Project Overview
The Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, as the contracting authority, initiated a complex procurement process to renew the urban bus fleets in Athens and Thessaloniki. The challenge was to develop detailed technical specifications and evaluation criteria for various bus types, including hybrid, CNG, and electric buses. The process also required addressing numerous technical inquiries, providing opinions during the clarification stages, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This included preparing documentation for judicial and pre-judicial appeals and responding to questions from stakeholders.
Consultant's Role and Approach
PLANET's expert team guided the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport throughout the complex procurement process, ensuring every step aligned with local regulations and EU standards. Key activities included:
- Preparation of detailed technical specifications for hybrid, CNG, and electric buses, focusing on critical components such as engines, mechanical parts, vehicle bodywork, interiors, and delivery schedules.
- Developing robust evaluation criteria to assess the buses' quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with environmental standards.
- Providing thorough reviews and responses to clarification requests from bidders, economic entities, and government bodies.
- Assisting in the documentation and responses required during the pre-judicial and judicial protection processes.
- Ensuring the correct submission of documents to the Court of Auditors and addressing inquiries from the Parliament.
- Preparing regular reports, including a final comprehensive report detailing all activities and providing a clear overview of the project's status.
By providing comprehensive technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and expert guidance on legal and technical inquiries, PLANET ensured the smooth progression of the project, setting the stage for the procurement of modern, eco-friendly buses that will enhance urban mobility in both cities.
Outcomes and Impact
PLANET successfully facilitated the procurement process, ensuring that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport could select the best-suited bus types for Athens and Thessaloniki. By providing expert guidance, addressing legal and technical inquiries, and developing a robust set of specifications and criteria, PLANET helped ensure that the project remained on track for implementation.
