"The Public Procurement Gazette" Newsletter Issues

BRINC webinar: The benefits of public buyers’ collaboration (07/06/2024)

On 13 June, the Brokering Cross-Border Innovation Through Clusters (BRINC) Network of Public Authorities is holding its fifth and last training. Through examples from across Europe, this workshop will show how and when it is most relevant to work together to find successful purchasing solutions, and how that can be done in practice.

Discussions about public procurement in Luxembourg (07/06/2024)

As part of the ongoing ‘Organisation of workshops in the 27 Member States to develop a dialogue on the use of strategic public procurement (green, social and innovation)’, Luxembourg hosted two insightful half-day workshops which were held on 22 April and 3 May 2024. Around 30 key figures from various sectors attended, discussing challenges and solutions in areas like green initiatives, social responsibility, and innovation. Together, they drafted a roadmap to enhance procurement practices, showing a strong commitment to positive change.

Cross-border procurement challenge: solutions for detection and removal of objects from motorways (07/06/2024)

The European Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures (ASECAP), which spans 19 EU Member States representing 128 companies, is asking for technical solutions to remove objects and trash that are on or close to the motorway lane. The aim is to reduce the risks for workers. It could be a tip truck, robotic arm or a suction system. Your solution is needed by 9 September 2024 the latest.

EU investigates Romanian solar project (07/06/2024)

On 3 April and 26 March, the European Commission began two investigations into a solar project in Romania involving ENEVO Group and Shanghai Electric. Both companies withdrew from the process, ending the investigations. These were the second and third cases under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, following one with CRRC Qingdao Sifang Locomotive in Bulgaria on March 26.

Insight #2: How to encourage public administrations to develop and procure innovation through public procurement? (07/06/2024)

There are many tools available for Public Buyers to promote the innovation of products, including Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI). In this Insight we answer the following question: How to encourage public administrations to develop and procure innovation through public procurement.

Advancing prison drug detection (07/06/2024)

DrugDetect, an EU-funded project, improves drug detection in prisons. Through a Competitive Dialogue, ‘908 Devices Inc’ won Lot 1, and ‘Rohde & Schwarz Benelux B.V’ secured Lot 3. The project now validates operational processes for Lot 1 and prepares for Lot 3, refining solutions through Innovation Validation.

Introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM) in procurement procedures (07/06/2024)

Online info session - EIC launches 2024 call for applications for the European Innovation Procurement Award (07/06/2024)

On 26 June 2024, the European Commission will officially launch the 2024-2025 edition of the European Innovation Procurement Awards. The societal challenge for the 2024-2025 European Innovation Procurement Awards focus on the 'net zero’ economy, in line with the EU's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Council’s conclusions on ECA’s report published (07/06/2024)

The Council Conclusions on the European Court of Auditors’ (ECA) Special Report 28/2023 on Public Procurement were published in the Official Journal on 3 June 2024. The conclusions highlight the key role of public procurement in achieving strategic objectives of the EU and the importance of promoting a competitive and efficient public procurement market within the EU.

Belgian and Norwegian event on socially responsible public procurement (07/06/2024)

Socially responsible public procurement can help ensure decent working conditions by enforcing labour standards and upholding workers’ rights. Initiatives like the ‘Oslo model’ demonstrate success in promoting human rights within procurement contracts. Merete Clausen of DG GROW underscored the significance of public procurement in realising the EU’s strategic goals, noting that it amounts to 20 times the EU budget.

First IPI case (07/06/2024)

The EU’s public procurement of medical devices is open to Chinese bidders and supplies. The Commission has identified measures and practices in the Chinese procurement market for medical devices that lead to discrimination against EU operators and EU-made supplies. The Commission has discussed these concerns on different occasions with the Chinese authorities, which have not proposed a satisfactory solution. This is why on 24 April 2024 the Commission launched an investigation under the International Procurement Instrument. This procedure provides for a structured framework to engage with China in a constructive dialogue to find a satisfactory solution.

Coming soon! New SME friendly strategic procurement training for central purchasing bodies (07/06/2024)

The European Commission will soon be launching PPE+ Europe, a new training programme for professionals working in central purchasing bodies (CPBs) across Europe.

