Online learning expertise and scientific advisory (UCC-VEAT-2024-02)

This is a voluntary ex-ante transparency (VEAT) notice. This notice acknowledges that University College Cork contracted with Randbee Consultants SRL, for the provision of support and leadership of online learning resource maintenance, development and enhancement for the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service and Copernicus Climate Change Service under the competitively won ECMWF Service Contract CJS2_156b_UCC. Under CJS2_156b_UCC, UCC is leading a Service team to provide support to the ECMWF in implementing training events and online learning resources for the two Copernicus Services. Randbee Consultants SL will lead the online learning resource activities for the overall Service contract, provide technical support to implement resource solutions, contribute niche expertise to the Scientific Advisory Committee, and support Training event implementation and online content maintenance services. Randbee Consultants SRL were uniquely placed in terms of skillsets, professional networks and relationships to perform their role in this overall service contract, further enhanced by their good standing, and track record of excellence. They have an extensive track record of working with European and International projects, providing valuable services and training on Copernicus product applications, Earth Observation, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), statistical analysis, modelling, and web visualization tools. The company's experience with both in-person and remote training formats aligns strongly with the diverse delivery methods outlined in the overarching Service Contract. They also have experience with working for the ECMWF, and within their staff had the required expertise in satellite data, end-user applications, and teaching and learning, to contribute to the Service’s Scientific Advisory Committee - a key Quality Control mechanism embedded within the contract Service – and highly beneficial professional networks. For example, their experience in successfully delivered training on Copernicus data and services in Ecuador, and in hosting online seminars, workshops, and Copernicus hackathons in various locations (e.g. Oman, Spain), demonstrated their adaptability and reach. This is in close alignment with the requirements of the overarching Service contract between UCC and the ECMWF, specifically to deliver high-quality, customised training and developing learning resources for Copernicus services that are quality controlled to a standard of high scientific rigour. The company was therefore selected to participate in the bid for the CJS2_156b ITT as their unique combination of skillsets, technical expertise, capabilities and networks complemented those of the bidding consortium, completed it’s offering to the ECMWF. They were integral to the awarded bid, and have been contracted accordingly.