Audits internes annuels du système de gestion de la santé et de la sécurité au travail de la Commission européenne sur le site de Bruxelles pour la pé...

This open tender by the European Commission DG HR (ref. EC-HR/2026/OP/0248) seeks a single supplier to provide annual internal audits of the Commission’s occupational health and safety management system at the Brussels site for 2027–2030 under a framework agreement of up to 48 months. Audits must follow ISO 45001 and ISO 19011, include preparation of a three-year audit programme, annual plans, document review, on-site audits and reporting, with an indicative volume of 10 on-site audit days per year and pricing required per audit day. Award will be based on the best price-quality ratio (quality 60%, price 40%), submissions are electronic via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the deadline for receipt is 29 September 2026 at 11:00 Brussels time.

What it procures

Scope and outputs

Framework contract to deliver annual internal audits of the European Commission’s occupational health and safety management system on the Brussels site for the period 2027–2030. Audits must follow ISO 45001 and ISO 19011 and cover programme, annual plans, on-site audits, reports, follow-up and advisory support.

Indicative workload:The tender reference foresees an estimated 10 on-site audit days per year (approximately 40 days over 4 years). Bidders must price per audit day; the contracting authority will establish the framework ceiling from the awarded bidder’s offer and a reserve for indexation and contingencies ¹.

1. 1Services procured: internal health & safety management system audits, reporting, assistance and meetings
2. 2Standards: ISO 45001 (SST) and ISO 19011 (audit guidance)
3. 3Format: framework agreement with specific contracts / purchase orders

Who can apply

Open to any economic operator established in the scope of the EU treaties, including consortiums. Submission requires registration in the EU Participant Register (PIC) and an EU Login account. Bidders must meet exclusion, selection and technical criteria set in the tender dossier.

1. 1Eligible bidders: single tenderer or joint venture (groupement); under-tendering and cross-subcontracting rules apply
2. 2Minimum selection requirements include financial capacity (positive turnover threshold) and proven technical experience (examples of comparable audits)
3. 3Key staff requirements: Lead Auditor certification and minimum experience for project manager and auditors, language skills (French and/or English)

Key practicals

Award is by best price-quality ratio (price 40%, quality 60%). Tender documents include invitation, technical specification, draft framework contract and financial offer form; bidders must upload administrative, technical and financial evidence via eSubmission. Some annexes require signed declarations, letters of engagement for subcontractors and lists of proposed personnel.

Footnotes

1. 1Full tender documents, templates and submission are on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal: Audits internes annuels du système de gestion de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (ref. EC-HR/2026/OP/0248) F&T Tender.

Résumé rapide

La Commission européenne (DG HR - Human Resources and Security, unité HR.D.7) lance un appel d’offres pour la mise en place d’un contrat-cadre unique de services d’audit. Objet : réalisation d’audits internes annuels du système de gestion de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (SST) pour le site de Bruxelles pour la période 2027–2030, conformément à la Décision C(2006)1623. Tous les audits et travaux doivent respecter les exigences des normes ISO 45001 et ISO 19011. Le marché est géré via une procédure ouverte et la passation conduira à un contrat-cadre d’une durée maximale de 48 mois (durée initiale et éventuelles reconductions). Les prestations seront commandées par contrats spécifiques (bons de commande) émis dans le cadre du contrat-cadre. Les offres se soumettent électroniquement via l’application eSubmission du portail Funding & Tenders EU Funding & Tenders Portal ¹.

Reference / Procedure ID:EC-HR/2026/OP/0248 (TED ref: 151/2026 549498-2026).

What this procurement is for (scope, outputs, standards)

Object and scope:annual internal audits of the occupational health and safety management system of the European Commission at the Brussels site for 2027–2030. The objective is to establish a framework contract for provision of audits over a four‑year period, covering auditing cycles of three years (2027–2029 first cycle; 2030–2032 second cycle). Audits and audit methods must comply with ISO 45001 (OH&S management systems) and ISO 19011 (auditing guidance). The Commission does not seek ISO 45001 certification for Brussels but expects audit activities to follow the standard requirements and to be adaptable (Commission may exclude some ISO 45001 clauses or focus audits on themes such as communication, training, psychosocial risks and fire safety).

Key deliverables and activities

1. 1Three‑year audit programme (to be prepared for each 3‑year cycle and reviewed with Unit HR.D.7).
2. 2Annual audit plans (detailed plans at least 15 calendar days before on‑site audits).
3. 3Document review prior to on‑site audits (access to documentation via an online platform).
4. 4On‑site audits including legal compliance checks, sampling across buildings and services, site visits, feedback to interviewees and a closing presentation.
5. 5Draft on‑site audit reports for each audited site within 10 calendar days of last audit day; final reports within 5 calendar days after Commission agreement.
6. 6Assistance and expert advice before, during and after audits (included in daily audit rate).
7. 7Coordination meetings with auditors responsible for the Luxembourg site (annual pre‑audit and post‑audit coordination).
8. 8Minutes of meetings (within 5 calendar days) and other agreed deliverables in English and/or French.

Estimated operational volume (indicative):10 on‑site audit days per year (40 days total for the initial four‑year period). The financial ceiling for the framework is based on the contractor’s total offer for the estimated volumes plus a 17.5% reserve for indexation and unforeseen needs. The contracting model is a single framework agreement with the award of specific contracts or purchase orders for individual audit activities.

Important procedural and administrative information

Procedure type:open procedure. Submission method: electronic only via eSubmission on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Award method: best price‑quality ratio based on Price (40%) and Quality (60%) with detailed quality criteria and thresholds in the tender specifications. The framework is concluded without reopening competition. The maximum contract duration (including renewals) is 48 months. The public opening of tenders is scheduled as published (see table).

Where to obtain the contract documents:All market documents, tender specifications, draft framework contract, annexes (including Annex 6 financial offer form, Annex 2 declaration on honour, Annex 3 joint bid agreement, Annex 4 list of designated subcontractors, Annex 7 Decision C(2006)1623, Annex 8 project references, and draft specific contract and appendices) are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal tender page linked to this call EU Funding & Tenders Portal ¹.

Eligibility, consortium and subcontracting rules

Who may apply and how to form bids:any legal person or consortium may submit an offer under the open procedure. Offers may be submitted by a single tenderer or by a consortium (joint offer). In case of a joint offer, members must sign the model joint bid agreement (Annex 3). Subcontracting is allowed. Designated subcontractors are to be listed in Annex 4 if either: (i) their capacities are invoked for selection criteria; or (ii) an individual subcontractor’s share of the contract exceeds 20%. Designated subcontractors must provide a signed letter of engagement (Annex 5.1). Entities whose capacities are relied upon (not subcontractors) must provide the signed engagement letter at Annex 5.2 and the evidence requested in the specifications.

Eligible applicant types

Eligible applicant types:SME and large enterprises, research organisations and consultancies, audit firms, specialised occupational safety and health consultancies, NGOs and non‑profits where appropriate, subcontractors and consortiums. Public bodies may participate subject to the access rules in the procurement documents. Individuals alone cannot be prime contractors unless legally established as an economic operator.

Beneficiary geographic eligibility:Eligible applicants are those established in the area covered by EU public procurement rules: any legal person set up in the territory of the EU or in a country which has a market access agreement with the EU (see procurement doc). The Commission explicitly states the procedure follows EU rules and the call is published for pan‑European participation; applicants from third countries can participate only where the applicable international agreements permit.

Evaluation, selection and award criteria (summary)

Exclusion and selection:tenderers must submit the Declaration on Honour (Annex 2) covering exclusion grounds under Article 138 of the Financial Regulation. Selection requires meeting minimum economic/financial and technical/professional capacity thresholds (detailed in the specifications). Key technical selection minima include audited project references (three similar projects in the last 5 years, each >= €25 000), a qualified project manager (Lead Auditor certification, minimum experience) and at least two qualified auditors meeting specified professional and language requirements.

1. 1Selection financial minimum: average annual turnover over the last 3 financial years > €75 000 (consolidated evaluation permitted).
2. 2Selection technical minimum: at least three similar projects (last 5 years) with details and references (Annex 8 suggested template).
3. 3Key experts: 1 project manager (Lead Auditor certified; minimum 3 years audit experience; language skills C1/B2), at least 2 auditors with required SST auditing experience and language skills (C1/B2).

Award:economically most advantageous tender (EMAT) using Price (40%) and Quality (60%). Quality is assessed on four criteria (methods & techniques; approach to the Commission’s working environment; organisation of work & resources; quality management) with detailed sub‑elements, minimum thresholds per criterion and overall quality pass threshold (60/100).

Finance, taxes and contract model

Financial model:tenderers must complete the financial offer form (Annex 6). Pricing is per on‑site audit day and must include all preparation, reporting, travel, assistance and meetings. Prices must be in euros, expressed exclusive of VAT. The framework ceiling equals the total value for the estimated volumes plus a 17.5% reserve. The framework is a single supplier contract‑frame without reopening of competition; specific contracts (order forms/buy‑orders) will be issued against it.

Taxes and VAT:The Commission is exempt from VAT and certain duties under Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities. Tenderers shall follow the invoicing and VAT instructions in the draft framework contract; special rules apply for joint bids regarding allocation of value for VAT/exemption certificates.

Submission process and required documents

All submissions must be uploaded electronically via eSubmission (EU Login account required). The full list of documents and the exact eSubmission upload structure is in Annex 1 of the tender specifications. Key documents include: completed Annex 6 (financial offer), Annex 2 (declaration on honour), proof of economic and technical capacity (accounts, project lists, CVs, certificates), Annex 4 (designated subcontractors if applicable), Annex 5.1/5.2 letters of engagement, the signed model joint bid agreement (Annex 3) for joint bids, and any supporting proof requested in the specifications.

1. 1Annex 2: Declaration on honour (exclusion & selection) — mandatory.
2. 2Annex 6: Financial offer form — mandatory (prices per audit day, EUR, excl. VAT).
3. 3Annex 1: List of required upload documents and eSubmission guidance (follow format and naming).
4. 4Technical offer: methodology, three‑year audit programme proposal, annual audit plan template, example audit report template, team composition and CVs of key experts, certificates (Lead Auditor etc.).
5. 5Annex 4: List of designated subcontractors and percentage of subcontracting (if required).
6. 6Annex 5.1/5.2: Letters of engagement from designated subcontractors or entities whose capacity is invoked.
7. 7Annex 3: Joint bid agreement (if offer conjointe).

Application type and stages

Application type:open call published on the Funding & Tenders Portal; submission via eSubmission only. Application stages: single‑stage submission (full tender) with administrative checks, exclusion and selection checks, technical evaluation (quality) and financial evaluation (price) leading to ranking and award. The process includes optional clarification steps and the contract signing phase. Public opening is virtual and limited to verification and announcement of received tenderers’ names.

Number of stages:1 (single stage) — administrative + exclusion/selection + evaluation (quality + price) + award.

Success rates and co‑funding

Success rates:not published. It is an open single‑supplier framework with competitive tender; success rate depends on the number and quality of bids. Co‑funding: not applicable — the contract is a service procurement (no co‑funding requirement).

Templates and application form structure (how to prepare)

Required templates are published in the procurement documents:Invitation, Tender specifications (cahier des charges), Annex 1 (list of documents & eSubmission mapping), Annex 2 (Declaration on honour), Annex 3 (Joint bid agreement), Annex 4 (designated subcontractors), Annex 5.1/5.2 (letters of engagement), Annex 6 (financial offer Excel), Annex 7 (Decision C(2006)1623), Annex 8 (project reference template). Follow the exact filenames and the eSubmission upload structure specified in Annex 1. Use Annex 6 Excel for pricing and Annex 8 template for project references. Submit CVs and certificates as separate attachments named as required by Annex 1.

1. 1Structure your technical offer to address (and map to) the award criteria: methodology and techniques (criterion 1), approach to Commission environment (criterion 2), organisation and resources (criterion 3), quality management (criterion 4).
2. 2Provide detailed 3‑year audit programme sample, annual audit plan sample, and a model audit report as requested in the specifications.
3. 3Provide CVs, Lead Auditor certificates, auditor certificates, language certificates (or equivalent statements) for proposed team members.
4. 4Complete Annex 6 financial offer form (Excel), price per audit day including all services and travel, in EUR excl. VAT.
5. 5Ensure Annex 2 is signed (electronic signature preferred).

Technical requirements and standards (detailed)

All audits must be designed and carried out in accordance with ISO 45001 and ISO 19011. The contractor must: prepare a three‑year audit programme in agreement with HR.D.7; prepare annual audit plans (objectives, scope, audit criteria and methods, sampling); perform document reviews before on‑site audits (Commission will provide access to documentation via an online platform); implement legal compliance assessments and sampling of buildings/services; provide draft reports within 10 calendar days of last audit day and final reports within 5 calendar days after Commission agreement; present audit results in closing meetings; ensure staff (project manager and auditors) meet the qualification, experience and language requirements defined in the tender specifications.

1. 1Mandatory application of ISO 45001 and ISO 19011 for audit activities.
2. 2Three‑year audit cycle programmes and annual audit plans, updated as needed before each audit.
3. 3On‑site audit deliverables: draft & final reports, executive summary, classification of findings by priority, action‑oriented observations.
4. 4Coordination with Luxembourg audit activities to ensure coherence.
5. 5All written deliverables in English or French; oral presentations may be in English and/or French.

Key contractual clauses (summary)

Contractual regime:framework agreement without reopening of competition; specific contracts to be signed for each acquisition. Payment on the basis of financial offer; no VAT charged to the Commission. Contract contains provisions on confidentiality, security requirements (including potential checks by Belgian authorities for access to Commission premises), ownership of results (EU acquires property rights on newly created results; licences on pre‑existing rights), data protection (GDPR r.2016/679 and EU r.2018/1725 compliance), audits and controls (up to five years), sanctions and termination rights for default or fraud, and options for suspension in case of force majeure or investigations.

Security and background checks:If staff require physical access to Commission Brussels premises, the Commission will require security checks (Belgian authorities) and a positive security clearance as described in the tender documents. Predeployment checks and compliance with Appendix 2 security rules are mandatory, and the contractor bears all related costs.

Mentioned countries and geographic detail

Explicitly mentioned country in the tender documentation:Belgium (Brussels site, buildings in Overijse and Kortenberg included). Beneficiary scope: EU institutions / services and contractors established in the EU or countries with market access agreements as per procurement rules. The work covers the Brussels Commission site and is organised in coordination with Luxembourg audits.

Project stage and expected maturity

Expected project maturity:operational / audit services for established OH&S management system. The Commission applies ISO 45001 and ISO 19011 standards; it is in process of alignment with ISO 45001 but does not seek certification for Brussels. The supplier must be ready to deliver fully operational audits, reporting and advisory assistance (implementation and maintenance stage rather than research or early development).

Target sector and relevant classifications

Sector:internal audit services, occupational health & safety, compliance and workplace wellbeing. CPV main code: 79212200 (Internal audit services). Additional CPV: 71317210 (Health and safety consultancy services). The nature of the contract is services.

Co‑funding and financial obligations

Co‑funding:none. This is a straightforward procurement of services; the contractor invoices the Commission for services delivered. The contractor must comply with invoicing rules, VAT exemptions and financial guarantees only where required in the conditions (no mandatory prefinancing guarantee unless specified; guarantee of good performance and retention only where stated in specific contract conditions).

Success rates, number of stages and likely timeline

Number of application stages:1 (single‑stage open call). Typical timeline summary: publication (07/08/2026), deadline for requests for additional information 21/09/2026, tender submission 29/09/2026 (11:00), public opening 30/09/2026. Evaluation and award follow public opening; exact award date published later on the Portal. The success rate is not published and depends on number/quality of bids.

Compliance and reporting obligations

The contractor must submit draft and final audit reports within the specified timelines, provide minutes, cooperate with Commission audits, accept Commission monitoring and audits (including OLAF and Court of Auditors where applicable), and grant access for Commission and external auditors to documentation and premises. Data protection obligations and security clearance obligations apply where staff access Commission systems or premises. The contractor must keep records for at least five years from payment of the final invoice.

How would you summarise this opportunity?

This tender is a procurement of specialist internal audit services for the European Commission’s occupational health and safety management system at the Brussels site for the period 2027–2030. It establishes a single framework agreement to procure annual internal audits (10 audit days per year estimated) carried out to ISO 45001 / ISO 19011 standards. The framework will be awarded to one contractor following an open competitive procedure based on the best price‑quality ratio. Applicants must demonstrate appropriate financial standing and technical capacity (project references and qualified auditors including a Lead Auditor), submit an electronic tender via eSubmission, and comply with confidentiality, security, data protection and administrative requirements set out in the detailed tender documents. The contract foresees the award of specific contracts or purchase orders against the framework and contains detailed clauses governing ownership of results, liability, audits, and termination.

Primary contact and where to apply

Lead contracting authority:Commission européenne, DG HR - Human Resources and Security, HR.D – Workplace & Wellbeing, HR.D.7 – Verdissement, hygiène au travail & bâtiments. Email contact for procurement questions: HR-CONTRATS-MARCHES@ec.europa.eu. All submissions and procurement documents are on the Funding & Tenders Portal EU Funding & Tenders Portal ¹.

