Guidance Notes on the Call for - EU Funds
Cohesion Policy 2014 – 2020 European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund (2014-2020) Guidance Notes on the Call for Proposals under Operational Programme I Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges Priority Axis 3 ‘Enhancing Malta’s competitiveness through investment in SMEs’ Priority Axis 4 ‘Shifting towards a low-carbon economy’ Priority Axis 5 ‘Protecting our environment - investing in natural and cultural assets’ Priority Axis 11 ‘Investing in TEN-T infrastructure’ 1 Contents 1. Scope of the Guidelines ............................................................................................................ 3 2. Background information on the ERDF and CF in 2014-2020 programming period ...................... 3 3. Context of the Call..................................................................................................................... 4 4. The Application Process ............................................................................................................ 5 5. General Test of Eligibility ........................................................................................................... 6 6. Project Eligibility and Selection Criteria ...................................................................................... 7 7. Support ................................................................................................................................... 18 2 1. Scope of the Guidelines The scope of these guidelines is to provide assistance to potential Applicants interested in applying for funding under Call 1 of Operational Programme I ‘Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges’, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF), through the 2014-2020 Structural Funds Programming Period. In Malta, the ERDF and CF falls under the responsibility of the Managing Authority (MA) namely the Planning and Priorities Co-ordination Division (PPCD), which falls under the Ministry for European Affairs and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto (MEAIM). Potential Applicants are encouraged to read through these Guidance Notes and the relevant 1 sections of Operational Programme I as will be highlighted in the sections below, in order to avoid submitting ineligible applications. The Managing Authority will be issuing a detailed guidance document to accompany these guidelines, in order to explain how to complete the online application form. 2. Background information on the ERDF and CF in 2014-2020 programming period Following consultation among various levels of governance, representatives from interest groups, civil society and local and regional representatives, Malta adopted a "Partnership Agreement" with the European Commission, thus establishing the strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and Investment Funds in the country. This Partnership Agreement provides the overarching strategy which delineates the main areas of intervention envisaged under the European Structural and Investment Funds, while the various Operational Programmes, serve as a tool with which Malta can turn the investment priorities and objectives set for each fund into concrete actions. The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are made up of the below funds: The European Regional Structural Fund; The European Social Fund; The Cohesion Fund; The European Maritime and Fishery Fund; The European Agricultural Fund for Rural; The ERDF and CF are subject to the same rules of programming, management and monitoring as the other European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and as from 2014, these operate under 2 a common framework and pursue complementary policy objectives. 1 The document can be downloaded from: https://eufunds.gov.mt/en/Operational%20Programmes/Programming%20Period%202014%20-%202020/Pages/ProgrammingPeriod-2014---2020.aspx 2 During 2014-20 programming period, there is a single set of rules covering the EU's 5 structural and investment funds (ESIF): which are European Regional Developmen Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF), Cohesion Fund (CF), European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF). These are the main source of investment at EU level to help Member States to restore and increase growth and ensure a job rich recovery while ensuring sustainable development, in line with the Europe 2020 objectives. 3 Operational Programme I ‘Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges’ is built on 11 Priority Axes: Axes 1 to 9 funded under the European Regional Development Fund while Axes 10 and 11 are funded under the Cohesion Fund. The ERDF aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between its regions and focuses its investments on several key priority areas, which are: Innovation and research; The digital agenda; Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); The low-carbon economy. The Cohesion Fund is aimed at Member States whose Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant is less than 90 % of the EU average with the specific objective to reduce economic and social disparities and to promote sustainable development. The Cohesion Fund supports investments under TransEuropean transport networks and Environment. 