Decision of the European Central Bank of 17 November 2008 laying down the framework for joint Eurosystem procurement (ECB/2008/17) (2008/893/EC)

Article 3 Eurosystem Procurement Coordination Office

1. EPCO shall carry out all of the following tasks:

(a) facilitate the adoption of best procurement practices within the Eurosystem;

(b) develop the infrastructure (e.g. skills, functional tools, information systems, processes) required for joint procurement;

(c) identify potential cases for joint procurement which fall within or outside the scope of this Decision on the basis of procurement needs that central banks address to EPCO;

(d) prepare and update as necessary an annual procurement plan for joint tender procedures based on the assessment described in point (c);

(e) prepare common requirements in cooperation with the central banks participating in a joint tender procedure;

(f) support the central banks in joint tender procedures;

(g) support the central banks in procurement relating to common projects of the European System of Central Banks, if so requested by the central bank leading the project.

2. The hosting central bank shall provide the material and human resources required for EPCO to perform its tasks in accordance with the budget approved by the Governing Council as set out in paragraph 4.

3. The hosting central bank, in consultation with the EPCO Steering Committee, may adopt rules concerning the internal organisation and administration of EPCO, including a code of conduct for EPCO staff aimed at ensuring the utmost integrity in the performance of their duties.

4. The central banks shall finance EPCO’s budget in accordance with the rules adopted by the Governing Council. Prior to the start of the financial year, EPCO shall submit an annual budget proposal to the Governing Council for approval, via the EPCO Steering Committee and the Executive Board.

5. EPCO shall submit an annual report on its activities to the Governing Council, via the EPCO Steering Committee and the Executive Board.

6. EPCO’s activities shall be subject to the control of the Internal Auditors Committee in accordance with the rules adopted by the Governing Council. This shall be without prejudice to the control and audit rules that apply to or are adopted by the hosting central bank.

7. The EPCO Steering Committee shall conduct an effectiveness and efficiency evaluation of EPCO’s activities five years after EPCO’s establishment. Based on this evaluation, the Governing Council shall decide if it is necessary to conduct a selection procedure to choose a new hosting central bank.