Call for Tender for the Provision of Seafood Educational Development Programme (Primary and Secondary School Level)

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 involves the management and delivery of a comprehensive Seafood Educational Development Programme targeting primary and secondary school levels across Ireland. The initiative aims to modernize educational resources and strengthen the connection between the Irish seafood industry and the educational sector.

The work is divided into two main projects:

• Project I: Seafood in Schools (Secondary)

• Implement a four-module program for Transition Year students.

• Responsibilities include:

• End-to-end project management.

• School recruitment and logistical coordination.

• Delivery of curriculum-aligned content focusing on supply chains, culinary skills, and nutrition.

• Compliance with health, safety, and safeguarding standards.

• Project II: School of Fish (Primary)

• Update, design, pilot, and launch a new primary-level initiative titled "BIM School of Fish."

• This phase involves:

• Conceptualizing and developing modern curriculum-aligned resources.

• Drawing inspiration from previous marine and other educational materials.

The contractor must ensure that both phases provide professional, high-impact learning experiences that inform and inspire students about Ireland’s marine environment. The implementation will occur in multiple phases, with specific timelines for each phase:

• Phase 1 (Q4 2026): Delivery to 15 schools.
• Phase 2 (Q1/Q2 2027): Delivery to an additional 15 schools.
• Phase 3 (Q4 2027): Delivery to another 15 schools.
• Phase 4 (Q1, Q2, Q4 2028): Delivery to 30 schools.
• Phase 5 (Q1, Q2, Q4 2029): Delivery to another 30 schools.
• Phase 6 (Q1/Q2 2030): Delivery to 15 schools.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of Bord Iascaigh Mhara's initiative to enhance educational resources related to the seafood industry. The programme aligns with national educational policies aimed at integrating industry knowledge into school curricula. The initiative is expected to modernize educational approaches and strengthen the relationship between the seafood sector and educational institutions. The procurement is timely, given the increasing emphasis on marine education and sustainability in Ireland.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €1,000,000 for the past three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000
• Cyber Liability: €1,000,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The overall scoring will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Use the named template with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, maximum of 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Use the specified template.
• Case studies: At least 2, with values ranging from €100,000 to €400,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the electronic tenderbox on eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have a term of 24 months, with the possibility of extending for up to 12 months, with a maximum of two extensions. Payment terms will be based on milestones achieved during the project phases. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to measure the success of the educational programme. Liquidated damages may apply for failure to meet deadlines. Intellectual property rights for developed materials will be retained by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. Subcontracting is permitted, but the primary contractor must maintain overall responsibility.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €1,000,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The lack of specified past experience criteria could lead to a wide range of proposals, making evaluation challenging.
• The phased implementation schedule may pose risks if funding is not secured for later phases.
• The requirement for significant insurance coverage may deter smaller bidders who cannot meet these thresholds.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in educational programme delivery, particularly in the marine or food sectors. Bidders should have the capacity to manage multiple school engagements and possess the necessary insurance coverage. Consortium arrangements are allowed, enabling smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities. Preparation for the bid may require several days, depending on the complexity of the proposal. The presence of a significant turnover requirement suggests that established firms with prior experience in similar projects may have a competitive advantage.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: CFT - Provision of Seafood Educational Development Programmes (BIM 2026-20).pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: not specified
• Contact email: not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5: Services Contract