Technical Assistance to the EUD to Cuba in the framework of the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027

The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships is issuing a restricted call for tenders for a service contract aimed at providing technical assistance to the European Union Delegation in Cuba under the Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027. The estimated value of the contract is €2,150,000 and it is primarily intended for organizations with expertise in international development, particularly in sustainable development and cooperation related to Cuba.

Eligible applicants are likely to include service providers and consultancies that can deliver technical assistance and capacity-building programs. There is no explicit consortium requirement; however, organizations with complementary expertise may benefit from forming a partnership. Geographic eligibility focuses on Cuba, but organizations must demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within the region of America and the Caribbean.

The project aligns with key EU priorities, particularly in promoting sustainable development, political dialogue, and regional cooperation through initiatives like the Team Europe Initiative and the EU-Cuba Gender Action Plan. The contract will support all phases of the project cycle, including formulation and evaluation, and will be in effect for an initial 36 months with an option for a 12-month extension.

The application process includes a two-stage restricted tender where pre-selected candidates will be invited to submit a proposal after expressing interest. Submissions will be made electronically, with a deadline for requests to participate set for June 30, 2025. Evaluation will be based on quality and price criteria, with a focus on selecting the most economically advantageous tender.

There are no explicit co-funding requirements, allowing for full funding through the specified budget allocation. The project intends to enhance the impact of EU-funded actions in Cuba while addressing critical crosscutting issues like gender equality and climate action. This opportunity provides an avenue for contractors to engage in significant capacity-building and technical support efforts in Cuba, reinforcing the EU's commitment to its partnership with the country.

The European Commission, INTPA - International Partnerships is offering a call for tenders for "Technical Assistance to the EUD to Cuba in the framework of the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027" with procedure identifier EC-INTPA/HAV/2025/EA-RP/0082. This is a restricted tender with a contract value exceeding 300,000 EUR. The nature of the contract is for services, specifically fee-based provision of technical assistance.

The contract falls under the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 and is part of a dedicated cooperation facility with a specific budget allocation. The objective is to provide capacity building and technical assistance to strengthen the EU’s partnership with Cuba, primarily within established policy areas but also adaptable to emerging needs arising from ongoing political dialogue. The contract will deliver strategic technical support and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the results and impact of the EU’s cooperation agenda, including Global Gateway Initiatives and EU coordination within the framework of the Team Europe Initiative on Inclusive Green Transition. It aims to support all phases of the project/programme cycle, from formulation to evaluation.

The intervention logic is to contribute to Cuba’s sustainable development by supporting the implementation of the EU-Cuba cooperation agreement, ensuring that EU-funded actions achieve maximum results and impact. This contract will complement EU support across MIP priority areas and will address critical crosscutting issues and specific needs. The contract will promote political dialogue, trilateral cooperation, regional integration, and effective use of other financial instruments, including the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). It will enhance coordination with EU Member States, and other development cooperation actors in Cuba and the region. Through studies, analyses, and trainings, it will support initiatives such as the Team Europe Initiative, the EU-Cuba roadmap for civil society engagement, and the EU-Cuba Gender Action Plan, fostering participatory approaches.

The estimated total value of the tender is 2,150,000 EUR. The TED publication date is 30/05/2025. The maximum contract duration is 48 months. The award method will be based on the best price-quality ratio. It is not a framework agreement. The place of delivery or performance is Cuba (20000868), and the programme is America and the Caribbean (44995889). The deadline for receipt of requests to participate is 30/06/2025 at 13:00 America/Havana time.

Submissions must be sent exclusively via electronic submission.

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

One document is available: an additional information contract notice/invitation to submit a request to participate, published on 30/05/2025, version 1, available in English only.

