Although EASA has significantly increased the number of qualified staff members it employs in its fields of competence, and has consequently internalised a large number of projects and tasks, it continues to use the services of external service providers and outsources a part of the certification tasks. The Agency retains the overall responsibility for all certificates which the Agency issues. The relationship between EASA and these service providers is covered by dedicated framework contracts.

Qualified entities (QEs), need to fulfil the requirements as specified in Annex V of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

In support of the activities mentioned under II.1.4 the Agency is looking to sign contracts with competent, experienced and qualified service providers being able and willing to work for EASA and become a relevant part of the European aviation oversight system.