## 1. SCOPE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCUREMENT 

## 1.1. Contracting authority 

This call for tenders is launched and managed by the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (referred to as the Contracting authority or INEA for the purposes of this call for tender) delegated by the European Commission (EC). 

## 1.2. Subject 

The subject of this call for tenders is Support to R&I strategy and feedback to policy in the field of smart energy systems. 

## 1.3. Lots 

This call for tenders is not divided into lots. 

## 1.4. Description 

The services that are the subject of this call for tender, including any minimum requirements, are described in detail below. 

Variants (alternatives to the model solution described in the Tender Specifications) are not allowed. The Contracting authority  will disregard any variants described in a tender. 

The maximum contract price is EUR 3,340,000.00. Tenders with prices higher than the maximum will be considered unacceptable. 

## 1.4.1. Background 

## 1.4.1.1. European technology and innovation platforms 

The European Technology and Innovation Platforms (ETIPs) are one of the main implementation mechanisms of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan). In 2016, nine ETIPs were formed by merging the six European Industrial Initiatives with the eight European Technology Platforms. The ETIPs are: 

 ETIP Bioenergy: http://biofuelstp.eu/ 

 ETIP Wind: https://etipwind.eu/ 

 ETIP Deep Geothermal: http://www.geoelec.eu/etip-dg/ 

 ETIP Ocean energy: http://www.oceanenergy-europe.eu/ 

 ETIP PV: http://www.etip-pv.eu/homepage.html 

 ETIP Renewable Heating and Cooling: http://www.rhc-platform.org/home/ 

 ETIP Smart Networks for Energy Transition (SNET): http://etip-snet.eu 

 ETIP Sustainable Nuclear Energy (SNETP): http://www.snetp.eu/ 

 ETIP Zero Emission Fossil Fuel Power (ZEP): http://www.zeroemissionsplatform.eu/ 

