Framework contract for provision of maintenance services for geothermal monowell and cooling circuit installation in scientific laboratories at the JRC Petten in two (2) lots

The European Commission, specifically the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Petten, has announced a framework contract for maintenance services related to geothermal monowell and cooling systems in their laboratories. This contract is divided into two lots: Lot 1 focuses on the geothermal monowell system, and Lot 2 on the water cooling system for a fuel cell/electrolyser facility. The contract is categorized as a procurement contract and falls within the low to middle value range, under the classification for repair and maintenance services.

Eligible applicants can include economic operators, such as companies and specialized service providers, likely favoring larger enterprises due to the technical nature of the work. While small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not explicitly excluded, the complexity involved means established contractors may have an advantage. The geographic eligibility extends to entities from EU member states, EEA countries, and possibly associated nations, but no specific countries are limited beyond the JRC's location in the Netherlands.

The project stage is focused on ongoing maintenance rather than research or development, with the contract duration extending up to 48 months. The total funding amount is unspecified but may vary based on the specific service tasks under the framework.

The application process will employ a planned negotiated procedure. Initially, interested parties are required to express their interest electronically by May 14, 2025, with a submission deadline of June 5, 2025. Following this, a negotiated procedure will be launched on June 6, 2025, for selected candidates.

This announcement serves as a prelude to an opportunity rather than a direct call for tenders. It emphasizes the need for interested parties to prepare for the upcoming bidding process, particularly focusing on entities skilled in geothermal and cooling system maintenance. Both individual applicants and potential consortia may compete, although consortium participation is not explicitly required. Importantly, no co-funding is expected, as the procurement contract will provide monetary compensation for services rendered.

This is a publication announcing the contracting authority’s intention to publish a future negotiated low or middle value procedure. It is not a call for tenders.

The procedure identifier is EC-JRC/PTT/2025/MVP/2503-EXA.

The description is a framework contract for the provision of maintenance services for geothermal monowell and cooling circuit installation in scientific laboratories at the JRC Petten ELTEST in two (2) lots: Lot 1: Geothermal monowell system and Lot 2: Water cooling system for Fuel cell / electrolyser facility operation in the ELTEST laboratories.

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

The lead contracting authority is the European Commission, DG JRC - Joint Research Centre.

The main classification (CPV) is 50000000 - Repair and maintenance services.

The nature of the contract is services.

The maximum contract duration is 48 months.

It is a framework agreement without reopening of competition.

The start date for expression of interest is 2025-05-14 Europe/Brussels.

The deadline for expression of interest is 05/06/2025 04:59 Europe/Amsterdam.

The indicative date of launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-06-06 Europe/Amsterdam.

The method of expression of interest is electronic.

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

Regarding questions about procurement documents for calls for tenders with ‘ExA’ in the reference, it is clarified that references featuring ‘ExA’ are not calls for tenders but publications announcing the contracting authority’s intent to launch a low or middle negotiated procedure in the future. This information was published on 03/10/2024 16:32.

In summary, this is a pre-announcement for a future negotiated contract concerning maintenance services for geothermal and cooling systems at the JRC Petten ELTEST laboratories. The contract is divided into two lots: one for the geothermal monowell system and another for the water cooling system used in fuel cell/electrolyser operations. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the lead contracting authority. The contract will be a framework agreement lasting 48 months, and the procedure will be a negotiated one, indicating a potentially streamlined selection process. Companies interested in providing these maintenance services should express their interest electronically, with a deadline in early June 2025. The actual call for tenders is expected shortly after the expression of interest deadline. This pre-announcement serves as an early notice to allow potential bidders to prepare for the upcoming opportunity.

Eligible Applicant Types: The information provided does not explicitly state the eligible applicant types. However, given the nature of the contract (maintenance services) and the contracting authority (European Commission, DG JRC), it is likely that eligible applicants would include companies, SMEs, or other organizations with the necessary expertise in repair and maintenance services, particularly those with experience in geothermal and cooling systems.

Funding Type: This is a planned negotiated procedure for a middle/low value contract, specifically a framework contract for services. Therefore, the funding type is procurement, specifically a service contract.

Consortium Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required. However, the description mentions two lots, suggesting that a single applicant could potentially bid for one or both lots. Therefore, both single applicants and consortia could potentially be eligible, although this is not explicitly stated.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The information does not explicitly state the geographic eligibility. However, given that the contracting authority is the European Commission, DG JRC, it is highly likely that the geographic eligibility includes at least EU member states. The location of the JRC Petten (Netherlands) suggests that companies based in the EU, and possibly EEA countries, are eligible.

Target Sector: The target sector is repair and maintenance services, specifically for geothermal monowell and cooling circuit installations. This falls under the broader categories of energy, environment, and scientific research infrastructure.

Mentioned Countries: The Netherlands is implied as the location of the JRC Petten is in the Netherlands.

Project Stage: The project stage is operational. The opportunity concerns the maintenance of existing installations, not research, development, or demonstration.

Funding Amount: The opportunity is described as a "middle/low value" contract, but the estimated total value is not specified. Therefore, the funding range is variable, but likely under €200k, possibly even under €50k.

Application Type: The application type is a planned negotiated procedure. This means that the contracting authority will likely invite a select number of candidates to submit proposals after an initial expression of interest.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for providing maintenance services. Therefore, the nature of support is monetary.

Application Stages: The application process appears to involve at least two stages: an expression of interest, followed by a negotiated procedure for selected candidates. Therefore, there are at least 2 stages.

Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined from the provided information. Negotiated procedures typically have lower success rates than open calls, as the number of invited candidates is limited.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. Given that this is a procurement contract for services, it is unlikely that co-funding would be required. Therefore, the co-funding requirement is no.

Summary: This opportunity is a planned negotiated procurement procedure by the European Commission, DG JRC, for a framework contract to provide maintenance services for geothermal monowell and cooling circuit installations at the JRC Petten in the Netherlands. The contract is divided into two lots: one for the geothermal monowell system and another for the water cooling system for a fuel cell/electrolyser facility. The procedure is considered a middle/low value contract, and the maximum contract duration is 48 months. The process begins with an expression of interest, followed by a negotiated procedure with selected candidates. The start date for expression of interest is 2025-05-14, and the deadline is 2025-06-05. The indicative date for the launch of the negotiated procedure is 2025-06-06. This is not a call for tenders but an announcement of a future opportunity.