Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Tourism Northern Ireland
10-12 Linum Chambers, Bedford Street
BELFAST
BT2 7ES
ssdadmin.cpd@finance-ni.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
Buyer's address
https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
ID 5351281 - DfE Tourism NI - Advertising and Marketing Services
Reference number
ID 5351281
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 79341000 - Advertising services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Tourism Northern Ireland wishes to appoint a Supplier or Suppliers for the supply and delivery of its advertising, design and marketing services. These requirements have been split into 3 Lots as detailed below. Whilst no spend is guaranteed against any of the Lots, the maximum anticipated value of each Lot over the lifetime of the contract is detailed below. Lot 1: Strategic and Lead Creative Agency with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000 Lot 2: Digital Media Services with an estimated contract value of £6,250,000 Lot 3: Offline Media Services with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000. Supplier(s) should note that there may be workload fluctuations at different times of the year. All of the above Lots will be evaluated and awarded independently of one another. There are no restrictions on the number of Lots a Tenderer can bid for or be awarded. Therefore, tenderers may tender for one, two, or all three of the Lots. For all lots, Tourism Northern Ireland will aim to appoint a maximum of 2 Contractors per lot. These Contractors will be ranked 1 and 2 in respect of each Lot on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) being awarded rank 1
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £35,000,000
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 1 - Strategic and Lead Creative Agency
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
- 79341400 - Advertising campaign services
- 79341200 - Advertising management services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Tourism Northern Ireland wishes to appoint a Supplier or Suppliers for the supply and delivery of its advertising, design and marketing services. These requirements have been split into 3 Lots as detailed below. Whilst no spend is guaranteed against any of the Lots, the maximum anticipated value of each Lot over the lifetime of the contract is detailed below. Lot 1: Strategic and Lead Creative Agency with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000 Lot 2: Digital Media Services with an estimated contract value of £6,250,000 Lot 3: Offline Media Services with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000. Supplier(s) should note that there may be workload fluctuations at different times of the year. All of the above Lots will be evaluated and awarded independently of one another. There are no restrictions on the number of Lots a Tenderer can bid for or be awarded. Therefore, tenderers may tender for one, two, or all three of the Lots. For all lots, Tourism Northern Ireland will aim to appoint a maximum of 2 Contractors per lot. These Contractors will be ranked 1 and 2 in respect of each Lot on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) being awarded rank 1
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1 - Contract Management / Weighting: 7.2
Quality criterion - Name: AC2 - Business Continuity / Weighting: 7.2
Quality criterion - Name: AC3 - Social Value / Weighting: 10.8
Quality criterion - Name: AC4 - Presentation of Marketing Strategy / Weighting: 64.8
Cost criterion - Name: AC5 - Average Hourly Rate / Weighting: 10
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Contract will run for 2 years initially, with the option to extend for 3 further periods of 1 yearup to a maximum duration of 5 years
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
The figure indicated in Section II 1.5 represents an estimated contract value. This value reflects the potential scale of the contract and takes into account potential optional extension periods and the uptake of potential optional services as detailed in the tenderdocuments. Neither CPD nor the Authority can provide any guarantee as to the level ofbusiness under this contract. The Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Economic Operators remain responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by them or by any third party acting under instructions from the Economic Operator in connection with taking part in this procurement process regardless of whether such costs arise as a consequence, directly or indirectly of any amendments made to the procurementdocuments by the Contracting Authority at any time. No legally binding contract shall arise and an Economic Operator shall have no legitimate expectation that a contract will beentered into until such time as entry into the Contract has been confirmed by the Contracting Authority. Economic Operators should note that all dates, time periods and figures in relation to values and volumes specified in this notice and the procurement documents are approximate only and the Contracting Authority reserves the right to change any or all of them.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 2 - Digital Media Services
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
- 79341400 - Advertising campaign services
