Provision of a TUS Representative Office in Mexico and Central America

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 establishing and operating a Representative Office for the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Mexico and Central America. The successful contractor will be responsible for various day-to-day activities aimed at promoting TUS's interests in the region.

Key activities include:

• Student Recruitment: Engaging with potential students through marketing campaigns and recruitment events.
• Application Support: Assisting students with the application process to TUS.
• Monthly Reporting: Providing detailed reports on marketing and recruitment activities, including expenses, to TUS at the end of each month.
• Promotional Agreements: Maintaining established promotional agreements with local educational institutions for a minimum of 12 months.
• Office Management: Ensuring the office operates effectively, providing a dedicated staff member to manage operations and communications.
• Compliance: Adhering to local regulations, including ensuring that employees are registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

The contractor must demonstrate an understanding of the local educational landscape and provide reasonable confidence that the minimum requirements will be met.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with TUS's strategic goal to expand its international presence and enhance student recruitment from Mexico and Central America. The establishment of a representative office is part of TUS's broader initiative to strengthen its global outreach and engagement with prospective students. The university, established on 1 October 2021, aims to drive economic growth and educational opportunities in the region. The procurement is timely as TUS seeks to capitalize on emerging educational trends and partnerships in these markets.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Must demonstrate a combined turnover exceeding €60,000 per annum averaged over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €2.6 million or foreign equivalent.
• Employer’s Liability: Confirmation that employees are registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Must have an established office in Mexico/Central America for a minimum of one year.
• Personnel: Must provide evidence of a dedicated staff member for the contract duration.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Must operate within Mexico and Central America.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, balancing price and quality. No minimum scoring threshold per criterion is specified.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Must follow the provided template with no specified page limit.
• CVs: For key personnel involved, no specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Must use the specified template.
• Case studies: At least two, demonstrating relevant experience.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic postbox on www.etenders.gov.ie, adhering to specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term and extension structure: Initial contract of 1 year, with up to 3 extensions of 12 months each.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Monthly reporting on marketing and recruitment activities.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: Not specified.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Allowed, but the Prime Contractor must be designated.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €60,000 may limit participation to firms with established operations.
• The requirement for an established office in Mexico for at least one year may disadvantage newer entrants.
• The contract's estimated value of €40,000 for the initial year may not reflect the actual costs involved in establishing and maintaining a representative office.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with:

• Established operations in Mexico or Central America.
• Experience in student recruitment and educational services.
• Ability to meet insurance and turnover requirements.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate with larger entities. Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly in gathering documentation and preparing case studies. The presence of an incumbent or established firms in the region may signal a competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT Representative Office in Mexico Central America.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: 8178033
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries must be directed through the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement