Extending VECTO trailer tool with e-axle trailers and active aerodynamics

This summary provides detailed insights into a forthcoming procurement opportunity titled "Extending VECTO trailer tool with e-axle trailers and active aerodynamics." The project focuses on supporting software development to extend the VECTO trailer tool, which is essential for trailer certification as mandated by the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1362. The lead contracting authority is the European Commission, specifically its DG CLIMA (Climate Action).

The procurement type is categorized under services, specifically aimed at firms engaged in software development, as indicated by the CPV code 73220000 which pertains to development consultancy services. The planned duration for this contract is set at 12 months.

Key details regarding applicant eligibility indicate that while the specifics are not explicitly outlined, it generally opens doors to entities capable of delivering software development services. However, it is noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not suitable applicants for this opportunity. Consequently, larger firms, research institutes, and specialized technology companies are potential candidates.

This tender does not stipulate a requirement for consortia; thus, single contractors are free to apply. Geographic eligibility seems to encompass entities from EU member states and potentially associated countries, in accordance with EU procurement rules, though specific countries are not named.

The project is currently in the development stage, involving the enhancement of the VECTO software to integrate new features. However, the specific funding amount for this contract has not been disclosed and will be clarified in the official tender call.

Application for this opportunity will be through an open call mechanism published on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. Interested parties must submit an electronic expression of interest between July 3, 2025, and August 5, 2025. The indicative launch date for the negotiated procedure is August 14, 2025, marking when the actual tendering process will begin.

Nature of support is strictly monetary, with contractors being compensated for their service without any co-funding requirement. As this is a procurement opportunity rather than a grant, success rates don't apply in the traditional sense, since only one successful bidder will be selected.

Overall, this initiative reflects the European Commission's commitment to advancing climate action by refining tools like VECTO that help monitor and certify CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, thereby contributing towards the overarching goal of decarbonizing the transport sector in line with EU climate policies.

This is a pre-information notice for a planned negotiated procedure for a low or middle value contract, not a call for tenders. The contracting authority intends to publish a future negotiated procedure.

The procedure identifier is EC-CLIMA/2025/MVP/0104-EXA.

The title is Extending VECTO trailer tool with e-axle trailers and active aerodynamics.

The description is Support for the software development of VECTO Trailer to implement the extensions of the trailer certification introduced by the first amendment of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1362.

The procedure type is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract.

The estimated total value is not specified.

The lead contracting authority is the European Commission, DG CLIMA Climate Action.

The main classification (CPV) code is 73220000 Development consultancy services.

The nature of the contract is services.

The maximum contract duration is 12 months.

There is no framework agreement.

The start date for expression of interest is 2025-07-03 Europe/Brussels.

The deadline for expression of interest is 05/08/2025 04:59 Europe/Brussels.

The indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-08-14 Europe/Brussels.

The method of expression of interest is electronic.

The address for expression of interest is through the "Express interest" link.

Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given.

A question and answer section is available, requiring login to create questions. A FAQ section is available, and the Q&A can be downloaded as an XLS file.

One Q&A item is listed: Where can I find the procurement documents for calls for tenders with ‘ExA' in the reference? The answer clarifies that references with ‘ExA’ are not calls for tenders but announcements of intent to launch a future negotiated procedure. This was published on 03/10/2024 16:32.

In summary, this is a pre-information notice from the European Commission, DG CLIMA, regarding a planned negotiated procedure for a low to middle value contract. The project aims to support the software development of the VECTO Trailer tool, specifically to implement extensions for trailer certification related to e-axle trailers and active aerodynamics, as introduced by the first amendment of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1362. The contract duration is expected to be 12 months. Interested parties can express their interest electronically, with a deadline of August 5, 2025. The actual negotiated procedure is expected to launch around August 14, 2025. This is not a call for tenders, but an announcement of a future opportunity.

Eligible Applicant Types: The information provided does not explicitly state the eligible applicant types. However, given the nature of the contract as "services" and the CPV code 73220000 for "Development consultancy services," it is likely that eligible applicants include companies, consultancies, research institutes, or other organizations with expertise in software development and related services. The specific types of eligible applicants will likely be detailed in the future call for tenders.

Funding Type: The funding type is procurement, specifically a service contract. The contracting authority intends to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure.

Consortium Requirement: The information does not specify whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. This detail will likely be available when the actual call for tenders is published.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The information does not explicitly define the geographic eligibility. Given that it is a European Commission, DG CLIMA Climate Action initiative, it is highly probable that the beneficiary scope includes EU member states, and potentially EEA countries or other countries associated with EU programs. The specific geographic eligibility will be detailed in the future call for tenders.

Target Sector: The target sector is climate action, specifically related to the development of software for the transport sector. The project focuses on extending the VECTO trailer tool to implement extensions of trailer certification, including e-axle trailers and active aerodynamics. This falls under the broader categories of environment, transport, and ICT, with a strong focus on software services.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned. The relevant region is the EU, as the contracting authority is the European Commission.

Project Stage: The project stage is development. The call is for support for the software development of the VECTO Trailer tool.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value is described as a "middle/low value contract." While the exact amount is not specified, this suggests a funding range likely under €200k, possibly even under €50k, but more precise information will be available in the future call.

Application Type: The application type will be a negotiated procedure. This announcement is not the call itself, but a pre-announcement. The method of expression of interest is electronic.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered, specifically software development services.

Application Stages: The application will involve at least two stages: an expression of interest and a subsequent negotiated procedure. The exact number of stages will be clarified when the call for tenders is published.

Success Rates: As this is a planned negotiated procedure, success rates are not applicable at this stage. Success rates will depend on the number of applicants invited to negotiate and the specific requirements of the call for tenders.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not specify whether co-funding is required. This detail will likely be available when the actual call for tenders is published.

Summary:

This is a pre-announcement from the European Commission, DG CLIMA Climate Action, regarding a planned call for tenders. The call will be a negotiated procedure for a low or middle value contract. The project aims to support the software development of the VECTO Trailer tool, specifically to implement extensions for trailer certification related to e-axle trailers and active aerodynamics, as introduced by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1362. The main classification is development consultancy services. The maximum contract duration is 12 months. The start date for expression of interest is planned for July 3, 2025, with a deadline of August 5, 2025. The indicative date for the launch of the negotiated procedure is August 14, 2025. Interested parties must submit an electronic expression of interest. This announcement is not a call for tenders, but a notification of the contracting authority's intention to launch a negotiated procedure in the future. The actual call for tenders will provide more detailed information about eligibility criteria, specific requirements, and the application process.