- 79341200 - Advertising management services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Tourism Northern Ireland wishes to appoint a Supplier or Suppliers for the supply and delivery of its advertising, design and marketing services. These requirements have been split into 3 Lots as detailed below. Whilst no spend is guaranteed against any of the Lots, the maximum anticipated value of each Lot over the lifetime of the contract is detailed below. Lot 1: Strategic and Lead Creative Agency with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000 Lot 2: Digital Media Services with an estimated contract value of £6,250,000 Lot 3: Offline Media Services with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000. Supplier(s) should note that there may be workload fluctuations at different times of the year. All of the above Lots will be evaluated and awarded independently of one another. There are no restrictions on the number of Lots a Tenderer can bid for or be awarded. Therefore, tenderers may tender for one, two, or all three of the Lots. For all lots, Tourism Northern Ireland will aim to appoint a maximum of 2 Contractors per lot. These Contractors will be ranked 1 and 2 in respect of each Lot on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) being awarded rank 1
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1 - Digital Marketing Strategy / Weighting: 64.8
Quality criterion - Name: AC2 - Contract Management / Weighting: 7.2
Quality criterion - Name: AC3 - Business Continuity / Weighting: 7.2
Quality criterion - Name: AC4 - Social Value / Weighting: 10.8
Cost criterion - Name: AC5 - Average Hourly Rate / Weighting: 10
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Contract will run for 2 years initially, with the option to extend for 3 further periods of 1 year up to a maximumduration of 5 years.
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
The figure indicated in Section II 1.5 represents an estimated contract value. This value reflects the potential scale of the contract and takes into account potential optional extension periods and the uptake of potential optional services as detailed in the tenderdocuments. Neither CPD nor the Authority can provide any guarantee as to the level ofbusiness under this contract. The Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Economic Operators remain responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by them or by any third party acting under instructions from the Economic Operator in connection with taking part in this procurement process regardless of whether such costs arise as a consequence, directly or indirectly of any amendments made to the procurementdocuments by the Contracting Authority at any time. No legally binding contract shall arise and an Economic Operator shall have no legitimate expectation that a contract will beentered into until such time as entry into the Contract has been confirmed by the Contracting Authority. Economic Operators should note that all dates, time periods and figures in relation to values and volumes specified in this notice and the procurement documents are approximate only and the Contracting Authority reserves the right to change any or all of them.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 3 - Offline Media Services
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
- 79341400 - Advertising campaign services
- 79341200 - Advertising management services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Tourism Northern Ireland wishes to appoint a Supplier or Suppliers for the supply and delivery of its advertising, design and marketing services. These requirements have been split into 3 Lots as detailed below. Whilst no spend is guaranteed against any of the Lots, the maximum anticipated value of each Lot over the lifetime of the contract is detailed below. Lot 1: Strategic and Lead Creative Agency with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000 Lot 2: Digital Media Services with an estimated contract value of £6,250,000 Lot 3: Offline Media Services with an estimated contract value of £14,375,000. Supplier(s) should note that there may be workload fluctuations at different times of the year. All of the above Lots will be evaluated and awarded independently of one another. There are no restrictions on the number of Lots a Tenderer can bid for or be awarded. Therefore, tenderers may tender for one, two, or all three of the Lots. For all lots, Tourism Northern Ireland will aim to appoint a maximum of 2 Contractors per lot. These Contractors will be ranked 1 and 2 in respect of each Lot on the basis of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) being awarded rank 1
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1 - Offline Media Strategy / Weighting: 42
Quality criterion - Name: AC2 - Audience Lead / Weighting: 6.3
Quality criterion - Name: AC3 - Contract Management / Weighting: 5.6
Quality criterion - Name: AC4 - Business Continuity / Weighting: 5.6
Quality criterion - Name: AC5 - Social Value / Weighting: 10.5
Cost criterion - Name: AC6 - Media Comission Rebate / Weighting: 25.2
Cost criterion - Name: AC7 - Average Hourly Rate / Weighting: 4.8
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Contract will run for 2 years initially, with the option to extend for 3 further periods of 1 year up to a maximumduration of 5 years.
