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2.7.2011 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 193/3 COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 1 July 2011 concerning the financing for the year 2011 of activities in the veterinary field related to the European Union's information policy, support of international organisations, disease notification and computerisation of veterinary procedures 2011/C 193/03 THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field ( 1 ) , and in particular Articles 20, 23, 35(2), 36(2) and 41 thereof, Whereas, (1) In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the budget of the European Union shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution. (2) In accordance with Article 110 of the Financial Regulation, an annual work programme must be adopted for grants. (3) It is necessary to lay down a work programme for the activities of the European Union in the veterinary field related to information policy, support of international organisations, disease notification and computerisation of veterinary procedures. (4) As the work programme in the annexes is a sufficiently detailed framework in the meaning of Article 90(2) and (3) of Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the General Budget of the European Communities ( 2 ) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Implementing Rules’), the present decision constitutes a financing decision for the expenditure provided for in the work programme for grants and procurement. (5) Article 19 of Decision 2009/470/EC rules that the Union shall make a financial contribution to the establishment of an information policy in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin including the performance of studies necessary for the preparation and development of legislation in the field of animal welfare. (6) Article 19 paragraph (a)(i) of Decision 2009/470/EC provides that the Union shall make a financial contribution to the gathering and storing of all information relating to Union legislation in the field of animal health, animal welfare and food safety in products of animal origin. (7) Communication activities were put in place in previous years to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles to stakeholders, organisations and society as a whole. It is appropriate that these communication activities continue in 2011. (8) For the purposes of defining the communication strategy to be adopted from 2012 onwards it is appropriate to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Commission's promotion of animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy from 2008 to 2010. (9) Pursuant to Article 22 of Decision 2009/470/EC, the Union may undertake, or assist the Member States or international organisations in undertaking, the technical and scientific measures necessary for the development of Union veterinary legislation and for the development of veterinary education or training. (10) Under Article 168(1)(c) of the Implementing Rules, grants or contributions may be awarded without a call for proposals in the case of bodies with a de facto monopoly. As standard setting body under the WTO/SPS Agreement, and as the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health and welfare worldwide through the implementation of its standards, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has a de facto monopoly in this sector, hence a call for proposals is not required in order for the EU to contribute to the organisation of Global Conferences and Regional Seminars on animal health and welfare. (11) Article 35(1) of Decision 2009/470/EC allows for Union financial assistance for the introduction of systems to identify animals and notify diseases. (12) A Union financial contribution should be granted for the management of and for improving the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS), based on Commission Decision 2005/176/EC of 1 March 2005 laying down the codified form and the codes for the notification of animal diseases pursuant to Council Directive 82/894/EEC ( 3 ) . (13) Article 36 of Decision 2009/470/EC provides for Union financial contribution for certain computerised systems used in intra Union trade and imports. (14) It is necessary to continue to provide financial contributions for hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system Traces (Trade Control and Expert System) introduced by Commission Decision 2003/24/EC of 30 December 2002 concerning the development of an integrated computerised veterinary system ( 4 ) . (15) Article 41 of Decision 2009/470/EC provides for the Commission to submit a report to the Council and Parliament on the animal health situation and the cost effectiveness of the implementation of programmes for the eradication control and monitoring of animal diseases. (16) This financing decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Articles 83 of the Financial Regulation and 106(5) of the Implementing Rules. (17) For the application of this decision, it is appropriate to define the term ‘substantial change’ within the meaning of Article 90(4) of the Implementing Rules. (18) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The annual work programme for the implementation of Articles 20, 23, 35(2), 36(2) and 41 of Decision 2009/470/EC, as set out in Annexes I and II, is hereby adopted. The work programme constitutes a financing decision in the meaning of Article 75 of the Financial Regulation. Article 2 The maximum contribution authorised by this Decision for the implementation of the programme is set at EUR 5 370 000 to be financed from the following lines of the General Budget of the European Union for 2011: — budget line 17040201 : EUR 5 370 000. These appropriations may also cover interest due for late payment. Article 3 The budget implementation of tasks related to action 1.2.1. in the Annex may be entrusted to the following international organisation, which applies standards which offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards in its accounting, audit, internal control and procurement procedures: World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Article 4 1. The authorising officer may adopt any changes to this Decision which are not considered substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, in accordance with the principles of sound financial management and of proportionality. 