3. Context of the Call Call 1, under Operational Programme I, is restricted to interventions undertaken by Ministries, Government Departments, Central Government Authorities and the Public Sector Companies under the following Priority Axes and Investment Priorities: 1. Priority Axis 3– ‘Enhancing Malta’s competitiveness through investment in SMEs’ - Investment Priority (IP) 3d – Supporting the capacity of SMEs to grow in regional, national and international markets, and to engage in innovation processes. 2. Priority Axis 4 – ‘Shifting towards a low-carbon economy’ - Investment Priority (IP) 4a – Promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources. 3. Priority Axis 5 – ‘Protecting our environment - investing in natural and cultural assets’ - Investment Priority (IP) 6c – Conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage. 4. Priority Axis 11 – ‘ Investing in TEN-T infrastructure’ - Investment Priority (IP) 7(i) – Supporting a multimodal Single European Transport Area by investing in the TEN-T. Only proposals which are able to demonstrate their contribution to the above Investment Priorities are eligible to apply. 4 4. The Application Process The Application Process together will be explained through the details guidelines which will be uploaded by the Managing Authority at a later stage. All applications must be completed online using the link next to the listed call on www.eufunds.gov.mt. This link will be provided by the Managing Authority at a later stage. The link will open a window to Authenticate with the system. New Applicants need to register by pressing the link Don't have an account? Register now in the login screen as shown below: The system will require the following information for registration: Organisation Name Postal Address Post Code Phone Number Fax Number Email Address VAT Number (if any) Username Password Confirm Password Upon registration the potential Applicant will receive an email in the indicated Applicant’s email-address, in order to activate the registration, by clicking on the link provided in the email body. The potential Applicant authenticates with the credentials provided during the registration process. NOTE: Only the person who has proceeded with the registration as described above can access the online application form. Thus, the Organization should be aware that who has registered to SFD 2014-20 is representing the Entity. All applications must be submitted to the Managing Authority online via Structural Fund Database (SFD) 2014-2020 by 11th September 2015 at noon. 5 The deadline for submitting the application will not be amended to cater for last minute contingencies, such as disruptions to the internet connection or to the electricity grid. In this regard, it is advisable to: - Not wait for the last day to submit the application form; ‘Save’ your work every 15-20 minutes. The IT system will not allow for any amendment after the formal submission. Saving work does not imply that the application is submitted. In order to submit the application the potential Applicant needs to confirm the application. Once confirmed the system will generate an acknowledgement email together with the application reference number. All applications must be completed in full and endorsed by the Project Leader, the Head of the organization and the Permanent Secretary. ONLY online applications correctly submitted will be taken into consideration for the assessment. Online proposals are individually assessed by the MA and selected by the Project Selection Committee (PSC) through the IT system against a set of eligibility and selection criteria which are approved by the Monitoring Committee for the European Social Fund that oversees the implementation of the OP and that will be explained in the sections below. 5. General Test of Eligibility a. Eligible Applicants Ministries, Government Departments, Central Government Authorities and the Public Sector Companies are eligible to apply subject to the approval of their respective Permanent Secretaries. It should be noted that private individuals and undertakings (as per definition in Chapter 386, Article 2(1)3 as well as organisations having an economic/commercial nature are NOT the target groups of this call for proposal. b. Eligible Activities Eligible activities should fit within the Investment Priorities under the selected Priority Axis and must be in line with the scope of the relevant source of funds. Specifically: Activities funded by ERDF shall contribute to the financing of support which aims to reinforce economic, social and territorial cohesion by redressing the main regional imbalances in the Union through the sustainable development and structural adjustment of regional economies, including the conversion of declining industrial regions and 3 Companies Act Chapter 386 Article 2 (1): "undertaking" means a body corporate or unincorporate which carries on a trade or business". 