Dublin Employment Pact. Brief to Consultants Terms of reference for the study: Encouraging Digital Inclusion in Dublin

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1 Dublin Employment Pact Brief to Consultants Terms of reference for the study: Encouraging Digital Inclusion in Dublin 1. Introduction The Dublin Employment Pact (DEP) was established to tackle labour market inequalities in Dublin. Nearly 100 organisations - representing local authorities, statutory and development agencies, social partners and community groups - are involved in the various working groups and projects of the DEP. The four strategic areas and working groups are: social and economic policy, education and employment, local enterprise and social economy, and labour market policy. The DEP remit covers the Dublin Region (Dublin City plus Fingal, South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire). The DEP works through partnerships internally and externally to develop initiatives to achieve its goals. The Dublin Employment Pact, in partnership with the Dublin Regional Authority, the Dublin City Development Board and the Fingal, South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Baords, wishes to commission a strategic analysis of the engagement of Dublin residents and communities with ICTs (information and communication technologies). This study will include a literature review, a population survey, a qualitative investigation, and a high-level analysis that will focus in particular on the situation of excluded groups and communities. The report will provide the most extensive analysis to date of the use of ICTs in Dublin and will recommend strategies for encouraging digital inclusion in Dublin. It will be a useful resource for communities in Dublin, especially disadvantaged communities, and policy makers at local, regional and national levels. This brief will provide interested consultants with relevant background information and describe the aim of the study, the programme of work involved, the outputs required, and other aspects necessary to prepare a tender offer. 2. Background Addressing the digital divide and encouraging digital inclusion are key policy priorities at local, national and EU levels. The Government Action Plan on the information society states that new technologies such as the Internet are transforming Irish society. ICTs allow new ways of interacting that challenge the boundaries of what has been possible traditionally and also offer new opportunities to address traditional problems of disadvantage and exclusion. The Action Plan further states: "However it is also clear that public policy interventions are needed to avoid the danger of exacerbating existing inequalities, and to prevent the emergence of what has become known internationally as a digital divide" (Department of the Taoiseach, 2002). This thinking is reflected in the core EU policy eeurope aimed at creating new jobs, boosting productivity, modernising public services, and giving everyone the opportunity to participate in the global information society (European Commission, 2002). 1

2 The City of Dublin recently published a strategy that sees Dublin in 2012 as a city that harnesses the power of communications technology to connect and inform people, create opportunities and tackle social exclusion. Disadvantaged residents and communities in Dublin will need to participate fully in the information society. Core skills in ICTs and digital media will need to be enhanced through training and education, schools and homes will need to be networked to ensure equal access to information through the Internet, and community champions and community media centres will need to be resourced to effectively use ICTs (Dublin City Development Board, 2002). Also concerned with digital inclusion are the business groups the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, which sees addressing the digital divide as a strategic priority to make Dublin "a world-class e-city" and ICT Ireland, for whom an expanded educated and responsive skills base is a strategic priority (Dublin City Chamber of Commerce, 2001; ICT Ireland, 2001). In June 2002 the Dublin Employment Pact organised a "Think-in on Dublin in the Knowledge Age" at the Department of the Taoiseach. At the event representatives from Government, education and research, companies, statutory agencies, local authorities, partnerships, unions and employers shared ideas on core issues, including the digital divide. Among the concerns expressed were: low levels of Internet use in Ireland; lack of digital literacy, particularly by disadvantaged groups and community organisations; the lack of broadband infrastructure in communities, particularly disadvantaged communities; the high costs of Internet access; and the low ratio of computers-to-students in schools. The situation in Dublin is aggravated by the low level of Internet infrastructure in Ireland. The OECD measures the relative intensity of development of the Internet infrastructure in various countries using an indicator called "Internet hosts per 1,000 inhabitants." In its latest review of ICTs and the information economy, the OECD ranked Ireland well below the OECD average and below the EU average in development of Internet infrastructure. In July 2001, the US was well ahead of other countries with 270 Internet hosts per 1,000 inhabitants. The OECD average was 100, and the EU average was just over 50. Ireland had about 40, behind all other EU countries except France, Spain, Greece and Portugal (OECD, 2002). The Dublin Chamber of Commerce study highlighted the poor broadband situation in Ireland as a core reason for the weak Internet infrastructure. To date there has been no in-depth research on digital inclusion in Ireland or in Dublin. The most recent official survey of Internet use in Ireland was commissioned in 2000 by the Information Society Commission. Their report found that the digital divide "appears no nearer to being closed with the access to and usage of information and communication technology being concentrated on the middle classes with those not working or in non-skilled jobs having low rates of access." Encouraging Digital Inclusion in Dublin will be the first major analysis of the engagement of Dublin residents, communities and county areas with ICTs. It will focus in particular on the situation of excluded groups and communities and will recommend actions to encourage digital inclusion in Dublin. It is expected that the report will stimulate discussion, debate and action on the issues in Dublin and wider nationally. The report will also allow quality information and analysis from Ireland to contribute to discussions about digital inclusion at EU-level and internationally, in particular the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva in December

