A competitive procedure with negotiation was chosen. This procedure has two stages: selection phase and award phase.

Selection phase

The selection guide was published on e-procurement on 8 December 2020. Applications were expected by 21 January 2021. The eligible candidates were then invited to come and 'pitch' their candidature online. The schedule for an online pitch opportunity will be communicated to candidates two weeks after the deadline for receipt of applications for participation. The selection guide can be found under documents.

32 applications were received, of which 2 were inadmissible. The five best were selected.

Award phase with negotiations

The five selected received the specifications and were invited to submit a bid. Three submitted bids which they explained online on 3 and 4 June 2021.

Negotiations took place in three rounds (oral explanation of answers to additional questions submitted). Mutual expectations were clarified and those selected were invited to submit a BAFO by 8 July 2021.

The contract was awarded in autumn 2021.