify any commercially sensitive information, as it may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to be accessible to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). QQI explicitly encourages SME participation and suggests that SMEs beyond their capacity can explore forming relationships with other SMEs or larger enterprises. Consortiums and subcontracting are permitted. The bid preparation effort is likely moderate, focusing on research methodology, stakeholder engagement plans, and comparative analysis. The absence of specific turnover or extensive experience requirements makes it feasible for smaller, specialist research firms to bid. The Pwin signal is neutral, as there is no clear incumbent or pre-qualified supplier mentioned. The primary focus is on the quality of the research proposal and the ability to meet the defined scope.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT Updating QQI Assessment Infrastructure 2026 22.7.26.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact: Queries via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement
• Appendix 5: Services Contract