3 3. Task description: programme of work 3.1 Aims and objectives This study will be a definitive analysis of digital inclusion in Dublin. It will establish a benchmark measure of ICT awareness, ICT access and use, and the skills and support and resource networks needed to use ICTs effectively by Dublin residents and communities. It will highlight, where appropriate, models of good practice and gaps in provision. It will draw a profile of the situation of Dublin's most disadvantaged residents and communities regarding ICTs, particularly the Internet. The study will include a high-level analysis of digital inclusion in Dublin and recommendations for action. The objectives of the study are to investigate the engagement of Dublin residents, communities and counties with ICTs in the following areas: Socio-economic profile of ICT users and non-users, particularly of the Internet ICT awareness Establish the extent and reason of current use and of potential future use Social resources and networks involving ICTs ICT skills, training and employment ICT access and use The relevance of ICTs and digital content Community and political participation using ICTs Television as an ICT tool 3.2 Research focus and questions The exact questions to be used in the survey of Dublin residents will be discussed and agreed in advance. An indicative list is below Socio-economic profile of ICT users and non-users The study will examine the profile of ICT users and non-users among Dublin residents, communities and counties. Areas to be considered include: gender, age, level of education, participation in the paid labour force, type of employment, participation in unwaged work (ie home duties and carers), literacy level, disability, ethnicity, family status and household income - and others found to be significant in the analysis of the data. The data will be referenced by geographical area - including the four Dublin county areas. The specific disadvantaged communities to be studied will be agreed with the DEP in advance of the survey ICT awareness The study will determine the levels of awareness of a range of ICTs by Dublin residents, communities and counties. The ICTs to be considered include: fixed computers, portable computers, , the Web, discussion lists or forums, chat rooms, digital camera, DVD, mobile phone, texting, broadband, TV types (cable, digital) games consoles, and other ICTs. 3

