Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union and Permanent Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

2nd Notice for Open Bid Invitation_ROK-EU cooperation economic security and high tech

1. Project Overview

• A.Project: In-depth Analysis on the way to strengthen ROK-EU cooperation on economic security and high technology

• B.Contract period: Until 31 October 2025 from the contract signing date

• C.Contract Amount (Estimation): 50,000,000 KRW 
    (*Inclusive of VAT and other cost and expenses)

• D.Background and Objective

Background: The European Union(EU) is the world’s largest single market and a major economic powerhouse, making it one of Korea’s most important economic partners. In recent years, the Republic of Korea and the EU have deepened their future-oriented cooperation through initiatives such as the Digital Trade Agreement and Korea’s participation in Horizon Europe. 

Amid growing global economic challenges—including rising energy prices driven by the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and disruptions in global supply chains linked to the U.S.-China trade conflict—it has become increasingly important for like-minded partners to strengthen strategic ties. As Korea and the EU share core values such as free trade and democracy, there is a pressing need to explore how to reinforce their strategic partnership, with a particular focus on economic security and cooperation in high technology sectors.

Objective: The project aims to explore and enhance strategic cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the European Union in the areas of economic security and high technology. It will identify mutual interests, explore new areas of agreement, and provide actionable recommendations to bolster this strategic partnership. The analysis will build on the current context of increasing geoeconomic competition and identify specific sectors for business opportunities.

2. Project Description

• A.Key Content 

• ○Assess the Impact of EU’s Green and Digital Transition Policies: Analyze how the EU’s green policy and digital transformation initiatives are influencing the ROK-EU trade supply chain, and evaluate the implications for Korean industries.

• ○Identify Policy Recommendations and Strategic Industries: Develop policy suggestions and identify potential areas for supply chain development where Korea and the EU can deepen collaboration, particularly in sectors with strong growth prospects and mutual interest.

• ○Explore Cooperation in Emerging Technologies: Examine opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies, focusing on innovation, standards, and joint research.

• ○Promote Sustainable Investment and Startup Ecosystems: Investigate ways to mobilize sustainable funding for joint ROK-EU research in high-tech sectors and assess how to nurture Korean startups in alignment with the EU’s regulatory and innovation environment.

• ○Questions that align to the objective of the Project can be set up freely. 

• B.Project Schedule (Tentative) ※Details can be determined through consultation 

• ○(June) Notice for RFP, Deadline for proposal submission

• ○(June-July) Evaluation, Contract with the bid winner 

• ○(August-September) Mid-term review

• ○(October) Submit final report; organize report presentation session

3. Selection Process

• A.Tender and Contract

• ○Tender: General competitive tender

• ○Contract: Contract concluded through negotiation

• B.Qualification

• ○Organization or business based in Korea or EU member states that have the competencies to successfully carry out the Project as defined in the RFP

• C.Selection Process

• ○RFP briefing to be organized after the public tender notice is closed (Within June)

• ○Highest scorer combining technical capability evaluation (90 points) and bid price evaluation (10 points) shall be selected as the preferred bidder.

• ○Deliberation committee (with five or more members) shall be set up within the Embassy to assess submitted proposals and project capabilities.

• ○Tender result will be notified individually within June. 

• ○All matters including assessment of proposal, selection of winner, etc. shall be carried out based on standards for contract negotiations prescribed in the rules on contract.

• D.Items, Criteria and Scores in Evaluation

4. Other Matters

• ○As budget for the Project includes VAT, submit VAT inclusive price as your bid.

• ○Project undertaker has the obligation for confidentiality as well as to closely consult with the client. Rights to all outputs shall be with the client.

• ○If the Project undertaker is negligent of its duties and/or fails to fulfill instructions without proper reason(s) thereof, client has the right to cancel the contract.

• -Payment shall not be extended in case of contract cancellation. For already extended payment, Project undertaker shall return it in full and compensate for damages. 

• 1.Guidelines for Proposal Development and Validity 

• ○The proposal must be written in English or Korean, and List of Abbreviations must be presented when English abbreviations are used.

• ○Proposal shall be developed with above key contents. But items and details can be freely added and proposed when deemed necessary

• ○Submit the blow details on all members in case of consortium (Current status and past performances of members, manpower assigned to the Project, etc.)

• ○Focus on items that can actually be relevant to the Project rather than giving general information

• ○Documents that can objectively prove the content of the proposal can be attached to the proposal. 

• ○Content of proposal shall have the same validity as the contract. But when stated differently in the contract, contract shall prevail. 

• 2.Submission 

• ○Deadline: 7 June 2025 23:59 (CET)

• ○Submission: Scan documents and email to the person in charge at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union (email: dykim17@mofa.go.kr)

• ○Documents to be submitted:

• -Application to participate in the tender (Attached Form 1)

• -Price proposal (Attached Form 2)

• -Proposal

• -General information on the bidder (Attached Form 3)

• -Information on organization dedicated to the Project and headcount (Attached Form 4)

• -CVs on Project participants (Attached Form 5)

• -Payment guarantee for bid bond (Attached Form 6)

• -Integrity agreement (Attached Form 7)

• -Personal Information collection and Use agreement (Attached Form 8)

• ○Inquiries shall be directed to the person in charge at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union: dykim17@mofa.go.kr or +32) 2 675 5777

• 3.Other Matters

• ○Content of submitted proposal cannot be changed and/or withdrawn without consultation with the client.

• ○All or any submitted proposal shall not be returned