The provision of expert services for the development and implementation of a new corporate strategy

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 providing expert services to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the development and implementation of a new corporate strategy covering the period 2027-2031. The contractor will work closely with a six-member strategy development team and will be responsible for a range of activities throughout the project lifecycle.

Key activities include:

• Strategy Development: Advise on and develop an approach to creating a new strategy that aligns with the EPA's purpose, vision, and values.
• Stakeholder Consultation: Develop methodologies for consulting with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring engagement reflects the diversity of the EPA's stakeholders.
• Facilitation: Facilitate internal and external meetings and workshops during the consultation and development phases, which may require travel to various EPA regional offices.
• Feedback Analysis: Coordinate and analyze feedback gathered during consultations to inform the strategic priorities and objectives.
• Drafting: Assist in drafting the new strategy, including identifying objectives, actions, outcomes, and metrics.
• Implementation Support: Provide additional support during the implementation phase, including evaluation techniques, if required.

The initial strategy development work is expected to take place over a 12-month period, with the possibility of further assistance during the implementation phase from 2027 to 2031, depending on business needs and budget availability.

3. Background & buyer context

The EPA is developing a new strategic plan to cover the period from 2027 to 2031, following the launch of its sixth corporate strategy in 2022. This procurement is timely as the EPA seeks to refine its strategic priorities and engage with stakeholders effectively. The contract aims to leverage external expertise to enhance the strategy development process, which is crucial for the EPA's mission to protect and improve Ireland's environment.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €246,000 over the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,000,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of three comparable projects involving strategy development and stakeholder engagement.
• Personnel: Minimum personnel requirements include:
• 1 Project Manager
• 1 Facilitator for stakeholder engagement
• 1 Strategy Development Expert
• 1 Strategy Implementation Support Expert
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, with a minimum scoring threshold of 60% for each criterion.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided Tender Response Document template, adhering to page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for each proposed personnel, limited to 2 A4 pages per CV.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the Form of Tender in the TRD.
• Case studies: Provide examples of three comparable projects.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will have an initial term of two years, with the possibility of two extensions of 12 months each, subject to satisfactory performance and budget availability. Payment terms stipulate that the EPA will pay invoices within 30 days of receipt. The successful tenderer must appoint a dedicated contract manager responsible for maintaining a good working relationship with the EPA and providing regular performance reports. The contract will also include clauses regarding the ownership of intellectual property and the management of subcontractors.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns for bidders include:

• The turnover requirement of €246,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The contract's reliance on external funding for potential extensions could create uncertainty for bidders.
• The requirement for extensive stakeholder engagement may necessitate significant travel, which could increase costs.
• The EPA's emphasis on sustainability may require bidders to demonstrate innovative approaches that align with environmental goals.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in strategy development and stakeholder engagement. Bidders should have a proven track record in similar projects, particularly within the public sector. Consortiums or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing smaller firms to collaborate and meet the financial and technical requirements. Preparing a competitive bid may require several days of effort, including gathering documentation and formulating a comprehensive response. The presence of a dedicated contract manager and the potential for ongoing work during the implementation phase may signal a favorable environment for SMEs.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Request for Tender - EPA Strategy.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: 8449656
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments:
• Tender Response Document
• Terms & Conditions for Services
• Standard Contractual Clauses