4 3.2.3 Social resources and networks involving ICTs The study will examine the relationship between social resources and networks and use of ICTs by Dublin residents, communities and counties. This will include ICT use by and resources among friends and family members; work colleagues and contacts; schools and school-age children; and community activities, community and voluntary organisations and other community-based resources. The purpose of this aspect of the study is to establish the social resources and networks conducive to ICT use ICT skills, training and employment The study will determine the level of ICT skills and training experience by Dublin residents and in Dublin communities and counties and their relationship to employment. It will look at how ICT skills were acquired, ie through employment or other means; the usefulness of these skills for employment and potential future employment; and the level of support by employers for acquiring further ICT skills. Options to be explored include: the range of skills levels, from no skills to computer professional; the acquisition of ICT skills; the availability of training; barriers and restraints to acquiring new or further ICT skills; links between ICT training and employment; content issues (use for information and/or interaction), use of ICT skills by those currently employed ICT access and use, in particular the Internet The study will determine the rate of ICT access and use - in particular the Internet - by Dublin residents, communities and counties. Options to be explored include: place of access, including home, work, library, community centre and so on; type of access, from ordinary telephone line to broadband; frequency of Internet use, from never to everyday or nearly everyday; reasons for not using the Internet, from lack of interest to lack of resources and a range of other reason; and factors that may encourage Internet use, from free lessons to cheaper telephone charges and a range of other reasons Relevance of ICTs The study will determine which ICTs, processes, online content, and online services are currently the most relevant and useful for Dublin residents, communities and counties. Options for the most relevant uses include: work-related uses; use for school, college or university; for fun and relaxation; use for information or interaction, help for child's work at school, college or university; working from home; personal uses and so on. Specific uses to be explored for computers and the Internet could include: sending or receiving s; study or learning; small business or entrepreneur, job searches; holiday or flight information and tickets; hobbies and personal interests; shopping (books, music, clothes); playing or downloading games; playing DVDs/movies; listening to/downloading music or MP3s; typing letters; writing stories or reports; producing newsletters and posters; organising household finances; finding national or international news; finding local or community news and information; finding health-related advice or information; booking tickets for shows or events; carrying-out online banking; taking part in forums or discussion groups; finding information from government or local authorities; applying for or renewing a passport or driving licence; checking income tax entitlements; checking social welfare entitlements. 4

5 3.2.7 Community and political participation using the Internet The study will determine the extent to which the Internet is used for community organising, activism and political participation by Dublin residents and in Dublin communities and counties. Options to be explored include using the Internet to: exchange with a community or local group, organise community or local activities, organise a campaign around important community issues, discuss politics with family or friends, find political information, contact a politician or elected official, vote or register an opinion on political issues, sign an online petition, find out more about an activist campaign. Furthermore, the study should identify: any other key issues which arise from the data, and make specific recommendations to resolve these issues the socio-economic differences among different communities and county areas across the Dublin Region a set of benchmark measures and indicators which could be used as an effective system of monitoring and evaluating the engagement with ICTs of Dublin residents, communities and county areas 3.3 Methodology Literature review - policy and research The study will include a thorough review of relevant policy and research in Dublin and at national and EU levels, as well as wider internationally where appropriate. This review will cover all the objective areas of the study described above, including the situation of ICTs in schools and the current status of broadband provision in Dublin, particularly in relation to disadvantaged communities. Where necessary this literature review will be complemented by desk research on quantitative data and informal interviews with key informants. The literature review will provide a comprehensive picture of current quantitative and qualitative provision and consider all relevant policy documents and reports published to June Survey of Dublin residents, communities and counties The study will include a survey of a representative sample of Dublin residents, including residents in a number of disadvantaged communities, in all four Dublin county areas. A diverse range of views will be sought so it would be expected that the survey sample will represent a range of demographic groups, such as the unemployed, elderly, long-term unemployed, disabled, lone parents, ethnic minorities and newcomers to Ireland. The number of residents to be surveyed in each of these categories and the specific disadvantaged communities to be covered will be agreed through further discussion. The minimum sample size is 1,000, which is larger than the usual sample size for Dublin by market research organisations. The larger size will ensure an adequate number of responses in specific disadvantaged communities and by specific disadvantaged groups. The survey should cover 1, minute interviews; tenderers should be aware when preparing their proposals that the budget for the survey may not allow for longer interviews. 5

