Invitation to tender – Researching the public interest litigation landscape in Northern Ireland
Closing date for submissions: 5.00pm (UK time) on Sunday 28 January 2024
The PILS Project are inviting tender submissions to deliver a high quality evidence-based research report that will identify the existing barriers to public interest litigation in Northern Ireland.
In the past year, PILS have witnessed a dramatic surge in applications for our support. This indicates that there are not enough resources dedicated to human rights and public interest legal services.
Up to date research on the barriers to public interest litigation that exist today will not only allow PILS to ensure our strategic plans are ‘on point’ but also that those working in this sector can use the report to support their own work and help streamline and maximise efforts to breaking down the real barriers.
More information on the scope of the contract and the criteria we’ll use to assess proposals is available in the tender document here:
Download PILS’ invitation to tender
Questions and Answers
(last updated: 22 January 2024)
In the interests of transparency and equal treatment of bidders, The PILS Project will share answers we have provided to any clarifying questions received during the tendering process.
Questions are listed in the order they were received.
Bidders are encouraged to check the PILS website for additional Q&A information before the final submission date.
Q: a request for clarity around requirement 3(e), specifically the phrase “with reference to the subject matter of public interest litigation”.
A: Under requirement 3(e), PILS are asking bidders to provide a brief overview of their previous experience of relevant projects (outline at least two examples from within the last five years), which demonstrate ability to provide the research required, particularly with reference to any relevant experience in the subject matter of public interest litigation.
Q: a request for clarification on the scope of the contract, specifically the envisaged “workshops/sessions with consultees”.
A:
- Subject to the availability of our shared meeting spaces, PILS can host in-person and hybrid meetings.
- The 2006 research report, referenced in our invitation to tender, followed engagement with at least 30 different consultees. The number of consultees and stakeholders to be engaged as part of this research will be discussed and agreed between PILS and the successful bidder following their appointment. PILS envisages the engagement of a minimum of 15 consultees.
Q: a request for guidance on the ideal length and/or format of the final report.
A: The 2006 research report, referenced in our invitation to tender, was 34 pages long (not including appendices). For this research, we envisage the production of a report which is similar in length, albeit with the focus on quality rather than quantity.
Q: a request for guidance on an overall figure, or budget range, for delivery of this contract.
A: Given the information provided, both in response to these questions and contained in the invitation to tender, PILS does not intend to provide any further specific guidance on the budget range.
Q: a request for guidance on the budget and travel expenses, specifically costs associated with travel to Belfast for in-person work.
A: Bidders should capture all associated costs within their tender bid. This includes the costs of any proposed travel to Belfast.