Subsection 2: Entering into an innovation partnership

Innovation partnerships with a value equal to or greater than the thresholds for the formalised procedure shall be awarded in accordance with the procedure with negotiation, subject to the provisions of this sub-section.

A prior information notice or a periodic indicative notice may not be used in place of the contract notice.

The minimum time limit for receipt of applications provided for in article R. 2161-12 may not be reduced. The selection of applications shall take particular account of the applicants’ capacity in the field of research and development and in the development and implementation of innovative solutions.

Without prejudice to the application of the provisions of articles R. 2151-1 to R. 2151-5, the minimum time limit for receipt of initial tenders is freely set by the purchaser.

The purchaser may not award the innovation partnership on the basis of the initial tenders without negotiation. It shall negotiate the initial tenders and all subsequent tenders with a view to improving their content, with the exception of the final tenders. The award criteria and minimum requirements are not subject to negotiation.Negotiation may take place in successive phases at the end of which certain tenderers are eliminated by application of…