6 This survey may be subcontracted from a nationally-recognised market survey company. (See point 7 of this brief regarding costs of the survey). In this case, the work involves managing all aspects of this subcontract including preparing the questionnaire, and all communications and payment arrangements with the subcontractor. The market survey company will produce raw data from the interviews which will then be analysed by a qualified analyst Qualitative study The second part of the study is a more qualitative investigation based on in-depth interviews with members of disadvantaged groups and communities. The purpose of this investigation is to explore the above issues more fully and to enable a profile to be drawn of the situation of particular groups and communities regarding ICTs. The qualitative interviews will also explore: the specific reasons for non-use or low use of the Internet; specific incentives that may encourage Internet use; the use of computers and the Internet in schools in disadvantaged communities; creative and innovative uses of ICTs by disadvantaged groups and communities; potential uses of affordable broadband access in disadvantaged communities; and the link between functional literacy levels and ICT use. The number of interviews to be conducted should be outlined in the tender offer and will be agreed through further discussion with the successful contractor High-level analysis This analysis will be conducted by a highly-qualified analyst or analysts with significant expertise in the area of digital inclusion. The analysis will begin with a brief rationale for conducting this study in Dublin and the links between ICT use in a large urban area and the development of all regions nationally. The analysis will then go on to analyse the results of the research in each of the areas identified above, including: socio-economic and geographic profiles and ICTs; ICT awareness; social resources and networks related to ICTs; ICT access and use; ICT skills, training and employment; relevance of ICTs; and community and political participation using ICTs. The analysis will focus in particular on the specific situation of disadvantaged groups and communities in their engagement with ICTs. What are models of good practice for ICT training and employment in Ireland, Europe and wider internationally? What and where are the gaps in provision? What is the added value of the Internet for disadvantaged groups and communities? For those not using the Internet or with low levels of use, what other kinds of ICTs are they using? How can we focus on the positive and creative aspects of existing ICT use by disadvantaged groups and communities? What are the potential future possibilities of affordable broadband access in disadvantaged communities? The analysis will refer to the relevant policy documents and research report highlighted in the literature review and in particular the analysis will highlight the implications of the findings to information society policy at local and national levels. It will result in a set of recommendations to encourage digital inclusion in Dublin, including appropriate supports for specific groups at risk of exclusion, such as lone parents, travellers, and people with disabilities. Where appropriate, the recommendations should include costings and examples, models and strategies identified as innovative or good practice internationally. 4. Reports and other outputs required by contractor 6

7 The programme of work includes the following deliverables: Agreement with the DEP Steering Group on sampling methodology and the contents of the survey questionnaire before the survey commences. Progress reports at appropriate intervals, delivered in-person and/or in writing and at meetings with the Steering Group as required. An interim report, presented in three bound hard copies, in digital pdf format, and in a presentation by the consultant to the Steering Group. A draft final report - including an executive summary highlighting key findings and recommendations - presented in three bound hard copies, in digital pdf format, and in a presentation by the consultant to the Steering Group. 400 published copies of the approved final report, delivered to the offices of the Dublin Employment Pact. A pdf copy of the report will also be required. The publication must include desk-top publishing of the report to ensure a high-quality, professional presentation. It will be in book form, including: a full-colour glossy cover; inside pages in black and white with grey screens, including the appropriate table and graphs where appropriate; the appropriate logos in full colour on the cover. The logos to be used will be agreed with the DEP Steering Group at the time of the presentation of the draft final report. See point 7 regarding ownership of the data and report publication. Participation in the role of rapporteur at a post-publication working seminar on the issues arising from the report. 5. Proposed timetable Friday 8 November 2002: Call for Proposals Friday 29 November 2002 at noon: Deadline for submission of proposals Friday 6 December 2002: Bidders informed of their results Friday 13 December 2002: Project commissioned Friday 21 March 2003: Submission of interim report and presentation Friday 6 June 2003: Submission of draft final report and presentation Monday 17 June 2003: Approval by DEP Steering Group of draft final report Monday 1 September 2003: 400 copies of published report delivered to commissioning partners 6. Method of payment. 7. Your attention is drawn to the following points in relation to prices and ownership of data and reports 7

