Mobile Phone Tender

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

This tender seeks the supply of mobile devices and telecommunications services for Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ). The objective is to establish a contract for cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality mobile services across the organisation.

The successful tenderer will be required to:

• Supply mobile devices and ancillary items:
• Outright purchase of new, unused, current market model mobile devices (released within the previous 24 months).
• Devices must be compliant with Irish and EU telecommunications standards and compatible with 4G and/or 5G networks.
• Proposals must include devices across Apple (iPhone) and Android-based platforms.
• Devices must be categorised as:
• Low Cost (Entry Level)
• Medium Cost (Mid-Range)
• High Cost (Premium)
• Pricing for ruggedised handsets must be included.
• Details of minimum order quantities and volume discount structures are required.
• Additional equipment required includes USB Modems and Wi-Fi routers, and accessories such as battery chargers, phone cases, and earphones.
• Provide mobile voice, SMS, and data services:
• Monthly mobile service plans based on differing data usage levels.
• All plans must include national voice calls, SMS messaging, specified data allowances, and EU roaming in accordance with regulations.
• RCÉ currently has over 130 business phones, with some staff on SIM-only plans (5GB or 50GB data per month).
• Additionally, 50 devices use data SIMs with 50GB data per month, over 30 of which are in specialist Greyhound racing equipment.
• Ensure nationwide coverage within the Republic of Ireland:
• Tenderers must provide population coverage (%), geographic coverage (%), 4G and 5G coverage levels, and rural and indoor coverage.
• Supporting evidence such as ComReg reports, independent benchmarks (OpenSignal, Ookla), or coverage maps is required.
• Manage onboarding, migration, and transition:
• Outline processes for delivery, installation, configuration management, disposal, warranty management, and technical support of handsets.
• Outline processes for supply, installation, and configuration of mobile device management (MDM) products.
• Devices should be ready for enrolment into RCÉ's Microsoft Intune MDM platform, supporting Apple Business Manager or Android Enterprise, with the ability to pre-register devices and no restrictions preventing Intune enrolment or policy application.
• All costs associated with migration and transition from the current provider must be included in pricing, covering number porting, SIM provisioning, device setup, project management, and administrative charges. A detailed Transition Plan is required.
• Provide ongoing support and account management:
• Details of helpdesk availability, dedicated account manager, and escalation procedures are required.
• Service Level Agreement (SLA) proposals for network availability and fault response/resolution are required.
• Value Added Benefits / Innovation:
• Tenderers are invited to outline additional services, benefits, innovations, funding arrangements, technology enhancements, or service improvements.

3. Background & buyer context

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), also known as Greyhound Racing Ireland, is a commercial semi-state body responsible for the control, regulation, and development of the Irish Greyhound Industry. RCÉ licenses tracks, issues permits, and implements racing rules. It owns or controls nine of the fourteen licensed tracks in the Republic of Ireland. RCÉ's operations are funded by levies, gate receipts, and other income, which are used to supplement prize money, provide development loans and grants to tracks, market the industry nationally and internationally, and develop and manage greyhound stadia. This tender is a procurement exercise to secure mobile phone devices and services for the organisation's operational needs.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenders must meet the following qualification criteria to be considered for evaluation:

• Services Match Scope: Proposed services must align with the scope specified in Section A, paragraph 2.
• Completeness of Documentation: Tender proposal documentation must be complete as stated in Section A, paragraph 3, and accompanied by specified documents, other requirements, and certifications (Section D).
• Timeliness: Tenders must be received by the deadline specified in paragraph 25 of Section B.

While specific financial, insurance, certification, or past experience thresholds are not explicitly detailed as qualification criteria in the provided text, tenderers must confirm:

• Tax Clearance: The successful tenderer must possess a valid tax clearance certificate for the duration of the contract. If not available at submission, confirmation of application from the Irish Revenue Commissioners or auditor is required.
• Company Registration: If a company registered and/or carrying on business in Ireland, compliance with Companies Acts 1963 to 2012, including filing up-to-date annual returns, is required. For other companies, compliance with corresponding legislation in their jurisdiction, certified by a lawyer, is necessary.
• Exclusion Criteria: Tenderers must declare they are not excluded based on reasons outlined in paragraphs 9 and 10 of Section B (e.g., bankruptcy, conviction for indictable offences, corruption, fraud, non-payment of social security or taxes, or professional misconduct).
• Insurance: Tenderers must provide current levels of cover for Public Liability, Product Liability, and Employer Liability, along with policy numbers and insurer names. Specific minimum cover amounts are not stated in the provided text.
• Past Experience: Tenderers must provide a list of projects undertaken in the last five years of a similar nature and a brief description of their business/occupation. Specific quantity or value thresholds for past projects are not stated.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Tenders that meet the qualification criteria will be evaluated substantively against the following award criteria, which determine the most economically advantageous tender:

• Cost: The tender with the lowest ultimate cost will receive the maximum score (60 points). Other tenders will be scored proportionally using the formula: (Lowest Ultimate Cost / Ultimate Cost of Tender being Evaluated) * 60.
• Pass/Fail Criteria: Tenders must also pass criteria related to submission before the deadline, tax clearance, insurance, completion of Section D, and submission of requested documentation. These are listed as "Pass/Fail" in the award criteria table but function as qualification gates.
• Presentation/Interview: The award may be subject to a successful presentation and interview.
• Right to Reject: RCÉ reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any tender.

