European Parliament Ambassador School in Finland

The European Parliament, DG Communication (Directorate for Liaison Offices), has published an open tender EP-COMM/2026/OP/0017 to contract teaching, teacher training, school evaluations and related platform and logistical support services for the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) programme in Finland. The procurement is a framework agreement (initial 12 months, renewable up to 48 months) with an estimated total value of €180,000 (excluding VAT) and will be awarded on a best price-quality basis. Eligible bidders must meet exclusion and selection criteria including minimum annual turnover of €45,000, relevant training experience and language requirements, and submit a single electronic tender via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Deadline for receipt of tenders is 21 May 2026 at 17:00 Europe/Brussels and all documents and submission are on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

What is funded

Scope

Service contract for delivery of teaching, teacher training, school evaluation, platform management, logistical support and related tasks under the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) programme in Finland.

Deadlines and key dates:Deadline for receipt of tenders: 21 May 2026 17:00 Europe/Brussels. Public opening (virtual): 22 May 2026 10:00 Europe/Brussels. Deadline for questions: 13 May 2026 23:59. Full tender dossier and submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal F&T Portal ¹

Who can apply

Eligibility summary

Open to natural or legal persons and public entities established in EU Member States and in third countries that have public procurement access agreements with the EU. Groups/consortia and subcontracting are permitted; required declarations and annexes must be provided.

1. 1Minimum annual turnover: €45,000 (documentary evidence required).
2. 2Technical capacity: at least 2 years’ experience in similar training/coaching services; project leader with minimum 4 years teaching experience in secondary or vocational education.
3. 3Language: fluent Finnish and good spoken/written English (B2).
4. 4Must comply with exclusion, selection and restrictive-measures declarations (annexes included in tender dossier).

Value, duration and award

Framework contract (no reopening of competition). Initial duration 12 months, renewable yearly up to 48 months. Maximum total estimated value for the framework: €180,000 (excluding VAT). Award by best price-quality ratio (price + quality scoring with minimum thresholds).

Evaluation and practical notes

Quality is scored (100 points) against defined criteria including approach, a sample 3-hour training programme and a short report on teaching the European Parliament; minimum scores and combined thresholds apply. Tender validity: 6 months. Invoices via PEPPOL or F&T Portal; payment within 60 calendar days after acceptance.

Footnotes

1. 1Procurement documents, annexes and electronic submission link are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal: F&T Portal Tender Page.

Summary:Open call for tenders issued by the European Parliament, Directorate-General for Communication (Directorate for Liaison Offices) for the performance of teaching and related tasks as part of the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) educational programme in Finland. The procurement reference is EP-COMM/2026/OP/0017 (TED ref. 70/2026 245640-2026). The procedure type is an open procedure to award a framework contract (framework agreement without reopening) for services with a maximum total estimated value of €180 000 over up to 48 months (initial 12-month contract, renewable yearly up to 48 months). Submission is electronic through the F&T Portal (eSubmission). Deadline for tenders: 21 May 2026, 17:00 Europe/Brussels (opening: 22 May 2026, 10:00 Europe/Brussels).

Scope, objectives and main tasks

Contract objective:Provide teaching, teacher training, school evaluation and related support tasks to implement and expand the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) educational programme in Finland. The EPAS programme targets secondary and vocational schools to increase young peoples' knowledge of the EU, European parliamentary democracy, and civic engagement. The contractor will operate on behalf of the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in Finland and will collaborate closely with EPLO staff, invited expert speakers and MEPs where possible.

Key activities required:Organisation and facilitation of seminars for teachers and students; logistical support for seminars; design and delivery of creative activities and online alternatives; management and moderation of a closed national EPAS platform (private group or blog) including creation if none exists; remote and on-site evaluation of participating schools and production of evaluation reports; identification and recruitment support for new EPAS schools and ambassadors; maintenance of EPAS alumni network; assistance with certification, award ceremonies, newsletters and social media material; two working meetings per year with EPLO; submission of seminar reports (~500 words + 2–3 photos each) and a final annual report (~1500 words + photos).

