Ireland – Database systems – Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency Notice (VEAT) for Award of Contract to Maynooth Computer Training Ltd. for provision of Subscription to licensing arrangement with Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS)

Dublin City Council gives notice to invoke Article 32.2(b) (iii) for a derogation from public procurement whereby the works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the protection of exclusive rights, including intellectual property rights. Dublin City Council intends to award a contract to Maynooth Computer Training Ltd. for 4 years. The maximum value of of this contract is €49,173 ex VAT. Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) is a research-based online literacy and typing programme that is designed to help children and adults improve their reading and spelling and to learn touch-typing at their own pace at home or in the library. It is specifically designed for those with learning differences such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia but can be used by all. It can be used to make learning more accessible for individuals with Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, motor skills difficulties, and physical impairments. It is based on the Alpha to Omega programme which is used by many learning support teachers and adult education tutors around the country. TTRS takes an Orton-Gillingham or multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, spelling and writing skills to learners who struggle with language-based learning difficulties. It follows a carefully structured curriculum of English phonics, so typing drills build automaticity in reading as the learner progresses through the course. It helps the learner to develop digital as well as literacy skills. It is designed to have a simple and distraction free interface that helps a child or adult pick up easily where they left off and can be used independently or with minimal parental supervision. TTRS uses a unique multi-sensory approach of typing, seeing the words and sentences on screen and hearing them on headphones. Student success is encouraged by immediate feedback and positive reinforcement. TTRS also contains specialised modules such as Maths, Science, Business, Geography, and Spanish etc. that help prepare the student for work in these areas in school, college or the workplace. Progress in TTRS can be cross-referenced with reading and spelling ages and also Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Levels.