PP - EU Substitution Centre - Brominated flame retardants used in construction, automotive and cables applications

The European Commission, specifically DG GROW, has issued a call for tenders labeled EC-GROW/2025/OP/0055. This procurement opportunity focuses on conducting a study and pilot project aimed at the substitution of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the automotive, construction, and cable sectors. The objective is to establish a comprehensive framework for planning the substitution process, which includes fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to identify effective and safe alternatives to BFRs. Additionally, the project will support the implementation of substitution pathways, develop action roadmaps, and assess the viability of an EU substitution center.

The estimated total funding for this contract is €390,000, and the maximum duration of the contract is 22 months. This opportunity is characterized as a service procurement rather than a traditional grant. Submissions are required to be made electronically, with the deadline set for July 7, 2025, at 10:00 CEST.

Eligible applicants include large enterprises, specialized consultancies, and research institutions with relevant expertise in materials science and environmental technologies. There is no requirement for a consortium, and the process is categorized as an open call, meaning any qualified organization can submit a tender. The evaluation criteria will prioritize technical quality (70%) over cost (30%) to ensure high-quality proposals.

Specific details such as the requirements for registration with a Participant Identification Code (PIC) are essential for submission. The contracting authority is not obligated to respond to questions submitted after June 26, 2025, at 05:00 CEST.

The overarching goal of this tender aligns with the EU's sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the transition to safer chemical alternatives and the promotion of environmental sustainability in industry practices.

The European Commission, DG GROW - Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs is the lead contracting authority for the call for tenders EC-GROW/2025/OP/0055. The TED reference is 104/2025 350759-2025. This is an open procedure and submissions must be electronic. The call is open for submission.

The description of the call is: Study - Specific pilot - Providing support to a project to promote substitution of brominated flame retardants, BFR, in automotive, construction and cable applications. The objective of the study is to set up a framework for substitution planning, fostering collaboration among actors to identify highly performing, safer, and cost-effective alternatives to brominated flame retardants in specific applications. This includes supporting implementation through a substitution pathway, an action road maps and pledges, promoting innovation and investments, and testing the potential role of an EU substitution centre to facilitate these efforts.

The estimated total value is 390000 EUR. The TED publication date is 02/06/2025. The main classification (CPV) is 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services. The nature of the contract is services. The maximum contract duration is 22 months. The award method is best price-quality ratio. This is not a framework agreement.

Milestones:
TED publication date: 02/06/2025
Date and time of public opening: 07/07/2025 16:00 Europe/Brussels
Deadline for receipt of tenders: 07/07/2025 10:00 Europe/Brussels
Contracting authority is not bound to reply to questions submitted after: 26/06/2025 05:00 Europe/Brussels

The following documents are available for download:
ENEN-Invitation to tender EC-GROW2025OP0055 Brominated flame retardants BFRInvitation letterPublished on 02/06/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENI Tender Specifications Lot 4 BRF LPSTender specificationsPublished on 02/06/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENI.2 TS Annex II DoH declaration-of-honour-tenders EC-GROW2025OP0055Declaration on honour (tender)Published on 02/06/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENII Draft Ct contrat-direct-service-2024 FR Recast-enDraft contractPublished on 02/06/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENSecurity requirements en 2025Draft contract annexPublished on 02/06/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENII.3 Ct Annex III -vat-2023-enDraft contract annexPublished on 02/06/2025Version 1 No translations available
ENII.4 Ct Annex IV statements-ipr-enDraft contract annexPublished on 02/06/2025Version 1 No translations available

Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given. The submission method is electronic.

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This EU call for tenders, EC-GROW/2025/OP/0055, focuses on securing a study to support the substitution of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the automotive, construction, and cable industries. The European Commission, through DG GROW, aims to establish a framework for planning this substitution, encouraging collaboration to find safer and more cost-effective alternatives. The study involves creating substitution pathways, action roadmaps, and pledges, while also exploring the potential of an EU substitution center to facilitate these changes. The total estimated value of the tender is 390,000 EUR, and the contract duration is expected to be 22 months. The submission deadline is July 7, 2025. The tender is an open procedure, meaning any eligible organization can apply, and submissions must be made electronically. The award will be based on the best price-quality ratio.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but given the nature of the tender, it is likely open to organizations capable of providing business and management consultancy services. This could include SMEs, large enterprises, research institutes, consulting firms, and other entities with relevant expertise.

Funding Type: The funding type is procurement, specifically a service contract. The contracting authority is procuring services related to a study and pilot project.

Consortium Requirement: The content does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, the FAQ section mentions that a Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory to participate in a call for tenders as a sole candidate/tenderer or as a member of a group (consortium), suggesting that both single applicants and consortia are eligible.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is not explicitly stated, but given that it is an EU funding opportunity managed by the European Commission, it is highly likely that applicants from EU member states are eligible. Eligibility might also extend to EEA countries or other countries associated with EU programs.

Target Sector: The target sector is related to the substitution of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in specific applications within the automotive, construction, and cable industries. This falls under the broader sectors of environment, materials science, and potentially manufacturing, with a focus on safer and more sustainable alternatives.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned, but the contracting authority is the European Commission, implying that the opportunity is relevant to the European Union.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on providing support to a project to promote substitution of brominated flame retardants. This includes setting up a framework for substitution planning, fostering collaboration, supporting implementation through a substitution pathway, action roadmaps, and pledges, promoting innovation and investments, and testing the potential role of an EU substitution centre. This suggests a focus on development, validation, and demonstration stages.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the contract is 390,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders, with electronic submission.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered, as this is a service contract.

Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly mentioned, but it is likely to involve at least two stages: submission of the tender and evaluation of the proposals.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The co-funding requirement is not explicitly mentioned.

Summary:

This is a call for tenders (EC-GROW/2025/OP/0055) issued by the European Commission, DG GROW, seeking a contractor to conduct a study and pilot project focused on promoting the substitution of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the automotive, construction, and cable industries. The project aims to establish a framework for substitution planning, encourage collaboration among stakeholders, support the implementation of substitution pathways, promote innovation and investment in safer alternatives, and assess the potential of an EU substitution center. The estimated total value of the contract is 390,000 EUR, and the maximum contract duration is 22 months. The procedure type is an open procedure, and submissions must be made electronically. The deadline for receipt of tenders is July 7, 2025. The tender documents include an invitation letter, tender specifications, a declaration of honor, a draft contract, security requirements, and annexes related to VAT and intellectual property rights. The call is relevant to organizations with expertise in business and management consultancy, particularly in the areas of environmental science, materials science, and sustainable manufacturing. Applicants must register for a Participant Identification Code (PIC) to submit a tender, either as a sole candidate or as part of a consortium. The eSubmission system supports various file types and has specific requirements for attachment sizes and naming conventions.