Research and consultancy services for Logistics and Supply chain workforce analysis

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 Department of Transport seeks research and consultancy services to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Ireland's logistics and supply chain workforce, projecting needs up to 2032. The core objective is to identify likely skills gaps within this sector.

The services encompass:

• Demand and Supply Assessment: Evaluating current and future demand for key occupations within the Transportation and Storage sector, and considering related roles in other sectors.
• Skills Gap Forecasting: Identifying anticipated skills gaps up to 2032.
• Workforce Analysis: Examining career pathways, job quality, and workforce sustainability.
• Methodology Alignment: Adhering to EGFSN (Expert Group on Future Skills Needs) methodologies and reporting standards.
• Policy Support: Informing policy development and workforce planning to foster a sustainable and future-ready sector.

The project is structured to align with the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) methodologies and reporting standards. The estimated expenditure for the services is €100,000 (excluding VAT) over the initial term and any extensions.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is initiated by the Department of Transport to address the strategic importance of Ireland's logistics and supply chain sector. This sector is critical to the national economy, supporting €196 billion in annual exports and handling significant freight volumes. The analysis is intended to inform policy development and workforce planning, ensuring the sector's future readiness and sustainability. The work aligns with the methodologies of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN).

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement:
• Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000 (excluding VAT) for each of the last 3 financial years, or for each year of establishment if the company is more recent.
• Audited accounts for the last 3 financial years (or period of establishment) are required as proof. Alternative documentation may be accepted if a valid reason for not providing accounts is given.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Product Liability: Not specified for this tender.
• Tenderers must confirm they will hold these insurances for the contract term, covering Ireland, and are not aware of exclusions that would materially impact coverage. Formal confirmation from an insurer/broker will be required from the successful tenderer prior to award.
• 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

The award criteria are not explicitly detailed with scoring weights in the provided extract. However, the tender process follows an open procedure, and compliant tenders will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in Part 3.3 of the full RFT document. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reject any tender, not necessarily the lowest priced.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit their tenders electronically via the eTenders platform. Specific requirements include:

• Electronic Single Procurement Document (eESPD): Completion and submission of the eESPD, confirming compliance with selection criteria and absence of exclusion grounds.
• All Required Documentation: Submission of all documents specified in the RFT.
• Format Compliance: Adherence to the RFT format and responding to each element in the specified order.
• Tenderer's Statement: A scanned, signed copy of the Tenderer's Statement (Appendix 3) on letterhead, with a legible signature.
• Pricing Schedule: Completion of the Pricing Schedule (Appendix 2).
• Declarations:
• European Single Procurement Document (eESPD).
• Declaration as to Personal Circumstances of Tenderer (Appendix 4).
• Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number for online verification.
• Confirmation of acceptance of Services Contract terms (Appendix 5).
• eTenders Platform Usage: Tenders must be submitted through the electronic tenderbox on www.etenders.gov.ie. File size limits apply (250MB per file, 2GB total). Ensure the "Submit" button is clicked.
• Language: Tenders must be submitted in English.
• Consortia/Subcontractors: If submitting as a group, a single nominated entity must represent all members. Details of all members and their roles are required. The successful tenderer must designate a Prime Contractor.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Term: The initial term is one year.
• Extensions: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to extend the term by up to 3 months, with a maximum of two such extensions.
• Payment Terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract at Appendix 5.
• Pricing Validity: Quoted prices must remain valid for nine months from the Tender Deadline.
• Currency Risk: Any currency variations over the contract term will be borne by the Tenderer.
• Sub-contracting: Permitted, with the Prime Contractor retaining overall responsibility.
• Environmental, Social, Labour Law: The successful tenderer must comply with all applicable EU and national laws in these fields.
• Employee Rights: Undertaking to comply with Council Directive 2001/23/EC (transfers of undertakings) and relevant Irish law.
• Temporary Agency Work: Consideration of obligations under the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 if agency workers are used.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Estimated Value vs. Turnover: The estimated contract value of €100,000 is significantly lower than the minimum annual turnover requirement of €150,000. This suggests the turnover requirement might be a standard gate, or the contract could be part of a larger framework not detailed here.
• Insurance Requirements: The insurance levels, particularly Employer's Liability at €12.7 million, are substantial for a contract with an estimated value of €100,000. This may indicate a risk-averse approach by the buyer or a standard template requirement.
• No Site Visit: The absence of a mandatory site visit is typical for consultancy services but means bidders must rely solely on provided documentation for understanding the context.
• Open Procedure: While an open procedure is used, the specific selection and award criteria will determine the actual competitiveness.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as an open procedure, encouraging participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, the eligibility criteria present a potential barrier for very small businesses.

• Viable Bidder Profile: A credible bidder would likely be a consultancy firm with demonstrated expertise in economic research, labour market analysis, and the logistics/supply chain sector. They must meet the €150,000 minimum annual turnover requirement for the past three years. The insurance requirements, particularly Professional Indemnity at €1 million, are also significant.
• Consortia/Sub-contracting: Consortia and sub-contracting are permitted. SMEs that find the scope beyond their capacity are encouraged to form relationships with other SMEs or larger enterprises. This is a key pathway for smaller firms to participate.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant tender, including the eESPD, detailed methodology, pricing, and supporting documentation, could require 5-10 days of effort for an experienced firm.
• Pwin Signal: The tender does not explicitly indicate an incumbent. The significant insurance requirements and the turnover threshold suggest a preference for established firms, but the encouragement of consortia opens the door for SMEs to partner and bid.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: [01LSCS Skills Report RFT.pdf]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: Messaging facility on www.etenders.gov.ie.
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement
• Appendix 5: Services Contract