Analysis of the reliability of target setting in 2021-27 for a selection of indicators under SO 2.1 “Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions” (European Regional Development Fund/Cohesion Fund)

This opportunity is a pre-announcement from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) regarding a planned negotiated procedure for a service contract focused on analyzing the reliability of target-setting in energy efficiency programs under the European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund. The aimed study will evaluate the relationship between planned financial allocations and expected results for specific indicators, particularly looking at three output indicators and one result indicator related to Specific Objective 2.1, concerning energy efficiency targets and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

The study is designed to consist solely of desk research, analyzing methodological documents from 20 different programs and comparing projected target values with reported implementation outcomes. Notably, the work will not include primary data collection or stakeholder consultation.

The procurement will be classified under a middle/low value contract, with the duration set at four months. Although the exact funding amount has not been specified, it is implied that the budget will range between tens to hundreds of thousands of euros.

Eligible applicants are expected to have expertise in relevant areas such as energy efficiency, regional development, and policy analysis, but specific eligibility criteria have not been explicitly mentioned. It is likely that organizations based in EU or European Economic Area countries will be eligible to participate.

The anticipated timeline includes the publication of the expression of interest starting on August 20, 2025, and a final deadline for expressions of interest by September 6, 2025. The indicative date for the launch of the negotiated procedure is scheduled for September 8, 2025.

Interested parties must express their interest electronically via a specified link, as detailed procurement documents are not yet available. This announcement serves as an indication of the European Commission's intention to conduct further analyses for improved monitoring and evaluation of capabilities concerning energy efficiency investments.

This is a publication announcing the European Commission's, DG REGIO - Regional and Urban Policy, intention to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure. This is not a call for tenders. The procedure identifier is EC-REGIO/2025/LVP/0025-EXA.

The object of the planned call for tenders is a study to assess the reliability of target setting and the underlying assumptions about the relationship between planned financial allocations and expected results at the time of programming in the area of energy efficiency. The scope of the study is limited to three output indicators and one result indicator under specific objective (SO) 2.1, which were also retained in the new pre-defined list of indicators in the recent proposal for tracking budget expenditure and monitoring performance (SWD(2025) 590-591 final). For each of these indicators, the methodological documents submitted at programming stage will be analysed for 20 programmes, and target values will be compared with the reported values from implementation. The analysis will be solely based on desk research and will not involve any primary data collection or stakeholder consultation.

The procedure type is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. The estimated total value is not specified. The nature of the contract is for services. The maximum contract duration is 4 months. No framework agreement is mentioned.

The start date for expression of interest is 2025-08-20 Europe/Brussels. The deadline for expression of interest is 06/09/2025 05:59 Europe/Brussels. The indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-09-08 Europe/Brussels.

The method of expression of interest is electronic. Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given. To express interest, use the "Express interest" link.

The main classification (CPV) code is 79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security.

A question and answer section is available.

A frequently asked question is: Where can I find the procurement documents for calls for tenders with ‘ExA' in the reference? The answer is: References that feature an ‘ExA’ are not calls for tenders. They are a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intent to launch in the future a low or middle negotiated procedure. This answer was published on 03/10/2024 17:32.

In summary, this is a pre-announcement for a future tender regarding a study on the reliability of target setting in energy efficiency programs funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund. The study will involve desk research and analysis of existing documents to compare planned targets with actual results. The contracting authority is DG REGIO, and the procedure will be a negotiated one for a low or middle value contract. The expression of interest phase is scheduled for August-September 2025, with the negotiated procedure expected to launch shortly after. This announcement is not a call for tenders, and procurement documents are not yet available.

Eligible Applicant Types: The opportunity does not explicitly state eligible applicant types. However, given the nature of the contract as a service contract involving analysis and consulting related to energy efficiency and regional development, eligible applicants are likely to be organizations with expertise in these areas. This could include consulting firms, research institutes, universities, or other entities with relevant analytical capabilities.

Funding Type: The funding type is a service contract, specifically a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract. This implies a procurement process where the contracting authority (European Commission, DG REGIO) will select a service provider to perform a specific task in exchange for payment.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is sufficient. It is possible that either a single entity or a consortium could apply, depending on the scope and complexity of the required services and the capabilities of individual applicants.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is not explicitly stated, but given that the contracting authority is the European Commission, DG REGIO, and the subject matter relates to the European Regional Development Fund/Cohesion Fund, it is highly likely that eligible applicants must be based in the EU or EEA countries.

Target Sector: The target sector is primarily energy efficiency, with a focus on the reliability of target setting for indicators related to promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also touches upon regional development, specifically in the context of the European Regional Development Fund/Cohesion Fund. The CPV code 79000000 also indicates a focus on business services, law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned. The opportunity relates to the European Regional Development Fund/Cohesion Fund, implying a focus on EU member states.

Project Stage: The project stage is related to analysis and assessment of existing programs and data. The study will analyze methodological documents and compare target values with reported values from implementation. This suggests a focus on the evaluation and refinement of existing energy efficiency programs rather than the development of new technologies or projects.

Funding Amount: The funding amount is described as a "middle/low value contract." While no specific figures are provided, this suggests that the contract value is likely to be in the range of tens or hundreds of thousands of euros, rather than millions.

Application Type: The application type is a planned negotiated procedure. This means that the contracting authority will likely invite a select number of potential service providers to submit proposals, rather than an open call for tenders. The first step is to express interest electronically.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered. The selected service provider will be paid for conducting the study and delivering the required analysis and reports.

Application Stages: The application process appears to involve at least two stages: expressing interest and then, if selected, participating in the negotiated procedure.

Success Rates: The success rates are not specified. However, given that this is a negotiated procedure, the number of invited applicants will likely be limited, which could imply a higher success rate compared to open calls for tenders.

Co-funding Requirement: The opportunity does not mention any co-funding requirement. It is likely that the contract will be fully funded by the European Commission, DG REGIO.

Summary:

This opportunity is a pre-announcement for a planned negotiated procedure by the European Commission, DG REGIO, for a service contract related to the analysis of the reliability of target setting in energy efficiency programs funded by the European Regional Development Fund/Cohesion Fund. The study will involve desk research to assess the relationship between planned financial allocations and expected results for specific indicators. The contracting authority intends to invite a limited number of potential service providers to submit proposals. The contract is considered a middle/low value contract, and the maximum duration is four months. Organizations with expertise in energy efficiency, regional development, and data analysis are likely to be eligible to express their interest. The first step is to express interest electronically by the specified deadline. This is not a call for tenders but a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intention to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure. The procedure identifier is EC-REGIO/2025/LVP/0025-EXA. The start date for expression of interest is 2025-08-20 and the deadline for expression of interest is 06/09/2025. The indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-09-08.