Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
210. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46155/23]
View answerDear Deputy Michael Healy-Rae,
I refer to your recent Parliamentary Question pertaining to the Single Supplier Framework agreement for the supply of cleaning, paper, personal hygiene and period equality products FLCO30F.
I note your correspondence makes reference to a business based in Cork who had supplied products under a now expired cleaning supplies framework.
The Single Supplier Framework for the supply of cleaning, paper, personal hygiene and period equality products was established on 1 June 2023.
In line with best practice and in adherence with EU Public Procurement legislation, the tender process for the Supply of Cleaning, Paper, Personal Hygiene and Period Equality Products was advertised in a transparent and open manner. A Prior Information Notice (PIN) was issued via the eTenders portal on 27 April 2022 advising the market of OGP’s intention to run a competition for the provision of the goods within the next 12 months. The design phase of the Framework also included market engagement, which was sought via eTenders in the form of a Request for Information.
Subsequently, an Open Procedure Contract Notice was published on the eTenders portal (publication date: 9 November 2022; closing date: 19 December 2022) inviting suitably qualified service providers to tender. A tenderers briefing was also facilitated by the OGP on 24 November 2022.
Under Circular 05/2023 and 10/2014 buyers are encouraged not to set turnover thresholds at more than twice the estimated contract value. I wish to confirm that no multiplier was used in the establishment of the turnover figures for any Lots advertised under this competition.
To maximise SME access the OGP structured the tender into sixteen geographical lots, in addition the lots were also restricted and the minimum annual turnover for each lot was reduced.
The OGP must diligently apply the instructions as set out in the Framework appointment rules of the tender documentation. The appointment of suppliers to the framework was based on the most economically advantageous tenderer(s) to include both cost and quality. The Office of Government Procurement has confirmed that correspondence relating to the outcome of the competition was issued to the company in question on the 17th April 2023, and that the content therein explained the reasons as to why their submission was unsuccessful in the lots for which they applied under both cost and quality.
In addressing the supply and environmental aspect of dispensers, all companies appointed to the framework must provide dispensers free of charge. This includes the provision of replacement dispensers where the product provided is deemed to be non-compatible with existing dispensing systems. Under the environmental management section of the agreement, the appointed tenderer(s) provided a detailed end of life product recycling programme to include dispensers.
The OGP is satisfied that its tender process was robust, transparent and open and that it acted in the spirit the Circular 05/2023 and Circular 10/2014. The OGP actively applied the principles by making every effort to allow participation by all potential tenderers, whilst being mindful of the Office’s core business of delivering value for the taxpayer.