Administrative and contractual details

Contract type:Framework service contract, awarded on best price-quality ratio. Nature: services (CPV 80200000 — Secondary education services). Maximum contract duration: 48 months (initial 12 months, renewable yearly). Estimated maximum total value for the whole framework: €180,000 (excluding VAT). The contract is executed via specific order forms (framework contract + specific order forms). Price quotations must be all-inclusive, in euros, excluding VAT, and follow the price list structure provided in the procurement documents.

Procurement, submission and timetable

Submission method:Electronic only via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal eSubmission system (EU Login / Participant Register / PIC required). Address for submission: eSubmission link in the procurement notice. Deadline for receipt of tenders: 21/05/2026 at 17:00 Europe/Brussels. Date and time of public opening: 22/05/2026 at 10:00 Europe/Brussels. Deadline for requesting additional information: 13/05/2026 23:59 Europe/Brussels. Tender validity period: 6 months.

Documents available:Invitation letter, Tender specifications, Annex I (Technical specifications), Annex II (Environmental policy), Annex III (Declaration on honour — exclusion & selection), Annex IV (Financial identification form), Annex V (Group of Economic Operators), Annex VI (Declaration subcontractors), Annex VII (Financial data sheet), Annex VIII (Declaration on Russia restrictive measures), Annex IX (PEPPOL & F&T invoicing), Annex X (Electronic invoicing form), draft framework contract, price list template and model order forms. All documents published on the Funding & Tenders Portal F&T Portal tender page ¹.

Eligibility, selection and award criteria

Eligible participants:open to all natural or legal persons and public entities established in an EU Member State and to natural or legal persons established in third countries having concluded a public procurement agreement giving them access under that agreement. Participation may be as sole tenderer or as a group of economic operators (consortium). Subcontracting is permitted; groups must submit Annex V and show joint and several liability if required.

1. 1Eligible Applicant Types: universities/research institutes (if providing training services), SMEs, large enterprises, nonprofit organisations, NGOs, vocational training providers, independent education consultants and consortia thereof. Public entities may participate. Individuals may participate only as natural persons if able to meet legal/financial requirements.
2. 2Consortium Requirement: Not mandatory. Tenders may be submitted by a single economic operator or by a group of economic operators. Groups must complete Annex V and specify roles, qualifications and joint liability arrangements.
3. 3Geographic Eligibility (Beneficiary Scope): Applicants established in EU Member States; third-country entities only where a relevant public-procurement agreement with the EU grants access. Primary implementation location: Finland (services to be delivered anywhere in Finland as required).
4. 4Funding Type and Nature: Procurement / tender for services (no research grant). The contracting authority will pay for services rendered under the framework contract. Beneficiaries receive monetary payments under a public contract (service contract).
5. 5Funding Amount: Estimated total maximum value €180 000 for the duration of the framework contract (up to 48 months). Individual order volumes will be detailed in order forms and the provided price list template.
6. 6Co-funding Requirement: No co-funding from applicants is required. Prices must be all-inclusive; the EPLO does not reimburse office or administrative overheads beyond the lump sum agreed. Tenderers must ensure adequate financial capacity (minimum annual turnover requirement applies).

Selection criteria (summary):Legal and regulatory capacity — registration in relevant trade/professional register; Financial capacity — minimum annual turnover of €45,000 (evidence: income declaration and financial statements for last two years, Annex VII); Technical and professional capacity — at least two years’ experience in training/coaching services similar to the contract, demonstrable project leader experience teaching in secondary/vocational sector (minimum 4 years), fluent Finnish and good spoken/written English (B2). Tenderers may rely on capacities of other entities or subcontractors but must provide commitments and evidence. Full selection and exclusion criteria are in the tender specifications and Annex III (Declaration on honour).

Award method and evaluation

Award method:Best price-quality ratio. Evaluation combines price and quality. Price for evaluation equals the total marked as price for evaluation in the price list template. Quality scoring (100 points total) is split across specified qualitative criteria with minimum thresholds. Tenders must obtain minimum pass scores per criterion and overall thresholds to be considered.

Admission to the next evaluation stage requires meeting the thresholds per criterion and obtaining at least 60 points for criteria 1 and 2 combined. The contract will be awarded to the tenderer with the highest combined score (price-quality ratio).

