The scope of the joint procurement was the conclusion of multi-supplier framework agreements with at least 3, but potentially more, economic operators for the performance of external quality assessment services for the internal audit functions. The services to be provided by the suppliers shall cover all aspects and processes of the internal audit activity described in the tender specifications. The contracts do not confer on the framework contractors any exclusive right to provide the services. Any beneficiary will have the option, but not the obligation, to order the services directly from the framework contractors, after reopening competition, in conformity with the provisions of the contracts and of the provisions of Decision (EU) 2016/245 of the European Central Bank of 9.2.2016 laying down the rules on procurement (ECB/2016/2), in particular its Article 18(4)(b). Notwithstanding the expiry of the contract(s), specific orders agreed on the basis of the contract(s) prior to their expiry may continue until the completion of the respective services.
This joint tender procedure is carried out by the ECB, on its own behalf and for the benefit of institutions entitled to participate in the activities of the EPCO, such as central banks of the ESCB and national competent authorities of the Member States of the EU participating in the single supervisory mechanism, which are or may become members of EPCO, in accordance with Decision of the European Central Bank of 17.11.2008 laying down the framework for joint Eurosystem procurement (ECB/2008/17) (beneficiaries).
List of EPCO members: http://www.epco.lu/links.php
In accordance with Decision of the European Central Bank of 17.11.2008 laying down the framework for joint Eurosystem procurement (ECB/2008/17), any other central bank of the ESCB is entitled to become an EPCO member at any time.
Institutions other than central banks may also participate in EPCO's activities, such as national authorities of Member States, EU agencies and bodies or international organisations, upon invitation by the Governing Council. Among these non-ESCB institutions entitled to participate in EPCO's activities, the present EPCO joint tender procedure is carried out by the ECB for the benefit of national competent authorities (NCAs) of the Member States of the European Union, participating in the SSM, and all ESCB central banks. List of institutions entitled to participate in EPCO's activities (beneficiaries) and the date from which they obtain that right: http://www.epco.lu/links.php
Institutions that expressed so far potential interest in participating in the procedure are the Internal Auditors Committee, National Bank of Belgium, Deutsche Bundesbank, Central Bank of Ireland, Bank of Greece, Banco de España, Banque de France, Banca d'Italia, Central Bank of Cyprus, Lietuvos Bankas, Banque centrale du Luxembourg, Central Bank of Malta, De Nederlandsche Bank, Banco de Portugal, Národná banka Slovenska, Suomen Pankki, European Central Bank, Hrvatska Narodna Banka, Banca Naţionalã a României, Sveriges Riksbank, Malta Financial Services Authority, Finanzmarktaufsicht.
Where reference is made, in the ITT, to the ECB, this reference relates to the ECB acting both on behalf of itself and for the benefit of the institutions referred to above, as the leading central bank in accordance with Article 2(g) and Article 4 of Decision of the European Central Bank of 17.11.2008 laying down the framework for joint Eurosystem procurement (ECB/2008/17) (OJ L 319, 29.11.2008, p. 76, as amended) and in line with Decision (EU) 2016/245 of the European Central Bank of 9.2.2016 laying down the rules on procurement (ECB/2016/2).
