Retained State Aid Advice Contract

Tender description

The CLLD programme is jointly funded by ESF and ERDF. As ESF is generally considered flow through aid, we are seeking an organisation that can provide advice on the key issues and risks that may exist from properly interpreting the current state aid regime and its application to ERDF Priority Axis 9 Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty and any discrimination (delivered through Community Led Local Development). (NB: ESF Priority Axis 1.5 also supports Community Led Local Development by supporting inclusive labour markets). Applications can come from a wide variety of organisations types and businesses. When determining the grant funding package, consideration is given to State Aid levels and articles under which the funding is provided. As some of the projects contain a mix of organisation structure and funding requirement, we would like to retain a State Aid legal advice service on a call down contract. As the ESF funding is flow through, the services will be for determining the State Aid position for ERDF funding only.