Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• Language HUSRB/1203
• CBC criteria HUSRB/1203
• Financial issues HUSRB/1203
• Eligibility issues HUSRB/1203
• Application, practical information HUSRB/1203
• Implementation HUSRB/1203
• Procurement HUSRB/1203
• State Aid HUSRB/1203

Procurement HUSRB/1203

1. Where can I find general information about the procurement procedures to be applied?

   According to Commission Regulation (EC) No 718/2007 and other regulations relevant to the Programme  each project contracted under the Programme has to manage procurements of services, supplies and works in accordance with external aid rules, i.e. the provisions of Commission Decision C (2007) 2034 ‘Rules and procedures for services, supply and works contracts financed from the general budget of the European Communities for the purposes of cooperation with third countries’ using the appropriate templates provided by the PraG (Practical Guide to contract procedures for EC external actions.

   The latest version of the PraG can be found on the following web page: PraG

2. How should we plan our project if the equipment is produced in the USA and the distributor company is from eligible area according to PraG?

   According to Chapter 2.3.1 of the PraG: ‘The country of origin is deemed to be the country in which the goods have undergone their last, economically justified, substantial transformation'. Accordingly, a configuration assembled in Europe fits into this category; however, a product of a European company produced in the USA does not.

   Participation in the procurement procedures is open on equal terms to all natural and legal persons from:

   • Member State of the European Community (EU 27)
   • Member State of the European Economic Area (Lichtenstein, Norway, Iceland)
   • Candidate/potential candidate country (a country that is a Beneficiary of the IPA) (candidate countries - Croatia, FYR
   • Macedonia,  Turkey; potential candidate countries - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia)
   • An international organisation

   Exceptions (derogations) to the rule on nationality and origin

   • unavailability of products and services in the markets of the countries concerned
   • duly justified reasons of extreme urgency
   • eligibility rules would make the realisation of a project or an action impossible or exceedingly difficult
3. Do the costs planned under preparation costs have to be procured according to PraG?

   Yes, the costs budgeted under '1. Preparation costs' have to be procured according to the rules of the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EC external actions.

4. Do all similar items (e.g. similar items within service budget line) have to be procured in the frame of one procedure, or is it possible to procure them separately according to the planned budgets?

   All similar items (with the real possibility to have one contractor) under one budget line should be procured together by the respective Project Partner. However, in case both the Lead Beneficiary and one of its Project Partners plan to procure IT equipment they have to procure it separately according to their separate budgets.

5. Can a non-profit organization outsource services to its founding organization?

   Based on the interpretation of conflict of interest as defined in the 'Practical Guide to Contract procedures for EC external actions', it is not possible to entrust such organisations with the delivering of services which are in an owner-relationship with the applicant organisation.