FRAMEWORK CONTRACTS
What are framework contracts ?
Framework contracts make it possible to provide beneficiary countries with targeted technical assistance to meet specific needs or to prepare for the implementation of initiatives included in the National Indicative Programmes. From an operational point of view, these are generally four-year contracts, under which consortia are selected as preferred suppliers for a given area of expertise (“lot”) and are invited, via requests for services (RfS), to submit proposals including a brief methodology, CVs of experts and a financial offer.
Services Description
Each of the lots is intended to support and advise Commission services (HQ and EU Delegations) and/or partner countries/organisations throughout the operations cycle (from design to implementation and evaluation of EU interventions) by providing technical inputs and assisting in the conduct of analyses, studies, advice and guidance. To this end, each lot should integrate expertise related to a number of horizontal aspects/tasks, such as :
a) Analytical studies (e.g., feasibility studies, institutional/stakeholder analysis, policy and economic analysis, strategic environmental assessments, environmental impact assessments, climate risk assessments, intervention logic and logical framework change approach/theory, economic analysis, data collection and analysis, performance measurement and indicators, monitoring and evaluation systems1). This will also include the integration of cross-cutting issues (climate change, environment, resilience, youth, gender2 , disability and, more broadly, a rights-based approach), analysis of legislation, regulations and law enforcement, legislative gap analysis, etc.
b) Policy analysis (e.g. gender equality analysis, conflict sensitivity and absence of harm analysis, assessment of religious dynamics) and design. ) and design. This will also include the integration of cross-cutting issues.
c) Technical inputs (e.g., technical annexes for works and supplies)
d) Evaluation of bids; evaluation of grant proposals
e) Evaluations (e.g., mid-term, final and ex-post evaluations, impact assessments, including budget support programs)
f) Public financial management and domestic revenue mobilization, including at the sector and subnational government levels
g) Financing of investments
h) Capacity building and institutional strengthening
i) Training and Research
j) Awareness (including information and communication)
List of framework contract lots
Here is a non-exhaustive list of lots and projects by the framework contracts unit specialized in this field.
European Union Framework Contracts (FWC 2023–2027)
Lot 10 :Civil Society and Local Authorities
Lot 14 : Migration and Forced Displacement
European Training Foundation (ETF) 2022-2026
Lot 2 : Research and Studies
Framework contracts funded by Enabel 2025-2029
Framework agreement for the provision of consultancy services for the co-creation of social behaviour change solutions for Enabel projects in Uganda
Public procurement of consultancy services for business development services under a framework agreement in Uganda
Lot 4 : Operational efficiency and technology integration
Opportunity-oriented skills (EFTP) and employment
Lot 3 : Skills and jobs for critical raw materials
Details of the lots and sectors
European Union Framework Contracts (FWC 2023–2027)
Lot 10 :Civil Society and Local Authorities
This contract aims to strengthen the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) and local authorities as key players in inclusive governance and territorial development. It covers in particular:
- Organisational strengthening of CSOs
- Support for decentralisation processes
- Improvement of local public services
- Citizen participation and participatory governance
- Multi-stakeholder dialogue and social cohesion
- Human rights, gender equality and inclusion of women and young people
Lot 14: Migration and Forced Displacement
This contract supports partner countries in managing migration, human mobility and forced displacement. It covers:
- Analysis of migration dynamics
- Support for legal and institutional frameworks
- Protection of refugees, internally displaced persons and vulnerable migrants
- Integrated border and migration data management
- Socio-economic inclusion of migrants and refugees
- Crisis preparedness and social cohesion in host areas
European Training Foundation (ETF) 2022-2026
Lot1: Expertise Provision
This lot provides qualified technical expertise to support the ETF in human capital development. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Vocational education and training (VET)
• Lifelong learning
• Employability and school-to-work transition
• Labour market analysis
• Digital transition of learning
• Skills governance
• Design of tools, diagnostics, studies and public policies
Lot 2: Research and Studies
This lot is dedicated to analytical and research work aimed at supporting human capital development policies. It covers in particular:
- Conducting thematic analyses and studies
- Producing sectoral and institutional diagnostics
- Carrying out sectoral reviews and comparative analyses
- The development of maps and assessments
- The analysis of education, training, employability and skills systems in partner countries
Framework contracts funded by Enabel 2025-2029
Framework agreement for the provision of consultancy services for the co-creation of social behaviour change solutions for Enabel projects in Uganda
This lot allows for the establishment of a framework agreement with several service providers in order to respond, as needed, to Enabel’s projects in the following areas:
- Promotion of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), particularly in agriculture and the green economy
- Development of viable employment pathways in the metropolitan areas of Kampala, Albertine/Rwenzori and West Nile
- Promotion of healthy lifestyles in schools and communities
Public procurement of consultancy services for business development services under a framework agreement in Uganda
Lot 3 : Business strategy and market development
The overall objective is to improve the performance, competitiveness and potential for decent job creation of selected SMEs through tailored technical assistance in the areas of business strategy and market development.
Lot 4: Operational efficiency and technological integration
The overall objective is to improve the performance, competitiveness and potential for decent job creation of selected SMEs through tailored technical assistance in the areas of operational efficiency and technological integration.
Opportunity-oriented skills (EFTP) and employment
Lot 2 : Skills and jobs for the green and circular economy
Lot 3 : Skills and jobs for critical raw materials
The overall objective of TEI OP-VET is to improve skills and vocational training provision in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by responding to the skills needs of the EU’s Global Gateway and other flagship initiatives, while enhancing the employability of women and men in SSA.
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