6 regions whose development is lagging behind4’, as per article 3 of ERDF Regulation (1301/2013); Activities funded by CF, while ensuring an appropriate balance and according to the investment and infrastructure needs specific to each Member State, should support: - investment in the environment, including areas related to sustainable development and energy which present environmental benefits; - TEN-T, in compliance with the guidelines adopted by Regulation (EU) No 5 1315/2013 . It should be noted that this call is NOT open for project proposals involving State Aid. Applicants should note that the involvement of state aid is not necessarily tied to the legal status of the Applicant but to the nature of the activity. In accordance with Section 9 of these Guidance Notes, Applicants should clear their position vis-à-vis state aid issues with the State Aid Monitoring Board or with experts of their choice. 6. Project Eligibility and Selection Criteria Projects correctly submitted online will be evaluated and ranked by a Project Selection Committee according to a set of eligibility and selection criteria. These criteria have been approved by the Monitoring Committee in line with Article 110 of the Common Provision Regulation 1303/2013. These criteria aim at ensuring that the projects being selected fit into the intervention logic outlined under the OPI and can concretely contribute to the achievements of the objectives and results of the Programme. The criteria are divided in two categories: Eligibility criteria and Selection criteria. Eligibility criteria are the essential criteria that all projects must meet in order to be admissible for a further qualitative assessment. Such eligibility criteria are normally assessed technically, and consist of a gateway assessment which ensures that all applications reach a minimum standard. Projects which do not comply with the gateway eligibility criteria will not proceed to full appraisal and scoring. Selection criteria are designed to assess the fit and contribution of project proposals with the OP strategy, its target groups and its objectives. These may be further refined in calls for project proposals to include criteria which are specific to one type of activity, area or target group. To be considered for funding or to be placed on the reserve list, a project must pass all the Eligibility Criteria and must also obtain a minimum of 50% of the total marks allocated to the Selection Criteria. 4 Article 2 of EU Regulation N.1301/2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 5 Article 2 of the EU Regulation N.1300/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the Cohesion Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1084/2006 7 The table below offers a snapshot of the eligibility and selection criteria approved under OPI Eligibility Criteria Assessment Selection Criteria Marks Yes/No Contribution towards indicators beyond minimum required 10 Yes/No Readiness 15 Yes/No Project Sustainability 10 Yes/No Capacity of the organisation 10 Yes/No Contribution to the development needs 10 Yes/No Potential of the project to contribute to the achievement of the expected results 15 Yes/No Horizontal priorities Environmental Sustainability and Equal Opportunities 10 Complete Application form Project remit within mandate of Beneficiary Project leader from beneficiary organisation Project implemented within the Eligible Territory Proof of co-financing where applicable Contribution towards Investment Priorities (IPs) Proposal in line with the relevant Specific Objective and Expected results of the IP Contribution towards one indicator Yes/No Other Horizontal Priorities and Climate Change mitigation and adaptation Quality of application form 10 10 6.1 Eligibility Criteria The project must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible for further assessment: a) Complete application form: The Applicant must present a complete Application Form, filled in with all relevant details and documentation. No outline applications or incomplete applications shall be considered. In addition, it is important for Applicants to ensure that all sections of the Application Form are completed and all relevant supporting documents are submitted. b) Fits in with one of the Investment Priority: The project must fall within the scope of one of the relevant Investment Priorities that are open for project proposals. The IPs which are relevant under this Call are: Priority Axis (PA) PA 3 ‘Priority Axis 3– ‘Enhancing Malta’s competitiveness through investment in SMEs’ (ERDF) Investment Priority (IP) → IP 3d Supporting the capacity of SMEs to grow in regional, national and international markets, and to engage in innovation processes. 