24/019 - Multi-Supplier Framework for the Provision of Public Relation Services

Description

Gas Networks Ireland invites expressions of interest for a multi-supplier framework for the provision of public relations (PR) services. This competition, organised into two distinct lots, aims to secure expert PR agencies to support Gas Networks Ireland’s strategic and operational communications needs. The framework is designed to enhance Gas Networks Ireland’s reputation, manage stakeholder relationships, and drive consumer engagement, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to excellence in communication and public engagement; with regard to Gas Networks Ireland’s role in Ireland’s energy infrastructure, its pathway to net zero in 2045 and its role in helping Ireland reach its climate action targets, its pathway to net zero in 2045 and its role in helping Ireland reach its climate action targets. The two lots, Lot 1 and Lot 2, focus on distinct but complementary aspects of public relations, allowing bidders to specialise in corporate or consumer oriented PR services: 1. Lot 1: Corporate and Strategic Public Relations Services 2. Lot 2: Consumer Focused Public Relations Service Lot 1: Corporate and Strategic Public Relations Services Scope and objectives: Lot 1 centers on corporate level PR services. The successful agencies will support Gas Networks Ireland in building and protecting it’s reputation as a trusted leader in the energy market. This includes managing relationships with key stakeholders such as government bodies, regulatory authorities, industry organisations and the media with regard to Gas Networks Ireland’s role in Ireland’s energy infrastructure, its pathway to net zero in 2045 and its role in helping Ireland reach its climate action targets. its pathway to net zero in 2045 and its role in helping Ireland reach its climate action targets. Desired outcomes: The aim of Lot 1 is to position Gas Networks Ireland as a leading and trustworthy voice in Ireland’s energy market, ensuring the organisation is prepared to address challenges and seize opportunities at a corporate level. The expected scope of the framework for Lot 1 encompasses the provision of corporate and strategic public relations (“PR”) services, including media relations, financial PR, crisis communications, corporate affairs, and public affairs. Services aim to enhance Gas Networks Ireland’s reputation within the energy market, engage with stakeholders, manage regulatory and legislative communications, and support crisis management and gas advocacy strategies. The scope of services for Lot 1 is also expected to include: • Provision of the above services in order to build and enhance Gas Networks Ireland’s reputation in the energy market in Ireland • Assisting in relation to Gas Networks Ireland’s engagement and reputation with key stakeholders and decision-makers in the political, economic and customer arenas in the Republic of Ireland; • Supporting Gas Network Ireland’s gas advocacy agenda and strategy to grow the Irish gas market; • Facilitation of gas infrastructure development through stakeholder engagement and event management • Crafting high level communication strategies to support Gas Networks Ireland’s positioning as a leader in the energy sector • Managing relationships with industry media outlets to ensure accurate and favourable coverage of corporate initiatives and developments • Advising on thought leadership opportunities, including executive interviews, white papers, and conference participation, to elevate the organisation’s profile. • Providing strategic guidance during organisational changes to safeguard corporate reputation and stakeholder confidence • Conducting market analysis and stakeholder sentiment studies to inform Gas Networks Ireland’s corporate communication strategies and ensure alignment with industry trends and stakeholder expectations • Offsetting the negative impact of any potential PR crisis situations including any arising out of gas network incidents. • Government Affairs Services -The scope of services is also expected to include but not limited to: - Legislative and regulatory monitoring - Evaluation of regulatory risks for the business - Preparation of concepts and recommendations - Engagement with key audiences and stakeholders - Industry engagement - Lobbying - Influencing policy Lot 2: Consumer Focused Public Relations Services Scope and objectives: Lot 2 emphasises consumer facing PR services, aimed at enhancing Gas Networks Ireland’s visibility and fostering a positive connection with the general public. This lot focuses on brand promotion, public awareness campaigns, and direct engagement with consumers to improve understanding of Gas Networks Ireland’s role in Ireland’s energy infrastructure, its pathway to net zero in 2045 and its role in helping Ireland reach its climate action targets. Desired outcomes: Lot 2 aims to strengthen Gas Networks Ireland’s public profile by fostering trust, improving public understanding of its services, its role in decarbonisation, and increasing positive engagement with consumers. The expected scope of the framework for Lot 2 includes but is not limited to the provision of the following public relations (“PR”) services aimed at enhancing Gas Networks Ireland’s visibility and engagement with the general public. Services include media campaigns, brand promotion, event management, digital and social media strategy, and consumer engagement initiatives. The aim is to protect and enhance brand reputation and raise awareness of Gas Networks Ireland’s consumer oriented / safety initiatives. The scope of services for Lot 2 is also expected to include: • Designing and implementing consumer facing PR campaigns to promote Gas Networks Ireland’s services and initiatives. • Enhancing Gas Networks Ireland’s visibility and engagement through social media strategies and digital communications • Supporting the organisation’s consumer engagement efforts by managing public events, campaigns, and community outreach • Developing and executing strategies to build positive public sentiment and raise awareness about Gas Networks Ireland’s consumer focused projects • Assisting in the creation of content and messaging tailored to diverse consumer demographics to strengthen brand identity • Providing innovative approaches to ensure the effective delivery of key messages to the general public • Addressing consumer related reputational challenges and mitigating potential PR issues through proactive communication