EBA欧洲银行-Clarifications-2-EBA-008_7页_211kb

Open Tender Clarifications No. 2 Summary

Core Content

This document provides clarifications and responses to various questions raised by tenderers in response to the European Banking Authority (EBA) Tender Procedure (EBA/2013/008/OPS/SER/OP), which seeks a Communication Consultancy and Support provider. The EBA is looking to define and implement a comprehensive communications strategy, with a focus on media relations, stakeholder engagement, event management, and corporate communications.

Main Points and Key Information

1. Communications Strategy Development

• The EBA will define the communications strategy jointly with the Consultant, starting from inception to completion.
• The Consultant is expected to provide strategic advice, support, and help in shaping the strategy.

2. Review and Sign-off Process

• There is no compliance function within the EBA.
• The sign-off process for written communications varies depending on the dossier.
• The Consultant may be asked to streamline review processes if necessary.

3. Communication Activities Evaluation

• The Consultant is expected to assess the effectiveness of past, present, and future communication activities.
• Competitor analysis is not specifically required, but the Consultant may evaluate the EBA’s communication performance in relation to its peers.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• The EBA is interested in stakeholder relations and may request impact research or stakeholder mapping.
• The Consultant will be involved in advising on how to better engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, MEPs, and regulatory bodies.

5. Team Structure and CVs

• Tenderers are required to provide a team structure or org chart as part of their response.
• The rationale section should include the tenderer’s understanding of the EBA’s brief and their perception of the EBA’s challenges and opportunities.
• Only the team that will follow the EBA regularly needs to be included in the CVs, and there is no requirement to include staff from all 28 EU Member States.

6. Case Studies and Financial Proposals

• The case studies provided in the tender document are non-exhaustive examples of the type of work expected.
• The Consultant must demonstrate compliance with the selection criteria through the case studies.
• The financial proposal must be based on the Annex IV - Price List template and not modified.
• The Consultant should provide strategic communication plans for the case studies, not just based on the event itself.

7. Budget Allocation

• The EBA is not providing a fixed budget split, but a very rough indication is:
  • Communications Services: €85,000
  • Events Organisation: €90,000
  • Corporate Material Design: €20,000
  • Production and Promotional Products: €30,000
• The budget may change depending on the focus of the communication strategy.

8. Media and Communications Focus

• The EBA targets specialised media in economic, financial, and banking issues, as well as national media across all 28 EU Member States.
• The Consultant is expected to advise on the importance of online and digital communications in the future.
• The EBA is open to visuals and infographics in the tender, including team charts, and is willing to accept a hard copy mock-up of the corporate leaflet.

9. Spokespersons and Geographical Focus

• The EBA currently has no official spokespersons.
• It is considering expanding the pool of spokespersons to better respond to external inquiries.
• The main target audience is in Europe, with no specific focus on particular cities or countries beyond the EU as a whole.

10. Monitoring Scope

• The EBA expects pan-EU monitoring across a mix of media channels, including print, online, and social media.
• The Consultant will be involved in advising on the geographic and media scope of monitoring activities.

11. Rate Cards and Budget Constraints

• The EBA does not require adherence to EU rate cards or any specific rate benchmarks.
• The selection criteria are based on a quality-to-price ratio, with a technical merit weighing of 80% and price 20%.
• The EBA will not provide feedback on price competitiveness during the clarification phase.

12. Experience and Eligibility

• The EBA cannot make exceptions for tenderers who do not have a three-year history of accounts.
• Tenderers must demonstrate capacity through their own or subcontracted entities, providing statements or grouping agreements if necessary.

Conclusion

The EBA is seeking a strategic communications partner to help define and implement a comprehensive communication strategy across the EU. The Consultant will be involved in various aspects, including stakeholder engagement, media relations, event management, and corporate communications. The EBA emphasizes quality over cost, with a technical evaluation and price comparison conducted after the technical assessment. Tenderers are expected to provide detailed proposals, team structures, and financial plans in accordance with the specified formats and criteria.