The Green European Foundation is glad to invite economic operators to submit a tender for the procurement of research and policy advice services around the topic of green politics and policies in Europe.
## About the Green European Foundation
The Green European Foundation (GEF) is a European-level political foundation funded by the European Parliament. GEF is affiliated to, but independent from, the European Green Party and Green movement in Europe.
Our mission is to encourage European citizens to participate in European political discussions and in particular when it comes to envisioning what a Green Europe would look like. As a forum for cooperation at the European level, we work with our national member foundations and thereby aim to stimulate and strengthen the European public debate and the curation of lessons and ideas for a greener Europe.
## Purpose of Tender
The purpose of this tender is to invite proposals from qualified providers of research and policy advisory services to support the Green European Foundation in advancing knowledge and policy development in the field of green politics and policies in Europe. The selected provider will be expected to deliver high-quality research outputs, policy analysis, and strategic advice contributing to the Foundation’s mission of fostering sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking ideas and policy proposals at the European level.
The provider will be responsible for conducting in-depth research, identifying emerging trends and challenges, and formulating evidence-based recommendations. In addition, the provider will support the Green European Foundation in strengthening its role as a hub for green research and policy expertise by contributing to publications, events, and stakeholder engagement activities, while ensuring consistency with the Foundation’s values and strategic priorities.
The Green European Foundation intends to select one provider for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to a total duration of five years, subject to the quality of deliverables and overall performance.
## Technical Specifications
A non-exhaustive list of tasks and possible deliverables is indicated below. The list below may be amended or expanded by mutual agreement between the parties, provided that any additional task remains consistent with and within the scope defined in the purpose of this tender.
– Conducting policy and political research and analysis, primarily on the evolution and the lessons learned from political ecology and green policies and politics of the green actors and movement in the European Union (depending on the consultant, this task can be extended towards other topics that are part of GEF’s policy work):
– Writing political briefs;
– Coordinate research and conceptualisation of a wider comparative study on political ecology and green policies’ implementation by actors of the European green movement in the EU. Conduct desk research on the European Green Movement in relevant spaces and regions of the EU, including through archival research at the Green European Foundation, other Green actors and Civil Society, academic literature and media analysis;
– Conduct qualitative and field research, including through in-depth interviews, questionnaires and field visits where appropriate;
– Writing a comparative study report in English;
– Deliver presentations where appropriate.
– Attending conferences, meetings, and on occasions representing GEF and maintaining/building network.
– Liaising with NGO, think tanks, policy makers, and academics on behalf of GEF’s policy and research team.
**Overview of deliverables to be shared with GEF over a period of 1 year:**
– 1 conceptualisation document of comparative study on political ecology and green policies
– 1 Desk Research on the European Green Movement in relevant spaces and regions in the EU
– Minimum 15 in-depth interviews
– 1 comparative study report in English (around 60 pages)
– 1 Presentation for dissemination and presentation purposes
– Participation to at least 2 conference or meetings representing GEF and the research
– At least 5 Meetings with NGOs, think tanks, policy makers and/or academics
The selected service provider will be contracted with a framework contract, ideally starting from June 2026 until the end of April 2027. The contract can be renewed up to a total number of five years.
The total estimated level of effort for the services described in this tender is approximately 10 days per month. The exact number of working days and the detailed timeline for the delivery of specific tasks may vary depending on GEF’s needs throughout the year. Any adjustments to the work schedule or distribution of hours will be agreed in advance between the parties to ensure flexibility while maintaining the overall annual workload.
The total estimated value of this contract is 35,000 EUR (VAT excluded) per year. This amount represents a maximum annual budget and does not constitute a commitment from the Green European Foundation.
Tenderers are invited to submit an offer highlighting the unit price (preferably per day) for each of the tasks described in the Technical Specifications. Tenderers are also invited to specify if a minimum billable amount for services applies, and if so, specify the minimum amount.
## Exclusion Criteria
Please find as follows criteria to fulfill in order to not be excluded by the tendering procedure.
– The tenderer does not incur in any exclusion criteria as per article 136 FR 2018/1046.
– The tenderer does not have existing conflict of interest in connection with this tender. In the event that a potential or actual conflict of interest arises during the tendering process or the execution of the contract, the tenderer shall immediately disclose it to GEF in writing.
– Only offers submitted via the official application form will be evaluated.
– Minimum requirements that all tenderers shall meet in order to be considered for evaluation include compliance with applicable environmental, social and labour law obligations established by Union law, national law, collective agreements or the applicable international social and environmental conventions listed in Annex X to Directive 2014/24/EU
– The tenderer must not be in a situation of bankruptcy, failure to pay social security contributions or taxes, or any other exclusion grounds as defined in Articles 138 and 143 of the Financial Regulation.
## Selection Criteria:
Please find as follows criteria to fulfil in order to not be rejected by the tendering procedure.
The selection criteria are assessed with comply or fail questions. The tenderers that comply with the criteria are going to be further examined and considered for award. The tenders that do not comply shall be rejected.