EXPP Meeting: future of public procurement discussed (07/06/2024)

The latest meeting of the Commission Government Experts Group on Public Procurement (EXPP) was convened on 30 May 2024 in Brussels to address critical topics shaping the future of public procurement within the EU.

Big Buyers Working Together: Insights from the First Annual Event (23/05/2024)

24 April marked the first Annual Event of Big Buyers Working Together (BBWT), and we are pleased to share with you the key insights and highlights! 

Facilitating the access of startups and SMEs to the public procurement market (07/05/2024)

On 20 March, as part of the ‘Innovation Procurement - Bridging theory and Practice’ conference, three public authorities showcased how they work with startups and SMEs as part of their efforts to procure innovative solutions. The recordings are now available.

2024 Innovation Procurement Awards (07/05/2024)

The European Innovation Procurement Awards (EUIPA) 2023 recognised creative public buying projects in Europe. Winners showed new ways to use buying power to solve big problems. These ranged from green building to better healthcare tech.

Insight No1. Public procurement without strategy? (07/05/2024)

Public procurement without strategy? The answer seems obvious: No. Public procurement requires meticulous planning and a well-developed strategy to achieve its objectives efficiently. Without a strategy, there is a risk of improvisation, which can result in costly and ineffective decisions. Read the first Insight of Procure Innovation EU and find out why developing an effective strategy is crucial and how it can lead to positive changes in society.

New report: Presenting the Public Sector Tech Watch (07/05/2024)

The latest report from the Public Sector Tech Watch (PSTW) provides an overview of its core functionalities and presents data on over one thousand AI and blockchain use cases in European public administrations, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to leverage technology for innovation in the public sector.

EP Plenary adopts provisions on procurement (10/05/2024)

In April, several legislative proposals including provisions on public procurement were adopted. These acts will regulate aspects linked to the environmental and social sustainability of products and companies, the resilience of EU supply chains, and health-related data.

Procurement Dialogues with Netherlands, Finland, and Estonia (07/05/2024)

The Procurement Dialogue Initiative seeks to foster dialogue concerning the use of strategic public procurement (specifically focusing on green, social, and innovative aspects) across all 27 EU Member States.

Call for tenders in Innovation Procurement Hubs (07/05/2024)

EISMEA published a tender seeking support services for public authorities to establish innovation procurement hubs, fostering innovation challenges and programmes, particularly in areas like mobility, the green and digital transition, health, and education.

Procure Innovation EU - Level 2 Training Programme (22/05/2024)

Join the Procure Innovation EU Level 2 Training Programme Workshop on 22 May (from 13:00-14:30 CET), focusing on the ‘Implementation of a National PPI Strategy: The perspective of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities’.

Registration relaunch: Introduction to building information modelling (BIM) in procurement procedures (21/05/2024)

Registration for this upcoming webinar has been relaunched, due to a technical problem. We kindly ask you to register again even if you have already registered. All participants will have an opportunity to delve into the concept of BIM within the context of public procurement.

Advancing public procurement of innovation: Highlights from the BRINC workshop in Brussels (07/05/2024)

The BRINC project organised a workshop to bring together public procurers from across Europe to exchange experiences on how public procurement of innovation can accelerate the circular economy. The workshop was held in Brussels on 19 March, coinciding with the International Conference on Innovation Procurement.

Let’s be nice and create value! (08/05/2024)

The Flemish Programme for Innovation Procurement (PIP) hosted an international conference in Brussels on 19 & 20 March, during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In collaboration with the European Commission and the European Innovation Council, it promoted innovation procurement.

Socially responsible public procurers kick off community of practice in Big Buyers Working Together (07/05/2024)

The Big Buyers Working Together project’s community of practice for social procurement held their first two meetings in April. Participants explored the results of the needs assessment, which showed that the group would like to focus on monitoring contractual clauses, supply chains, human rights, and increasing employment opportunities (especially for people with disabilities and others who feel excluded from the labour market).

