On registering each participant obtains a Participant Identification Code (PIC, 9-digit number) which acts as its unique identifier in the Participant Register. A participant needs to register only once – the information provided can be further updated or re-used by the participant in other European Commission's calls for tenders. 

## 2.4. Ways to submit a tender: how can economic operators organise themselves to submit a tender? 

Economic operators can submit a tender either as a sole tenderer or as a group of tenderers. In either case subcontracting is permitted. 

In order to fulfil the selection criteria set out in Section 3.2  the tenderer can rely on the capacities of subcontractors or other entities (not subcontractors). 

The role of each entity involved in a tender (hereafter referred to as involved entity ) must be clearly specified: sole tenderer, member of a group or Group leader, subcontractor or an entity on whose capacities the tenderer relies to fulfil the selection criteria 3 . This applies also where the involved entities  belong to the same economic group. 

## 2.4.1. Joint tenders 

A joint tender is a situation where a tender is submitted by a group (with or without legal form) of economic operators regardless of the link they have between them. The group as a whole is considered a tenderer 4 . 

All members of the group assume joint and several liability towards the Contracting authority for the performance of the contract as a whole. 

Group members must appoint a Group leader  and a single point of contact authorised to act on their behalf in connection with the submission of the tender and all relevant questions, clarification requests, notifications, etc., that may be received during the evaluation, award and until the contact signature. The model power of attorney attached in Annex 3 is to be used . 

The joint tender must clearly indicate the role and tasks of each member and of the Group leader who will act as the Contracting authority 's contact point for the contract's administrative or financial aspects and operational management. The Group leader  will have full authority to bind the group and each of its members during contract execution. If the joint tender is successful, the Contracting authority  shall sign the contract with the Group leader, authorized by the other members to sign the contract on their behalf via power of attorney drawn up in the model attached in Annex 3 . 

Changes in the composition of the group during the procurement procedure (after the submission deadline and before contract signature) shall lead to rejection of the tender except in case of: 

