Preparing for pre-commercial procurement (PCP) for end-user services based on environmental observation in the area of climate change adaptation and mitigation

The project is expected to prepare a pre-commercial procurement due to be part of the Cluster 6 work programme for 2023 in the domain of climate change services using the information and data from the Copernicus programme, GEO initiatives, other relevant initiatives such as EMODnet, European Commission Knowledge Centre on Earth Observation hosted at JRC, European research infrastructures and the broad range of environmental information.

The action should deliver all the necessary elements in preparation of the PCP as described in Annex H of the general annexes to this work programme.

Proposals should lead to the establishment of a critical mass of public and/or private procurers in the area of climate change adaptation and mitigation, to overcome the fragmentation of demand for solutions and services and to lead to a more rapid market uptake of such solutions and their early deployment. Demonstrated engagement from participants for a further Europe-wide take-up and rollout of results during and following the proposal are expected. Proposals should implement an open market consultation to gain insights into state-of-the-art technologies and ongoing developments, including prototypes and demonstration services coming out of relevant Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, ESA and national projects. This could include new approaches for market consultations with suppliers, paying special attention to SME suppliers.

Proposals should engage public and/or private procurers from each country participating (at national, regional or local level) that have responsibilities and budget control in the relevant area(s).

The network(s) of public and/or private procurers created should investigate the feasibility of, test and prepare the launch of joint or coordinated procurements (PCP), which would ultimately develop innovative, fully tested, fit-for-purpose and cost-effective end-user services in the area of climate change adaptation and mitigation. These solutions should be based on a complete set of common needs and specifications. Finally, to facilitate future replication, a set of well-documented practices should be made available.

Preparation activities for the joint or coordinated PCP will be supported, but not the costs of the procurement resulting from any PCP procedures.

Project duration should be 24 months.