The Government of Serbia, supported by the EBRD, launched a competitive tender to select telecom operators responsible for deploying mid-mile broadband infrastructure to 600 rural schools. To safeguard transparency and full compliance with EU state-aid regulations, an independent observer was required to oversee the process and ensure fair, objective, and technology-neutral selection.
The challenge
The tender had to be conducted in a manner that met strict EU regulatory requirements while ensuring that selection criteria were appropriate, bid documents compliant, proposed technologies suitable, and any complaints addressed impartially. The government needed independent oversight to validate the integrity of the process from pre-tender preparation through final evaluation.
Project outline
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Reviewed and confirmed appropriateness of operator selection criteria.
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Verified compliance of tender documents with EU state-aid rules.
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Monitored fairness, transparency, and procedural compliance throughout the tender.
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Assessed suitability of proposed technical solutions.
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Provided guidance on any complaints or issues raised during the selection process.
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Delivered an Initial Evaluation Report during the pre-tender phase.
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Produced three Observation Reports during the tender stages.
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Issued expert post-tender opinions on adherence to fair tendering principles.
Our impact
Salience ensured that the full tender process was conducted transparently, objectively, and in full alignment with EU regulatory expectations. The independent oversight strengthened trust in the selection outcome, safeguarded the fairness of operator evaluation, and supported Serbia’s efforts to extend broadband infrastructure to underserved rural communities.
Duration of engagement: November 2020 – May 2021