Consultancy Services for Digital Diagnostics, Workshops and Mentoring DS3 PEACEPLUS Project

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 providing consultancy services for digital diagnostics, workshops, and one-to-one mentoring under the DS3 PEACEPLUS Project, targeting counties Leitrim, Sligo, and Donegal. The contractor will deliver a comprehensive Digital Skills Programme aimed at enhancing digital capability among SMEs and community groups in rural areas with populations of 18,000 or less.

Key activities include:

• Digital Diagnostics: Conducting 260 assessments (130 for SMEs and 130 for community groups) over two years, providing tailored recommendations and signposting to relevant supports.
• One-to-One Mentoring: Offering bespoke guidance to 172 participants (86 SMEs and 86 community groups) to implement practical digital improvements, including AI adoption, digital marketing, e-commerce, and productivity tools.
• Workshops: Delivering 20 workshops (10 for SMEs and 10 for community groups) engaging a minimum of 360 participants through blended learning approaches (in-person and online).
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensuring compliance with evaluation requirements, including attendance tracking, qualitative measures, and participant feedback.

The contractor will collaborate with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) across the three counties to ensure effective outreach and participant engagement, fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge transfer.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement aligns with the PEACEPLUS initiative, a cross-border funding programme supported by the EU and the governments of Ireland and the UK, aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges in the region. The DS3 Project, under Investment Area 2.4 (Smart Towns and Villages), focuses on enhancing digital inclusion and innovation in rural communities. Leitrim County Council is leading the management and delivery of Work Package 1, which is crucial for the project's success in promoting digital skills and capabilities.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum of €1,000,000
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Demonstrated delivery and effective management of a minimum of two comparable contracts/projects in the last seven 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 price/quality split is based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documentation:

• Method statement / response document: Use the named template with specified page limits.
• CVs: For key personnel, adhering to page count limits.
• Pricing schedule: Format as per the named template.
• Case studies: Provide a minimum of two, demonstrating relevant experience.
• 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 www.etenders.gov.ie, following specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Duration: 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.
• Payment terms: Payments made upon submission of invoices, which must include an official purchase order number.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Regular reporting on outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators is required.
• Termination clauses: The authority reserves the right to terminate the contract for reasons outside its control.
• Sub-contracting rules: If sub-contractors are engaged, the primary contractor will be the sole point of contact for the authority.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The requirement for a minimum of two comparable projects may limit participation from smaller firms without extensive experience.
• The geographic focus on rural areas with populations under 18,000 may restrict the pool of eligible bidders.
• The contract's reliance on cross-border collaboration may introduce complexities in coordination and compliance.
• The tight timeline for contract commencement in August 2026 may pose challenges for bidders to mobilize resources effectively.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in digital consultancy and training. Viable bidders should have:

• Experience in delivering digital transformation services to SMEs and community groups.
• Capacity to manage projects across multiple geographic locations.
• Ability to engage with local stakeholders and adapt services to meet diverse needs.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are permitted, allowing SMEs to collaborate to meet financial and technical requirements. Bid preparation is expected to require several days of effort, particularly for assembling documentation and case studies. The presence of a strong incumbent may influence the competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT PEACEPLUS DS3 Digital Skills Programme WP1.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Queries should be submitted via the Questions and Answers facility on www.etenders.gov.ie
• Important attachments: Not specified.