Mandatory declarations, exclusions and restrictive measures

Tenderers must submit the Declaration on Honour (Annex III) covering exclusion grounds under Articles 138–143 of the Financial Regulation. Tenderers must also complete Annex VIII declaring compliance with restrictive measures relating to Russia (Regulation 833/2014 and related rules). Failure to provide required documentary evidence within the requested deadlines (typically 14 calendar days) will lead to rejection. The contracting authority may request supplementary evidence at any time.

Practical requirements for bidders

1. 1Registration: EU Login account and registration in the Participant Register to obtain a PIC (Participant Identification Code) for the organisation; EU Login 2-factor authentication will be required as per portal rules.
2. 2Submission format: electronic via eSubmission, attachments limited to system requirements (supported file types, max attachment size per file <50 MB, max 200 attachments per submission).
3. 3Language: Tenders can be submitted in any official EU language; procurement documents are published in English. Ensure attachments follow naming conventions required by eSubmission system.
4. 4Financial evidence: income declaration for the last two financial years, financial statements or extracts, Annex VII completed; minimum annual turnover €45,000.
5. 5Technical evidence: list of principal services in last two years, CVs of project leader and educational experts demonstrating required experience (project leader teaching experience >=4 years), proof of language proficiency (Finnish fluent, English B2).
6. 6Price submission: complete the provided Price list template (Annex/Excel) and mark the total price for evaluation; prices all-inclusive, euros, excluding VAT.

Project stage and expected maturity

Project stage:operational delivery and implementation. The tender expects experienced contractors able to deliver training, moderation, evaluations and logistical support immediately after contract signature. Maturity required: established service providers with proven delivery of similar training/coaching and school outreach activities, existing organisational capacity to manage platform moderation, reporting, visits and digital activities.

Technology, data protection and environmental requirements

Digital platform and data protection:The national EPAS platform must be private, compliant with EU data protection regulation (Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 and GDPR aspects applicable). The contractor must ensure consent for use of photos/videos (minors' consent from parents/guardians as applicable) and that servers/processing comply with EU/EEA location or adequate safeguards per EU rules. Annex IX/X explain eInvoicing options (PEPPOL or F&T Portal) and registration requirements. Environmental policy: contractors must comply with the European Parliament's environmental policy and may be required to certify staff training on safety and environmental measures (Annex II).

Application stages, method and templates

Application type:open call — full tender submission through eSubmission. Submission stages: single-stage tendering (one submission that is evaluated by contracting authority). The evaluation comprises eligibility/exclusion screening, selection (financial and technical capacity) and award (quality and price scoring).

Templates and required form structure (documents you must complete and include with your tender):Mandatory completed attachments and templates to include with your eSubmission: 1) Signed Invitation letter acceptance where requested; 2) Tender specifications evidence (technical offer) including detailed methodology, sample 3-hour training programme for 30 teachers and the 2–4 page report on teaching the European Parliament (per award criteria); 3) Price list template (Excel) — fill unit prices excluding VAT and show total price for evaluation; 4) Annex III Declaration on honour (exclusion & selection) — signed & dated; 5) Annex IV Financial Identification Form (completed) with bank proof; 6) Annex V — if submitting as a group of economic operators; 7) Annex VI — Declaration concerning proposed subcontractors (if any); 8) Annex VII — Financial Data Sheet (turnover for last two financial years); 9) Annex VIII — Declaration on restrictive measures (Russia); 10) CVs of project leader and key educational experts; 11) List of principal services (last two years) with dates and clients; 12) Any supporting documents on language proficiency and demonstrable experience. Tenderers should follow the ordering and naming conventions required by the eSubmission System Requirements and the F&T Portal guidance.

Risk, compliance and special conditions

Variants are not permitted. Prices must be all-inclusive and submitted excluding VAT. The contracting authority may reject tenders for non-compliance with exclusion grounds, misrepresentation, conflict of interest or failure to satisfy restrictive measures (Annex VIII). Tenderers must declare SME status where applicable in Annex III. The EPLO reserves the right to require a different legal form from a selected group before signature. The contract contains penalties for delay, quality shortfalls and breach of obligations, including flat-rate penalties (0.2% per day up to 20% of the value of delayed services) and other remedies, substitution of contractor in urgent cases, and deduction of compensation for damages. Payment terms: invoices to be submitted electronically via PEPPOL or F&T Portal; European Parliament GLN and invoicing details provided; payment period up to 60 calendar days from invoice recording once services properly provided.