8 Priority Axis (PA) PA 4 ‘Shifting towards a low-carbon economy’ (ERDF) Priority Axis (PA) PA 5 ‘‘Protecting our environment investing in natural and cultural assets’ (ERDF) Priority Axis (PA) PA 11 Investing in TEN-T infrastructure’ Investment Priority (IP) IP 4a – Promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources. → Investment Priority (IP) IP 6c – Conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage. → Investment Priority (IP) IP 7(i) – Supporting a multimodal Single European Transport Area by investing in the TEN-T. → c) Contribute towards specific objectives and expected results: The project must contribute towards one specific objective related to the selected Investment Priority and must show that it is capable of reaching the relevant expected result. In this regard, the Specific Objectives and Expected Results which are relevant under this call are the following: PA 3 PA 4 Investment Priority (IP) IP 3d - Supporting the capacity of SMEs to grow in regional, national and international markets, and to engage in innovation processes. Investment Priority (IP) IP 4a- Promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources Specific Objective (SO) → → Nurture the growth potential of SMEs at a regional, national and international level through the provision of infrastructural , grants, financial instruments as well as supporting services Specific Objective (SO) Promoting the use of RES through financial incentives for the domestic sector and undertakings not carrying out an economic activity 9 Expected Result (ER) Physical infrastructure for enterprises to consolidate and grow → Increase in employment in enterprises through infrastructural investment, financial instruments and grants. Expected Result (ER) → PV Connected Capacity (MWp) PA 5 PA 11 Investment Priority (IP) IP 6c- Conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage. → Investment Priority (IP) IP 7i- Supporting a multimodal Single European Transport Area by investing in the TEN-T → Specific Objective (SO) Improve the Maltese competitiveness standing within the tourism sector through the promotion, protection and preservation of natural/cultural/ historical assets in the public domain intended to improve the Maltese cultural tourism experience whilst maintaining increased tourist flows. Specific Objective (SO) Investment in (TEN-T) both land transport and maritime with a view to reduce journey time , including the facilitation of movement of goods. This investment priority will also include investment in customs infrastructures to improve efficiency and safety in cross border transactions. Expected Result (ER) → Maintain, consolidate and further develop Malta's natural, cultural and historical heritage to improve Malta's tourism product. Expected Result (ER) Increase reduction in journey time → Improve the efficiency in customs through the reduction of bottlenecks at cross border links The Applicant must ensure that the proposal will concretely contribute to the relevant SO and ER as highlighted above. For example, should the project address IP 6c, as it will invest in the promotion of a natural site, the Applicant must ensure that the project will improve the Maltese competitiveness standing within the tourism sector. In addition, the Applicant must ensure that the project is concretely contributing to the expected result ‘Maintain, consolidate and further develop Malta's natural, cultural and historical heritage to improve Malta's tourism product’. d) Contribute towards indicators: The project must have clearly identifiable and measurable targets that comply with at least one of the indicators set in the relevant Priority Axis / Investment Priority of the Programme (output or result indicator) The Applicant must ensure that the project will contribute to one of the indicators which are relevant in relation to the selected Expected Result as per table below: 10 Priority axis 3 Investment Priority 3d Expected Result: 'Physical infrastructure for enterprises to consolidate and grow’ Target Output Indicator O1. Number of enterprises receiving support O2. Number of enterprises receiving grants (Common Indicator) O3. Number of enterprises receiving financial support other than grants (Common Indicator) Malta ___ Gozo ___ Total ___ ___ ___ ___ R1. Private Sector Investment ___ Target Result Indicator ___ Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ ___ Priority axis 3 Investment Priority 3d Expected Result: ' Increase in employment in enterprises through infrastructural investment, financial instruments and grants’ Target Output Indicator O1. Number of enterprises receiving non-financial support O2. Employment increase in supported enterprises O3. Private investment matching public funds Target Result Indicator Malta ___ Gozo ___ Total ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ R1. Value Added of SME Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ Priority axis 4 Investment Priority 4a Expected Result: PV Connected Capacity (MWp) Target Output Indicator O1. Additional capacity of renewable energy production O2. Estimated annual decrease in GHG Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Target Result Indicator ___ 11 R1. PV Connected Capacity(MWp) Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ Priority axis 5 Investment Priority 6c Expected Result: Maintain, consolidate and further develop Malta's natural, cultural and historical heritage to improve Malta's tourism product. Target Output Indicator O1. Increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural or natural heritage and attractions O2. Rehabilitated/Preserved Land Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Target Result Indicator Malta Gozo Total R1. Overall Rating of the Maltese Experience ___ ___ ___ R.2 Tourists visiting Malta for history, cultural and natural heritage ___ ___ ___ Priority axis 11 Investment Priority 