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Tender to undertake a review of psychoactive substances sold in 'Head Shops' and other outlets

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BRIEF

To undertake a review of psychoactive substances sold in ‘Head Shops’ and other outlets

Background

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) was established in July 2000 to advise the Government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment/ rehabilitation and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland, based on the analysis of research findings and information.  The Committee oversees the delivery of a work programme on the extent, nature, causes and effects of drug use in Ireland.  

The research and information actions for which the NACD has lead responsibility are set out in the National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009-2016, which is available on www.pobail.ie.

Article 14 of the Strategy provides for the monitoring of the activities of ‘Head Shops’ and all businesses involved in the sale of psychoactive substances, with the objective of ensuring that no illegal activity is undertaken. This Article further provides for steps to be taken to reform legislation in this respect where it is deemed to be appropriate.    The Minister for Drugs has requested the NACD to undertake research on new psychoactive substances and the outlets supplying them in the context of the objectives specified in Article 14.

Commission

In line with Action 14 of the National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009-2016, the NACD wishes to commission an overview of psychoactive substances sold in ‘Head Shops’ and other outlets, which would highlight gaps in our knowledge.   The scope of the review is confined to products which exert psycho-pharmacological effects which could be harmful to the health of the user but which are not presently subject to national legal controls. The areas to be covered are:

1.   Review of psychoactive substances

      The Committee requires:

• a review of products sold in ‘Head Shops’ and other outlets in order to establish  what the products are supposed to contain on the basis of their labelling and the actual chemical content of the product.  The researcher will be provided with access to the TICTAC database for the purpose of the research.  TICTAC is a comprehensive CD-ROM database for the visual identification of drugs (primarily Tablets and Capsules) and substances that may resemble drugs.  Further information is available on www.tictac.org.uk;
  
  
• a survey of ‘Head Shops’ and other outlets (including internet sites) in order to assess the extent to which there is ease of access to these substances by users in this country.  A list of the outlets in Ireland and their locations is also required. Information in relation to where users have sourced the substance concerned is also relevant to this aspect of the project.  The establishment of focus groups is envisaged in this context;
  
  
• information regarding user experience and published data to include psychological effects on cognition, mood and mental functioning as well as public health risks: epidemiological information, physical health, mental health and dependence and performance impairment; 
  
  
• information in relation to the experience of A&E Units in dealing with individuals who have consumed such products as well as evidence that can link the products consumed to the actual effects on the user;
  
  
• an assessment of the risk factors associated with consumption of these products and suggestions for harm reduction measures to minimise the risks experienced by users, in particular, the more vulnerable groups such as problematic drug users; and
  
  
• information regarding the availability of reference standards to facilitate the analysis of new psychoactive substances.  

2.   Review of practice in other countries

An overview and analysis of measures taken in other jurisdictions to restrict psychoactive substances is also required. This should include information, where relevant, as to the legislative framework used to regulate, restrict or control the substance concerned and/or the outlets supplying such products.

3.   Final Report

A final report setting out the key findings from the research is required to assist the NACD in making appropriate recommendations to the Minister for Drugs.

The NACD at its absolute discretion may award a contract for the complete study (parts 1 – 3) or for each separate component.   You are therefore invited to tender for the contract to prepare the report as a whole or to tender for each component separately.   The report and each of its parts must also highlight gaps in knowledge particularly as they relate to the use of ‘Head Shop’ products in Ireland.

Research Advisory Group

A Research Advisory Group comprising representatives from the NACD and other experts, will be appointed to oversee the project and the successful bidder will work closely with the Research Advisory Group. 

Duration of Project

We expect to receive a complete and final report 3 months from the award of the contract.

REQUIREMENTS

Tenderers must submit a written proposal detailing the following:

• Research methodology to be employed and justification of outputs;
• Project management from conception to completion with clear milestones;
• Personnel involved, their credentials and qualifications;
• Track Record in this field;
• Description of administrative and technical costs

EVALUATION OF THE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA.

Research Methodology
Understanding of the project
Understanding of the work involved
Feasibility of the approach suggested

Project Management and Capacity
Ability to deliver key outputs on time
Clarity in description of milestones
Track record in this field
Qualifications and capacity of personnel

Value for Money
A full and detailed breakdown of fees and costs (excluding VAT) is required.  Tenderers should indicate the estimated number of person/days for completing the work.  The NACD reserves the right to reject any or all of the proposals submitted and will not be obliged to accept the lowest or any tender.

DATA PROTECTION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Researchers/contractors must comply with data protection legislation.   The successful bidder will be expected to demonstrate steps they will take to protect and store the data from corruption, infiltration and technical damage.   The Intellectual Property issues are dealt with in the sample contract which is on the NACD website.  Submission of a tender proposal will be taken as acceptance of these terms.

FINANCIAL DETAILS

The researcher must set out a description and justification for the costs of implementing the brief.   A separate financial report will also be required on completion of the project before final payment is made

NACD CONTRACT

A copy of the NACD contract is available to download from the NACD website.

A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION DECLARATION

A Freedom of Information Declaration must be completed and returned with the tender.   This is available to download from the NACD website.

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS

Five copies of the tender together with a signed Freedom of Information Declaration (form attached) and an up-to-date Tax Clearance Certificate should be sent to the NACD offices,  and include a short CV of those leading and managing this study, no later than

3.00pm, Friday, 26th March 2010.

Tenders will not be accepted by email.

Please mark your envelope ‘Head Shops’ Tender.

The Secretary
NACD
1st Floor
Dún Aimhirgin
43-49 Mespil Road
Dublin 4
Ireland

Tel: 00 353 1 647   3240
Fax 00 353 1 647    3150

Email: info@nacd.ie; Web: www.nacd.ie