Shared Island Media Fund Talent Development and Content Development Initiative

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 Coimisiún na Meán seeks a service provider to design, manage, and deliver a talent and content development initiative for audiovisual content under the Shared Island Media Fund. The initiative aims to strengthen professional capabilities within the audiovisual sector, foster cross-island collaboration, and support the development of high-quality audiovisual projects aligned with the fund's objectives. The contract duration is 12 months, with an estimated maximum value of €199,999 exclusive of VAT.

The successful tenderer will be responsible for:

• Programme Design and Delivery:

• Designing and delivering a structured programme of workshops, masterclasses, mentoring, networking events, and audiovisual content development activities.

• Developing and implementing a fair, open, and transparent recruitment and selection process for programme participants.

• Facilitating collaboration between audiovisual practitioners from across the island of Ireland, including those from different jurisdictions, backgrounds, and communities.

• Providing experienced facilitators, mentors, and industry specialists to support participant learning and project development.

• Supporting participants in developing audiovisual projects that demonstrate potential for progression to production and align with Shared Island Media Fund objectives.

• Managing all aspects of programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, administration, and communications.

• Monitoring programme delivery and performance against agreed milestones.

• Providing progress reports, financial reporting, and a final programme evaluation report as specified in Appendix 1 – Specification of Services.

• Specific Programme Components:

• Content development workshops or labs.

• Masterclasses or seminars.

• Facilitated networking activities.

• Mentoring or consultancy (individual and/or group-based).

• Scripted and/or unscripted audiovisual development activities.

• Potential inclusion of showcase or pitching events within the tendered price.

The programme must support the development of creative, editorial, and professional skills relevant to audiovisual development and production, and provide structured opportunities for professional networking and collaboration.

3. Background & buyer context

Coimisiún na Meán, established on 15 March 2023 under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, is Ireland's independent media regulator. Its remit includes implementing the Online Safety Framework, regulating audiovisual media services, and acting as Ireland's Digital Services Coordinator. The organisation also administers media funding schemes, promotes media plurality and innovation, and supports media literacy.

This procurement is part of the Government of Ireland's broader commitment to the Shared Island Fund. In 2025, over €50 million was announced for Shared Island Fund investments, with €14 million allocated to Coimisiún na Meán to implement a new Shared Island media programme from 2026-2029. This programme aims to stimulate new cultural creative broadcast content, foster new talent, and strengthen collaboration across the island of Ireland. This specific tender relates to the talent and content development initiative for audiovisual content, with a separate tender planned for audio content. The initiative is committed to reflecting diverse identities and fostering inclusive collaboration between the North and South of Ireland.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover Requirement:
• Average annual turnover of at least €400,000 per annum over the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employer's Liability Insurance: €13,000,000 limit per claim.
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000 limit per claim or series of claims arising from a single occurrence.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: €1,000,000 limit per claim.
• Evidence of current cover or confirmation of ability to obtain cover upon award is required.
• Past Experience:
• Details of two (2) relevant contracts undertaken within the last five (5) years. Contracts can be completed or ongoing, provided comparable elements have been successfully completed.
• Personnel:
• Comprehensive curriculum vitae (CVs) for all nominated key personnel.
• Confirmation that proposed personnel have sufficient availability for the contract duration.
• Declarations:
• Declaration of Bona Fides.
• Declaration regarding Statutory Obligations.
• Confirmation of consent for processing of personal data for competition purposes.
• Tax Clearance:
• Tenderers must demonstrate tax clearance throughout the contract lifetime. A tax clearance access number and tax reference number from the Irish Revenue Commissioners are required.
• Geographic / facility constraints:
• Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded to the Tenderer submitting the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). Evaluation will be based on the following criteria and weightings:

Tenderers must achieve the minimum score for each criterion where specified. Failure to meet a minimum score will result in elimination. The "Ultimate Cost" criterion scores the lowest valid tender highest, with others scored pro-rata.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via www.etenders.gov.ie. Late tenders will not be accepted.

