Procurement procedure · Free
Innovation partnership
Develop and then purchase a novel solution.
What wins points
A well‑filled innovation partnership demonstrates a clear need for an innovative solution, includes documented market consultation and realistic milestones, satisfying MEAT criteria under Article 67 and showing added value to the contracting authority.
What gets bids disqualified
Missing market‑consultation evidence, omitted maximum estimated value, or incomplete ESPD fields (financial capacity, qualifications, conflicts) will lead to disqualification under Article 31 requirements.
Evaluator's view
Verify that the market‑consultation report and draft partnership agreement are attached and that all required ESPD sections are completed before submission.
Innovation partnership
What this is
An innovation partnership is a procurement procedure that allows a contracting authority to develop an innovative product, service or work together with one or more economic operators and later purchase the resulting solution.
When you need it
Use it when the required solution does not exist on the market and cannot be obtained through ordinary open or restricted procedures. It is optional but often mandatory for truly novel projects; check the tender documents to see if an innovation partnership is invited.
How to fill it in
- Identify the need – describe the innovative outcome you require and why existing solutions are insufficient.
- Prepare a market consultation – gather expressions of interest from potential partners (see Article 31 (5) of Directive 2014/24/EU).
- Draft the contract notice – include the innovation‑partnership procedure and the maximum estimated value (Article 31 (6)); ensure selection criteria are addressed per Article 58.
- Define intermediate milestones – set technical targets for each phase and specify payment instalments linked to achievement of those targets.
- State intellectual‑property arrangements – indicate who will own the results (Article 31 (9)).
- Complete the ESPD – fill in the sections on financial capacity, professional qualifications and any conflict‑of‑interest declarations.
- Submit supporting documents – attach the market‑consultation report, technical specifications and the draft partnership agreement.
Template
**Innovation partnership title:** [Insert project name] **Description of the need:** [Explain why existing solutions do not meet requirements] **Estimated value (net of VAT):** €[Amount] – maximum value as per Article 31(6) **Selected partners (if any) after market consultation:** - Partner 1: ______________________ - Partner 2: ______________________ **Intermediate milestones and payment instalments:** 1. Milestone 1 – [Description] – €[Amount] 2. Milestone 2 – [Description] – €[Amount] 3. Final delivery – [Description] – €[Amount] **Intellectual‑property arrangement:** [Brief description] **ESPD completion:** - Financial capacity documents attached: ☐ Yes ☐ No - Professional qualifications documented: ☐ Yes ☐ No - Conflict of interest declared: ☐ Yes ☐ No **Additional documents attached:** - Market consultation report - Draft partnership agreement - Technical specifications
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