## Europol Public Information 

b) The comparison group consists of at least 4 (four) enterprises where possible to ensure statistical significance; 

c) The relevant comparison data must be guaranteed. 

The Benchmarking  should not exceed 4 (four) months. 

For the first Benchmarking, the comparison group is defined in a document entitled “Comparison Group Definition”. Europol reserves the right to change the comparison group algorithm from time to time. 

Europol and the Contractor will set aside sufficient time and resources for each stage of the Benchmarking. Europol and the Contractor may suggest changes in the parameters for Benchmarking  as the goods evolve over the term of the Framework Contract . 

If a benchmarking reveals that charges are higher than the comparison group charges, the Contractor must immediately reduce its charges to the comparison group level specified by the benchmarker, with effect from the date of the addendum to the Contract. 

In the event the Contractor has not proposed an equivalent supply or reduced the price in line with the benchmarker’s specification, Europol shall take appropriate measures to terminate the Framework Contract in accordance with Article II-22 (“Termination”). The Contractor is not entitled to any damages. 

8. Except as specified in Article I-10 (“Specific provision related to Reimbursement of expenses for travel and allowances expenses”) and I-11 (“Specific provision related to reimbursement of expenses for shipment of Goods”) below, the Contractor is not entitled to other reimbursements and may not charge Europol any other costs, expenses, etc. 

## Article  I-6 

## Payment 

1. Payments under the Framework Contract  shall be made in accordance with Article II-8 (“Payments and guarantees”). The Contractor  shall submit an invoice - in paper format/via e-System. 

Pre-financing  8 : (For Purchase Order/Specific Contract  of EUR 300,000 or above only) 

2. As of the Contract Date of the Framework Contract , the Contractor may request a pre-financing payment as and if indicated in the relevant Specific Contract  or  Purchase Order , up to 30% of the total amount payable under the Specific Contract or Purchase Order. The Contractor must send Europol an invoice for the pre-financing payment. 

3. The Contractor  must provide a financial guarantee 9  in the format provided by Europol at Annex V equal to 30% of the total price of the Specific Contract or Purchase Order . 

4. Europol shall pay the pre-financing within 30 (thirty) days of receiving the invoice provided it has received the guarantee. 

