REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR CANDIDATE ENTITIES TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IPA 2016 SUPPORT IN THE SECTOR OF COMPETITIVENESS AND INNOVATION: LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
In view of potentially entering into formal negotiation leading to the signature of an Indirect Management Delegation Agreement in the course of 2017
Legal bases and considerations:
The European Union Delegation, building on the suggestions of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities is looking into possibilities for indirect management with other entities, besides the EU and the national structures, to implement parts of the 2014-2020 Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) foreseen for the country.
Following the financial rules applicable to the Union budget, specifically Articles 58 (1) (c) and 60 of Financial Regulation (EU Euratom) No 966/2012 from 25/10/2012, Regulation (EU) No 231/2014 from 11/03/2014, establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II), Articles 1 (4) and 5 (4) of the Regulation No 236/2014 from 11/03/2014 laying down common rules and procedures for the implementation of the Union’s instruments financing external action, allow the possibility for the Union’s financial assistance to be implemented indirectly by entrusting budget implementing tasks to among others, international organisations and their agencies and Member States agencies.
This request for expression of interest aims at identifying entities, which could be later on invited to exploratory talks on a potential subsequent entrustment of the Union’s budget implementation tasks (BIT) in respect to specific actions of the 2016 Action Document for Competitiveness and Innovation: local development strategies. The organisation in expressing an interest to this consultation does not commit itself. At the same time, the European Commission reserves the right to take its final decision on the delegated actions upon its discretion.
A budget implementation tasks (BIT) means that the entrusted entity is responsible for:
- Implementation of grant award and procurement procedures
- Award decisions for grants and procurement – complementary decisions to reject the other applicants and tenderers;
- Implementation of contracts: signature of legal commitments, authorisation of payments and recoveries, audits and follow-up
- Implementation of financial instruments
- Treasury and accounting.
IPA II Action context
The overall objective of the IPA 2016 Action Document “Competitiveness and Innovation: local development strategies”[1], is to strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capacity for generating growth and employment through support to competitiveness and innovation. The specific objective of this document is to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s private sector development with a focus on export oriented, agro-rural and tourism sectors and on enhancing the operational environment for MSMEs.
The foreseen Action could be implemented by the Entrusted entity/Delegated body which has the highest competences and specialisation in this given area and has a proven track record in EU member states, candidate and potential candidate countries.
Responsibilities of the future entrusted entity/Delegated body:
The entrusted Entity/Delegated body would be responsible for implementing the envisaged overall Action described in the IPA 2016 Action Document “Competitiveness and Innovation: local development strategies” which includes the tasks described in Annex I. The entrusted Entity/Delegated body shall be responsible for the overall administration of all the tasks required to implement the above Action, among others, preparation, implementation and conclusion of procurement contracts, and management of corresponding expenditures. The entrusted Entity/Delegated body will participate in coordination meetings and other jointly organised common activities with the European Union.
In performing the Action entrusted to it, the Entity/Delegated body may not carry out tasks involving a large measure of discretion implying political choices and it may not set nor modify the primary objectives of the activities as described in Annex I, without the consent of the European Union. The Delegatee may directly provide technical assistance with its own staff, which should be indicated. The financing of the actions would be done by the European Union as prescribed in the Financing Decision. A flat rate of maximum 7% administrative cost is applicable to all Indirect Management Delegation Agreement contracts and will be subject to further discussions and negotiations.
Selection process:
Submission Requirements: Interested entities are hereby invited to submit expressions of interest by replying to the questions mentioned under Annex II.
The information should be sent by email to the following e-mail address: delegation-bih@eeas.europa.eu, by 1th of September 2016, 24:00 o’clock, CET, the latest.
All additional questions related to this Letter should be addressed to the EU Delegation not later than 26 August 2016 12:00 o’clock, CET.
The organisations that would respond to this expression of interest will be assessed along a transparent set of criteria mentioned below. The best-placed entity will be invited to start negotiations, potentially leading to a Delegation Agreement, subject to confirmation of funding by the European Union. The selection would be made from responses to this notification.
The selection of the entities under indirect management should not to be compared with, and does not constitute, a full competitive procedure. However, the present Request for Expression of Interest with all potentially eligible/interested entities ensures a transparent selection process on objective grounds.
The potential Delegation Agreement signature is expected before the end 2017, following a negotiation procedure.
More information on the type of arrangements for managing the EU projects (referred to as ‘management modes’) is available on the EU website https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/funding/about-funding-and-procedures/how-do-we-offer-funding_en
Find HERE the complete Request for Expression of Interest, including Annexes
Useful information:
[1] Further referred as “Action”
