HR-115 - Provision of an online job hosting website provider

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 Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) requires an online job hosting website provider. The scope of services is limited to the provision of this specific online platform.

The contractor will be responsible for:

• Operating an online job hosting website: This involves maintaining and managing a digital platform dedicated to advertising job vacancies.
• Ensuring visibility within the Irish marketplace: The provider must operate actively within the Republic of Ireland and demonstrate clear visibility within the relevant job market.
• Designing for accessibility: The website must be designed to be accessible and responsive, adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
• Providing platform services: This encompasses the technical infrastructure, maintenance, and user interface for posting and searching job opportunities.
• Data management: Handling of data related to job postings and user interactions on the platform, in compliance with data protection laws.
• Reporting: Providing reports on website usage and performance as may be specified in the contract.

The contract is for a term of two years, with an option for the Contracting Authority to extend the term for up to 12 months, in one or two tranches. The estimated expenditure over the full potential term (including extensions) is €180,000 (excluding VAT).

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is being conducted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), an independent statutory body established to drive improvement in the quality and safety of health and social care services in Ireland. HIQA is procuring an online job hosting website to facilitate its recruitment processes. The current procurement is driven by the need for a dedicated platform to advertise job opportunities, ensuring accessibility and market visibility within Ireland. No specific programme or policy is cited as the direct driver, but it aligns with general public sector operational efficiency and recruitment best practices.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Economic and Financial Standing:
• Must provide current tax clearance details in the TRD (Tax Reference Database).
• Must be able to provide supporting documentation for economic and financial capacity upon request. If unable to provide specified documentation for a valid reason, alternative suitable documentation must be provided.
• Technical and Professional Ability:
• Jurisdictional Operation: The Online Job Hosting Website provider must operate actively within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland with clear visibility within the marketplace.
• Accessibility Standards: The provider must demonstrate that their website is designed to be accessible and responsive, based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
• Past Experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance: Tenderers must confirm that if awarded a contract, they will obtain and hold appropriate insurance. Specific types and indemnity limits are not stated in the eligibility criteria but will be requested prior to award. The territorial limits must include Ireland.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by the following criteria:

Tenderers must achieve a minimum of 60% for each individual qualitative criterion (Relevancy, Reach and Methodology; Contract Management and Reporting) to avoid elimination. The lowest cost tender that meets the qualitative criteria will receive the maximum score for the cost criterion.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform. The following components are required:

• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD): An electronic version must be completed and submitted.
• Tenderer's Statement: A scanned, signed copy printed on the tenderer's letterhead, confirming acceptance of the RFT terms and conditions.
• Pricing Schedule: All prices must be submitted in the format specified in Appendix 2, be all-inclusive (excluding VAT), quoted in Euro, and remain valid for 6 months from the Tender Deadline.
• Declarations:
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (Appendix 4).
• Confirmation of compliance with data protection laws.
• Declaration that the tender was prepared independently.
• Supporting Documentation: Any documentation requested to support the eESPD and selection criteria.
• Format: Tenders must be submitted in English, in PDF, MS Word, or equivalent format, and not exceed a file size limit of 250MB per file, with a total limit of 2GB.

A mandatory site visit is not specified.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Length: 2 years, with an option for up to two extensions of 12 months each.
• Payment Terms: Subject to and made in accordance with the Services Contract at Appendix 5.
• Pricing Validity: All prices quoted must remain valid for 6 months from the Tender Deadline.
• Currency Risk: Any currency variations over the contract term are borne by the Tenderer.
• Termination: Either party may terminate with 14 days' notice in circumstances where no queries are raised within a specified 14-day period (context unclear). Breach capable of remedy allows termination after 30 days' written notice.
• Sub-contracting: The successful Tenderer must designate a single entity (Prime Contractor) responsible for the contract, irrespective of sub-contracting.
• Insurance: The successful Tenderer must hold specified insurances for the term of the contract, with territorial limits including Ireland. Formal confirmation will be requested prior to award.
• Compliance: Tenderers must comply with all applicable environmental, social, and labour laws, including those related to employee rights on transfer of undertakings and temporary agency work.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• CPV Code Mismatch: The provided CPV code (79952000-2, Exhibition and stand construction services) appears to be a misclassification for an online job hosting website. This could indicate a lack of clarity in the tender documentation or a potential administrative error.
• Insurance Details: While insurance is a requirement, specific indemnity limits for Public Liability, Employer's Liability, Product Liability, and Professional Indemnity are listed as "N/A" in the RFT document. Formal confirmation will be requested from the successful tenderer, but the absence of defined minimums in the RFT is unusual for a public sector tender of this value.
• Low Value, High Compliance: The estimated contract value of €180,000 over two years is relatively modest. However, the tender requires adherence to EU procurement regulations, eESPD submission, and compliance with various legal and accessibility standards, suggesting a potentially disproportionate administrative burden for the contract value.
• SME Encouragement: The tender explicitly encourages SMEs to participate, either individually or by forming relationships with larger enterprises. This suggests a desire for broader market participation, but the specific requirements may still favour established providers.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely open to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in providing online recruitment platforms or job board services. A viable bidder would need:

• Active presence in Ireland: Demonstrated operational activity and market visibility within the Republic of Ireland.
• WCAG compliance: Proven ability to design and maintain accessible websites.
• Technical capability: Robust platform infrastructure and maintenance capabilities.
• Tax compliance: Ability to provide current tax clearance details.

Consortium or sub-contracting is permitted, allowing SMEs to partner with other firms to meet requirements. The bid preparation effort is likely moderate, focusing on demonstrating technical capability, accessibility compliance, and a clear understanding of the Irish job market. The "Pwin" signal is neutral; there is no indication of an incumbent provider or a framework that would heavily favour specific bidders. The emphasis on accessibility and Irish market presence are key differentiators.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: HR-115 - RFT.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not explicitly stated in the provided text.
• Contact/Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement