Request for Tender for the Provision of a regulatory intelligence subscription service

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

Coimisiún na Meán seeks a supplier to provide a subscription-based regulatory intelligence service. This service is essential for monitoring regulatory, policy, and political developments relevant to the Commission's functions. The contractor will deliver timely and reliable updates to support decision-making across various roles within the organization.

Key activities include:

• Access to a secure web-based platform for up to 300 users, each with individual credentials.
• Daily updates on relevant developments in the regulatory landscape.
• Weekly summary digests that consolidate key themes and trends.
• Searchable and filterable content by topic, jurisdiction, and date.
• Personalized alerts and functionality for saving content.
• Onboarding, training, and ongoing user support to ensure effective use of the service.

The initial contract term is for 12 months, with the possibility of three additional 12-month extensions. The service must support a diverse user base, including policy, legal, operational, and research staff, ensuring both expert and non-expert users can access relevant information efficiently.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the establishment of Coimisiún na Meán, which was created to oversee and enforce new regulatory frameworks for media and online services as mandated by the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act. The Commission's role includes monitoring developments in media regulation, platform regulation, and online safety. The need for a regulatory intelligence service arises from the expanded regulatory landscape, which necessitates timely and accurate information to support the Commission's statutory functions.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of at least €250,000 over the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability Insurance: €13 million
• Public Liability Insurance: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of two relevant contracts completed within the last five years.
• Personnel: CVs of key personnel demonstrating relevant expertise.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Tenderers must achieve a minimum of 60% of the marks available for each qualitative criterion to proceed to cost evaluation.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to specified page limits.
• CVs: For key personnel, with a focus on relevant experience.
• Pricing schedule: Must be submitted using the Form of Tender.
• Case studies: Details of two relevant contracts completed within the last five years.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted electronically via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: Initial term of 12 months with the option for three 12-month extensions.
• Payment terms: Payment based on valid invoices submitted in accordance with the Commission’s terms.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in detail.
• Termination clauses: Not specified in detail.
• IP ownership: Not specified in detail.
• Sub-contracting rules: The Commission will deal with the Prime Contractor for all matters, regardless of subcontractors involved.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €250,000 may limit participation to established firms, potentially excluding smaller businesses.
• The insurance requirements may pose a barrier for smaller firms that do not currently meet these levels.
• The need for two relevant contracts completed within the last five years may disadvantage newer entrants to the market.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have experience in providing regulatory intelligence services. A viable bidder would typically have:

• Relevant experience in legal or regulatory monitoring services.
• The capability to meet the insurance and turnover requirements.
• The ability to provide a secure web-based platform for user access.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate. Bid preparation may require several days to compile necessary documentation and evidence. The presence of established firms in the sector may signal a competitive environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Request for Tender for the Provision of a regulatory intelligence subscription service.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 – Specification of Services, Appendix 2 – Terms and Conditions.