Request for Tender. The JUSTICIA Network is financially supported by the Criminal Justice Programme of the European Union. 1

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1 Request for Tender 1.Introduction The JUSTICIA European Rights Network is seeking tenders from individual researchers, a collection of individual researchers or specialist national human rights organisations to coordinate a research project focusing on vulnerable adults suspected and accused persons in three Network jurisdictions for example Italy, Spain and Greece. 2.Background The JUSTICIA European Rights Network, of which the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) is Consortium Leader, was formally established in JUSTICIA, a pan European Network, currently consists of 19 Network Member organisations based in 18 European Union States: Associazione Antigone Onlus (Italy), Association for the Defence of Human Rights in Romania the Helsinki Committee, Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, Civil Rights Defenders (Sweden), Croatian Legal Centre, Estonian Human Rights Centre, Greek Helsinki Monitor, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (Poland), Human Rights Monitoring Institute (Lithuania), Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, KISA - Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism (Cyprus), Latvian Centre for Human Rights, League of Human Rights (Czech Republic), Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights (Austria), Open Society Justice Initiative (transnational based in Hungary), Rights International Spain, Statewatch (transnational based in UK), and The Peace Institute (Slovenia). 1

2 The Network s thematic focus is on EU criminal justice, including procedural rights, and the human rights of victims. JUSTICIA member organisations jointly advocate for human rights to be fully mainstreamed into emerging European Union law and for the full implementation of relevant EU legal standards in their own jurisdictions. Since 2012, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has received core funding from the Criminal Justice Programme of the European Union to coordinate the JUSTICIA Network. 3.Project 3.1 Project aim To pilot a research project centring on a vulnerable adult experience in relation to the interview, pre-trial detention and court stage of the criminal proceedings as a suspected or accused person. During 2015 this project will cover three Network jurisdictions initially, for example Italy, Spain and Greece, and the said data collection will result in the production of three respective national reports, which may feed into a larger report in Research Outcomes The national reports will be written in the English language. Projected learning outcomes following the data collection and publication of the report include: 2

3 Identifying any gaps to the protections currently afforded to vulnerable adult suspected and accused persons. Evidence from rights-holders is available to legislators and EU officials. Raising awareness of key practical issues. Informing EU officials of whether the Commission Recommendation of on procedural safeguards For vulnerable persons suspected or accused in criminal proceedings is currently being abided by Member States. Any further developments pertaining to vulnerable adult suspected and accused persons is informed by evidence and research which will be of benefit to EU officials and MEPs in their work. 3.3 Project Implementation and Methodology This project will be overseen by the JUSTICIA Secretariat, i.e. the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. This project will contain the following key elements: Working with members of the JUSTICIA Network, in particular the Secretariat, who will provide support and expertise to the project and assist in defining key messages for the research project. Coordinating the research project. Preparing of a Data Collection Grid. Conducting interviews with research participants over 15 days per country. 3

4 Insertion of data collected into the Data Collection Grid. Conducting national research and drafting of national report. Draft and Production of five National Reports. Participating in progress meetings with the Secretariat when requested. Participating in the review and editing process and providing feedback where required either in person or via conference or Skype call. Adhering to the strict deadlines outlined in the contract and in this tender. 4. Outputs required (Work to be done) The expected outputs include: Participation in an introductory meeting and progress meetings with the Secretariat. Conduct and organise the research in three jurisdictions for example Italy, Spain and Greece. Preparation of Data Collection Grid. Production of three National Reports in English. Submission of each draft in a clear and concise format. Active participation in the review and edit process, which may involve several amendments, and as a result, the production of several drafts of the compiled National Reports. 4

5 Production of a compiled National Report on three Network countries in the English language. 5.Timeframe The timeframe for the project is August 2015 to end of December Contractor(s) Specification Essential Skills University degree, preferably in law or international relations. Proven ability and previous experience of conducting and coordinating complex legal research. A proven ability to communicate clearly together with very strong drafting skills in the English language. A proven track record in producing high quality documents such as legal materials. A proven track record in meeting tight deadlines. In addition to English, fluency in the proposed Network country national languages. 5

6 Desirable Skills Knowledge of, and the capacity to analyse European Union documents including of a legal nature. 7.Format of Tenders The tender for this research project should be succinct and include the following: An outline of the proposed approach to the work; An outline of the proposed costs. An indication of when the contractor would be available to start; An outline of relevant experience and expertise of the personnel to be involved; The contact details of two referees; Applicants are invited to supply a work sample of previous data collection and research publications. 8. Assessment of Tenders Tenders will be assessed by the JUSTICIA Secretariat. The overall assessment will be concerned with the value for money taking into account the quality and cost of the contractor s proposals. In particular the assessment will focus on the criteria set down in the Contractor(s) specification together with the proposed approach to the work. Contractor(s) may be required to attend an interview either in person or be available for a conference or Skype call. 6

7 9.Contract of Agreement A written agreement will be drafted between the Contractor(s) and the JUSTICIA European Rights Network. Payment of fees will be linked to deliverables. 10.Funding Funding has been secured from the European Commission to conduct this research on behalf of the JUSTICIA European Rights Network. 11.Copyright and Ownership Ownership of any material produced, which relates as a result of this Request for Tender shall rest with the JUSTICIA European Rights Network. 12.Any tender may not be accepted The issue of this Request for Tender does not imply that any tender will be accepted. 13.Closing date for submission of tenders The closing date for receipt of tenders is noon on 13 August Tenders which are delivered late will not be considered. Tenders should be returned to grace.mulvey@eujusticia.net. 7

8 Please use the subject line "RFT Research Project Vulnerable Suspects and Accused Persons. 8