Practical checklist for bidders

1. 1Register organisation in Participant Register and obtain PIC; ensure EU Login account with two-factor authentication is set up.
2. 2Download all procurement documents from the F&T Portal and read Annex I (Technical specifications) and draft framework contract carefully.
3. 3Prepare technical offer including detailed approach, sample 3-hour training programme, 2–4 page pedagogical report and CVs for project leader and experts.
4. 4Complete Annexes III–VIII and Annex VII financial data sheet; attach financial statements and turnover evidence for last two years.
5. 5Complete the Price list template with unit prices (lump sum approach) and mark 'price for evaluation'.
6. 6Ensure documentary evidence for exclusion/selection criteria are available (may be requested within 14 calendar days).
7. 7Submit the tender electronically via eSubmission before the deadline (21/05/2026 17:00 Europe/Brussels).

Success rates and likelihood of award

Success rates:Not published. This is a single-award framework contract (maximum number of participants 1) and competition is expected among qualified national providers. The contracting authority will award the contract to the best scoring tender based on quality and price. Typical success factors: clear demonstration of Finnish-language delivery capacity, demonstrable experience in school training and evaluation, competitively priced all-inclusive offers, compliance with restrictive measures and financial thresholds, and high-quality sample training materials as stipulated in award criteria.

Mentioned countries and geographic scope

Mentioned Countries:Finland (service delivery location). Lead contracting authority location: Belgium (Brussels). Geographic eligibility for applicants: EU Member States and third countries covered by public-procurement agreements with the EU as specified in the tender documents.

How to get more information

All procurement documents and Q&A are published on the Funding & Tenders Portal opportunity page. Requests for clarification must be submitted in writing via the Questions & Answers section of the portal. The contracting authority is not obliged to answer questions received after 13/05/2026 23:59 Europe/Brussels. Contact email for attendance at opening and administrative matters: EPhelsinki@europarl.europa.eu.

Source:Procurement documentation and TED notice published on the European Commission Funding & Tenders Portal and TED (Tenders Electronic Daily). Full procurement documents available on the F&T Portal tender page F&T Portal tender page ¹.

Final summary — what is this opportunity about and how to explain it

This tender is a procurement opportunity to provide educational and operational services to run and expand the European Parliament Ambassador School programme in Finland on behalf of the European Parliament Liaison Office. The contractor will deliver teacher and student seminars, moderate a closed national EPAS online platform, conduct annual school evaluations (remote and on-site), support certification and award ceremonies, maintain networks and alumni relations, produce timely reports and provide routine logistical and digital support. The framework contract has a maximum total value of €180,000 (for up to 48 months) and will be awarded on a best price-quality basis. Eligible bidders must demonstrate financial soundness (minimum turnover), relevant training/coaching experience, teaching experience in secondary/vocational education (project leader with at least 4 years), language capacity (Finnish fluent and English B2), and the ability to manage digital platforms and reporting in compliance with EU data protection and environmental policies. Submit a single, complete electronic tender via eSubmission, including the signed declarations (Annex III and VIII), price list and the technical deliverables (sample programme and pedagogical report) required by the award criteria, before the deadline 21 May 2026.

Footnotes

1. 1Tender documents and TED notice available on the Funding & Tenders Portal: ec.europa.eu and TED: ted.europa.eu

Opportunity Overview

This is an open procedure call for tenders to select a contractor for performance of teaching and related tasks as part of the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) educational programme in Finland. The programme targets secondary and vocational schools to raise awareness of European parliamentary democracy and EU citizenship among students and teachers. Currently 45 schools participate, with an estimated 60 schools for the 2026/2027 school year.

Contracting authority:European Parliament, Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM), Directorate for Liaison Offices. TED reference: 70/2026 245640-2026. CPV: 80200000 - Secondary education services. Nature: Services. Framework agreement without reopening of competition. Estimated total value: €180000 (excluding VAT) over maximum 48 months.

