This phase aims to identify at least three suppliers qualified for the activities to be performed, coming from both the academic world (ROs – Research Organizations) and private entities. For this purpose, the procedure to be followed is:

• Verification of existing suppliers:

• Evaluation of the technical-professional capabilities of suppliers with whom there are already established relationships of trust.

• Consideration of their past experience and reliability.

• Search for qualified suppliers:

• Identification of potential suppliers in university environments and Research Organizations (ROs) and/or among private companies.
• Use of personal contacts and recommendations to identify experts in the specific sector.
• Identification of additional suppliers through expressions of interest following the publication of the R&D activity on the company portal.
• The supplier will be notified, even if only through the selection procedure published on the company portal, that they are required, in addition to respecting the execution times dictated by the contract document, to comply with:

1. the requirements and specific conditionalities of the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and all requirements related to the measure associated with the project;
2. the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) principle;
3. the transversal principles of the PNRR, such as: i) the principle of gender equality; ii) the principle of protection and enhancement of youth; iii) the principle of overcoming territorial gaps.

• Preparation of technical specifications:

• Definition of the activities to be performed, expected results, and technical requirements.
• Creation of a clear and concise document describing the technical specifications.

• Sending the request for quotation:

• Publication of the request for contractual research activity on the company’s web portal.
• Sending/publication of the technical specifications to the suppliers identified in Phase 1.
• Request for a detailed economic offer for carrying out the industrial research and experimental development activities.
• Communication can occur using various channels (email, formal written request, publication on website).

• Evaluation of offers:

• Analysis of the economic offers received. Even if only one response is received, it will be evaluated.
• Evaluation of cost appropriateness relative to the activities to be performed.
• Consideration of suppliers’ skills and experience.

• Supplier selection:

• Choice of the most advantageous proposal, considering both the economic aspect and the supplier’s technical-professional capabilities.
• Communication of the decision to the selected supplier.

• Formalization of the agreement:

• Drafting of a document (contract or letter of engagement) defining the terms and conditions of the collaboration.
• Signing of the final agreement by both parties following the approval of the project by the contracting authority/funding body.

• Kick-off of activities:

• Communication of the necessary information to the supplier for the start of activities, even verbally.
• Definition of communication and work progress monitoring methods. For this purpose, reference is made to the methods dictated by the project within which the R&D activity must take place.

• Simplification: The procedure is streamlined and focused on essential aspects.

• Efficiency: Communication via email or written requests makes the process faster.

• Trust: The procedure values relationships of trust with existing suppliers.

• Quality: The procedure focuses on finding qualified suppliers in university environments, ROs, and private entities.

• Cost-effectiveness: The selection is based on the most advantageous proposal, ensuring good value for money.