6. Submission requirements

Tenderers must submit their proposals online through the eTenders web portal (www.etenders.gov.ie) using the tender message service or submission post-box. Emailed or faxed tenders are not acceptable.

The submission must include:

• Completed Section D: This section, to be copied and completed by the tenderer, requires details on:
• Tenderer's name, address, contact information.
• Tax Clearance Certificate details (copy to be attached).
• VAT Number.
• Managing Director, Company Secretary, Number of employees, List of Directors, Company Registration Number (if applicable).
• Certificate of Incorporation (copy to be attached).
• Copy of last annual return (if applicable).
• Banker and Auditor details.
• List of similar projects undertaken in the last five years.
• Insurance details (Public Liability, Product Liability, Employer Liability cover amounts, policy numbers, insurer names; copies of policies to be attached).
• Declaration confirming the tenderer is not excluded from the procedure.
• Pricing Schedule: Appendix 1 - Pricing Schedule must be completed.
• Declarations: Confirmation of not being excluded (part of Section D).
• Supporting Evidence: For network coverage, evidence such as ComReg reports, independent benchmarks, or coverage maps may be required.
• Certificates: Copies of Tax Clearance Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, and insurance policies are to be attached.

A mandatory site visit is not specified.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Length: The contract will be for an initial period of three (3) years, with an option for RCÉ to extend it for a maximum of two (2) additional years.
• Performance Reviews: The contract will be subject to quarterly performance reviews against award criteria and tender objectives.
• Termination: RCÉ reserves the right to terminate the contract if not satisfied with performance. Written notice of dissatisfaction will be given, allowing a reasonable time for remedy. If insufficient action is taken, or the breach is irremediable, RCÉ may terminate on one month's notice.
• Payment: RCÉ adheres to the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997. All work requires a valid purchase order (PO) number, which must be referenced on invoices.
• Assignment/Sub-contracting: The award is specific to the tenderer and is not capable of assignment. Sub-contracting requires RCÉ's consent, which is at their absolute discretion. If sub-contracting is intended, names of sub-contractors must be provided with the tender. The tenderer remains responsible for all liabilities arising from sub-contractor actions.
• Fixed Prices: Contracts are awarded on the basis of fixed prices, which must remain constant for the duration of the contract.
• Compliance: Tenderers must provide evidence of compliance with all applicable laws, including statutory terms relating to minimum pay and legally binding sectoral agreements. Contractors must also comply with RCÉ's visitor and contractor on-site guidelines.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The estimated value of €150,000 for a three-year contract with a potential two-year extension appears low for the scope described, which includes the supply of devices and comprehensive mobile services for over 130 users, plus specialist equipment. This could indicate a focus on cost-effectiveness over premium offerings or a potential for the contract to be split if multiple suppliers are deemed suitable. The significant weighting (60%) on 'Cost' in the award criteria reinforces this. The requirement for devices to be "current market models (typically released within the previous 24 months)" combined with fixed pricing for the contract duration could pose a risk for tenderers if device costs fluctuate significantly. The explicit exclusion of leasing or hire models for devices means only outright purchase is permitted. The requirement for devices to be compatible with RCÉ's existing Microsoft Intune MDM setup is a specific technical integration point.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is likely open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are established mobile network operators or authorised resellers with a strong track record in business telecommunications and device supply. A credible bidder would need:

• Specialism: Expertise in mobile device management, network services, and potentially integration with enterprise MDM solutions like Microsoft Intune.
• Product Range: The ability to source and supply a range of Apple and Android devices across entry-level, mid-range, and premium categories, including ruggedised options.
• Network Coverage: Demonstrable nationwide coverage within the Republic of Ireland, supported by evidence.
• Financial Stability: The ability to provide valid tax clearance and meet any implicit financial stability requirements, though explicit turnover thresholds are not stated.
• Service Capability: A robust helpdesk, dedicated account management, and clear SLA proposals.

Consortium bidding or sub-contracting is permitted, provided RCÉ consents and the lead tenderer remains responsible. The bid-preparation effort is likely moderate, requiring detailed pricing, service descriptions, and documentation completion. The high weighting on cost and the relatively modest estimated value suggest that incumbent advantage may be less of a factor than competitive pricing and a well-defined, cost-effective service offering.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: RCÉ Mobile phone CFT 2026.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact / Clarification Portal: [email protected] (email)
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix 1 – Pricing Schedule
• Section D – Information to Be Supplied With Each Tender
• Section A – Introduction, Specification and Form of Tender