Pasturebase Ireland Web Information System Development & Support Service

Tender description

Teagasc is leading an initiative to improve the profitability of Irish pasture based farming through a combination of research, information systems and service provision and has developed a pasture information system, which enables improvements in pasture production and utilisation and contributes to increased Irish farm profitability. The information system, known as Pasturebase Ireland enables farmers to capture relevant pasture production data and to obtain information to guide their pasture related management decisions. The objective of PastureBase Ireland is to create and maintain a single pasture production database to: a) be a long term repository of pasture production and utilization data, b) support web-based information service(s) to grassland farmers, and c) facilitate research, development and innovation in pasture production and pasture utilization. It is proposed to tender for a business partner for PastureBase Ireland Software Development and Support for a period of 5 years. The partner would supply the following services: 1. Re-design of Pasturebase Ireland within the first year of the contract to improve the user interface to allow the majority of users to complete their main tasks quickly and efficiently, while retaining all functionality for power users (including research farms) 2. Support Pasturebase Ireland at a software level, resolving any bugs or issues with the software and ensuring its smooth day to day operation and availability 3. Support Pasturebase Ireland at the farm level by providing a. an IT technical telephone and email support service to farmers and advisors from 9am to 9pm, five days per week b. IT technical training sessions on the use of the software 4. Supply development services for an on-going programme of development for the software.