EU future regulatory framework for Higher Airspace Operations (HAO): Scientific studies supporting safety, sustainability and cyber-security impact assessments

This is a planned call for tenders issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) aimed at funding scientific studies that address safety, sustainability, and cybersecurity risks in Higher Airspace Operations (HAO). The objective is to inform the EU's future regulatory framework by defining safety, environmental, and cybersecurity targets and proposing a proportionate regulatory approach.

Eligible applicants for this tender include research institutes, consultancies, and specialized organizations with expertise in aviation safety and cybersecurity. The call does not favor small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to project complexities indicated by the SME suitability indicator being false. The funding type is classified as a procurement contract with an estimated total value of €743,000, which falls within the €200,000 to €1,000,000 range.

There is no indication that a consortium is required, suggesting that single entities may apply. Geographic eligibility encompasses EU member states, with the absence of specific country restrictions. The focus is on research and development stages, particularly involving risk analysis and the establishment of regulatory frameworks.

The application process is open, and stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) database for the official publication, which is expected to occur on March 20, 2025, with a contract notice planned for publication on May 6, 2025.

The call aims for a contract duration of up to 18 months, without co-funding requirements and likely a single-stage application process. Specific success rates for applicants are not detailed but depend on the quality of proposals received. Overall, this initiative seeks to enhance regulatory strategies for HAO by engaging specialized entities to analyze the corresponding risks fully.

EU future regulatory framework for Higher Airspace Operations (HAO): Scientific studies supporting safety, sustainability and cyber-security impact assessments. The procedure identifier is EASA/2025/OP/0014-PIN. This is a planned call for tenders. The TED reference is 56/2025 180913-2025.

Description: The objective of this study is to analyse the safety, sustainability and cyber-security risks triggered by Higher Airspace Operations with a view to notably define appropriate safety, environmental and cyber-security targets and design a proportionate regulatory framework. The results should include an identification of the types of risks, if possible a quantification of the level of risks and possible mitigation measures.

Procedure type: Planned call for tenders with OJ S publication.

Estimated total value: 743000 EUR.

TED publication date: 20/03/2025.

Lead contracting authority: European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Main classification (CPV): 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services.

Nature of the contract: services.

Maximum contract duration: 18 MONTH.

Framework agreement: None.

Milestones: TED publication date 20/03/2025. Estimated date of publication of a contract notice 06/05/2025.

A question was asked: Where can I find the procurement documents of this call for tenders? The answer is: The planned call for tenders announces the intention of the contracting authority to publish a future call for tenders. No other information or documents other than those published here are available. Published on 16/02/2024 23:54.

In summary, this is a planned call for tenders by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for scientific studies supporting safety, sustainability, and cyber-security impact assessments related to the EU's future regulatory framework for Higher Airspace Operations (HAO). The goal is to analyze the risks associated with HAO in terms of safety, sustainability, and cyber-security, and to define appropriate targets and a regulatory framework. The study should identify and, if possible, quantify the risks, and propose mitigation measures. The estimated total value of the contract is 743000 EUR, and the maximum contract duration is 18 months. The expected date for the publication of the contract notice is May 6, 2025. The TED publication date is March 20, 2025. The CPV code is 73000000, indicating research and development services and related consultancy services.

Eligible Applicant Types: The information provided does not explicitly state the eligible applicant types. However, given the nature of the call for tenders which focuses on scientific studies and the involvement of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), it can be inferred that eligible applicants could include research institutes, universities, consultancy services, and other organizations with expertise in aviation safety, sustainability, and cybersecurity.

Funding Type: The funding type is a procurement, specifically a call for tenders. The nature of the contract is for services.

Consortium Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is sufficient. This detail will likely be specified in the full call for tenders documentation when it is released.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The information does not explicitly define the geographic eligibility. Given that the call is issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), it is highly probable that the geographic eligibility includes at least EU member states and potentially EEA countries or other countries with agreements with the EU. This detail will be specified in the full call for tenders documentation when it is released.

Target Sector: The target sector is aviation, specifically focusing on Higher Airspace Operations (HAO). The call targets safety, sustainability, and cybersecurity within this sector. It also relates to research and development services.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned. The relevant region is the EU, given the involvement of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Project Stage: The project stage is research, focusing on scientific studies to support impact assessments. The studies are intended to inform the development of a regulatory framework, indicating an early stage of policy development.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the call for tenders is 743,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is a planned call for tenders with OJ S (Official Journal of the European Union Supplement) publication. This indicates a formal, open call for tenders process.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services, specifically for conducting scientific studies and providing related consultancy services.

Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. However, a call for tenders typically involves multiple stages, including submission of a proposal, evaluation, and contract negotiation. Therefore, it can be assumed that there will be at least 2 or 3 stages.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text. Success rates for EU calls for tenders can vary widely depending on the specific program and the quality of proposals received.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. This detail will likely be specified in the full call for tenders documentation when it is released.

Summary: This is a planned call for tenders from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) concerning the EU future regulatory framework for Higher Airspace Operations (HAO). The primary objective is to commission scientific studies that analyze the safety, sustainability, and cybersecurity risks associated with HAO. These studies will inform the development of appropriate safety, environmental, and cybersecurity targets, as well as a proportionate regulatory framework. The expected outcome includes the identification and, if possible, quantification of risks, along with potential mitigation measures. The call is valued at an estimated 743,000 EUR, and the maximum contract duration is 18 months. The call for tenders is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union Supplement (OJ S) around May 6, 2025. Organizations with expertise in aviation safety, sustainability, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks are likely to be interested in this opportunity. The call falls under the category of research and development services and related consultancy services. Interested parties should monitor the TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) database for the official publication of the call for tenders and related documents.