Invitation to Tender: Research Projects

17th July 2014

INVITATION TO TENDER: RESEARCH PROJECTS

(1) The Practice of Pre-Trial Detention: Monitoring Alternative and Judicial Decision Making

(2) Prison Litigation Network

About IPRT and our Work

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is Ireland's leading non-governmental organisation campaigning for the rights of people in prison and the progressive reform of Irish penal policy. Established in 1994, IPRT has a well-established role as an independent voice in public debate on the Irish penal system. IPRT is committed to reducing imprisonment, respecting the rights of everyone in the penal system, and progressive reform of the penal system based on evidence-led policies. IPRT is a small and vibrant organization with an Executive Director who reports to a voluntary Board of Directors; a Deputy Director, a Development and Administrative Executive and an Employment Based PhD candidate.

Context

IPRT has received funding to participate in two European Commission funded research projects: (1) The Practice of Pre-Trial Detention: Monitoring Alternative and Judicial Decision Making and (2) Prison Litigation Network. The projects offer an excellent opportunity for an experienced researcher(s) to work alongside a dynamic non-governmental organisation on key penal policy issues. Those submitting a tender may do so for one or both projects.

Requirements for EU funded projects

EU funded projects have strict financial and narrative reporting requirements. Ideally, a successful tender would demonstrate the following proficiencies:

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline; Knowledge of the Irish legal and criminal justice systems;
• Experience in utilisation of a range of research methods, including survey design and distribution, interviews, hearing observations and desk-based research; experience of both qualitative and quantitative research;
•  Experience in interpretation of EU led research protocols and adapting national research  designs as appropriate; experience in seeking and obtaining ethical approval for research purpose;
• Liaison with key stakeholders and gatekeepers involved in Irish criminal justice; research;
• Maintenance of detailed, accurate and fully evidenced time-keeping records;
• Experience in producing high standard research to publication standard;
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to adhere to strict reporting, budgetary and time-recording requirements.

IPRT, as partner delivery agent for Ireland, invites you to submit a tender to deliver one or both of the specific projects detailed below.

Project Descriptions

(1) The Practice of Pre-Trial Detention: Monitoring Alternative and Judicial Decision Making

Description: Around 21% of the EU total prison population have yet to be convicted of any offence. This is a European wide project involving 9 Member States which aims to reduce the unnecessary use of pre-trial detention (PTD) within the EU. The project will build a unique evidence base regarding what in practice is causing the excessive use of PTD.

Methodology: a detailed methodology, templates and tools will be set by the lead partner on this project (Fair Trials International) and will include qualitative information to be sourced through (i) conducting in-depth surveys of criminal defence lawyers (ii) in depth interviews with key stakeholders, (iii) monitoring detention hearings (iv) reviewing case files as well as desk based research.

National Deliverable: reports on local Irish practice including (a) an overview of PTD law and a review of available statistical information (b) an analysis of information gathered and (c) an analysis of the compatibility of Irish practices with international standards.

Indicative Timeframe: It is currently expected that the research will be conducted over not more than 70 working days between August/Sept 2014 and June 2015

(2) Prison Litigation Network

Description: Despite significant ECHR case law recognizing prisoner’s rights, the national laws of a number of member States are often not compatible with these requirements. The objective of the project is to improve knowledge of EU law requirements by pooling the knowledge gained from litigation in national courts within the EU for the defence of fundamental rights in prison, systematically analysing the law and making this available via an online legal database which will provide for a continuous exchange of know-how.

Methodology: We expecta detailed methodology, templates and tools will be provided by the lead partner on this project (University of Florence) which is expected to include comparative legal analysis and empirical research, semi-structured interviews and preparation of a national report.

National Deliverable: Data collection, analysis, national report.

Indicative Timeframe: It is currently expected that the research will be conducted over not more than 100 working days between August/Sept 2014 and April/June 2015

Further detailed information on the projects may be sought from Executive Director in advance of submission of tender – email director@iprt.ie

Further Information

The information below is relevant to both projects:

Tax:

A valid Tax Clearance Certificate is to be supplied with the tender and is to be valid when invoice is being submitted for payment.

VAT:

It should be noted that the proposed budget for these projects should include VAT.  Details of VAT registration are to be supplied with the tender. If not registered for VAT, please supply exemption letter from the Revenue Commissioners stating this. In the case of non-residents you must supply a statement from the Revenue Commissioners confirming suitability on tax grounds.  (Non-residents can contact the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Revenue Residence Section, Government Officers, Nenagh, Co Tipperary). Please note that contracts award to non-Irish Republic residents will be subject to VAT at the Irish rate.

Budget:

The indicative budget is €200 all-inclusive per working day for each of the projects. It should be noted that the budget provided for this project should include VAT and daily expenses. An agreed level of additional disbursements will be available for travel and accommodation to conduct fieldwork (where this is required), postage for distribution of surveys etc. and this will be agreed in advance and approved by the Executive Director.

Travel:

It is possible that some travel will be required in the course of this project. In this instance, the costs of flights and accommodation will be met.

Tender Process: 

Tendering organisations or individuals must submit a tender document. Please note the requirements set out above. Each tender should include

•  A profile or CV of the individual making the proposal;
•  Details of previous relevant work in the project area;
• Experience in using methodologies outlined in the project description
• Costing and timeline with respect to each element of the proposed work.

Assessment of Tender:

Each tender received will be assessed on the basis of:

CRITERIA/SCORE

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the brief: 40

Track record in relevant work: 20

Experience in using methodologies outlined in the project description: 20

Availability to carry out the project within the stated timeframe: 10

Price: 10

TOTAL: 100

To note:

• Additional information may be sought at the assessment phase.
• Before final decision, a number of the most competitive tenders may be invited for further discussions/interview on their proposals for the purpose of elaboration, clarification and/or aiding mutual understanding.
•  IPRT shall not be liable for any costs and/or expenses incurred in respect of the preparation or the submission of any tender documents or associated material.
• The timeline for projects is indicative.

Further detailed information on the projects may be sought from Executive Director in advance of submission of tender

Tenders should be submitted by e-mail to director@iprt.ie 

Lowest tender is not a guarantee of success.

CLOSING DATE: Noon on Thursday 31 July