Call for tenders' details
Status
Submission date
05/08/2015
Answer date
07/08/2015
Language
Status
Answered
Question details
Subject
Conflict of interest 4#4
Question
4. Currently, EuropeAid’s Evaluation Unit that will be responsible for managing the helpdesk also manages four evaluation framework contracts, under an umbrella called “Framework Contract EVA2011” (B-Brussels: framework contract for multi-country thematic and sector evaluation studies, regional/country level evaluation studies, synthesis and analysis in the area of EC external cooperation 2011/S 200-325062). In this context, on a case-by-case basis, decisions are made by the unit whether or not a conflict of interest exists for a given situation (e.g. if a company implements a large TA in a country for which the EU support should be evaluated at the overall level). Question: Could you kindly let us know why case-by-case approaches would not also be suitable for the helpdesk? To our knowledge, other helpdesks like gender or environment have been contracted by EuropeAid without the contractors being excluded from other service contracts in these sectors/on these topics. Moreover, for ROM-contractors, if a conflict of interest is identified (i.e. a contractor implements a project to be monitored), mitigation measures are applied on a case-by-case basis. We would appreciate the Commission’s clarification and feedback on the above issues at your earliest convenience, as it will influence our decision on whether to tender for this contract or not.
Answer
07/08/2015
Please see section 2.2 of the Tender Specifications. The nature of the services set out in the tender specifications mean that potential tenderers are informed that evaluations undertaken for DG DEVCO are a priori incompatible with the services to be provided for the present tender procedure.