Ó An Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí, Seachadta ar an bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta, agus Athchóirithe
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The Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with responsibility for Public Procurement and eGovernment, Ossian Smyth, congratulated the Office of Government Procurement and the Education Training Boards (ETBs) on their joint win at the National Procurement Awards last week, Thursday 15 September.
Their joint entry won ‘Best Education Project of the Year’.
The winning submission outlined the collaboration between the OGP and ETBs in establishing a framework agreement for Contracted Further Education and Training (FET) services for use by ETBs across Ireland.
Contracted Training refers to training or education services that have been outsourced to external contractors by the ETBs. It can also include services such as market research, proposal of innovative courses, and management of programmes.
While ETBs offer a wide variety of services, occasionally there is a requirement for outsourcing. Contracted Training enables this, maintaining a vibrant private sector training provision that has the expertise to develop and deliver FET programmes that complement and support the ETBs’ strategic goals.
The approximate value of the services was estimated at €160 million over 4 years. The project commenced in October 2020, and contracts were awarded in March 2022.
Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, Ossian Smyth, congratulated the winning teams, saying:
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this project, which will have tangible benefits for learners across the country. The procurement process for this project also aimed to maximise SME participation through consortium bidding, something that is a key priority for Government.
"It is wonderful to see this hard work recognised with a National Procurement Award. Well done to the OGP and ETBs on this fantastic achievement.”
Ken Seery, Director of Further Education and Training, Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, said:
“We are proud and honoured to have won this award in collaboration with the OGP. This project is how every significant public service procurement should work and be delivered: both teams worked together and supported each other in the delivery of this framework agreement that will service learners across the country for the next 4 years.
"We look forward to working on the next iteration of the framework with the assistance of the OGP team, and continually improving the provision of services to learners with their assistance.”
CEO of the OGP, Paul Quinn, welcomed the win, saying:
“The OGP is delighted to accept this award alongside the ETBs. Collaboration is a core facet of the OGP’s success, as demonstrated by the recognition of this project. We look forward to working with government departments and agencies on similar projects that offer both benefits and value for money for the State.
"Well done to all of our nominated teams, and congratulations to the winners.”
Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are statutory education authorities with responsibility for education and training, youth work and a range of other statutory functions. ETBs manage and operate community national schools, post-primary schools, Further Education (FE) colleges, and a range of adult and further education centres delivering education and training programmes.
There are 16 ETBs throughout Ireland.