AHRRA - Recruitment and Human Resource Services

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 Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive Recruitment and Human Resource (HR) services. The contract encompasses operational support, consultancy, and candidate review and selection services. The estimated expenditure for the Services Contract is approximately €400,000, reflecting the anticipated scope of work over the contract term.

Key activities include:

• Recruitment Services:

• Sourcing candidates for various roles within AHRRA.

• Conducting interviews and assessments to evaluate candidate suitability.

• HR Operational Support:

• Providing ongoing HR consultancy to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

• Developing and implementing HR policies and procedures tailored to AHRRA's needs.

• Candidate Review and Selection:

• Assisting in the evaluation of candidates through structured interviews and assessments.

• Providing recommendations based on candidate performance and fit for the organization.

The contractor will operate primarily from AHRRA's temporary premises at 7 Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Dublin 2, and will be expected to adapt to the evolving needs of the agency as it transitions into full operational status by early 2028.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of these services is timely as AHRRA was established in October 2025 under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024. This new agency is tasked with regulating assisted human reproduction and surrogacy practices in Ireland. The establishment phase requires robust HR support to build a competent workforce capable of fulfilling the agency's mandate. The strategic driver for this procurement is to ensure AHRRA can effectively recruit and manage its human resources as it prepares to deliver services to the public in a phased manner starting in early 2028.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €150,000 in each of the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least two comparable projects delivered within the last five years.
• 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 evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, focusing on both price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Complete the template provided, adhering to any page limits specified.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, limited to two pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing template provided in Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Provide details of two relevant projects, including contract value and duration.
• Declarations: Include the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform, ensuring compliance with file size and format requirements.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The Services Contract will have a term of two years, with the possibility of extending for up to one additional year. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Payments will be made in accordance with the Services Contract.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified in the documents.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified in the documents.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate with 30 days' written notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified in the documents.
• Sub-contracting rules: Subcontractors must be disclosed and approved by AHRRA.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €150,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, as it is close to the estimated contract value of €400,000.
• The absence of specified personnel requirements may lead to ambiguity in the evaluation of bidder qualifications.
• The lack of clarity on SLAs and KPIs raises concerns about performance expectations and accountability.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in recruitment and HR services. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in similar projects, ideally with public sector clients.
• The capacity to manage the recruitment process effectively and provide HR consultancy.
• The ability to form partnerships or subcontract if necessary, as collaboration is encouraged.

Bid preparation may require several days of effort, particularly in gathering documentation and preparing case studies. The presence of an established agency like AHRRA may indicate a competitive environment, but the tender is open to a range of firms capable of meeting the outlined criteria.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 20260527 AHRRA Recruitment and HR Support Services RFT.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified; queries must be directed via the eTenders messaging facility.
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 4: European Single Procurement Document (ESPD)