AFC Consultants International

What are Framework Contracts?

To increase flexibility in the provision of technical assistance (TA) to the benefit of third countries as well as its own operations, the European Commission (EC) has streamlined procurement procedures through the use of Framework Contracts (FWC). Framework contracts can cover all the main EC programmes and regions including PHARE, ISPA, SAPARD, TACIS, CARDS, OBNOVA, ALA, MEDA, FED, EAR and OTHER.

Framework contracts are mostly multi-year contracts in which groups of companies (Consortia) become 'preferred suppliers' for TA services to the EC for a specific area of expertise, the so-called 'Lots'.

Particular procedures vary between framework contracts and lots, but typically each lot is serviced by several Consortia who are in turn invited -in a so-called Request for Services (RfS)- to submit proposals (CVs + brief methodology) for a specific project. Each of these Consortia intends to offer a competitive team to the EC from their own staff, by using their network of partner organizations or by approaching freelance consultants.

The time between the RfS and the deadline for submission is usually very short and often not longer than two weeks. Based upon an evaluation of the proposals submitted by the different groups of companies the (Delegation of the) Commission decides which proposal wins.

The individual projects under the framework contracts are limited in duration and budget with a maximum duration of one year. The scope of services requested under the projects relate to the full project cycle:

• identification, feasibility, operational and technical follow-up assignments

• financial and/or contractual monitoring

• project evaluation

• technical, financial or contractual audit of the project

• technical advice

• training and support

• information and communication, or closure of a project