Animation Programme to implement the initial elements of County Kildare Failte Ltd's Tourism Development Strategy 2013 – 2016 and to develop a framework for the execution of the overall strategy

Quantity or scope

Invitation to TenderIn order to implement the Tourism Development Strategy, County Kildare Failte Ltd has identified the need to appoint an individual or specialist consultancy to animate it, with particular emphasis on the early “Short Term Wins” and on the need to develop a framework for the execution of the remainder of the strategy within the targeted timeframe.2. Terms of Reference:The purpose of this tender is to identify a partner to work with County Kildare Failte Ltd to animate the Tourism Development Strategy for County Kildare for the period 2013 to 2016, with particular emphasis on the delivery of the early targets set down in the strategy and on the development of a coherent framework for the execution of the overall plan.3. Aims/Deliverables of the Animation Programme:The Animation Programme will include the following key elements:— The prioritisation of tasks necessary to implement the strategic outcomes identified in the Tourism Development Strategy, with particular emphasis on the Short Term Wins outlined in Outcome 1.— The identification of resources required (human and financial), to implement the strategy.— Engaging as necessary with other key stakeholders in the delivery of the strategic outcomes.— Assisting with the development and implementation of the annual marketing plans associated with the strategy.— Advising and assisting on the bundling and packaging of tourism product offerings within the county.— Acting as a central point for advice and information on festival and event management, including funding and sponsorship.— Working with Kildare County Council and other relevant stakeholders in coordinating specific initiatives related to the national 2013 Gathering initiative.— Ensuring that the newly revamped County Kildare Failte website is fully rolled out and kept up to date for the benefit of members.— Recruiting new members and identifying sustainable funding sources for County Kildare Failte.— Establishing business to business networking and communication events as prescribed in the Strategy.— Assisting with the development and launch of new tourism product offerings within the county, e.g. the Arthur's Way trail via Leixlip, Celbridge and Oughterard.— Facilitating the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between NUIM and County Kildare Failte – on areas where the two organizations can engage in areas of collaboration to the benefit of tourism interests within the county.4. Timescale:It is envisaged that the animation programme will commence in September 2013, subject to the appointment of a suitable contractor and to the availability of funding.5. Tender Process:Written Tenders are invited from competent persons/organisations with experience in marketing, event planning and management, strategic planning, and project management, wishing to undertake the assignment “Animation Programme to implement the initial elements of County Kildare Failte Ltd's Tourism Development Strategy 2013 – 2016 and to develop a framework for the execution of the overall Strategy over the Plan period”.Completed Tenders must be received no later than 12:00 pm on 7.7.2013 by post or email marked TENDER to:Mr. A. C. Talbot, Secretary, County Kildare Failte Ltd, 5th Floor Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Quarter, Naas, County Kildare.Email: countykildarefailteboard@gmail.comPlease note: Late Tenders will not be accepted.Services to be providedA single contract will be awarded to a knowledgeable, experienced, qualified, and responsive individual/organisation to engage in the Animation Programme assignment as earlier described.They will be responsible for contacting and sourcing information from stakeholders, researching and analyzing information, recommending and implementing appropriate initiatives, and achieving the results as agreed with the client.The contractor will be responsible for all normal office overhead and printing/copying costs and for travel and subsistence costs associated with the assignment.The programme will be funded under the LEADER Axis of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.Contract1. Contract Type:The awarding body proposes to award a single, fixed price contract for the project to the successful proposing individual, firm, or entity for the services described above under Aims/Deliverables.Funding for this project is dependent upon securing grant aid through the LEADER Programme.2. Term of Contract:The term of the assignment will be for a fixed period determined by the length of time necessary to execute its main elements but is not expected to exceed eighteen months.3. Your Tender Should Include:— Name(s) and CV(s) of the person/personnel actually undertaking the work along with relevant experience and qualifications— A demonstrable understanding of the brief and of the assignment's objectives— Project Management Methodology: The Proposal must include a detailed description of how the proposer intends to approach the assignment and to deliver on the client's objectives, with a particular focus on how outcomes will be delivered and how resources will be deployed.4. Budget:Your tender should outline how your proposed budget will be broken down:— Cost of the lead person/consultant x number of days x rate per day (including VAT at 23%).— Cost of any other support personnel.— Any other costs incurred in the project's completion.— Total estimated cost.5. Assessment of Tenders:The following criteria will be used to determine the successful tenderer:Criteria Maximum Marks, Price 20Value for Money 20Relevant Experience and Qualifications 20Understanding of the Project/Track record in Delivering Similar Projects 30Quality of Response to Tender 10Total Marks 100Contractors should be available to make a 15 minute presentation on their proposals, if so required.6. Queries and Information Concerning this Tender:The sole point of contact in relation to this tender is Charles Talbot, Secretary, County Kildare Failte Ltd.All queries or requests for information to this tender should be by email to actalbot@gmail.com with Query to tender noted in the subject line of your emailAny such queries or requests made by telephone or post will not be entertained.All tenderers will be advised by email of any significant issue raised by any tenderer.7. General Conditions:— The lowest priced proposal is not a guarantee of award of contract. Suitability and relevant previous experience will be a key consideration.— It will be a condition of appointment that the proposer appointed shall be able to produce for inspection a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.— Payment for services covered by the proposed contract will be on foot of appropriate invoices, which will be based on agreed deliverables. Invoicing arrangements will be agreed with the successful proposer following the award of contract.— The proposer will be required to provide regular progress reports in an agreed format to the awarding body during the course of the contract.— All costs must be in quoted in Euro, and clarification should be provided, as to whether or not the rates are VAT inclusive or exclusive. The total estimated cost should be clearly stated and must be a single fixed figure quotation.8. Confidentiality of Evaluation:After the official receipt of tenders, information relating to the examination, clarification, evaluation and comparison of tenders and recommendations concerning the ward of the contract will not be disclosed to tenderers or other persons not officially concerned with the process.Signed:A C TalbotSecretaryCounty Kildare Failte Ltd40 000

Additional information

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