Big Buyers Working Together kicks off community of practice on heavy-duty electric vehicles (07/05/2024)

The Big Buyers Working Together project kicked off its community of practice focusing on the public procurement of vehicles used for the delivery of environmental services, particularly street cleaning and waste collection. Participants discussed a range of issues, including the possibilities of hydrogen as a fuel, and ensuring that vehicles can operate in any climate and terrain.

Circular and Fair ICT Pact to attend WCEF accelerator session on 17 April in Brussels (07/05/2024)

Circular and Fair ICT Pact (CFIT) participated in the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) accelerator session, organised by the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council in Brussels on 17 April. Under the theme ‘Procuring Change: Navigating the Circular Economy Through a Strategic and Social Lens’, participants explored the roles of public and private buyers in promoting circular practices.

Cheers to one year of achievements of the Public Buyers Community Platform (24/04/2024)

April marks the one-year anniversary of our Public Buyers Community Platform, and we are proud to share some of the advancements that have been achieved so far by this special digital community. 

Prior Information Notice for the upcoming Innovation Procurement Hubs tender now available (04/04/2024)

This step marks the beginning of an ambitious project aimed at establishing dedicated hubs that will drive innovation and facilitate procurement processes across Europe.

New Community of Practice: Innovation Procurement EU – Strategic Training for Public Buyers (04/04/2024)

The new community of Big Buyers Working Together is designed to boost innovation procurement within the European Economic Area. It will offer training on the legal and practical understanding of public procurement processes, to foster a culture of innovation and innovation procurement among public procurement staff and decision-makers.

Join the Big Buyers Working Together annual conference in Brussels (24/04/2024)

Big Buyers Working Together is organising its first in-person Annual Event. Open to all community stakeholders and the public, it’s a unique opportunity for collaboration and discovery in procurement innovation and practice. Mark your calendars for 24 April!

Upcoming webinar on Building Information Modelling (BIM) (21/05/2024)

Register for the webinar on 21 May, hosted by DG GROW of the European Commission. This introductory session is designed to familiarise stakeholders with the application of BIM within the context of public procurement, especially infrastructure projects.

Public Buyers Community Platform: quarterly insights (04/04/2024)

Read the quarterly reports for a comprehensive overview of our community’s growth and reach: uncover key statistics about platform engagement, newsletter outreach, community membership, and our social media footprint.

Strategic public procurement workshop organised in Lithuania (04/04/2024)

The session was held on 22 February in Vilnius, Lithuania. Participants engaged in discussions on overcoming challenges and shaping a roadmap for enhanced strategic procurement in the country, focusing on green, socially responsible, and innovative procurement practices.

Express your interest in Socially Responsible Public Procurement training (04/04/2024)

Join the Socially Responsible Public Procurement (SRPP) training sessions hosted by the Green Public Procurement (GPP) Helpdesk that will be taking place in Belgium, Lithuania, Estonia, and Portugal throughout May and June.

Strategic public procurement workshop held in Latvia (04/04/2024)

Hosted by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia at the State Chancellery’s Innovation Laboratory, the session took place in Riga, Latvia, on 20 February. The highly productive discussions on green, socially responsible and innovation procurement showed commitment and willingness to develop a national strategy on strategic procurement.

Socially Responsible Public Procurement: how can public procurement secure a professional and safe work-environment? (18/04/2024)

The European Commission’s upcoming seminar on 18 April will examine public procurement’s a key role in ensuring good working conditions, drawing upon Belgium’s and Norway’s exemplary commitments to social responsibility.

Recording: How can public procurement advance the New European Bauhaus? (04/04/2024)

Explore the webinar from 27 March that delved into promoting New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles through public procurement. Hosted by Big Buyers Working Together, the session provided public authorities with insights into sustainable procurement’s role in aligning with NEB and encouraged participation in the dedicated Community of Practice

Recording: GPP webinar – professionalisation of public procurement (04/04/2024)

Access the recording and presentations from the European Commission’s Green Public Procurement (GPP) Helpdesk webinar. Learn about the training programmes, professional development support, and tools for public buyers at national and EU levels.

