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European Commission

EUROPEAN CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID OPERATIONS

WORKING WITH DG ECHO AS AN NGO PARTNER | 2021 - 2027

HUMANITARIAN PROCUREMENT CENTRES (HPCs)

Humanitarian Procurement Centres (HPCs) are non-profit Organisations specialised in the procurement of supplies and services necessary for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the provision of related technical assistance, supply purchasing or logistics services. An HPC may either be an independent entity or a specialised supply or procurement department of a non-governmental organisation or an international organisation, provided that it has the appropriate levels of specialisation and discretion in procurement decisions. 

 

 

DG ECHO maintains a Register (availalbe below) of suitably qualified HPCs, recognised in accordance with set procedures and criteria.

The approach of DG ECHO towards the assessment and recognition of Humanitarian Procurement Centres (HPCs) is being reviewed in the context of a reflection and evaluation exercise launched in 2023. It is not currently possible for entities to apply for recognition by DG ECHO as HPCs. Notice of such a possibility being available again will be advertised here in due time.

The criteria for recognition as an HPC include, among others, appropriate legal personality and registration, non-profit nature, a non-discriminatory sales and fair pricing methodology and policy (including all overheads and mark-ups), expertise in procurement and related activities, well-documented and fair procurement procedures and quality assurance provisions, and an adequate financial and administrative capacity. 

 

 

HCPs play an important role in the global humanitarian aid effort, and as such are expected to conduct themselves with high levels of integrity, transparency and respect of procurement principles, such as best value for money and absence of conflict of interest.

There is no contractual relation between the DG ECHO and the HPC. The recognition of an Organisation as an HPC does not constitute an assurance with respect to the quality of individual products and services provided by the HPC or with respect to the HPC’s compliance with contractual obligations towards third parties.

To verify compliance with above procedures, criteria and principles, DG ECHO performs periodic on-site examinations of recognised HPCs. 

APPLICABLE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

When using the services of an HPC, the Partner can apply a negotiated procedure with a single offer. When procuring medical supplies, the Partner does not have to perform pre-qualification of supplies. 

The Partner must exercise the necessary degree of care, efficiency and diligence with regard to monitoring of the timeliness and quality of the supplies or services provided by the HPC. In cases where the quality or service falls below those expected, the Partner must inform the DG ECHO of the shortcomings and circumstances. 

Annotated Grant Agreement (AGA) – including Specific Rules for HUMA (Annex 5) - SPECIFIC RULES FOR CARRYING OUT THE ACTION, 4. Quality standards for medical and food supplies

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Provisions on medical and food supplies applicable to actions funded under the EU Humanitarian Partnership Certificate 2021 – 2027

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HPC Register

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PuntoSUDLATTANZIO KIBSURIECAH