Contracted Training Supply and Delivery

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This procurement seeks to establish a multi-party framework agreement for the supply and delivery of contracted training services across eleven distinct lots. The framework will be established for an initial period of two years, with an option to extend for two additional 12-month periods, potentially totalling four years. The estimated total expenditure for the framework is €30,000,000 (ex VAT), though this is indicative and not guaranteed. Contracts awarded under the framework may extend beyond its expiry date.

The scope encompasses a broad range of training categories, detailed across eleven lots:

• Lot 1: Business, Administration Skills, Financial Services Skills, Management Skills, Sales and Marketing Skills, Entrepreneurship Skills, Media Skills, Media Graphics Communications Skills, Web Development & Design Skills.
• Lot 2: Information Technology Skills, Engineering (IT) Skills, Core ICT Skills.
• Lot 3: Engineering Skills, Electrical Engineering Skills, Mechanical Engineering Skills, Manufacturing Skills, Science and Technology Skills, Natural Resources Skills, Built Environment Skills.
• Lot 4: Health, Family other Social Services Skills.
• Lot 5: Hairdressing, Beauty and Complementary Therapies Skills.
• Lot 6: Transport, Distribution and Logistics Skills, Transport Engineering Skills.
• Lot 7: Food and Beverage Skills, Tourism Skills, Sport & Leisure Skills.
• Lot 8: Agriculture, Horticulture and Mariculture Skills, Animal Science Skills.
• Lot 9: Core Personal Skills, General Learning, Language Skills, Sampling Skills, Arts.
• Lot 10: Research and Education/Training Skills.
• Lot 11: Security, Guarding & Emergency Services Skills.

Training can be delivered online (synchronous), in-person, or via a blended approach. Tenderers must submit a separate Tender Response Document (TRD) and pricing schedule for each lot they wish to tender for. The framework will admit a maximum of five suppliers per lot, subject to meeting minimum criteria. Contracts under the framework can be awarded via a cascade system to the highest-ranked firm or through mini-tender competitions.

Key operational requirements include:

• Tutor Qualifications: Tutors must possess appropriate pedagogical qualifications and a minimum of two years of direct learner contact time post-qualification. Professional qualifications must be at least one level above the module/course certification being delivered, with a minimum of two years' related professional experience. Alternative experience requirements are specified for tutors with qualifications at the same level or where no recognised professional qualification exists.
• Course Management: Tenderers must nominate a dedicated Course Manager responsible for contract delivery.
• Facilities: Classrooms must be equipped with computers no more than three years old, running up-to-date software, with internet access. Printer access and canteen facilities separate from classrooms are required. All rooms and toilet facilities must be wheelchair accessible.
• Health and Safety: Tenderers must demonstrate compliance with the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Acts 2005 to 2014 and provide a signed copy of their current Health & Safety Policy. Garda vetting and criminal record checks are mandatory for personnel.
• Sustainability: Tenderers must highlight policies for managing and minimising environmental impact, including adoption of energy-efficient technologies, waste management, and sustainable transportation. Compliance with waste disposal regulations and the WEEE Directive is required.
• Innovation: Tenderers are expected to submit innovative solutions, including new delivery models, enhanced learner supports, or contributions beyond the core contract.

3. Background & buyer context

Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) is a statutory authority responsible for education and training across Galway and Roscommon. GRETB operates nineteen training centres and delivers a wide range of educational programmes, including primary, post-primary, further education, training, outdoor education, music education, and youth services. This procurement is part of GRETB's strategy to ensure the efficient and cost-effective provision of contracted training services to meet learner demand. The framework approach is intended to leverage efficiencies and maximise cost savings over the duration of the agreement. A significant portion of the expenditure under these frameworks is subject to funding approval from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered eligible for evaluation, bidders must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: €6,500,000
• Product Liability Insurance: €6,500,000
• Employer's Liability Insurance: €13,000,000
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel:
• Tutors require pedagogical qualifications and a minimum of 2 years of direct learner contact time.
• Professional qualification and experience requirements for tutors vary based on their experience level (junior, intermediate, senior) and the level of qualification held, ranging from 2 to 11 years of related professional experience.
• A dedicated Course Manager must be nominated.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Training facilities must be located within Galway and Roscommon. Computers must be no more than three years old.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria