EEA/ENS/TC/26/001 - Topic Centre on Freshwater Environment

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published tender EEA/ENS/TC/26/001 to establish a Topic Centre on Freshwater Environment as a single-contractor framework service contract with an estimated total value of €5.3 million and an initial duration of 24 months renewable up to a total of 54 months. Participation is restricted to designated Topic Centre Organisations (TCOs) and tenders must be submitted as a consortium of at least four designated TCOs from four different EEA member countries. Submission is by mandatory eSubmission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 31 August 2026 and evaluation is based on quality (70%) and price (30%).

Opportunity type and lead

Call for tenders published by the European Environment Agency (EEA)

Single-stage tender to establish a Topic Centre providing technical and operational support on freshwater monitoring, assessment and policy-relevant services covering Water Framework Directive, WISE-SoE, Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Bathing Water Directive, Drinking Water Directive, Water Re-use Regulation, aquatic aspects of Nature Restoration Regulation and Floods Directive, with links to marine, biodiversity, restoration and chemicals.

What it funds:Framework services and technical expertise for freshwater data collection, analysis, reporting and policy support across the listed EU water-related directives and regulations. Find full tender documents and technical specifications ¹

1. 1Estimated total contract value: €5 300 000
2. 2Planned contract duration: 54 months (initial 24 months, renewable up to 3 times)
3. 3Lot structure: single lot (LOT-0001)

Who can apply:legal entities capable of delivering environmental monitoring, data management, technical assessments and advisory services (national agencies, research organisations, consultancies, consortia). The procedure uses eSubmission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; check tender documents for mandatory selection and qualification requirements.

Submission method:mandatory electronic submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Award criteria: quality (70) and price (30).

Footnotes

1. 1Tender dossier, technical specifications, financial offer template and draft framework contract available at the tender page on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal: ec.europa.eu

Basic Opportunity Details

Type:Tender / Procurement (service contract, framework agreement). Lead contracting authority: European Environment Agency (EEA). Call identifier: EEA/2026/OP/0031. Main CPV: 73000000. Estimated overall contract value: €5 300 000. Planned duration: 54 months (initial framework contract period of 24 months, renewable up to 3 times as indicated in the procurement documents). Submission method: Mandatory eSubmission via the Funding and Tenders Portal (open tender publication). Deadlines: initial administrative timestamp 2026-01-01T12:00:59.000Z; official closing date 31 August 2026, 14:00:59 (CEST/CET as applicable). Open tender event (possible opening) scheduled 1 September 2026 at 10:00 (local time).

Scope and Technical Focus

The contract establishes a Topic Centre on Freshwater Environment to support the EEA and its networks across a broad freshwater policy and reporting portfolio. The freshwater area encompasses support to the Water Framework Directive, WISE-State of the Environment reporting (WISE-SoE), Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Bathing Water Directive, Drinking Water Directive, Water Re-use Regulation, the aquatic aspects of the Nature Restoration Regulation and the Floods Directive. Work will have links to marine environment topics, nature, biodiversity, restoration, and chemicals. Services expected include technical and scientific support, data processing and quality assurance, indicator development, reporting, monitoring support, expert advice, and communication activities as set out in the technical specifications.

Estimated Total Procedure Value:€5 300 000 (estimated overall contract amount for the framework) ¹

Who should consider bidding

Organisations with demonstrated professional and technical expertise in freshwater science, environmental data systems, water policy support, monitoring and reporting for EU water-related directives and regulations, and experience in delivering multi-year service contracts for public authorities should consider bidding. The procurement documentation contains an Overview of professional and technical expertise expected from bidders and selection criteria.

Eligibility and Administrative Requirements

This is a public procurement tender published by the European Environment Agency. Bidders must follow selection and exclusion criteria specified in the procurement documents. The SME suitability indicator for the lot is false (the lot is not specifically targeted to SMEs). The tendering terms reference standard procurement selection and award criteria; the awarding criteria are a quality/price split with quality weighted 70% and price 30% (see procurement documents for detailed sub-criteria and scoring).

Eligible Applicant Types

Eligible applicant/legal entity types:legal persons able to conclude a framework service contract with the EEA. This typically includes universities and research institutes, non-governmental organisations, private companies (SMEs and large enterprises), international organisations, consortia of organisations and public bodies where allowed by the procurement rules. Natural persons/individuals are generally not appropriate as prime contractors for framework service contracts of this nature. Specific admissibility, exclusion and selection criteria are defined in the procurement documents and must be followed exactly by applicants.

Funding Type

Primary financial mechanism:procurement / service contract under a framework agreement. This is not a grant, loan or equity instrument. The successful contractor(s) will receive payments for services delivered under the contract.

Consortium Requirement

Consortiums are possible and commonly used in this type of tender. The procurement allows contracting by a single legal entity or by groups of economic operators (consortia / joint bids) provided the tenderer meets the selection and qualification requirements. The procurement documents include details on whether subcontracting or grouping is allowed and on the documentation required for each participating entity.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility)

Geographic scope:EEA contracting authority. The EEA is an EU agency working with its member and cooperating countries. While the procurement is published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and led by the EEA, bidders must confirm eligibility under the procurement rules in the tender documents. The opportunity is primarily aimed at organisations able to contract with the EEA and deliver services across EEA member and cooperating countries. The scraping context mentions Ukraine and Moldova as cooperating countries to the EEA; bidders from EU Member States, EEA countries and cooperating countries that meet the tender’s legal and financial rules are typically eligible. Consult the procurement documents for precise nationality/establishment requirements.

Target Sector

Primary thematic sectors:environment, freshwater and water management, biodiversity and nature restoration, chemicals (aquatic impacts), climate-related flood management, environmental information systems and monitoring, data processing and reporting for EU water-related legislation and regulations.

Project Stage

Expected maturity:operational implementation and long-term service delivery. The contract requires delivery of technical support, data processing, reporting and expert services for existing policy and reporting frameworks rather than early-stage research or ideation. Activities will include ongoing monitoring, indicator development, verification, reporting and stakeholder communication.

Funding Amount

The estimated overall contract amount for the framework is €5 300 000. The framework contract is for an initial period of 24 months, renewable up to three times. The procurement documents include the financial offer template that bidders must complete to submit price proposals.

Application Type and Submission

Application type:open tender via eSubmission. Bidders must submit tenders electronically using the Funding and Tenders Portal eSubmission facility and comply with the checklist for eSubmission. The procurement documents include a Financial offer template (Annex 1) and a Checklist for eSubmission (Annex 7). The submission deadline is 31 August 2026, 14:00:59 (CEST/CET as applicable).

Nature of Support

The contract provides monetary remuneration for service delivery under a public contract (money). It is a paid service contract; the contractor will be paid according to the contract terms and invoicing / payment rules in the draft framework contract and reimbursement rules provided in the annexes.

Application Stages

Typical stages for this procurement:1) preparation and electronic submission of tender documents; 2) administrative and eligibility checks (selection stage); 3) technical evaluation against quality award criteria; 4) price evaluation and combined scoring; 5) contract award and standstill period; 6) signature of the framework service contract and mobilisation. The procurement documentation defines exact stages and timelines; an open tender event is scheduled for 1 September 2026.

Success Rates

No explicit success rate is provided in the tender documentation. As a public procurement for a single lot and a framework agreement, the chance of award depends on the quality and price of bids and the number of bidders. Public procurement typically has a limited number of winners (often one or a small number appointed to a framework), so competition is expected to be strong. The procurement documents do not disclose historic success rates.

Co-funding Requirement

No co-funding from the bidder is required in the sense of providing own contributions to the EEA. Bidders must include costs and pricing in their financial offer; the EEA will pay for services under the contract. If subcontracting is used, costs for subcontractors must be included and documented as required. The Annex 3 on reimbursement provides rules on eligible costs and invoicing for the contract.

Application Templates and Documents Provided

The procurement publication includes a set of mandatory annexes and templates intended to be used by bidders. Key documents available in the procurement dossier are listed below and must be consulted and completed where applicable.

1. 1Invitation to tender: EN-Invitation_to_tender_EEA2026OP0031_Freshwater_V1.pdf (main invitation and overview).
2. 2Annex I – Technical Specifications: EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex I_Techncial Specifications_V1.pdf (detailed scope of services, deliverables, tasks, expected expertise and performance requirements).
3. 3Annex 1 – Financial offer template: EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 1 to TS_Financial offer template_V1.docx (mandatory price schedule to be completed by bidders).
4. 4Annex 2 – Draft Framework Service Contract: EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 2 to TS_ Draft Framework Service Contract_V1.pdf (contractual terms, duration, renewal, payment terms, obligations and liability clauses).
5. 5Annex 3 – Reimbursement: EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 3 to TS_Reimbursement_V1.pdf (rules for eligible costs, invoicing and reimbursement modalities).
6. 6Annex 4 – Overview of professional and technical expertise: EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 4 to TS_Overview of professional and technical expertise_V1.xlsx (specification of required expertise and CV/profile expectations).
7. 7Annex 7 – Checklist for eSubmission: EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 7 to TS_Checklist for eSubmission_V1.pdf (procedural checklist to ensure compliant electronic submission).

Awarding Criteria and Evaluation

Awarding criteria:quality 70% / price 30% (detailed subcriteria and scoring rules are provided in the technical specifications and procurement documents). Quality criteria will address technical capacity, proposed methodology, relevant experience, team composition and CVs, work plan, data management and quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and value-added knowledge services relevant to EU freshwater policies. Price will be assessed using the financial offer template included in Annex 1. Bidders must follow the exact evaluation instructions and provide supporting documentation for selection and award criteria.

Procedural and Contractual Notes

Framework contract model:a framework agreement is envisaged with an initial 24-month period, renewable up to three times (see draft contract in Annex 2). The procurement is identified as a framework agreement and may be used to call-off services during the framework's life. The tender includes specific tenderer qualification requests and standard procurement exclusion and selection provisions. Electronic ordering and electronic payment are indicated as supported post-award processes.

Mentioned Countries and Regional Context

No specific list of eligible countries is embedded in the summary text. The EEA operates across EEA member countries and cooperating countries. The scraped site explicitly mentions Ukraine and Moldova in contextual EEA pages as cooperating countries; therefore the operational context includes EU Member States, EEA countries and cooperating countries associated with the EEA network. Bidders should consult the procurement documents for exact nationality/establishment rules.

How to apply:Prepare the technical tender (methodology, work plan, CVs, evidence of relevant experience), complete the financial offer template (Annex 1), ensure all required supporting documents for selection and exclusion criteria are included, use the eSubmission checklist (Annex 7) and submit electronically via the Funding and Tenders Portal before the deadline. The portal eSubmission tool is indicated as the required access tool in the tendering process; any requests for additional information must be made within the Additional Information Request Period ending 21 August 2026 (see tendering process timeline).

Awarding weight split:Quality 70% / Price 30% (sub-criteria for quality are detailed in the procurement documents).

Key Risks and Bidder Considerations

Bidders must ensure full compliance with the procurement rules, provide verifiable evidence of technical capacity and past performance in EU water-related work, carefully price services in the financial template, and meet the requirements for staff profiles in Annex 4. The SME suitability indicator is false, indicating requirements or scale may favour larger organisations or consortia. The framework nature of the contract requires capacity for long-term service delivery and continuity. Failure to comply with eSubmission requirements or to provide mandatory annexes may lead to exclusion.

Contact and Reference

Primary source and official tender page:the Funding & Tenders Portal tender details page for reference and full procurement documents is provided in the procurement record. The procurement citation: EEA/ENS/TC/26/001 - Topic Centre on Freshwater Environment. Available at: ec.europa.eu ¹.

Comprehensive Summary

This opportunity is a public procurement tender launched by the European Environment Agency to set up a Topic Centre on Freshwater Environment under a framework service contract (Call ID EEA/2026/OP/0031). The contract covers expert technical and operational services to support EU water policy implementation and reporting (including the Water Framework Directive, Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Bathing Water Directive, Drinking Water Directive, Water Re-use Regulation, Nature Restoration Regulation aquatic aspects and the Floods Directive), with deliverables spanning monitoring support, data quality assurance, indicator development, reporting, expertise provision and stakeholder engagement. The procurement is estimated at €5.3 million for the framework and requires eSubmission via the Funding & Tenders Portal by 31 August 2026. Bidders should be experienced organisations or consortia with strong freshwater science, environmental information system and policy support capacity, must use the provided annex templates (technical specifications, financial offer, draft contract, reimbursement rules, overview of required expertise, and eSubmission checklist), and will be evaluated on a quality-weighted (70%) and price-weighted (30%) basis. The framework contract is operational in nature, intended for implementation and long-term service delivery across EEA member and cooperating countries. Interested bidders must consult and adhere strictly to the procurement documents and submission rules contained in the official dossier.

Footnotes

1. 1Tender publication and full procurement dossier available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal: ec.europa.eu

Opportunity Summary and Scope

This tender seeks to establish a single-contractor framework service contract for the EEA Topic Centre on Freshwater Environment, providing expert support on EU water policies including the Water Framework Directive, Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Drinking Water Directive, and Floods Directive [[1]]. The work area also links to marine issues, nature, biodiversity, restoration, and chemicals [[1]].

Contract Value and Duration

The framework contract is concluded for an initial period of 24 months and is renewable three times, potentially extending the total duration to 54 months [[1]]. The estimated overall contract amount is €5.3 million [[1]].

Eligibility and Consortium Requirements

Participation is restricted exclusively to designated Topic Centre Organisations (TCOs) under the Eionet network, as defined by the EEA Management Board [[1]]. Tenders must be submitted as a consortium (joint tender) of at least four designated TCOs established in at least four different EEA member countries [[1]].

Key Eligibility Criteria:1. Must be a formally designated TCO (not open to general organisations) [[1]]. 2. Consortium must include at least four TCOs from four different countries [[1]]. 3. One partner must act as the lead tenderer [[1]].

Organisations must first be formally designated as a Topic Centre Organisation by the EEA Management Board before they can submit an offer [[4]]. A call for expressions of interest to become a TCO for the 2027-2030 period is open until 7 August 2026 [[4]].

Submission Deadlines and Procedure

The tender submission deadline is 31 August 2026 at 14:00:59 CET [[1]]. Requests for additional information must be submitted by 21 August 2026 [[1]]. The procedure is an open procedure with electronic submission required [[1]].

Award Criteria and Evaluation

The award is based on two criteria:Quality (weighted at 70%) and Price (weighted at 30%) [[1]]. Detailed quality criteria are specified in the procurement documents [[1]].

Award Weighting:Quality: 70% [[1]]. Price: 30% [[1]].

Required Documentation and Technical Specifications

1. 1Technical Specifications (Annex I): EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex I_Techncial Specifications_V1.pdf
2. 2Financial Offer Template (Annex 1): EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 1 to TS_Financial offer template_V1.docx
3. 3Draft Framework Service Contract (Annex 2): EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 2 to TS_ Draft Framework Service Contract_V1.pdf
4. 4Overview of Expertise (Annex 4): EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 4 to TS_Overview of professional and technical expertise_V1.xlsx
5. 5Reimbursement Rules (Annex 3): EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 3 to TS_Reimbursement_V1.pdf
6. 6eSubmission Checklist (Annex 7): EEA.ENS.TC.26.001_Annex 7 to TS_Checklist for eSubmission_V1.pdf

All procurement documents, including technical specifications, draft contracts, and submission templates, are available via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal [[1]]. The tender validity period is 6 months [[1]].

How to Become a Topic Centre Organisation (TCO)

To participate, an organisation must first be designated as a TCO. The EEA is currently seeking new TCOs for the 2027-2030 period, with a deadline for expressions of interest on 7 August 2026 [[4]]. Organisations must contact their relevant Eionet Representative to confirm eligibility and receive access to the submission tool [[4]].

Contact for TCO Designation:Organisations must inform their national Eionet Representative of their interest in becoming a TCO [[4]]. A list of Eionet representatives by country is available on the EEA website [[4]].

The EEA provides knowledge and data to achieve sustainability in Europe through its Eionet network, which now includes 40 countries including Ukraine [[4]].

Official Resources and Contact Information

The official tender page is available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal EU Funding & Tenders Portal. The contracting authority is the European Environment Agency (EEA) [[1]].

For information on becoming a TCO, visit the EEA's Topic Centres call for interest page EEA Topic Centres Call. The EEA website provides further details on their mission and network EEA Website.

Footnotes

1. 1All tender details, including contract value, duration, eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines, are sourced from the official EU Funding & Tenders Portal tender page EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
2. 2Information on becoming a Topic Centre Organisation (TCO) and the call for expressions of interest for 2027-2030 is from the EEA's official page EEA Topic Centres Call.