The selection criteria for this tender, addressing (a) the suitability to pursue the professional activity; (b) the economic and financial standing; and © the technical and professional ability, are:
– Proven ability to conduct high-quality policy research and analysis using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including desk research (literature reviews, archival and media analysis) and field research (interviews, questionnaires, field visits), resulting in evidence-based outputs.
– Demonstrated understanding of EU policy-making processes, political dynamics, and institutional frameworks, as well as specific knowledge of the European Green movement and its relevant actors.
– Proven experience in coordinating research activities and contributing to the design, conceptualisation, and delivery of complex research projects or comparative studies.
– Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality policy outputs in English (including political briefs, comparative reports, and policy papers), and to communicate findings effectively through presentations, public speaking, and facilitation of discussions.
– At least five years of relevant professional experience in policy research or advisory roles, combined with proven ability to engage and liaise effectively with stakeholders such as NGOs, think tanks, policymakers, and other institutional actors, while demonstrating strong organisational and time management skills.
## Contract Award Criteria:
Please find as follows the award criteria which will be evaluated according to the listed weight:
The methodology for ranking the economic operators is best price-quality ratio with weighting of criteria. Quality weights 60/100, while price 40/100.
The formula is as follows: Total score=[(Lowest price / Tenders’ price)*40]+[Tender’s total quality/ 100*60].
The tenderer ranking the highest after the evaluation shall be selected for the award.
## Practical Information
All tenders should be submitted by 20th May 2026, at 09h00 CET (Brussels Time) via the [application form](https://forms.monday.com/forms/fe4215a86696789ca80d9b3534813546?r=use1).
The selection committee reserves the right to schedule short exchanges to clarify unclear information.
Tender(s) selection: 10 working days from the submission deadline.
A rolling Q&A document is available at this [link](https://greeneuropeanfoundation-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/giuseppina_tucci_gef_eu/IQASIOmMKN11QaqBzRrGpS7cAWECVdvDEVND_ewI6lTCqDk?e=9qVpxS). Please, make sure to write anonymous questions and to not write above other questions. Questions received via email will also be posted and answered on the above mentioned document.
Please submit your application by providing a detailed proposal in English, encompassing the following elements:
– A brief introduction of the company or individual consultant outlining their background, interest, and competences in line with the selection and award criteria. This introduction shall outline the extent to which the consultancy services fulfill the criteria mentioned above. In the event of a company proposing a consultant, please make sure to additionally include a brief introduction of the company.
– A proposal including tentative phasing based on the information provided in the technical specifications. Please specify timeline and use of resources for each of the different phases proposed.
– A competitive price offer matching the mission scope and purpose, expressed in the form of a daily fee, VAT excluded. Please mention the applicable VAT rate in your application.
– The Curriculum Vitae of the consultant applying (in case of an individual).
– Officially declare that that you do not incur in any exclusion criteria as per art 136 FR 2018/1046, and any kind of conflict of interest, or a copy of ESPD (European Single Procurement Document) that would disqualify a proposal from consideration.
We actively encourage economic operators from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities, to apply.
Please ensure that your proposal addresses each of these elements comprehensively. Incomplete submissions affect the evaluation of your proposal.
Thank you for your interest in providing services to The Green European Foundation (GEF).
### **Contracting Party**
Green European Foundation (GEF)
Legal and billing address: Avenue des Arts 7-8, 1210 Brussels, Belgium.
## Contacts
For any questions regarding this call for tender, please refer to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
## Confidentiality
Economic operators accept to not disclose nor communicate in any way and at any time confidential information regarding their relationship and work with GEF. This commitment remains valid after the termination of the service, permanently.
The awarded tenderer will commit to sign a declaration to certify the absence of conflict of interest in relation to the tasks and mission contracted by GEF and will make sure to inform the organisation of any changes in this status.
## Terms and Conditions
The collection of the tenders, the first screening, selection, and award procedures shall be conducted by distinct members of the GEF team and an appointed selection committee, with the aim of guaranteeing adherence to standards concerning conflicts of interest.
In accordance with the European legislation, GEF retains the right to reject any or all proposals, either wholly or partially, initiate a new call for proposals if deemed necessary, cease the requirement for services, or terminate this call for tender before the written contract is finalised.
GEF is not bound to reply to requests for additional information made less than 6 working days before the deadline for receipt of tenders.
The completion of the tendering process does not oblige GEF to grant the contract.
If the tender encompasses multiple items or lots, GEF maintains the right to award a contract for only a portion of them. GEF will not be held responsible for compensating economic operators whose proposals have not been accepted, nor will it be liable if it chooses not to award the contract.
By submitting an offer, the economic operators authorise GEF to safely and privately archive the offers received for auditing purposes and agree to not advance any claim or cause of action against GEF based on any misunderstanding on the information provided relatively to the tender, or any eventual failure to provide pertinent information as intended by this call for tender.
The tenders will remain confidential until opening and archived accordingly to GDPR.
Submission of a tender implies acceptance of the terms and conditions set out in the procurement documents and that such submission binds the contractor to whom the contract is awarded, if any, during the performance of the contract.
Submission of a tender implies acceptance of receiving notification of the outcome of the procedure by electronic means.