Procure4Health: apply to the 3rd call for Twinnings (04/04/2024)

Unlock funding of up to €30,000 per partnership for public and private healthcare procurers keen on embracing innovative solutions and procurement techniques. Get the details and submit your application by 17 June.

Commission launches two investigations under Foreign Subsidies Regulation in the solar photovoltaic sector (04/04/2024)

The European Commission has launched two in-depth investigations under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation related to the potential market distortions in a Romanian public procurement procedure involving construction and operation of a photovoltaic park partially financed by the EU Modernisation Fund.

Step inside the Community of Public Buyers for Sustainable Solar PV (25/03/2024)

We are pleased to share with you the first feature in our series of promotional stories, shining a light on the Community of Public Buyers for Sustainable Solar PV.

Spanish Government greenlights the BIM plan for Public Procurement (04/03/2024)

The Building Information Modeling (BIM) plan heralds a new era in construction-related public contracts within the National Public Administration and its dependent entities.

Upcoming Webinar – How can public procurement advance the New European Bauhaus? (27/03/2024)

Join us for a Big Buyers Working Together webinar exploring how public procurement aligns with New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles, fostering sustainable practices and encouraging authorities to join the NEB community.

Health Innofacilitator Matchmaking Event (11/04/2024)

Discover innovation at the Matchmaking event where public buyers and businesses collaborate, exchange knowledge, and explore healthcare solutions. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare procurement!

Three RaDAR Calls for Tender now open for applications (04/03/2024)

RaDAR is a European Commission co-funded project that aims to address the urgent need of rapid detection and effective infection control systems for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The RaDAR Consortium has announced three Calls for Tenderlaunched by the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ES), Resah (FR), and Università degli Studi Federico II (IT), inviting economic operators to apply.

BRINC workshop – Innovation Procurement Conference (19/03/2024)

In light of the Innovation Procurement Conference, BRINC hosts an in-person workshop bringing together public buyers from across Europe to discuss how leveraging public procurement of innovation can accelerate circular economy.

Facilitating the access of startups and SMEs to the public procurement market – Innovation Procurement Conference (20/03/2024)

Don’t miss this session exploring how hubs, acting as living labs and incubators, support SMEs in accessing global innovation, green, and social procurement markets through networking with investors and entrepreneurs.

Zero Emission Sites: pilot test in Barcelona (04/03/2024)

The CoP Zero Emission Sites, in collaboration with municipal promoter BIMSA, have successfully completed a groundbreaking pilot test with electric machinery for a three-month project in the heart of Barcelona.

Commission launches first investigation under Foreign Subsidies Regulation (04/03/2024)

The European Commission has recently launched the first in-depth investigation under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, examining potential market distortions in a Bulgarian public procurement procedure involving the provision and maintenance of electric ‘push-pull’ trains.

Social and environmental considerations and their link with the subject matter (02/02/2024)

A thought-provoking webinar on integrating social and environmental considerations into procurement processes and exploring their interconnections with the subject matter.

Social procurement gets a Community of Practice in Big Buyers Working Together (02/02/2024)

For the first time, the Big Buyers initiative will have a Community of Practice focused on socially responsible public procurement (SRPP). Currently, seven members from seven countries are being onboarded into the community.

The European Library of Architecture Principles (07/02/2024)

Join the CAMSS team for their third webinar session, where they will explore the European Library of Architecture Principles (ELAP) and provide an overview of ELAP and the ELAP Validator.

EcoQUIP Plus case study report on delivering efficiency, quality and sustainability in healthcare (02/02/2024)

Read a case study-based report, now available for download, detailing the insights gained from six EcoQUIP Plus innovation procurement projects, as they advance into their next innovation procurement endeavours.

Navigating the European Landscape of AI and Emerging Technologies in the Public Sector (07/02/2024)

Interested in learning about the current state and future of public sector technology in Europe? If so, be sure to register for this AI-opening webinar!

Inaugural co-creation session on the Public Procurement Data Space (02/02/2024)

During the session on 14 December 2023, the Commission presented the Public Procurement Data Space (PPDS) Website and Pilot to stakeholders. The PPDS GitLab was also introduced to facilitate documentation and improve collaboration.