Key Dates and Procedure

• TED publication date: 10/04/2026
• Deadline for questions: 13/05/2026 23:59 Europe/Brussels
• Deadline for receipt of tenders: 21/05/2026 17:00 Europe/Brussels
• Public opening: 22/05/2026 10:00 Europe/Brussels
• Submission method: Electronic via EU Funding & Tenders Portal eSubmission (EU Login required)

Tenders must be submitted exclusively electronically. Requires Participant Identification Code (PIC) registration. As of 1 July 2026, 2-factor authentication mandatory for EU Login. All documents available at EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Eligibility and Participation

Open to natural/legal persons and public entities in EU Member States, and third countries with specific procurement agreements with the EU. Must indicate country of establishment with supporting evidence. Groups of economic operators allowed (joint and several liability). Subcontracting permitted (Annex VI required if used). Exclusions for Russia-related restrictive measures (Annex VIII mandatory).

Exclusion Criteria

• Bankruptcy, insolvency, tax/social security breaches, grave professional misconduct, fraud, corruption, criminal organisations, money laundering, terrorist offences, child labour/trafficking, significant contract deficiencies, irregularities, resisting audits (per Financial Regulation Articles 138-143)
• Declaration on honour (Annex III) required; documentary evidence requested from winner within 14 days

Selection Criteria

Legal/Regulatory:Enrolled in relevant professional/trade register (except international organisations).

Financial/Economic:Minimum annual turnover €45000. Provide income declarations/financial statements for last 2 years (Annex VII).

Technical/Professional:At least 2 years experience in similar training/coaching; project leader with 4+ years secondary/vocational teaching; fluent Finnish + B2 English. List principal services (last 2 years), CVs of project leader/experts.

Contract Subject and Scope

Initial duration:12 months, renewable yearly up to 48 months total. Services via specific order forms. Contractor supports EP Liaison Office (EPLO) in Finland with:

• Seminars for teachers/students (organisation, facilitation, reports ~500 words + photos)
• National EPAS platform management/moderation (create if needed, GDPR compliant)
• School evaluations (remote preferred; on-site visits ~1.5h where appropriate; reports + photos; certification recommendations)
• Further tasks: school network management, alumni support, certification ceremonies, newsletters, social media content, twinning
• 2 working meetings/year + reports
• Final annual report (~1500 words, impact/best practices)

EPLO handles overall management, logistics, materials, first school contact. Contractor uses EP-provided teaching resources (no production required). All costs (travel, prep, admin) in lump sums; no office expenses reimbursed. Consent required for photos/videos of minors.

Award Criteria

Best price-quality ratio. Price:total evaluation price from price list. Quality: 100 points (min 60 for criteria 1-2; thresholds per sub-criterion):

Highest scoring tender wins. Prices exclude VAT, in EUR, all-inclusive, firm (no exchange rate revision).

Pricing Structure

Unit prices (excl. VAT) per price list for evaluation (weights in parentheses):A1 Training day content (2), A2 Logistical support (2), B1 Platform creation (1), B2 Hosting (1), B3 Management/moderation per school (60), C1 Remote eval (50), C2 School visit (10), D1 Further responsibilities per school (60), E Working meetings (2), F Final report (1).

Key Documents (16 available for download)

• Invitation letter
• Tender specifications
• Annex I: Technical specifications ¹
• Annex II: Environmental policy
• Annex III: Declaration on honour (exclusion/selection)
• Annex IV: Financial identification form
• Annex V: Groups of economic operators
• Annex VI: Subcontractors declaration
• Annex VII: Financial data sheet
• Annex VIII: Russia restrictive measures declaration
• Annex IX: PEPPOL/F&T registration
• Annex X: Electronic invoicing form
• Price list template

Payment and Other Conditions

• Payment: 60 days after services + pre-existing rights declaration; electronic invoicing via PEPPOL or F&T Portal
• Equal opportunities policy, EMAS environmental compliance required
• Governing law: EU + Belgian; disputes to General Court
• Data protection: Contractor processes personal data (teachers/students) per Article I.12

SMEs encouraged (self-declaration in Annex III). Variants not permitted. EPAS background:EU-wide since 2019, 1500+ certified schools, 3700 senior/22768 junior ambassadors network-wide ².

Footnotes

1. 1Detailed tasks in Annex I Technical Specifications.
2. 2Programme stats from tender specs and external sources.