The national broadcaster is offering €175,000 for luxury chauffeur services to transport celebrities and dignitaries over the next five years.
In a notice posted on eTenders, RTÉ said that it is seeking the services of suitably qualified companies to provide drivers on an “ad hoc basis to transport dignitaries, celebrities and others as defined by RTÉ” with 24 hour a day, 365 days a year availability, and operating mainly in the Dublin area.
Three suppliers are required for the contract, which is separate to the taxi services covered by a different framework.
The tender documents specify that the vehicles used must be of Mercedes S class or BMW 7 series or “equivalent standard”, while a six seater/people-carrier and mini-bus of a “luxurious standard” must also be available.
Newer vehicles are preferable, the document states.
Staff must be reliable and discreet, and understand the importance of confidentially and punctuality.
“A courteous, professional and friendly interaction will be essential even in a stressful situation,” it reads, adding that fluent English is a must:
“Tenderer staff (drivers and backup staff) must have the ability to act on their own initiative. The driver will also be required to liaise or be in regular contact with the RTÉ assigned point of contact and the passenger or their representative.
“The driver’s ability to foresee problems and notify these to the RTÉ assigned point of contact is very important i.e. guests running late or delayed flight for a live show.
“All Tenderer staff must possess very good communication skills and be fluent English speakers.
It would be expected that the vehicle and driver are presentable to the highest standard whilst representing RTÉ and be open and flexible to reasonable requests.”
The broadcaster has previously carried out similar tender processes, and has frequently spent hundreds of thousands per year on taxi and transportation services for staff and guests.