7i Expected Result: Increase reduction in journey time Target Output Indicator O1. Total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads: of which TEN-T Target Result Indicator Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ R1. Journey time in minutes( per 10 minute journey) Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ Priority axis 11 Investment Priority 7i Expected Result: Improve the efficiency in customs through the reduction of bottlenecks at cross border links Target Output Indicator O1. Square metres in new/upgraded in port infrastructure O2. Measures aimed to improve customs operations Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Target Result Indicator ___ 12 R1. Physical Controls at Customs Malta Gozo Total ___ ___ ___ In this regard, if the project aims at addressing PA 5, IP 6c, and at contributing to the expected result ‘maintain, consolidate and further develop Malta's natural, cultural and historical heritage to improve Malta's tourism product, it should contribute towards at least one of the following indicators: - O1. Increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural or natural heritage and attractions. This output indicator is linked to the result indicator R1. Overall Rating of the Maltese Experience; and/or - O1. Rehabilitated/Preserved Land. This output indicator is linked to the result indicator R1. Tourists visiting Malta for history, cultural and natural heritage. e) Project remit within the mandate of the Beneficiary: Applicants must be publicly mandated to carry out the task of the project. For example, in Malta, the upgrading of TEN-T road infrastructure lies within the remit of the Roads and Infrastructure Directorate, within Transport Malta. Consequently, any other agency applying for funds to upgrade a TEN-T road will not be considered as an eligible Applicant, unless such agency provides a clear justification as to why they will be intervening in this context, and after obtaining the endorsement of this justification by the mandated agency, in this case Transport Malta; f) Project Leader from Beneficiary Organisation: The project leader carries the overall financial and legal responsibility for the implementation of the project on behalf of the Beneficiary and hence, his/her direct association with the Beneficiary organization is fundamental, especially to ensure that the grant will exclusively be used for the purpose stipulated in the project proposal. g) Proof of Co-financing (where applicable) In cases where Government is not co-financing the project from the national budget, Applicants must submit, together with the application form,: 1. A set of signed audited accounts of the last two financial years; 2. A joint declaration by the Mayor, Executive/Head and Treasury/Financial Controller of the organisation, stating that the organisation commits to its cofinancing obligations and to the financing of any ineligible costs. 3. In the case of Local Councils, the declaration under point 2 must be supported by a statement from the Director of Local Government, confirming that co-financing is available/likely to be met, citing also the basis for such confirmation; and 4. In the case of Local Councils, where it is clear that the audited accounts do not provide evidence of availability of sufficient liquidity (cash or cash equivalent) to cover the cofinancing and ineligible costs, other sources of assurances, such as a bank guarantee 6 should be presented. It is important to note that co-financing in kind is NOT eligible. 6 All guarantees (including bank guarantees) should be clear and unequivocal that the co-financing will be provided should the project be selected. 13 h) Project must be implemented within / for the direct benefit of the eligible territory: The eligible territory for the Operational Programme is the whole territory of the Republic of Malta. In cases of publicity / training abroad/marketing, actions may be aired or distributed outside the territory if the benefit clearly targets the eligible territory. Once the projects have passed the eligibility test, they will proceed with a project scoring system based on a number of selection criteria. 6.2 Selection Criteria a) Contribution to the development needs: The Applicant should demonstrate that the proposed project is adequately addressing the relevant development needs as identified in the OP. The Applicant should provide a clear description of how the intended project will do so by means of an analysis of the current situation, thus outlining why there is a need for such a project to be implemented. In this regard, marks will be assigned on how the project will make a difference vis-a-vis the relevant OPI development need. The relevant development needs under this call are the following: Priority axis 3 Investment Priority IP 3d Specific Objective Development Need Nurture the growth potential of SMEs at a regional, national and international level through the provision of infrastructural , grants, financial instruments as well as supporting services → Need to enable SMEs to have improved access to finance to grow and develop → Lack of adequate physical infrastructure for enterprises to consolidate and grow. Priority