Big Buyers Working Together project launches a Community of Practice on Digital (02/02/2024)

After successfully completing the Needs Assessment phase, the Big Buyers Working Together project is launching the Community of Practice on Digital, coordinated by Eurocities.

Strategic public procurement workshop held in Italy on 18 January (02/02/2024)

The National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC) hosted a successful workshop in Rome, focusing on public procurement as a strategic tool for the development of innovative and sustainable public policies in Italy.

Belgian Presidency Conference on Innovation Procurement (19/03/2024)

In the context of the Belgian Presidency, the Flemish Programme for Innovation Procurement (PIP) is set to host an international conference on 19-20 March 2024, at Tour & Taxis in Brussels.

Don’t miss the next co-creation session on the Public Procurement Data Space! (22/02/2024)

The session on 22 February will be a great opportunity to discuss more on the PPDS tools introduced in December’s session, and delve deeper into PPDS indicators and analytics.

SPIN4EIC – Strategic Innovation Procurement: Elevate & Connect (22/02/2024)

Do you want to collaborate with Europe’s most innovative SMEs and start-ups and learn how to innovate your services with breakthrough solutions? Join us at this online launch event!

100 days of public procurement notifications under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (18/01/2024)

The notification obligations for high-value public procurements under the Foreign subsidies Regulation (FSR) began 100 days ago, on 12 October 2023.

In the area of public procurement, subsidies from third countries can give the recipients an unfair advantage in obtaining public contracts in the EU. The FSR therefore allows the European Commission to investigate financial contributions granted by non-EU countries to companies active in the EU, to ensure fair and undistorted market conditions.

The European Commission has so far received more than 100 submissions (meaning notifications, or declarations that there is nothing to notify). However, there is still a need to spread awareness of the FSR, and of the roles and obligations of economic operators and contracting authorities.

Read the full article for a thorough understanding of the FSR’s implications in public procurement.

Recording – ‘Innovation and Sustainability in Transition’ (09/01/2024)

A new webinar series by the EU-funded SAPIENS Network explores research impacts on everyday life, fostering public understanding of sustainable public procurement.

Foreword (08/01/2024)

Dear Public Buyers Community,

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2024! As we embark on this promising year, filled with innovation and collaboration, we’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your active participation on the platform since its launch in April 2023.

Here’s to a Fruitful Procurement Year 2024, brimming with inspiration, new connections, and successful endeavours that advance public procurement practices across Europe!

Unlocking global opportunities in public procurement for European SMEs (08/01/2024)

The EU’s initiative spans six projects across 14 non-EU countries in diverse sectors, showing promising success in international markets for SMEs.

CircularPSP introduces new tender for Circular Economy solutions for cities (11/01/2024)

Developed collaboratively by 8 leading circular cities, the tender invites suppliers to develop innovative solutions that drive circular practices in municipalities and local businesses.

New webinar series launched on Common Assessment Methods for Standards and Specifications (CAMSS) (09/01/2024)

CAMSS, a cornerstone of the Digital Europe Programme, serves as a guide for public authorities in eGovernment projects, aiding decisions and streamlining standards for interoperability.

Join the survey on Socially Responsible Public Procurement (SRPP) training (08/01/2024)

The European Commission’s survey aims to shape SRPP training and awareness initiatives across the EU.

Big Buyers Working Together launch Community of Practice on Circular Construction (08/01/2024)

Expanding on the success of the previous phase, this newly established CoP aims to reshape the industry, focusing on sustainability, materials reuse, and innovative business models, among other topics.

Driving social change: 71 good practice cases now available in all EU languages (08/01/2024)

Explore 71 real-world cases where European public buyers leverage Socially Responsible Public Procurement (SRPP) to promote employment, inclusivity, ethical trade, and sustainable development.

Big Buyers Working Together launch new Community of Practice on Heavy Duty Electric Vehicles (HDEV) (08/01/2024)

Let’s welcome the latest addition to the Public Buyers Platform! Discover more about the community’s commitment to a greener EU through the procurement of HDEVs.