It is very important to emphasise that for the implementation of IPA programmes project fiches must be drafted. Afterwards, depending on the type of specific contract Terms of Reference and Technical Specification must be prepared by the State administration bodies.

Based on aforementioned project documentation, tender is being drafted and published. Companies interested in a certain tender opportunity, submit their project applications. Companies from private sector have the possibility for submitting application to all tenders related to various EU programmes.

There is a possibility for submitting application for grant contract award for business sector through IPA programme. Special template is foreseen for these cases.

The list of companies which have been successful tenderers is available on the Central Finance and Contracting Agency’s web page (www.safu.hr) in a document published for all individual tender opportunity under the title “Contract Award Notice”.

The information on amount of allocated funds from specific programme is available on Financial Agreements signed for project pipeline financed from annual allocation of funds for each programme.

Basically, it is necessary to obtain references in an open market or become a partner to companies with more experience in this field. Information on companies which have been successful tenderers for projects financed within the EU funds is available on the CFCA’s web-page: www.safu.hr (under Tender Opportunities please see concluded contracts, i.e. Award Notice – information on the most successful tenderer).

In accordance with procurement procedures of the European Commission, the tender opportunities are opened from 2 to 3 months (depending on the amount of co-financing). Two months should be enough for drafting project proposal. There is a need for a longer time period if the applicant does not have experience in such matter.