axis 4 Investment Priority Specific Objective IP 4a Promoting the use of RES through financial incentives for the domestic sector and undertakings not carrying out an economic activity Development Need → Involve every sector of the economy to contribute towards low carbon Priority axis 5 Investment Priority Specific Objective IP 6c Improve the Maltese competitiveness standing within the tourism sector through the promotion, protection and preservation of natural/cultural/ historical assets in the public domain intended to improve the Maltese cultural tourism experience whilst maintaining increased tourist flows. Development Need 14 → Valorise natural/cultural/historical assets for tourism purposes → Need to improve the accessibility of natural, cultural and historical sites Priority axis 11 Investment Priority Specific Objective IP 7i Investment in (TEN-T) both land transport and maritime with a view to reduce journey time , including the facilitation of movement of goods. This investment priority will also include investment in customs infrastructures to improve efficiency and safety in cross border transactions. Development Need → → Need to reduce bottlenecks on the TEN-T networks (roads and maritime). Need to continue investment in cross border safety and security For example, if the project is addressing PA 5, IP 6c, and contributing towards the achievement of the specific objective to Improve the Maltese competitiveness standing within the tourism sector through the promotion, protection and preservation of natural/cultural/ historical assets in the public domain intended to improve the Maltese cultural tourism experience whilst maintaining increased tourist flows, the Applicant should ensure that the investment will address one of the two relevant development needs, i.e. Valorise natural/cultural/historical assets for tourism purposes and/or Need to improve the accessibility of natural, cultural and historical sites. In this context, the Applicant should explain why there is a need for such a project to be implemented. b) Potential of the project to contribute to the achievement of the expected results: Investments funded through ESI Funds need to be result-oriented - rather than only focusing on the financial means - to ensure that the cohesion policy will significantly contribute to the reduction in economic and social inequalities between Member States and to achieve the strategic Europe 2020 goals. Having identified needs and a desired result does not yet mean that the operation will fully achieve the objectives. Different factors can drive the intended result towards or away from the desired change. Thus, the Applicant should demonstrate that the proposal will fully achieve the desired results and objectives. In this regard, different factors will be assessed, such as: the degree of originality and innovative solutions proposed; the benefits of the investment beyond the project’s lifecycle; coherence between the value of the investment and the project’s duration with the proposed expected results. In addition, when the ex-ante conditionality applies, the proposal’s alignment with existent national strategy, both in terms of objectives and in terms of implementation7, will be assessed. c) Further contribution towards indicators: The project should demonstrate a clear contribution to the relevant indicators (output/result) as outlined in the section above. In this regard, the Applicant should ensure that the selected indicators are properly quantified so as to make credible the envisaged target; show that a good method of verification and audit trail is in place and that, especially when it comes to indicators addressing the performance framework as highlighted below, the achievements are realistically planned to be achieved before 2018. 7 When the ex-ante conditionality applies the project should show how the planned work fits in with the national strategy/policy. The project proposal must identify the name of the strategy, as well as the relative extract of the strategy that relates to the project being proposed 15 Under this call, the indicators which will contribute to the performance framework are the following: PA 3 4 5 IP 3d 4a 6c Output Indicator Number of enterprises receiving support Additional capacity of renewable energy production Increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural or natural heritage and attractions Rehabilitated/Preserved Land 11 7i Total length of reconstructed or upgraded roads: of which TEN-T of which: TEN-T The Applicant should provide a clear explanation of how the targets for ‘outputs,’ and ‘results’ have been calculated and the method of measurement that will be used as well as the year of achievements. The Applicant should provide a short action plan as to corroborate the indicated date for when the achievements will be registered and verified. d) Project Sustainability: Projects need to demonstrate their sustainability after completion. The project proponent must show how the benefits of the project will continue to be delivered after grant support comes to an end. The Applicants should thus ensure that the longer-term economic sustainability of the project is taken into account and