Defence Forces to spend €300,000 on branded merchandise including beanies and PopSockets
Darragh Mc Donagh
The Irish Defence Forces are set to spend €300,000 on branded merchandise, including custom-printed PopSockets for mobile phones, trolley token keyrings, wrist bands, and pencil cases featuring military tag lines and logos.
The Defence Forces also have a requirement for branded protein shakers, travel mugs, beanie caps, and novelty highlighters, all of which will be customised with text and logo combinations.
The military published an advertisement on Tuesday seeking tenders from companies for the supply of a wide range of merchandise promoting the Defence Forces.
The total estimated value of the contract is €299,999, according to the tender documents, and will be for a period of one year, with a maximum of three 12-month extensions.
Companies will be required to provide samples of merchandise to the Joint Recruitment Office in Newbridge, Co Kildare, where they will be evaluated on functionality, aesthetics, and overall quality.
The tender notes that both the Air Corps and Naval Service may change names during the duration of the contract, requiring alterations to the text and logos on branded merchandise.
It is envisaged that the Naval Service will become the Irish Navy, and the Air Corps will become the Irish Air Force by 2028.
Other branded items required by the Defence Forces include large water bottles, hardback notebooks, aluminium pens, neck scarves, hand sanitiser, and a range of stationery.
It’s estimated that 3,000 trolley token keyrings will be required in the first year of the contract, along with 3,000 silicone wrist bands, 1,500 PopSockets, and 6,000 aluminium pens.
Some 2,000 travel bottles of sanitiser are likely to be ordered in the first 12 months, as well as 800 protein shakers, 1,500 novelty highlighters, 1,000 beanie caps, 2,000 water bottles, and 900 insulated cups.
The products will be delivered to seven locations around the country, including Collins Barracks in Cork, Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin, and Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel.
Prospective suppliers have until August 12th to submit their formal proposals to the Defence Forces.
