Call for Tender dated for the Provision of a Leadership Development Programme

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 the provision of a Leadership Development Programme for Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland. The successful contractor will deliver a comprehensive training initiative aimed at enhancing leadership skills within the organization. The programme is expected to be tailored to meet the specific needs of the organization and its personnel.

Key activities include:

• Programme Design: Develop a leadership curriculum that aligns with the strategic goals of Research Ireland.
• Training Delivery: Conduct workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions over a 12-month period.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Implement methods to assess the effectiveness of the training and its impact on participants.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates and a final report detailing the outcomes of the programme.
• Methodology: Use evidence-based practices and frameworks to inform the training content and delivery methods.
• Participant Engagement: Facilitate interactive sessions that encourage participation and feedback from attendees.
• Resource Allocation: Manage the logistics of training sessions, including scheduling, materials, and venue arrangements.

The contractor must ensure that the programme is flexible and can adapt to the evolving needs of Research Ireland throughout the contract term.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued as part of Research Ireland's commitment to developing leadership capabilities within its workforce. The initiative aligns with broader governmental policies aimed at enhancing leadership skills across public sector organizations. The need for this programme has been underscored by recent evaluations indicating a gap in leadership competencies among staff. Research Ireland has not disclosed the name of any incumbent provider for this service, indicating an opportunity for new entrants to participate.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €300,000 for each of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €10.0ml limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Public Liability: €5ml limit for any one claim or series of claims.
• Professional Indemnity: €0.5ml for any one claim or series of claims.
• Cyber Liability: €1.0ml for any one claim or series of claims.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Successful delivery of a minimum of two (2) contracts for services similar in nature and scope to those described in Appendix 1 of the CFT.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification from the tender process.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, with a minimum score of 60% required for each qualitative criterion.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided Tender Response Document (TRD) template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel involved in the project, with no specified page count.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the Pricing Schedule as outlined in Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide details of at least two relevant projects, including value ranges.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic post box on www.etenders.gov.ie.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract will be for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extending for up to 3 months on the same terms.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the terms set out in the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Specific performance indicators will be defined in the contract, focusing on training delivery and participant satisfaction.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with 1 month's written notice.
• IP ownership: All materials developed during the contract will remain the property of Research Ireland.
• Sub-contracting rules: Sub-contracting is permitted but must be disclosed in the tender submission.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a minimum turnover of €300,000, which may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The absence of specified certifications could lead to ambiguity in compliance expectations.
• The lack of a mandatory site visit may hinder bidders' understanding of the specific needs and context of Research Ireland.
• The contract's fixed fee structure may pose financial risks if the scope of work expands beyond initial estimates.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with relevant experience in leadership training and development. Viable bidders should possess:

• A proven track record in delivering similar training programmes.
• The capacity to manage a contract of this scale, including the necessary personnel and resources.
• The ability to form partnerships or subcontract with other SMEs if needed.

The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at 10-15 days, depending on the complexity of the proposed methodology. The presence of a minimum turnover requirement may signal a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents have established relationships with Research Ireland.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Leadership Development Tender - FV.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Appendix 1 — Requirements and Specification, Appendix 2 — Pricing Schedule, Appendix 3 — Tenderers Statement.