Provision of Managed ICT Services for CORU

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 tender seeks a Managed ICT Services Provider to support CORU's Digital Strategy 2026-2028. The provider will act as a strategic partner, offering expertise, resources, and operational support to maintain, enhance, and continuously improve CORU's ICT infrastructure, systems, and services. The estimated contract value is €800,000 (excluding VAT) over an initial 2-year term, with a maximum of two 12-month extensions possible.

The scope of services includes, but is not limited to:

• ICT Infrastructure Management: Maintaining and improving CORU's network layout across two locations.
• System Support and Enhancement: Providing ongoing support and enhancements for CORU's ICT systems.
• Service Improvement: Continuously improving the performance and efficiency of ICT services.
• Operational Support: Delivering operational support for the ICT environment.
• Strategic Partnership: Collaborating with CORU to achieve its digital strategy objectives.

Specific operational requirements include:

• Service Delivery Manager: A dedicated Service Delivery Manager with a minimum of 5 years' experience is required.
• L3 Project Resource: A minimum of 1 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) L3 Project resource is required.
• Issue Resolution: A minimum of 75% of all issues must be resolved within 1.5 days for incidents and 2.5 days for requests that do not require escalation.
• Reporting: Interim (high-level) reports are due within 3 days, and detailed reports within 1 week.
• Change Management: Advance notice of at least 2 weeks is required for major change requests.
• VIP Service: A VIP service for approximately 10 users may be operated.
• Reporting Metrics: The provider will be expected to report on top 10 categories, top 10 ticket loggers, and top 5 viruses.

The contract will be subject to regular performance reviews, with CORU reserving the right to terminate for failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance.

3. Background & buyer context

CORU, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, is Ireland's multi-profession health and social care regulator. Established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, its primary mission is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training, and competence through statutory registration. CORU regulates professions including Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Optometrists, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists, Physiotherapists, Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Social Workers, Social Care Workers, and Speech and Language Therapists.

This procurement is driven by CORU's need to support its Digital Strategy 2026-2028. The organisation seeks a strategic partner to manage and enhance its ICT infrastructure, systems, and services, ensuring they align with its regulatory mission and operational requirements. The current procurement process aims to secure a provider capable of delivering robust and continuously improving ICT services.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered for this tender, bidders must meet the following mandatory selection criteria. Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in exclusion from the competition.

• Turnover requirement: Tenderers must demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of €1,200,000 over each of the last three financial years. Evidence must be provided from their auditors.
• Insurance: Tenderers must provide evidence of the following insurance policies:
• Employer's Liability: €13 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million.
• Product Liability: Not applicable (N/A).
• Certifications: Tenderers must possess a current Tax Clearance Certificate and be compliant with social security and revenue obligations for the duration of any contract.
• Past experience: Tenderers must demonstrate previous experience of a minimum of 3 reference projects of a similar nature. Details of organisational profile and capacity must also be provided.
• Personnel: A Service Delivery Manager with a minimum of 5 years' experience is required. A minimum of 1 FTE L3 Project resource is also specified.
• Geographic / facility constraints: CORU has two physical locations. While not explicitly stated as a constraint, the provider must be able to manage ICT services across these sites. No specific geographic proximity requirement is mentioned.

Tenderers may rely on the capacity of other entities (subcontractors) to meet these selection criteria. If relying on subcontractors, separate eESPDs must be submitted for each, along with proof that the necessary resources will be placed at the prime contractor's disposal.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of quality and cost.

A minimum score of 60% must be achieved for each qualitative award criterion (A and B) to be considered for award. Failure to meet this threshold for any qualitative criterion will result in the tender being excluded, irrespective of the overall score. The cost score will be calculated based on the lowest ultimate cost receiving the maximum marks, with other tenders scored proportionally.

In case of a tie, the tenderer with the highest total marks for qualitative criteria (A+B) will be selected. If still tied, the tenderer with the highest marks for Criterion A will be the MEAT.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit their proposals electronically via the eTenders platform (www.etenders.gov.ie). The submission must adhere to the following:

• Electronic Single Procurement Document (eESPD): Complete and submit the electronic eESPD. An eESPD used previously can be submitted if information remains correct and selection criteria are met.
• Tenderer's Statement: A scanned, signed copy of the Tenderer's Statement (Appendix 3) printed on letterhead must be returned.
• Pricing Schedule: Complete the Pricing Schedule within the Tender Response Document (TRD). Prices must be all-inclusive, in Euro, and exclusive of VAT.
• Tender Response Document (TRD): Respond to each element in the order set out in the RFT and conform to all instructions.
• Format: Tenders must be compiled in a readable format (e.g., PDF). The total document size limit for upload is 4GB.
• Language: Tenders must be submitted in English.
• Declarations: Submit all documentation required by the RFT, including declarations related to exclusion grounds and suitability.
• Consortia/Subcontractors: If applicable, provide details of all members of the group of undertakings and their roles. A nominated entity must represent the group.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic post-box on www.etenders.gov.ie. No other submission methods will be accepted.
• One Tender Limit: Each tenderer can submit one tender in their own capacity and one as part of a consortium/group.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Services Contract will have an initial term of 2 years, with a maximum of two possible 12-month extensions. Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract. The estimated contract value is €800,000 (excl. VAT) over the full potential term. All prices quoted must remain valid for 180 days from the tender deadline. Currency variations over the contract term will be borne by the Tenderer. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to terminate the contract for failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance. Tenderers must confirm their acceptance of the attached Services Contract terms and conditions without amendment. Compliance with environmental, social, and labour laws is mandatory.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated Value vs. Contract Term: The estimated value of €800,000 over an initial 2-year term, with potential extensions, suggests a moderate annual spend. However, the absence of a specific annual value means bidders must price for the full potential term.
• No Minimum Purchase Obligation: The Contracting Authority is under no obligation to purchase any minimum value of Services under the contract, meaning actual spend could be lower than estimated.
• Performance Review and Termination: CORU reserves the right to terminate the contract for failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance, indicating a strong emphasis on service delivery quality.
• SME Inclusion Emphasis: The tender explicitly encourages SMEs to participate, either directly or through collaboration, and asks larger enterprises to find ways to include SMEs, suggesting a policy focus on social and economic benefits.
• Verification Meeting: Award of the contract may be subject to attendance at a verification meeting, requiring key personnel to be present.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to be accessible to a range of ICT service providers, including SMEs, potentially through collaboration.

• Credible Bidders: A viable bidder would likely be an established ICT managed services provider with a proven track record in delivering similar services to public sector or regulated organisations. They would need to demonstrate robust financial standing (average annual turnover of €1.2m) and appropriate insurance levels. Specialised knowledge in supporting regulatory bodies or similar complex organisations would be advantageous.
• Consortium/Subcontracting: Consortiums and subcontracting are explicitly permitted and encouraged, particularly for SMEs who may find the scope beyond their individual capacity. Larger enterprises are also encouraged to include SMEs in their proposals.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant bid, including the eESPD, detailed technical responses, pricing, and supporting documentation for 3 reference projects, could require significant effort, potentially ranging from 15-30 days for a dedicated bid team, depending on existing templates and internal resources.
• Pwin Signal: The tender does not explicitly name an incumbent. The emphasis on quality (50% weighting) and the structured award criteria suggest a competitive process where a strong technical and delivery approach, alongside competitive pricing, will be key. The encouragement of SME participation may indicate a desire to broaden the supplier base.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: [CORU RFT - ICT Management.pdf]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 3 – Tenderer’s Statement
• CORU Managed ICT Service Requirements and Specifications document (referenced but not provided in extract)
• Services Contract (attached in tender pack)