This study assignment concerns the evaluation of technologies or products with regard to their economic and ecological aspects (i.e. sustainability aspects) which are important for early recognition of unintended effects, such as new dependencies on critical raw materials. and thus be able to take appropriate countermeasures before certain dependencies arise which can still be difficult to change afterwards. Consequently, it is important to subject technologies or products to a comprehensive economic and ecological evaluation/assessment in a timely manner.

The methodologies used (and their underlying methods) that apply here for sustainability assessment are typical:

— Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for Environmental Sustainability, and

— technoeconomic evaluation (TEA) for economic aspects.

Such assessments are subject to a series of previews, from the choice of the evaluation method to the decision on which development paths the analyses should be based. The results obtained cannot therefore be considered absolute and generally applicable but are subject to the established assessment framework, methodology and other specific limitations. The uncertainties can be discussed in the light of the generally low technical readiness of the technologies/products examined.

The various MoonShot projects (and related technologies/products) can therefore be further evaluated (quantitatively) with regard to their system compatibility, possible routes for development and application and use possibilities. Quantitative evaluation should be applicable at different stages of the study. Depending on the duration of the project, this can be done at the start, during the research to adjust, and at the end of the research to define further steps. This should also be applicable in the further development of a strategy and based on new insights, and therefore be related to a more advanced input than in an earlier phase.

The project should be carried out over a period of 1.5 years in order to follow the developments of Moonshot and to design the appropriate overarching evaluation methodology and associated use tool. In addition, its possible impact can be investigated and further predicted. A required option is the development of a 'quick scan' derived from selected TEA, LCA and IA analysis methods carried out on selected projects. A predetermined initial estimate of approximately 400,000 euros (excl. VAT) will be used within 2021-2022 in total for all segments. This should also allow the user tool to be applied to a number of Moonshot projects (5-10, which will be determined later in consultation with the client) as a test case.

For information purposes, a Moonshot application round takes place annually in which projects are selected for eligibility. For this purpose, EUR 20 000 000 is provided annually, which translates into about 10 projects approved.

The development of the evaluation framework and the corresponding user tool can be seen as a key activity.

For a further explanation of the assignment, see part IV. Technical regulations.

INFOSESSION

An online information session will be held on 20.5.2021, from 13:00 — 14:00. During this information session there is an opportunity to ask questions. The questions and answers of this session will be published on e-Procurement. It is mandatory to register for this information session via clusters@vlaio.be at the latest on 19.5.2021 at 12:00. You are also requested to send your questions to us at least 24 hours in advance, also via clusters@vlaio.be, so that we can take your questions with you in the preparation process.

Competition procedure with negotiation.