appropriate measures are put in place. e) Readiness: Marks will be awarded for projects that are in an advanced state of readiness, e.g. where Applicants have already prepared the tender dossier or launched the tender. In cases where a feasibility study is required, marks will be given if this has been finalised or is under implementation at the time of submission. The more advanced the project, the more marks will be awarded. Evidence of such readiness should be provided. f) Capacity of the Organisation: The capacity to implement the project is part of the commitment of the Applicant towards the project. Projects cannot depend on external expertise or contracted managers. Capacity is assessed both in terms of adequate human resources, as well as previous positive experience in the implementation of EU projects, Structural Funds or similar. In fact, organisations that have had previous (positive) experience in implementing Structural Fund projects (or similar) will be given additional marks. Organisations must present an organigram of the units that will be involved in the implementation of the project, especially in the day-to-day management and also state how the project will be operated and maintained. Furthermore, the Legal Act on which the entity is constituted may be requested by the PSC. g) Quality of the Application Form: Marks will be awarded for exceptional quality, e.g. where market research was carried out to prepare a budget breakdown, as well as for adequate description of the main activities, and consistency. It should be noted that hastily prepared applications are likely to be referred back or will fail to gain a positive recommendation during 16 the appraisal process. Contact persons are provided for certain sections of the applications. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to seek advice from the experts (those identified or others of the Applicant’s choice) to ensure the full comprehension of certain concepts, terminology and processes. h) Horizontal Priorities: Marks will be awarded to Applicants who make an effort to integrate effectively the horizontal priorities into the project. Low or no points will be awarded for run of the mill statements. In this regard, it becomes crucial for Applicants to seek guidance from NCPE and MSDEC at design stage. Sustainable development and Promotion of equality between men and women and non-discrimination are identified in the Common Provisions Regulation Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as horizontal principles that should be incorporated into Cohesion Policy Programmes. In terms of Equal Opportunities, projects must contribute to the attainment of the horizontal priority of Equal Opportunities in its broadest sense, including the promotion of: - Equality; Non discrimination; and Accessibility The Applicant should give details of how this horizontal theme has been taken into account in the development of the project and/or how it will be mainstreamed throughout the lifespan of the supported activity, and indicate the impact that the project will have on the horizontal theme. Other considerations include the consultations that were carried out with equality groups in developing the project proposal. The Beneficiary must show how this policy is being translated into action. Projects must also contribute to the attainment of sustainable development. Sustainable development covers: - Economic growth, Social cohesion and The protection of the environment Considering the environmental impact of the investments financed under OPI, the protection of the environment will be assessed under the selection criterion ‘Other Horizontal Priorities’ as it will be explained below. In order to assess the economic and social impacts of the projects, the Applicants must make a specific reference to the ‘Sustainable Development Strategy for the Maltese Islands 20072016’ and to the ‘Sustainable Development Act’ while explaining how the project fits into this strategies. i) Other Horizontal Priorities and Climate Change mitigation and adaptation - Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have considered environmental issues at all stages of the design of the project, where possible. The Applicants must also demonstrate how the project has been structured to ensure that environmental issues will be mainstreamed throughout the project’s aims and operation. In particular, the project will be assessed in 17 terms of its contribution towards the reduction of GHG emissions; the use of renewable energy sources; energy efficiency; water reuse/treatment; any other climate change mitigation 8 and adaptation measure . 7. Support The Managing Authority will publish a detailed guidance document explaining step by step the online application process. The Applicant is to note that in view of the fact that this is a competitive call, and in order to preserve impartiality, the MA is unable to enter into correspondence with applicants over their Application. 8 Applicants should ensure that the project is in line with the National which can be https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/Publications/Documents/MSDEC/National%20Adaptation%20Strategy.pdf 18 found in
© Copyright 2024