Support in the Delivery of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy

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1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|-------------------------------|------------------| Sport Ireland Support in the Delivery of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy not stated €150,000 not stated Open not stated Ireland 18 months + 6 months extension 13 July 2026, 12:00 not stated

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will provide specialist external support services to Sport Ireland's Outdoors Unit, which is responsible for the strategic development, promotion, and coordination of outdoor recreation across Ireland. The contractor will assist in implementing the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027 (NORS), a cross-government initiative led by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe and various stakeholders.

Key activities include:

• Strategic Support: Provide strategic guidance to enhance participation in outdoor recreation.
• Technical Assistance: Offer technical expertise to improve the quality and sustainability of outdoor recreation infrastructure.
• Operational Support: Assist in the operational delivery of actions assigned to Sport Ireland under NORS.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration among national, regional, and local stakeholders.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop frameworks for monitoring the implementation of the strategy and evaluating its impact.

The contractor will work closely with Sport Ireland Outdoors staff to ensure timely and quality delivery of the assigned actions. The contract is expected to cover a range of activities, including planning, stakeholder engagement, and reporting on progress.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the implementation of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027 (NORS), which aims to enhance outdoor recreation participation and infrastructure in Ireland. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to promote outdoor activities and improve recreational facilities. Sport Ireland's Outdoors Unit has a history of leading outdoor recreation initiatives and is seeking external support to effectively deliver on its responsibilities under NORS. The procurement is timely as it coincides with the strategy's launch and the need for specialized expertise to ensure its successful implementation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000 in the relevant area of work.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €12,700,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €500,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in outdoor recreation planning, trail development, or related fields.
• 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, requiring a minimum score of 50% on each non-cost criterion.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule in the specified Excel format.
• Case studies: Provide 2 case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with project values between €50,000 and €150,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not applicable for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term + extension structure: Initial term of 18 months, with one possible extension of up to 6 months.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Standard termination clauses apply, allowing for termination with notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontracting is permitted, but the Prime Contractor must be designated.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• Turnover requirement: The minimum turnover requirement of €150,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• Insurance levels: High insurance requirements may pose a barrier for smaller bidders.
• Lack of specified certifications: The absence of specified certifications may lead to uncertainty regarding compliance expectations.
• No incumbent mentioned: The lack of information about an incumbent may create a competitive environment but also uncertainty regarding existing relationships.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with relevant experience in outdoor recreation planning and related fields.

• Credible bidders: Firms with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in outdoor recreation and the ability to meet insurance requirements can bid.
• Consortium/sub-contracting: Bidders may form consortia or subcontract, provided a single entity is designated as the Prime Contractor.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Preparing a bid may require approximately 10-15 days, considering documentation and compliance checks.
• Pwin signal: The absence of an incumbent may provide an opportunity for new entrants, but the high insurance and turnover requirements may limit participation.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: SI-2609 NORS Support services RFT.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Queries must be directed via the messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3 — Tenderer’s Statement