8 The price must be quoted in Euro. The tender price must be all-in (inclusive of taxes and expenses). The price must include a breakdown by: daily rate of staff working on the project; travel and subsistence costs; subcontracting costs; and other costs, as outlined in point 8 of this brief. The Dublin Employment Pact considers that the total value of studies of this type and scale is generally between, including all subcontracted work, exclusive of VAT. The value of the survey of Dublin residents should not exceed. If this survey will be subcontracted, the cost in the tender bid of this subcontracted service should not exceed... There is no need to include quotes or estimates from potential subcontractors and bidders are asked not to contact market survey companies to discuss this tender process. A copy of the original data collected during the survey should be made available to the DEP in digital format, preferably Microsoft Word, Excel or Access. Data should be geo-referenced by Dublin community and county area. Ownership of all data from the survey will lie with the commissioning partners. The consultant will be free to use this data for academic purposes only - to write journalistic or academic articles about the study after the report is published. Any such articles must include reference to the fact that the research was commissioned by the Dublin Employment Pact and its partners. The study will be conducted independently by the consultant. Approval by the commissioning partners of the draft final report will be required before the report is published. The commissioning partners will retain the intellectual property of the study. The report will be published jointly by the commissioning partners and the consultant and it is expected that digital copies will be distributed on the websites of both parties. Information about ownership of the data and joint publication arrangements will be included in an early page of the final report - this information will be agreed before publication. 8. Preparing a tender for this study Proposals submitted for this study should contain four parts: 1. Proposal brief outline of expertise of company and project staff details of study work programme, including methodology and timetable days allocated to each aspect of the study per staff member 2. Prices 8

9 total fixed price daily rate for each staff member travel and subsistence costs, with details (maximum 10% of total fixed price) subcontracting costs, with details other costs, with details VAT 3. Administrative information full name of organisation or legal person legal status and company number with the CRO registry business address authorised person to sign a contract on behalf of organisation telephone and fax number address VAT number tax clearance certificate 4. Supporting documentation detailed curriculum vitae for the senior analyst(s) involved in the project, including qualifications, professional experience, and a list of previous research projects and publications in the area of digital inclusion. 9. Submitting a tender Please submit three copies of your proposal including all the information listed above to the following address: Yvonne Keating Policy & Development Officer Dublin Employment Pact 7 North Great Georges Street Dublin 1 Tenders must by placed inside two sealed envelopes. The outer envelope should be addressed to Yvonne Keating as above. The inner envelope, containing the three copies of your proposal, should also be addressed to Yvonne Keating as above, and in addition marked "Invitation to tender for the Digital Dublin study - not to be opened by internal mail." If selfadhesive envelopes are used, they must be sealed with adhesive tape. Tenderers must ensure that tenders are received by 12 noon on Friday 22 November Tenderers will be informed whether or not their tender has been accepted. All correspondence related to this tender process will be conducted in writing. To clarify any aspect of the above, or for further information, please contact Yvonne Keating in writing at the address above. No phone calls or s concerning this invitation to tender are permitted. 9

10 References to documents discussed in this brief Department of the Taoiseach (2002), New Connections: A strategy to realise the potential of the Information Society. Dublin: Information Society Policy Unit, Department of the Taoiseach. Government Action Plan. March, Available from: Dublin Chamber of Commerce (2001), Dublin - A World Class e-city. Dublin: Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Available from: Dublin City Development Board (2002), Dublin - A City of Possibilities. Dublin: Dublin City Council, Office of Director of Community & Enterprise. Economic, Social and Cultural Strategy ( ). Available from: European Commission (2002), eeurope 2005: An information society for all. Brussels: European Commission. An Action Plan to be presented in view of the Sevilla European Council 21/22 June Available from: ICT Ireland (2001), Strategic Vision. Dublin: IBEC/ICT Ireland. Available from: ISC (2000), How the General Public is adapting to the Information Society in Ireland. Dublin: Information Society Commission. Available from: OECD (2002), OECD Information Technology Outlook: ICTs and the Information Economy. Paris: OECD. 10