Participation in the EU's framework programme for research and innovation is a high priority activity at NTNU. This applies to both the current framework programme - Horizon Europe and the next framework programme, which shall start in 2028. Participation will take place in the form of projects that receive financial support from the EU. The projects must follow the terms given in the EU guidelines for the different project types. This includes financial guidelines. At the same time, we must ensure compliance with the guidelines that generally apply for NTNU. The financial monitoring of the projects involves responsibility for following up the finances in the project life cycle, from application to completed project. NTNU has its own routines and templates for financial reporting to the EU and internal status reports. For applications and projects that have several partners and coordinated by NTNU, follow-up also involves follow-up of partners' budgeting and reporting. Clear and understandable communication towards internal and external target groups is significant in all project phases. NTNU has its own personnel (project economists) who carry out these assignments, but NTNU will need to supplement with external resources. The need can vary over time. The offered resources must be able to handle a portfolio of applications and projects. The portfolio will usually belong to one or several organisational entities at NTNU. Other more limited assignments may also be relevant. See Annex 1, the contracting authority ́s requirement specifications, for further information on which services/work assignments the framework agreement covers. A framework agreement shall be signed with one tenderer. The contract will start as soon as possible after the award of contract. The contract will be valid for 2 years, with an option for an extension for 1+1 year, for a total of up to 4 years.

Climate and environment in the procurement In accordance with PPR § 7-9 (2), climate and environmental considerations shall as a main rule be weighted with a minimum of 30% in the award criteria. The requirement may be waived if the procurement is assessed to have a climate footprint and environmental impact that is considered immaterial, cf. the Public Procurement Regulations § 7-9 (5). DFØ has prepared an overview of categories that have a low climate intensity, and this procurement comes under the category "Consultant and Analysis Services". The procurement includes consultancy services. The main service includes "desk work", with limited travel activities. The Consultant ́s climate footprint and environmental impact will be equal to the load from an average permanent employee. The employee ́s climate footprint and environmental impact are connected to the need for office space with equipment, energy consumption in the building etc., and these elements fall out of the nature of the procurement, which is the actual consultancy service/work of following up budgets and projects. The contracting authority therefore believes that the condition for utilising the exclusion provision in the Public Procurement Regulations § 7-9 (5) is fulfilled.