North Dublin Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force (RDATF) is one of 10 Regional Drug & Alcohol Task forces in Ireland, set up in 2003 on foot of recommendations from the National Drugs Strategy (NDS), to facilitate a more effective response to the drugs problems in areas experiencing the highest levels of substance misuse.

North Dublin RDATF and its sub-structures bring together members, representing the community, voluntary and statutory sectors to develop and co-ordinate a collective and integrated response to drug & alcohol problems in the North Dublin region

This partnership work is carried out under key themes closely aligned with the National Drug Strategy; (1) Prevention & Early Intervention (2) Community Impact & Crime, (3)Treatment & Rehabilitation and (4)Coordination & research

The North Dublin RDATF is now seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced/qualified individuals or organisations to conduct a large scale review and to develop a 3 year (2016-2019) Regional Drug & Alcohol strategy which includes a clearly defined action plan to deliver the strategy.

This work should incorporate the following:
Literature review (cognisant of national, regional and local policy frameworks & documents)
Analysis of Demographic data to build a profile of the North Dublin RDATF area
An identification of emerging needs and gaps in service provision
Review of resource allocation to the North Dublin RDATF area (both drug and non-drug specific)
Examine evidence based models & strategies in existence
It is envisaged that the contractor will undertake, at minimum, the following activities to achieve the requirements tender

1) Conduct extensive consultation with key informants from the area which should include:
Semi structured interviews with key community stakeholders
Semi structured interviews with RDATF board/Management Committee members
Semi structured interviews with RDATF funded projects & staff
Semi structured interviews with drug & alcohol users (service users & those not currently in treatment)
Semi structured interviews with national, regional & local policy makers & service providers
Community consultation with residents from areas within the RDATF area

2) Conduct focus groups with key community stakeholders from area
3) Prepare a strategic review and 3 year drug and alcohol strategy for the North Dublin RDATF which must include a clear outline of actions to achieve the named and expected outcomes of the new strategy

The successful Tender will also be required to provide the following:

Deliver this work within the agreed prescribed time frame contract period;
Provide regular updates on progress to the RDATF Coordinator/Chair and attend research advisory group meetings;
Submit a Draft Report to the RDATF Coordinator & Chair within the agreed time frame.
Present draft report & findings to the RDATF Governance & Finance subgroup for feedback based on the analysis of information gathered and collated.
Meet and present the findings and report to the RDATF members for final sign off and endorsement
Present the findings to key stakeholders at a formal launch at a date and venue to be agreed
The North Dublin RDATF will not be bound to accept the lowest or any tender. The lowest quote will not necessarily guarantee the contract. Once the tender has been accepted, any price increases during the term of contract will not be accepted

Tender Assessment Procedure
A tender assessment panel will examine all tenders received. The panel will have to be satisfied that the method and programme of work meet the project’s objectives and are cost effective. The panel will also take into account other criteria to include:

Clear demonstration and understanding of the scope and limitations of the research
Demonstration that the Tender has the level, depth, nature of and the relevant skills experience in the area. Evidence of the necessary skills in order to carry out the study;
Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage and complete the contract within the agreed timeframe
Overall assessment and quality of proposal.
Declaration of any potential conflict of interest
Evidence of added value to the original specification of the tender

Timeframe
The deadline for receipt of tenders is 1700hrs on Thursday 25th February 2016. Tenders that are delivered late or incomplete after that time will not be considered.

Applications will be short listed and may be invited to make a presentation to the assessment panel during the week commencing 29th February 2016 (Tenders will be notified)

The successful applicant must be in a position to begin work from week 14th March 2016

Time frame for completion of the work to be negotiated and agreed with successful tenderer prior to awarding of contract. Failure to comply with timeframes may result in penalties being imposed in relation to the payment of fees

Before a contract is awarded, the successful contractor will be required to produce a valid tax clearance certificate.

Contact & Queries
Tender submissions and/or any queries concerning this tender should be sent by post or email only to

Brid Walsh
Regional DATF Coordinator
North Dublin Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force

Unit 25, Town Centre Mall, Swords, Co Dublin

Tel: 01 813 1786
Email: brid@ndublinrdtf.ie or karen@ndublinrdtf.ie

Note: No responsibility for late arrival of emails or correspondence will be accepted by the North Dublin RDATF.