The submission must include:

• Tender Response Document: Completed using the provided Word template, adhering to specified page limits for qualitative award criteria. Responses must be in the order set out in the document.
• Pricing Schedule: Completed for pricing clarity.
• Declarations:
• Declaration of Bona Fides.
• Declaration re. Statutory Obligations.
• Form of Tender.
• Confirmation of consent for processing of personal data.
• Supporting Evidence (upon request):
• Evidence of insurance cover or confirmation of ability to obtain cover.
• Auditor's statement or financial accounts detailing turnover for the last three financial years, or a Form of Self-Declaration.
• Details of two (2) relevant contracts undertaken in the last five years.
• Comprehensive CVs for nominated key personnel.
• Tax clearance access number and tax reference number, or a Form of Self-Declaration.
• Consortia/Subcontractor Details: If applicable, full details of each member, their proposed role, and responsibilities.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Duration: 12 months from the commencement date.
• Payment Terms: Following receipt of valid, complete, and accurate invoices, subject to satisfactory delivery of services, in accordance with Appendix 2 – Terms and Conditions of Supply of Services.
• Pricing: All costs must be inclusive of all expenses and fixed for the duration of the contract. Prices must be submitted in Euro (€) and exclusive of VAT.
• Termination: Not explicitly detailed in the provided extract beyond the Commission's right to cancel the competition or award to a runner-up if the primary awardee fails to meet obligations.
• Governing Law: Irish law and the jurisdiction of the Irish courts will govern the contract.
• Sub-contracting: Permitted, with the Prime Contractor holding overall responsibility. Full details of subcontractors and their roles must be provided.
• Bond Requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Fixed Price Cap: The maximum contract value is strictly capped at €199,999 exclusive of VAT. Tenderers must ensure all costs, including management, administration, travel, and expenses, are included within this figure.
• Open Procedure for Below-Threshold Value: While the value is below EU thresholds, an Open Procedure is used, indicating a desire for broad market engagement.
• Tender Validity: Tenders must remain valid for six (6) months from the deadline for receipt of tenders.
• No Amendments Post-Deadline: Modifications to tenders are only accepted before the deadline. Clarifications may be sought, but material amendments are not permitted.
• Self-Declaration Option: For turnover and tax clearance, tenderers can use a Form of Self-Declaration if evidence is not immediately available, but must be able to provide it upon request.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured to be accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with specialised experience in media talent and content development.

• Credible Bidders: Organisations with a proven track record in designing and delivering training, mentoring, and development programmes within the audiovisual sector are well-suited. Experience in cross-border collaboration and understanding of the Irish media landscape are advantageous. The turnover requirement of €400,000 average annual turnover over three years indicates that very small, newly established businesses may find this threshold challenging unless they are part of a consortium.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: Consortia and sub-contracting arrangements are permitted. This allows smaller firms to partner with others to meet eligibility criteria or enhance their offering.
• Indicative Bid-Prep Effort: Preparing a compliant bid will require significant effort, likely several days, focusing on developing a detailed programme methodology, outlining shared island objectives alignment, demonstrating relevant experience, and detailing personnel.
• Pwin Signal: The tender is conducted under an Open Procedure, suggesting no pre-determined incumbent. The award is based on MEAT, with a significant weighting on Programme Design and Methodology (35%) and Shared Island Objectives (15%), indicating that a strong, well-articulated proposal is key, rather than just price or past performance alone. The relatively low contract value suggests it may not be a flagship project for very large established firms, potentially increasing SME competitiveness.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: RFT Shared Island Media Fund Talent Development Audiovisual .pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified in the provided text.
• Contact / Clarification Portal: eTenders messaging function.
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1 – Specification of Services
• Appendix 2 – Terms and Conditions of Supply of Services
• Tender Response Document (Word format)