2. Cumulated changes of the allocations to the actions covered by the work programme not exceeding 10 % of the maximum contribution provided for in Article 2 of this Decision shall not be considered to be substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, provided that they do not significantly affect the nature and objective of the work programme. Article 5 Grants may be awarded without a call for proposals to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and for the organisation of the the first International Conference on Animal Health Surveillance (ICAHS), in accordance with the conditions detailed in the annexed work programme. Done at Brussels, 1 July 2011. For the Commission John DALLI Member of the Commission ( 1 ) OJ L 155, 18.6.2009, p. 30 . ( 2 ) OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1 . ( 3 ) OJ L 59, 5.3.2005, p. 40 . ( 4 ) OJ L 8, 14.1.2003, p. 44 . ANNEX I Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field, and in particular Articles 20, 23, 35(2), 36(2) and 41 thereof — Work Programme for 2011 1.1. Introduction This programme contains eight implementing measures for the year 2011. On the basis of the objectives given in the Council Decision 2009/470/EC of 25 May 2009 on expenditure in the veterinary field, the distribution of budget and the main actions are the following: — for grants (implemented in joint management) (1.2.1): — A Union financial contribution, for the organisation of global conferences on aquatic animal health, rabies control and foot-and-mouth disease, and regional seminars on sanitary information systems, animal welfare and animal production food safety, up to a maximum of EUR 660 000. — for procurement (implemented in direct centralised management) (1.3): — Use of framework contracts for the publication and dissemination of information to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles up to a maximum of EUR 1 500 000 (1.3.1). — Use of framework contracts for studies, publications and the dissemination of information to support the strategy on animal welfare up to a maximum of EUR 575 000 (1.3.2). — Use of open calls for studies, publications and the dissemination of information to support the strategy on animal welfare up to a maximum of EUR 210 000 (1.3.3). — Use of framework contracts to update the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) with the necessary technical improvements up to a maximum of EUR 350 000 (1.3.4). — Use of framework contracts to host, maintain and develop the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) up to a maximum of EUR 1 975 000 (1.3.5). — Use of framework contract for the performance of studies to support a report on the animal health situation and the cost-effectiveness of the implementation of programmes for the eradication control and monitoring of animal diseases up to an overall maximum of EUR 100 000 (1.3.6). 1.2. Grants 1.2.1. Global conferences on aquatic animal health, rabies control and foot-and-mouth disease, and regional seminars on sanitary information systems, animal welfare and animal production food safety Contributions shall be covered by a written agreement. LEGAL BASIS Article 23 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 IMPLEMENTING ENTITY The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. In order to improve the animal health status worldwide and consequently lower the animal disease risk in the EU, it is important that the EU approach to animal health and welfare be shared with all member countries of the OIE and that the EU actively supports conferences and training seminars organised by the OIE in order to promote the Union's animal health and welfare policy at the occasion. Under Article 168(1)(c) of the Implementing Rules, grants or contributions may be awarded without a call for proposals in the case of bodies with a de facto monopoly. As standard setting body under the WTO/SPS Agreement, and as the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health and welfare worldwide through the implementation of its standards, the OIE has a de facto monopoly in this sector hence a call for proposals is not required in order for the EU to contribute to the organisation of global conferences and regional seminars on animal health and welfare. The Commission and the OIE have signed on 7 June 2010 a long-term Framework Agreement laying down the administrative and financial arrangements for their cooperation (here attached), whereby the ‘European Union Contribution Agreement with an International Organisation’ (the ‘Standard Contribution Agreement’ or ‘SCA’) applies to global, regional or national programmes and actions administered by the OIE and financed or co-financed by the European Union. This Framework Agreement (FA) was signed by DG AIDCO, in the name of the Commission. A thorough and complete assessment of the OIE had been done previously, through a ‘four-pillar assessment’ that established that the OIE applied, in its accounting, audit, control and procurement procedures, standards that offer guarantees equivalent to internationally accepted standards. OBJECTIVES TO BE FULFILLED AND FORESEEN RESULTS To share the EU approach to animal health and welfare with all members of the OIE through the promotion of the Union's animal health and welfare policy at the occasion of conferences and training seminars organised by the OIE. Eventually to improve the animal health status worldwide and consequently lower the animal disease risk in the EU. DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE IMPLEMENTING MEASURE An overview of the different actions to be financed under this point can be found in Annex II. IMPLEMENTATION Joint management DIRECT AWARD: ARTICLE 168(1)(C) INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION EUR 660 000 MAXIMUM POSSIBLE RATE OF CO-FINANCING Not applicable 1.3. Procurement The global budgetary envelope reserved in 2011 for the procurement contracts amounts to EUR 4 710 000. 1.3.1. Publications and dissemination of information to promote animal health issues and the Animal Health Strategy principles LEGAL BASIS Article 20 of Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED Conclusion of at least four specific service contracts (use of existing framework contracts) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) — To develop the communication campaign for the EU Veterinary Week 2011, in order to promote the Union's Animal Health Policy, including events, logistics and promotional materials. — Evaluation of the impact of 2008-2010 Communication campaigns (including, but not exclusively, the Vet Week Conference, One Health Roadshow, and World Veterinary Year 2011 activities). — Further translation and update of the online handbook on rabies prevention. — Preliminary work in preparation for EU Veterinary Week 2012. