Horizon Europe Subcontracting Rules: What You Need to Know
The Horizon Europe program is the European Union`s research and innovation funding program for the years 2021-2027. It aims to tackle the biggest challenges facing society by investing in research and innovation initiatives that will help improve the lives of citizens across the continent.
In order to achieve the goals of the program, Horizon Europe allows for subcontracting in certain circumstances. Subcontracting is defined as the act of outsourcing a specific task or project to another company or individual. This can help organizations leverage the expertise of others to complete tasks and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
However, there are specific rules that must be followed when subcontracting under the Horizon Europe program. These rules are in place to ensure that the subcontracting process is fair, transparent, and does not result in any unfair advantages for certain organizations.
The first rule is that all subcontracting must be clearly identified in the original proposal submitted for funding. This means that if an organization plans to subcontract any part of the project, they must outline the subcontracting plan in their proposal. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of the proposal.
The second rule is that subcontracting must be based on objective reasons and not lead to conflict of interest. This means that any subcontracting must be justified and cannot be done for the purpose of giving an unfair advantage to a certain organization or individual. Additionally, there cannot be any conflict of interest in the subcontracting process.
The third rule is that the contracting party is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including those related to subcontracting. This means that the subcontractor must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and the contracting party is ultimately responsible for ensuring that this happens.
Finally, the fourth rule is that subcontracting should not result in any substantial changes to the original proposal. This means that the subcontracting process should not change the scope or objectives of the project significantly.
In conclusion, subcontracting is an important way for organizations to leverage the expertise of others and complete projects within the Horizon Europe program. However, it is important to follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the program to ensure that the process is fair, transparent, and does not result in any unfair advantages. By following these rules, organizations can ensure that their projects are completed successfully and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.