Question 1: "The communication strategy will be made available to the successful bidder.": Does this refer to the communication strategy named in lot 3 of this tender or to one that already exists - this would mean that lot 3 would have to be developed first (before lots 1 and 2). Can you specify this sentence in more detail? 

A general communication strategy for the project has been developed by the project consortium as an overarching framework and will be made available to the successful bidder as a basis for the development of the services in lot 1 and 2 (e.g. see Annex 3). The communication strategy requested in lot 3 aims to more specifically increase the reach of the programme and goes beyond this general framework. 

Question 2: According to the tender, synergies of technical implementations from the Cool Up website are to be used for the new MENALINKS website. Can you specify which functions and features these should be and can it be guaranteed that code and modules from the Cool Up website can be transferred in a well-documented manner? 

The Cool Up website was developed using WordPress, and the relevant functionalities and components within WordPress should be leveraged as a reference for the MENALINKS website development. While reusing specific code and modules may depend on compatibility, the components of the Cool Up website can serve as a valuable reference or best practice example for developing the MENALINKS website’s features. These elements will guide the creation of new, tailored components for MENALINKS where appropriate.

Question 3: Apart from the log-in area, are there any new, special technical features (e.g. databases, map applications, etc.) that you are planning for the new MENALINKS website and that should be included in the cost calculations? 

As specified in the tender, a database of female energy experts is to be created for the project. 

Question 4: Are we right in assuming that the cost estimate for the log-in area should show the costs for an interface integration of a possible web-based collaboration platform selected by you or should an offer for an individual extranet application already be estimated here (precise cost estimate not possible without technical specification)? 

The login area needs to cover the functionalities listed in Annex 3. We are open to all forms of implementation that are practical and cost-effective.

Question 5: Do you already have ideas and estimates regarding the budget for lot 2? 

We are open to receiving all practical and cost-effective proposals. Each submission will be thoroughly evaluated based on the technical and financial criteria outlined in the tender documentation.

Question 6: Regarding the Maintenance part, you mention "regular content updates". Can you provide an approximate monthly quantity structure (e.g. number of articles and graphics to be implemented)? 

Content creation for the MENALINKS website will be handled by Guidehouse. The contractor’s role will be to ensure that the Guidehouse team can smoothly update content on the website, without any issues, during the first year.

Question 7: You mention that "The communication strategy will be made available to the successful bidder.", but at the same time the development of an overall communication strategy seems to be part of Lot 3. How is this to be understood? 

See answer question 1.