The IT consultancy services to be provided mainly fall within three categories:

1) dataflow support including post-processing of data, covering services to design, implement and support the dataflows operated by the EEA (both geospatial and tabular data);

2) services for the maintenance and operation of the EEA Discomap platform; and

3) expert support services for data visualisation and dissemination.

The EEA is responsible for developing, implementing and operating 100+ spatial and tabular dataflows in which Member States report environmental data to the EEA. When data have been successfully delivered to the EEA, the data are processed in various steps and eventually disseminated for further use. The EEA and DG ENV co-own the referred systems, though the EEA is responsible for infrastructure and day-to-day operation. The dataflows and services implemented at the EEA are highly automated, though continuous maintenance and support are required to ensure a smooth operation. Services required by the Commission will be performed in close cooperation with the EEA. The EEA has established the Common Workspace (CWS) where consultants are given remote desktop access to a common IT infrastructure, including both virtual servers and software. The CWS will be a fundamental element for the future contractor for the performance of the framework contract. To ensure long-term continuity within the EEA, the future contractor will be required to organise training sessions to make EEA staff confident with the software packages, specifically FME, ArcGIS and Tableau.