Review of the National Maternity Strategy (2016-2026)

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The Department of Health is commissioning an external review of the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026, titled 'Creating a Better Future Together'. The purpose of this review is to assess the implementation and outcomes of the existing strategy.

The contractor will be required to undertake the following activities:

• Ascertain Implementation Level: Determine the extent to which actions outlined in the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026, as detailed in the 2021 Revised Implementation Plan, have been delivered. This includes identifying areas of underdelivery and the factors influencing them.
• International Comparison: Conduct an international literature review to compare the Irish maternity model, its outcomes, with those of comparable countries.
• High-Performing Models Identification: Through international literature review, identify examples of high-performing maternity care models.
• Policy Recommendations: Based on the international literature review and the assessment of strategy delivery, identify and propose recommendations for the future direction of policy in maternity services.

The review is expected to produce a final output report meeting specified acceptance criteria within 3 months of the contract start. A draft report for stakeholder feedback is anticipated within 9 weeks of the contract start. Recommendations for future policy direction are expected within 12 weeks of the contract start.

The estimated expenditure for these services over the 3-month term, including any potential extensions, is €70,000 (excluding VAT). The contract is for a fixed term of 3 months, with a single option to extend by up to one month.

3. Background & buyer context

The National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026, 'Creating a Better Future Together', was approved by the Government on 26th January 2016. This procurement is initiated to conduct an external review of the strategy's implementation and effectiveness. The review aims to inform future policy direction for maternity services in Ireland. The Department of Health is the contracting authority. The procurement is being conducted under an open procedure, adhering to the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016. The Department of Health seeks to encourage participation by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in this competition, encouraging larger enterprises to consider including SMEs in their proposals.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must satisfy the following selection criteria to be considered for evaluation. These are pass/fail criteria.

• Economic and Financial Standing: Tenderers must declare via eESPD that they meet the financial standing requirements. Specific financial capacity amounts are not detailed in the provided text but supporting documentation must be available upon request.
• Technical and Professional Ability: Tenderers must declare via eESPD that they meet the technical and professional requirements. They must provide supporting documentation upon request.
• Past Experience: Details of two examples where similar research services were provided within the last five years. Each example must include:
• Contract description (overview, scope, outputs).
• Nature of input/contribution/service provided.
• Number of personnel involved.
• Duration and value of the contract.
• Contact details for referees.
• Insurance: The successful tenderer must hold the following insurances for the term of the Services Contract:
• Employer’s Liability: €12.7 million for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence. (Not required if self-employed).
• Public Liability: €6.5 million limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Product Liability: N/A.
• Professional Indemnity: €70,000 limit for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender, beyond the requirement for details of personnel involved in past projects.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender, beyond the requirement for insurance policies to include Ireland within their territorial limits and jurisdiction.

Tenderers must also confirm they do not meet any mandatory grounds for exclusion under Regulation 57 of the Regulations, or provide evidence of remedial measures if such grounds apply.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender, determined by a combination of quality and cost. The total available marks are 950.

Award Criteria Weight (%) Sub-criteria