Laboratory Support Services for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is a multi-functional organisation which provides a wide range of services both directly and through specialist state agencies operating under its aegis. The Department has a wide and diverse customer base which includes farmers, consumers, food processors and other commercial operators, those involved in sea fishing, forestry, bio-energy, research as well as diverse EU Institutions, other State Bodies and special interest groups. The Mission of the Department is to serve ‘the government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector, protecting public health and optimising social, economic and environmental benefits. The Laboratory Service is an essential component of the Department providing a laboratory infrastructure to support the diagnostic, regulatory and research and development functions. The successful tenderer will provide a person/persons to carry out laboratory support services (hereinafter referred to as ‘laboratory support person’) that meet the criteria set out in this RFT in an efficient and timely manner. The laboratory support person will be required on a temporary basis and duration of assignment will be for a minimum of one (1) day. The Contracting Authority will require high calibre people to provide laboratory support services over the duration of the contract. Services may be required at any of the laboratory locations listed in the tender documents. The Contracting Authority will provide the criteria and key duties, basic working and employment conditions to the successful tenderer once a laboratory support person is required prior to the commencement of the provider’s recruitment process. A laboratory support person will be employed by the Service Provider who will be responsible for paying and making all relevant deductions. The Contracting Authority will not be responsible for paying sick or holiday pay.