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE First half 2011 INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 1 500 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE) Conclusion of at least four specific service contracts under framework contract reference SANCO/2009/A1/005 1.3.2. Study to support ongoing policy on animal welfare and maintenance of existing communication tools (framework contracts) LEGAL BASIS Articles 20 and 23 of Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED A maximum of six service contracts (using a framework contract) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) (a) One study on the welfare of farmed fish; (b) Organisation or co-organisation of a maximum of four events to promote EU animal welfare standards for better implementation within the EU; (c) Maintenance of existing specific animal welfare websites Farmland and Animal Welfare Education; (d) Production of publications on animal welfare. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE July 2011 INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 575 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACTS Conclusion of a maximum of five specific service contracts under framework contract reference SANCO/2009/A1/005 lots 1 and 2, and conclusion of one specific service contract under framework contract reference SANCO/2008/01/055, Lot 3 1.3.3. Study and event to support ongoing policy on animal welfare (open calls for tender) LEGAL BASIS Articles 20 and 23 of Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED A maximum of two service contracts (open calls for tender) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) (a) One study to support the report on systems restraining bovine animals by inversion or any unnatural position due by Article 27(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing; (b) Co-organisation of a event to promote animal welfare mutual understanding outside the EU. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE July 2011 INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 210 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACTS Conclusion of a maximum of three open calls for tender 1.3.4. Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) LEGAL BASIS Article 35(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED A maximum of three service contracts (use of existing framework contracts) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) The objective of this procurement contract is: (a) ongoing work on the ADNS system; (b) mapping: improved use of mapping tools; (c) licenses and support. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE Already executed by DIGIT INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 350 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of a maximum of three specific service contracts (during 2011) under framework contract reference DI 5710-5750 1.3.5. The hosting, management, maintenance and further development of the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) LEGAL BASIS Article 36(2) of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED Several service contracts (use of existing framework contracts) SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) (a) EUR 1 925 000 for the hosting, management and maintenance of the integrated computerised veterinary system TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System), logistical support to assist TRACES users, contribution to central services, communication, web site, security and the purchase (maintenance and support) of software licences; (b) EUR 50 000 to develop and implement an informatic platform for the exchange of information between national bovine databases, combined with the certification via TRACES. IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE Signed framework contracts for everything except the administrative agreement with DIGIT for the hosting INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 1 975 000 (part of 140 M. Euro ESP DESIS I & II (IT development services by DIGIT)) SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of several specific service contracts (during the first semester of 2011) under framework contract references DIGIT 1.3.6. Performance of studies to support a report on the animal health situation and the cost-effectiveness of the implementation of programmes for the eradication control and monitoring of animal diseases LEGAL BASIS Article 41 of Council Decision 2009/470/EC BUDGETARY LINE 17 04 02 01 INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED Two service contracts (use of existing framework contract) OJ L 313, 28.11.2009, p. 129 SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE) To prepare studies as input towards finalising the report as mentioned in Article 41 of Decision 2009/470/EC IMPLEMENTATION Direct centralised INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE Second semester of 2011 INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS EUR 100 000 SPECIFIC CONTRACT Conclusion of two specific service contracts (during the first semester of 2011) under framework contract reference SANCO/2008/01/055 ANNEX II Summary of the activities to be organised by the OIE in 2011, as referred to in Annex I point 1.2.1 Activity Venue Dates (2011) 1. Global conferences 1.1. Aquatic animal health programmes and their benefit for global food security Panama City (Panama) 27-29 June 2011 1.2. Rabies control Seoul (Republic of Korea) 7-9 September 2011 1.3. 2nd International Conference on Foot and Mouth Disease: ‘The way towards global control’ Thailand First semester of 2012 2. Seminars and workshops 2.1. Regional seminar of Europe (OIE region) for OIE national focal points for sanitary information systems (WAHIS/WAHID) Vladimir (Russia) 15-17 June 2011 2.2. Regional seminar of Europe (OIE region) for OIE animal welfare national focal points, linked with the animal welfare strategy for Europe Kiev (Ukraine) Date to be confirmed 2.3. Regional seminar of Europe (OIE region) for OIE national focal points for animal production food safety Italy 7-11 November 2011