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
The figure indicated in Section II 1.5 represents an estimated contract value. This value reflects the potential scale of the contract and takes into account potential optional extension periods and the uptake of potential optional services as detailed in the tenderdocuments. Neither CPD nor the Authority can provide any guarantee as to the level ofbusiness under this contract. The Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Economic Operators remain responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by them or by any third party acting under instructions from the Economic Operator in connection with taking part in this procurement process regardless of whether such costs arise as a consequence, directly or indirectly of any amendments made to the procurementdocuments by the Contracting Authority at any time. No legally binding contract shall arise and an Economic Operator shall have no legitimate expectation that a contract will beentered into until such time as entry into the Contract has been confirmed by the Contracting Authority. Economic Operators should note that all dates, time periods and figures in relation to values and volumes specified in this notice and the procurement documents are approximate only and the Contracting Authority reserves the right to change any or all of them.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2024/S 000-036764
Section five. Award of contract
Contract No
1
Lot No
1
Title
Lot 1 - Strategic and Lead Creative Agency
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
8 July 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 10
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 1
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 10
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
CAWLEY NEA LIMITED
41A BLACKBERRY LANE
DUBLIN
D06A2H1
Country
Ireland
NUTS code
- IE - Ireland
Internet address
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £14,375,000
Total value of the contract/lot: £14,375,000
Section five. Award of contract
Contract No
2
Lot No
2
Title
Lot 2 - Digital Media Services
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
8 July 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 10
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 2
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 10
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: Yes
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
MC SAATCHI UK LTD
34-36 GOLDEN SQUARE
LONDON
W1F 9EE
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
Internet address
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
ARDMORE ADVERTISING MARKETING LTD
Ardmore House
HOLYWOOD
BT18 9JQ
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
Internet address
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £6,250,000
Total value of the contract/lot: £6,250,000
Section five. Award of contract
Contract No
3
Lot No
3
Title
Lot 3 - Offline Media Services
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
8 July 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 10
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 2
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 0
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 2
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 10
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: Yes
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
ARDMORE ADVERTISING MARKETING LTD
Ardmore House
HOLYWOOD
BT18 9JQ
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
Internet address
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
MAMMOTH DESIGN CONSULTANTS LTD
Sinclair House, Royal Avenue
BELFAST
BT1 1EX
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
Internet address
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £14,375,000
Total value of the contract/lot: £14,375,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
The successful contractor’s performance on the contract will be regularly monitored in line with the tender documentation. Contractors not delivering on contract requirements is a serious matter. It means the public purse is not getting what it is paying for. If a contractor fails to reach satisfactory levels of contract performance they will be given a specified time to improve. If, after the specified time, they still fail to reach satisfactory levels of contract performance, the matter will be escalated to senior management in CPD for further action. If this occurs and their performance still does not improve to satisfactory levels within the specified period, it may be regarded as an act of grave professional misconduct and they may be issued with a Notice of Unsatisfactory Performance and the contract may be terminated. The issue of a Notice of Unsatisfactory Performance can result in the Contractor being excluded from all procurement competitions being undertaken by Centres of Procurement Expertise on behalf of bodies covered by the Northern Ireland Procurement Policy for a period of three years from the date of issue.
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
The UK does not have any such bodies with responsibility for appeal/mediation procedures. Instead; any challenges are dealt with by the High Court, Commercial Division, to which proceedings may be issued regarding alleged breaches of the PCR 2015 as amended.
Belfast
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
CPD complied with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and incorporated a standstill period (i.e. a minimum of 10 calendar days) at the point information on the award of contract was communicated to tenderers. That notification provided full information on the award decision. This provided time for the unsuccessful tenderers to challenge the award decision before the contract was entered into.