The provision of Programme Coordination and Advisory Services to the Office of Public Works

Tender description

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland / Office of Public Works (OPW) (hereinafter referred to as the “Contracting Authority”) is the is the authority responsible for this procurement. For further details please go to www.opw.ie The OPW is a service organisation. Our ethos is to be client focused, to ensure timely delivery of services and to provide value for money. Our remit covers two main areas: 1. Estate Portfolio Management including Heritage Services (relevant to this contract) 2. Flood Risk Management All areas are supported by Corporate Services. The mission of the OPW is to use our experience and expertise in our mandated areas of operation to provide innovative, effective and sustainable shared services to the public and our clients. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) has a primary role in relation to ownership of many of the country’s most iconic heritage sites, developing policy in relation to Ireland’s heritage and ensuring the protection of the nations’ historic sites and buildings. The Department works to ensure that Ireland has a suite of policies and legislation in place to meet modern requirements and in compliance with EU and international heritage obligations. They also work to achieve effective implementation and, where appropriate, enforcement of heritage policies and legislation, including through third parties. The formulation and implementation of policy relating to the protection of Ireland’s archaeological heritage is the specific responsibility of the Department’s National Monuments Service (NMS). (www.archaeology.ie ) Historically, over many decades, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has had a legal remit for the care and conservation of Ireland's National Monuments estate in State care. In tandem with this statutory role, (conferred under original legislation dating from 1930), the OPW has also chosen over many years since approx. the early 1970's to engage in the presentation of the Heritage sites in its care to the public. The original rationale for this was not in fact tourism-related; the starting ambition was rooted instead in the care and conservation agenda, understanding that increasing awareness of Ireland's historic past would create a sense of pride among the general public and a strong momentum for sustaining protection of our heritage. Additionally, the original Guides at sites were intended to act primarily as guardians of the site to prevent damage by visitors and this is still in fact a core Job requirement.