At DLVSystem, we firmly believe in the importance of establishing strong and fruitful collaborations with qualified external partners to support our activities, especially those related to Research & Development projects and funded initiatives.

To ensure transparency, efficiency, and the identification of the most suitable expertise for our objectives, we have defined a structured selection process. This procedure is designed to identify and select the most appropriate suppliers—whether from the academic world (Research Organizations – ROs) or from private entities—through careful evaluation of their technical and professional capabilities, experience, reliability, and the economic suitability of their proposals.

Particular attention is given to compliance with current regulations and, where applicable, the specific conditions required by funding programs (such as the NRRP, including cross-cutting principles and the DNSH principle), ensuring responsible and compliant management at every stage.

Below, we describe in detail the four main phases that make up our selection process, from the identification of potential collaborators to the formalization of the agreement and the start of activities.

Phase 1. Identification of Potential Suppliers

This phase aims to identify at least three qualified suppliers relevant to the activities to be carried out, originating from both academia (Research Organizations – ROs) and private entities. The procedure to be followed includes:

• Verification of existing suppliers:

  • Evaluation of the technical and professional capabilities of suppliers with whom there is an established relationship of trust.

  • Consideration of their past experience and reliability.

• Search for qualified suppliers:

  • Identification of potential suppliers within academic environments and Research Organizations (ROs) and/or among private companies.
  • Use of personal contacts and recommendations to identify experts in the specific field.
  • Identification of additional suppliers through an expression of interest following the publication of R&D activities on the company portal.
  • The supplier will be informed—also through the selection process published on the company’s portal—that they are required, in addition to meeting the execution timelines set by the contract document, to comply with:
  1. The requirements and specific conditions of the NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and all associated project-related criteria.
  2. The DNSH principle (Do No Significant Harm).
  3. The cross-cutting principles of the NRRP, such as: i) the principle of gender equality; ii) the principle of youth empowerment and protection; iii) the principle of overcoming territorial disparities

Phase 2. Request for Quotation after Award

• Preparation of technical specifications:

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

• Sending the request for quotation:

  • Publication of the contractual research activity request on the company’s website.
  • Sending/publishing the technical specifications to the suppliers identified in Phase 1.
  • Request for a detailed financial proposal for the execution of industrial research and experimental development activities.
  • Communication may take place through various channels (email, formal written request, website publication).

Phase 3. Evaluation and Selection

• Evaluation of offers:

  • Analysis of the financial offers received. Even if only one response is received, it will be evaluated.
  • Assessment of cost appropriateness in relation to the activities to be carried out.
  • Consideration of the suppliers’ skills and experience.

• Supplier selection:

  • Selection of the most advantageous proposal, considering both economic aspects and the supplier’s technical and professional capabilities.
  • Notification of the decision to the selected supplier.

Phase 4. Formalization and Kick-off

• Formalization of the agreement:

  • Drafting of a document (contract or engagement letter) defining the terms and conditions of the collaboration.
  • Signing of the final agreement by both parties after the project has been approved by the contracting authority.

• Kick-off of activities:

  • Communication of the necessary information to the supplier for the start of activities, including verbal communication if necessary.
  • Definition of communication methods and progress monitoring. Reference will be made to the modalities established by the project within which the R&D activities will be carried out.

Key Features of the Procedure:

• 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 established trust-based relationships with existing suppliers.

• Quality: The procedure focuses on sourcing qualified suppliers from universities, ROs, and private entities.

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