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CfT: HRB - Research contract to develop monitoring framework for the implementation of the Health Diversion Scheme (drugs policy)

Workarea:
HRB
Name of Contracting Authority:
The Health Research Board
Title:
HRB - Research contract to develop monitoring framework for the implementation of the Health Diversion Scheme (drugs policy)
CfT CA Unique ID:
Evaluation Mechanism:
Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT)
Description:
The HRB is a State Agency under auspices of the Department of Health, the remit of the agency is to support and fund health and social care research and provide evidence to inform policy and practice. , we are motivated and inspired by our vision – better health through excellent research, data, and evidence. The HRB’s mission is to support research that improves people’s health, promotes evidence-informed care and creates solutions to societal challenges. An overview of the HRB’s objectives and activities may be found in HRB Strategy 2021-2025: Health research – making an impact (https://www.hrb.ie/strategy-2025/). 1. Background 1.1 The Programme for Government ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’ commits to divert those in possession of drugs for personal use to health services. 2. What is the health diversion scheme? 2.1 The health diversion scheme will offer compassion, rather than punishment, to people who use drugs, irrespective of what drugs they may be. Under the health diversion scheme, An Garda Síochána will divert a person found in possession of drugs for personal use to the HSE for a health screening and brief intervention (SAOR). The scheme will connect people who use drugs with health services and provide a pathway to recovery, avoiding a criminal conviction. 2.2 There are two stages in the health led approach whereby a person in possession of drugs determined by An Garda Síochána to be for personal use; • On the first occasion they would be referred by An Garda Síochána to the HSE for a SAOR health screening and brief intervention. • On the second occasion, An Garda Síochána would have discretion to make a further referral for a SAOR health screening and brief intervention, or would have discretion to issue an adult caution, if applicable. • On any subsequent arrests for possession of drugs for personal use a person would progress through the criminal justice system. • 2.3 Following the person’s attendance, they will be required to present to the investigating member confirmation of their attendance at the SAOR health referral within a defined period of time. If they do not do so, the investigating member may proceed the person through the criminal justice system. 2.4 SAOR (Support, Ask and Assess, Offer Assistance, Refer) is the HSE model for delivering a health screening and brief intervention for drug and alcohol use. SAOR supports health workers to deliver brief interventions and to facilitate those presenting with more complex needs to access treatment programmes in line with the National Drug Rehabilitation Framework. The HSE is recruiting a nationwide network of SAOR practitioners to deliver the health diversion scheme. 3. Aims of the Health Diversion Scheme 3.1 As set out above, the health diversion scheme will offer compassion rather than punishment to people who use drugs, irrespective of what drugs they may be. Reflecting this approach, there are three principles that should be addressed by this alternative approach namely that: i. a person should be afforded the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction for the possession of drugs for their personal use; ii. a person should be supported to avoid, reduce and recover from drug-related harm; iii. a person with problematic drug use should be referred to appropriate treatment or other support. 3.2 The overall implementation of the health diversion scheme is being overseen by the Health Diversion Scheme Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Group, which includes representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Justice, the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána. 3.3 A Research Advisory Group, which has been established as a sub-group of the Implementation Group, will oversee the process evaluation of the health diversion scheme. 5. Scope of the project 5.1 It is expected that the process evaluation will have both quantitative and qualitative inputs.
Procurement Type:
Services
CPC Category:
Other services
Directive:
2014/24/EU (Classic)
Procedure:
Open
CfT Involves:
A Public Contract
CPV Codes:
73210000-Research consultancy services
Contact Point:
Aisling Lynch
Award per Item:
No
Inclusion of e-Auctions :
No
NUTS codes:
IE
Estimated value (EUR):
40,000
Awarded (CAN) value:
40,400
Above or Below threshold:
Below
Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate:
07/10/2025 12:00
Deadline for dispatching invitations:
End of clarification period:
02/10/2025 12:00
Upload of documents within the clarifications:
Yes
Tenders Opening Date:
07/10/2025 12:30
Allow suppliers to make an online Expression Of Interest:
Yes
Contract awarded in Lots:
No
Contract duration in months or years, including any options and renewals:
3 months
Validity of Tender in days or months:
90 days
EU funding:
No
Multiple tenders will be accepted:
No
Date of Publication/Invitation:
23/09/2025 15:38
TED links for published notices:
https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:627460-202...
https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:756860-202...
Date of Awarding:
12/11/2025 14:27
Language of publication:
EN
Number of openers:
One
Contract Award Date:
14/10/2025 12:00
Date Accepted by Contractor:
17/10/2025 12:00