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In summary, this call for tenders is an invitation for organizations to submit proposals for providing technical assistance and capacity building to support the EU's partnership with Cuba. The project aims to enhance Cuba's sustainable development by supporting the implementation of the EU-Cuba cooperation agreement. The tender is restricted, meaning only pre-selected candidates can participate, and the submissions must be made electronically. The EU is looking for a service provider to deliver strategic technical support and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the results and impact of the EU’s cooperation agenda, including Global Gateway Initiatives and EU coordination within the framework of the Team Europe Initiative on Inclusive Green Transition. The selected provider will support all phases of the project/programme cycle, from formulation to evaluation. A key aspect of the project is to promote political dialogue, trilateral cooperation, regional integration, and effective use of financial instruments. The tender is worth 2,150,000 EUR and will last for 48 months.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but given the nature of the tender as a restricted procedure for services related to development consultancy and technical assistance, eligible applicants are likely to be organizations with expertise in these areas. This could include consulting firms, research institutes, NGOs, and other entities with relevant experience in international development and capacity building. The tender is restricted, implying that only pre-selected candidates who meet specific criteria will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Funding Type: The funding type is procurement, specifically a service contract. The contract is fee-based and involves the provision of technical assistance.

Consortium Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is sufficient. However, given the scale and nature of the technical assistance required, it is possible that a consortium of organizations with complementary expertise might be advantageous or even necessary to fulfill the contract requirements. The tender details mention 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).

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is not explicitly defined in terms of applicant location. However, the project focuses on providing technical assistance to Cuba. Therefore, while the applicant's location might not be strictly limited, they must demonstrate the capacity to deliver services and achieve impact in Cuba. The program is related to "America and the Caribbean".

Target Sector: The target sector is international development and cooperation, with a focus on providing technical assistance and capacity building to support Cuba's sustainable development. This includes areas such as political dialogue, trilateral cooperation, regional integration, and the effective use of financial instruments. Specific initiatives mentioned include the Team Europe Initiative, the EU-Cuba roadmap for civil society engagement, and the EU-Cuba Gender Action Plan. The tender also targets the Inclusive Green Transition.

Mentioned Countries: Cuba, EU Member States. The region of America and the Caribbean is also mentioned.

Project Stage: The project stage encompasses all phases of the project/programme cycle, from formulation to evaluation. This suggests that the technical assistance will be required at various stages of development projects and programs in Cuba.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the contract is 2,150,000 EUR. The contract value is greater than 300,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is a restricted tender. This means that only organizations that have been pre-selected based on their qualifications and experience will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Nature of Support: The nature of support is primarily non-monetary services, specifically the provision of technical assistance, capacity building, studies, analyses, and trainings. The selected contractor will provide expertise and support to enhance the effectiveness and impact of EU-funded actions in Cuba.

Application Stages: As a restricted tender, there are at least two stages: a pre-selection stage where candidates submit a request to participate, and a full proposal stage for those who are invited to tender.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned.

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

Summary:

This opportunity is a restricted call for tenders issued by the European Commission, INTPA - International Partnerships, for a service contract worth an estimated 2,150,000 EUR. The project aims to provide technical assistance to the EU Delegation to Cuba within the framework of the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027. The primary objective is to strengthen the EU's partnership with Cuba by providing capacity building and technical support across various policy areas.

The selected contractor will be responsible for delivering strategic technical support and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the results and impact of the EU's cooperation agenda, including Global Gateway Initiatives and EU coordination within the framework of the Team Europe Initiative on Inclusive Green Transition. The assistance will cover all phases of the project/programme cycle, from formulation to evaluation, and will complement EU support across MIP priority areas.

The contract will also promote political dialogue, trilateral cooperation, regional integration, and effective use of financial instruments such as the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). It will involve coordination with EU Member States and other development cooperation actors in Cuba and the region, as well as support initiatives like the Team Europe Initiative, the EU-Cuba roadmap for civil society engagement, and the EU-Cuba Gender Action Plan.

The procedure type is restricted, meaning that only pre-selected candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal. The deadline for receipt of requests to participate is 30/06/2025 at 13:00 America/Havana time. Submissions must be sent electronically via the address for submission provided in the tender documents.