The tender process for the Provision of Pest Control Services was advertised in a transparent and open manner. A Prior Information Notice (PIN) was issued on the public procurement portal - www.etenders.gov.ie - on 02 April, 2015 advising the market of OGP's intention to run a competition for these services within the next 12 months. Subsequently an Open Procedure Contract Notice was published on the same eTenders portal (publication date: 19 August, 2015; closing date: 14 September, 2015) inviting suitably qualified service providers to tender. Collaborative consortia bids were encouraged in order to further facilitating SMEs' participation.
The Framework Agreement established is composed of 9 geographic Lots across the State and was designed to facilitate the participation of SMEs. The Lotting structure was very much informed by engagement with the Irish Pest Control Association and a number of service providers.
The OGP is satisfied that its tender process was robust, transparent and open and invited participation from all potential tenderers, whilst being mindful of the Office's core business of delivering value for the taxpayer. The OGP will continue to work with industry and state agencies to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that government procurement policies are business friendly