Provision of sustainability expertise to update FET micro-qualifications at QQI levels 4 and 5

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks sustainability expertise to update Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications at QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) levels 4 and 5, specifically focusing on green skills. The contract duration is 12 months, with an option for a single extension of up to 6 months.

The core activities for the successful tenderer will involve:

• Updating Micro-qualifications: Developing and revising existing micro-qualifications to incorporate sustainability principles and green skills relevant to QQI levels 4 and 5. This requires an understanding of current FET structures and the specific needs of the green economy.
• Expertise Provision: Providing specialist knowledge and guidance on sustainability and green skills to SOLAS. This may involve consultation, research, and the development of new content frameworks.
• Alignment with Standards: Ensuring that the updated qualifications align with relevant national and international standards for green skills and sustainability education.
• Methodology and Approach: Developing and presenting a clear methodology for undertaking this work, including the rationale for any additional sources used.
• Project/Communications Plan: Creating a sample project and communications plan to outline how the development work will be managed and communicated.
• Environmental and Social Considerations: Demonstrating implemented environmental practices and policies within the service provided, and outlining how these practices are measured. This also includes addressing equality and human rights related to the subject matter of the service.
• Team Availability and Expertise: Providing comprehensive information on the proposed team's roles, responsibilities, experience, and estimated time commitment. This includes detailing biographical information, qualifications, employment records, and specialist knowledge relevant to sustainability and green skills development.
• Documentation: Completing all sections of the Tender Response Document (TRD) and adhering to specified formatting and page limits for different award criteria sections.

The work is intended to enhance the sustainability content within the FET sector, equipping learners with skills relevant to the evolving green economy.

3. Background & buyer context

SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, is procuring sustainability expertise to update FET micro-qualifications. This initiative aligns with broader national and international efforts to integrate green skills into education and training frameworks. The focus on QQI levels 4 and 5 suggests a strategic aim to equip individuals at foundational and intermediate levels with the knowledge and competencies required for emerging green economy roles. This procurement is part of SOLAS's commitment to ensuring the FET system is responsive to current and future labour market needs, particularly those driven by environmental sustainability goals. No specific incumbent is mentioned, but the nature of the work implies a need for current, expert knowledge in sustainability and curriculum development.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: A minimum average annual turnover of €140,000 (exclusive of VAT) for each of the last three financial years. Where the tenderer's establishment date is more recent, turnover details for each year of establishment must be provided.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5 million for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.
• Employer's Liability: €12.7 million for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence. Tenderers must confirm they can obtain the required insurance levels if successful, even if their current levels are lower.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Evidence of previous experience in "programme design and development" is required, with three client references to be provided. Each reference must detail the contracting party, contact information, contract value (minimum value not specified, indicated by €*), commencement and completion dates, and a nature and description of services provided.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender, beyond the requirement to detail team roles, responsibilities, and experience within the award criteria.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Additionally, tenderers must:

• Provide current tax clearance certificate details.
• Acknowledge compliance with the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, confirming they maintain an up-to-date assessment of relevant issues and systems/processes to address them.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The evaluation of tenders will be based on a combination of cost and quality, following the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

Criterion Weight (%) Minimum Score Threshold Sub-criteria