The objective of the framework contract is to set up a framework for carrying out Sustainability Impact Assessments (SIAs), and background studies which could feed into an impact assessment or an ex post or interim evaluation of trade or investment agreements.

Apart from negotiations for, or existing, bilateral, plurilateral or multilateral trade or investment agreements, the framework contract is also intended to provide supporting studies for impact assessments or ex post or interim evaluations of the EU's unilateral preferential trade arrangements. References to analyses or assessments of “trade or investment” agreements should be understood to cover analyses or assessments of these unilateral preferential trade arrangements as well.

This contract is based on the system of multiple framework contracts with reopening of competition.

Maximum number of participants to the framework agreement: 6.