Public Procurement Support Key Contacts for Businesses

Every year the public sector purchases a wide range of capital works, goods and services. However, this is subject to a range of public procurement laws and regulations, that may often make the process of winning public sector contracts seem bureaucratic to businesses. The agencies, including the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, InterTrade Ireland and the Office of Government Procurement provide a range of supports for businesses interested in tendering for public sector contracts. This leaflet provides an introduction and contact details for each of these key agencies.

LEOs (Local Enterprise Offices)

Who they are and what they do

LEOs are the First Stop Shop for anyone looking for information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland. With 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer businesses a wide range of experience, skills and services.

Who they work with

Entrepreneurs
Early stage promoters
Start-ups
Small businesses looking to expand

LEOs offer various financial supports as follows:

Priming Grant: for businesses trading less than 18 months
Business Expansion Grant: for businesses trading more than 18 months
Feasibility/Innovation Grant: to assist the promoter with researching market demand for a product or service and examining its sustainability

Training and events are organised by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country every year. You can find a list of upcoming events by visiting your local enterprise office webpage.

Contact details

Website: www.localenterprise.ie

Enterprise Ireland

Who they are and what they do

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of irish enterprises in world markets. The organisation works in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales on global markets. In this way, EI supports sustainable economic growth, regional development and secure employment.

Who they work with

Early-stage entrepreneurs
Established business owners
Irish multinational companies

A list of upcoming and held events can be found by visiting Enterprise Ireland website page: www.enterprise-ireland.com

Contact details

regional offices

international locations

Website: www.enterprise-ireland.com

Email: Client.Service@enterprise-ireland.com

InterTrade Ireland

Who they are and what they do

InterTrade Ireland is a Cross-Border Trade and Business Development Body. The organisation supports businesses, through innovation and trade initiatives to take advantage of North/South co-operative opportunities to improve capability, drive competitiveness, growth and jobs.

Who they work with

Manufacturing & Tradable Services Companies
Typically ambitious SMEs who have a satisfactory trading record

A list of events can be found by visiting InterTrade Ireland website page: www.intertradeireland.com

Information on the Go-2-Tender workshops, Meet the Buyer events and other supports can be also found on the InterTrade Ireland website.

Contact details

Website: www.intertradeireland.com

Email: info@intertradeireland.com

Tel: 028 3083 4100 (048 from Ireland) Text phone: 028 3083 4169 (048 from Ireland)

OGP (Office of Government Procurement)

Who they are and what they do

The OGP is responsible for sourcing all goods and services on behalf of the public service together with the four key sectors (Local Government, Health, Defence, Education).

The OGP manage the tendering website, www.etenders.gov.ie , which is used for advertising public sector tenders. Suppliers are encouraged to register on eTenders to access public sector business opportunities.

Who they work with

The OGP’s Customer Service Helpdesk interacts on a daily basis with suppliers and buyers across the public service. The Helpdesk can advise on the supports available for potential suppliers.

In February 2015, the OGP launched the Tender Advisory Scheme (TAS) to provide an informal outlet for potential suppliers to raise concerns about a particular live tender process carried out by the OGP or other public sector contracting body.