1. 1Submission method: eSubmission on the Funding & Tenders Portal (EU Login account required).
2. 2Language: any official EU language for the tender; French documents are the authoritative language for the procurement documentation but offers may be submitted in any EU official language.
3. 3Attachments: follow Annex 1 upload mapping exactly; name files as specified.

Footnotes

1. 1Tender documents, specifications, annexes, submission link and Q&A are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Consult the call page for downloads and eSubmission instructions: ec.europa.eu

This is an open procurement procedure for annual internal audits of the European Commission’s occupational health and safety management system at the Brussels site for 2027 to 2030, under procedure EC-HR/2026/OP/0248. The notice was published on 7 August 2026, submissions are electronic, and the current portal deadline is 29 September 2026 at 11:00 Brussels time[1][2].

Core procurement facts

What the contract covers

The contract is for annual internal audits of the Commission’s occupational health and safety management system on the Brussels site, in line with Commission Decision C(2006) 1623 and the audit and management standards referenced in the specifications, especially ISO 45001 and ISO 19011. The scope covers preparation of a three-year audit programme, annual audit planning, document review, on-site audits, findings classification, draft and final reporting, follow-up support, and coordination meetings with the Luxembourg audit team.

The specifications also state that the Commission may choose not to audit the entire ISO 45001 system and may focus on selected themes such as communication, training, psychosocial risks, and fire safety. The expected outputs include meeting minutes, a three-year programme, annual plans, draft reports, final reports, and participation in start-up, annual pre-audit, closing, and coordination meetings.

Who can apply and how

The tender is open to any economic operator that can provide the required services, including single bidders and joint tenders from groups or consortia. Subcontracting is allowed, and the tender is not reserved for SMEs[1].

Submission requirements:Bidders must submit electronically through the Funding and Tenders Portal using EU Login, and each participating entity needs a PIC. The invitation states that only one offer per tenderer will be considered, variants are not allowed, and all tender documents were published in French with offers accepted in any official EU language.

Eligibility and exclusion conditions:The tenderer, all consortium members, subcontractors, and any capacity providers must not be subject to EU restrictive measures, must have no conflict of interest, and must complete the required declaration on honour. Joint bidders are jointly and severally liable, and designated subcontractors or capacity providers must provide engagement letters.

Financial and commercial terms

The notice does not disclose a total estimated contract value in the extracted text. Pricing is based on a unit price per on-site audit day, with the financial form indicating an estimate of 10 on-site audit days per year and requiring prices in euros, exclusive of VAT and other taxes. The framework contract ceiling is calculated from the winning financial offer for the estimated volume plus a 17.5 percent reserve to cover indexation and unforeseen needs. The specifications also mention that, within three years of signature, the Commission may use a negotiated procedure for additional similar services up to 50 percent of the initial contract value.

Delivery and performance expectations

• A three-year audit programme must be prepared after contract start and updated before each annual audit.
• An annual audit plan and calendar must be agreed with the Commission well in advance of on-site work.
• The contractor must review the relevant management documentation before each annual audit.
• Draft site audit reports are due within 10 calendar days after the last audit day on the site.
• The Commission then has 10 calendar days to comment, after which the contractor submits revised reports within 10 calendar days.
• The final audit report is due within 5 calendar days after the Commission’s agreement.
• Meeting minutes must be delivered within 5 calendar days after each meeting.
• Working languages are French and English, and communications and reports must use one or both of these languages.
• The services will be performed at the contractor’s premises and at Commission sites in Brussels, Overijse, and Kortenberg.
• The Commission expects coordination with the parallel Luxembourg audit process to maintain consistency of findings.

Practical assessment for applicants

This is a specialist services contract best suited to audit firms or consulting providers with demonstrable experience in internal auditing, occupational health and safety management systems, and the ISO 45001 and ISO 19011 framework. Strong French and English working capability is important, as is the ability to mobilize auditors for on-site work in Brussels and to work under a framework agreement model with tight reporting deadlines.

The most important bidder actions are to review the tender specifications in detail, confirm PIC registration for every participant, prepare the declaration on honour and any joint bid or subcontracting documents, and ensure the financial offer reflects all preparation, travel, meetings, reporting, and support activities because these costs are included in the daily audit price.