Delivery of Accredited Third-level Programmes in Public Procurement and the provision of associated 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 tender involves the delivery of two accredited third-level programmes in public procurement: the Certificate in Public Procurement (CPP) and the Professional Diploma in Public Procurement (PDPP). These programmes are part-time and delivered through a blended learning model. The contract will cover:

• Delivery of at least two iterations of the CPP (NFQ Level 6) and one iteration of the PDPP (NFQ Level 8) per academic year.
• Classroom-based and online teaching from September to June.
• Provision of course materials and complete assessment of the programmes.
• Student support and regular interaction with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
• Programme development and quality assurance obligations.
• Contribution to a programmatic review to ensure relevance and differentiation between the Certificate and Diploma awards.
• Use of IPA systems for programme administration and student engagement.
• Delivery of seminars, workshops, and teaching activities aligned with programme learning outcomes.
• Provision of relevant and up-to-date learning materials.
• Design and delivery of assessment instruments, including continuous assessments and examinations.
• Marking assessed work and providing feedback to students.
• Preparation and provision of learning materials through IPA’s digital platforms.
• Incorporation of updates in legislation, policy, and professional practice into programme content.
• Academic support to students and contribution to programme evaluation activities.
• Liaison with IPA on programme management and administrative matters.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement is driven by the need to enhance public procurement capabilities in Ireland, aligning with the National Public Procurement Policy Framework. The IPA, under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, seeks to provide public servants with the necessary skills to manage procurement functions effectively. The programmes aim to address the increasing complexity of public contracts and ensure compliance with procurement directives. The IPA plays a pivotal role in public service transformation, supporting government initiatives through education and training.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million per claim.
• Public Liability: €6.5 million per claim.
• Professional Indemnity: €1.5 million per claim.
• 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 tender uses the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach. Specific weights and thresholds are not detailed in the provided documents.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use provided template (Appendix A).
• CVs: Not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Not specified.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders, with specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The framework agreement is for a maximum of four years, with an initial call-off contract of three years, extendable by one year. Payment terms are not specified. Key performance indicators and service level agreements are implied but not detailed. Termination clauses allow for contract termination if the framework member fails to deliver services satisfactorily. Intellectual property ownership and subcontracting rules are not specified. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are mentioned.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The tender specifies a high insurance requirement, which may limit participation to larger firms. The framework agreement does not guarantee any contract awards, posing a risk for bidders. The requirement for the use of IPA systems could be a barrier for firms unfamiliar with these platforms. The tender's reliance on external funding and strategic alignment for contract extensions introduces uncertainty.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for medium to large firms with experience in delivering educational programmes, particularly in public procurement. The high insurance requirements may exclude smaller firms. Consortiums or subcontracting are not explicitly mentioned, but SMEs are encouraged to form relationships with larger enterprises. Bid preparation effort is moderate, likely requiring several days to compile the necessary documentation. The presence of an incumbent is not specified, but the framework's structure suggests a competitive environment.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: "RFT Public Procurement Programmes.pdf"
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: eTenders platform
• Important attachments: "Appendix B – draft Single Party Framework Agreement Terms and Conditions", "Appendix C – draft Services Contract", "Appendix D – Confidentiality Agreement"