Directive 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

Id-Direttiva 2004/17/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill

of 31 March 2004

tal-31 ta' Marzu 2004

coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors

li tikkoordina l-proċeduri ta' akkwisti ta' entitajiet li joperaw fis-setturi tas-servizzi ta' l-ilma, l-enerġija, t-trasport u postali

IL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW U L-KUNSILL TA' L-UNJONI EWROPEA,

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Wara li kkunsidraw it-Trattat li jistabbilixxi l-Komunità Ewropea, u b'mod partikolari l-Artikolu 47(2) u l-Artikoli 55 u 95 tiegħu,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 47(2) and Article 55 and Article 95 thereof,

Wara li kkunsidraw il-proposta mill-Kummissjoni [1],

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),

Wara li kkunsidraw l-Opinjoni tal-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali [2],

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),

Wara li kkunsidraw l-Opinjoni tal-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni [3],

Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions(3),

Filwaqt li jaġixxu skond il-proċedura preskritta fl-Artikolu 251 tat-Trattat [4], fid-dawl tat-test konġunt approvat mill-Kumitat ta' Konċiljazzjoni fid-9 ta' Diċembru 2003,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty(4), in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on 9 December 2003,

Billi:

Whereas:

(1) Fl-okkażjoni ta' emendi ġodda li jkunu qed isiru għad-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 93/38/KEE ta' l-14 ta' Ġunju 1993 li tikkoordina l-proċeduri ta' akkwisti ta' entitajiet li joperaw fis-setturi ta' l-ilma, l-enerġija, it-trasport u t-telekomunikazzjonijiet [5], li huma meħtieġa biex jilħqu talbiet għal simplifikazzjoni u modernizzazzjoni magħmula minn kemm entitajiet kontraenti u operaturi ekonomiċi fit-tweġibiet tagħhom lill-Karta l-Ħadra (Green Paper) adottata mill-Kummissjoni fis-27 ta' Novembru 1996, id-Direttiva għandha, fl-interess ta' ċarezza, tiġi abozzata mill-ġdid. Din id-Direttiva hija bażata fuq ġurisprudenza tal-Qorti tal-Ġustizzja, partikolarment ġurisprudenza fuq kriterja ta' għotja, li tiċċara l-possibiltajiet għall-entitajiet kontraenti li jilħqu l-bżonnijiet tal-pubbliku konċernat, inkluż l-erja ambjentali u/jew soċjali, basta iżda li dawn il-kriterji huma magħquda mal-kontenut tas-suġġett tal-kuntratt, ma jagħtux liberta ta' għażla mhux ristretta lill-entità kontraenti, huma msemmija espressament u jikkonformaw mal-prinċipji fondamentali msemmija f'reċitazzjoni 9.

(1) On the occasion of new amendments being made to Council Directive 93/38/EEC of 14 June 1993 coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors(5), which are necessary to meet requests for simplification and modernisation made by contracting entities and economic operators alike in their responses to the Green Paper adopted by the Commission on 27 November 1996, the Directive should, in the interests of clarity, be recast. This Directive is based on Court of Justice case-law, in particular case-law on award criteria, which clarifies the possibilities for the contracting entities to meet the needs of the public concerned, including in the environmental and/or social area, provided that such criteria are linked to the subject-matter of the contract, do not confer an unrestricted freedom of choice on the contracting entity, are expressly mentioned and comply with the fundamental principles mentioned in recital 9.

(2) Raġuni waħda prinċipali għall-introduzzjoni ta' regoli li jikkordinaw proċeduri għall-għoti ta' kuntratti f'dawn is-setturi hija l-varjeta ta' modi li fihom l-awtoritajiet nazzjonali jistgħu jinfluwenzaw l-imġieba ta' dawn l-entitajiet, inkluż parteċipazzjoni fil-kapital tagħhom u rappreżentazzjoni fil-korpijiet amministrattivi, maniġerjali jew superviżorji ta' l-entitajiet.

(2) One major reason for the introduction of rules coordinating procedures for the award of contracts in these sectors is the variety of ways in which national authorities can influence the behaviour of these entities, including participation in their capital and representation in the entities' administrative, managerial or supervisory bodies.

(3) Raġuni oħra prinċipali għaliex huwa meħtieġ li jiġu kordinati proċeduri ta' akkwisti applikati mill-entitajiet li qed joperaw f'dawn is-setturi hija n-natura magħluqa tas-swieq li fihom joperaw, minħabba fl-eżistenza ta' drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi mogħtija mill-Istati Membri li għandhom x'jaqsmu mal-provvista lill-provvediment jew operat ta' xbieki biex jiġi provdut is-servizz konċernat.

(3) Another main reason why it is necessary to coordinate procurement procedures applied by the entities operating in these sectors is the closed nature of the markets in which they operate, due to the existence of special or exclusive rights granted by the Member States concerning the supply to, provision or operation of networks for providing the service concerned.

(4) Leġislazzjoni Komunitarja, u partikolarment ir-Regolament tal-Kunsill (KEE) Nru 3975/87 ta' l-14 ta' Diċembru 1987 li jippreskrivi l-proċedura għall-applikazzjoni tar-regoli dwar kompetizzjoni lill-impriżi fis-settur tat-trasport bl-ajru [6] u r-Regolament (KEE) Nru 3976/87 ta' 14 ta' Diċembru 1987 dwar l-applikazzjoni ta' l-Artikolu 85(3) tat-Trattat lill-ċerti kategoriji ta' ftehim u prattiċi għalenija fis-settur tat-trasport bl-ajru [7], hija disinjata biex tintroduċi aktar kompetizzjoni bejn ġarrara li jipprovdu servizzi ta' trasport bl-ajru lill-pubbliku. Mhuwiex għalhekk xieraq li jiġu nklużi dawn l-entitajiet fl-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva. Bil-ħsieb tal-pożizzjoni kompetittiva ta' trasport bil-baħar tal-Komunità, lanqas ma jkun xieraq li jsiru l-kuntratti mogħtija f'dan is-settur bla ħsara għar-regoli ta' din id-Direttiva.

(4) Community legislation, and in particular Council Regulation (EEC) No 3975/87 of 14 December 1987 laying down the procedure for the application of the rules on competition to undertakings in the air transport sector(6) and Regulation (EEC) No 3976/87 of 14 December 1987 on the application of Article 85(3) of the Treaty to certain categories of agreements and concerted practices in the air transport sector(7), is designed to introduce more competition between carriers providing air transport services to the public. It is therefore not appropriate to include such entities in the scope of this Directive. In view of the competitive position of Community shipping, it would also be inappropriate to make the contracts awarded in this sector subject to the rules of this Directive.

(5) L-iskop ta' Direttiva 98/38/KEE ikopri, fil-preżent, ċerti kuntratti mogħtija minn entitajiet kontraenti li joperaw fis-settur tat-telekomunikazzjonijiet. Qafas leġislattiv, kif imsemmi fir-Raba' rapport dwar l-implimentazzjoni tar-regolamenti tat-telekomunikazzjonijiet tal-25 ta' Novembru 1998, ġie adottat biex jinfetaħ dan is-settur. Waħda mill-konsegwenzi tiegħu kienet l-introduzzjoni ta' kompetizzjoni effettiva, kemm de jure u de facto, f'dan is-settur. Għall-iskopijiet ta' tagħrif, u fid-dawl ta' din is-sitwazzjoni, il-Kummissjoni pubblikat lista ta' servizzi ta' telekomunikazzjonijijet [8] li jista' jkun li diġa ġiet eskluża mill-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva minħabba fl-Artikolu 8 tiegħu. Aktar progress ġie konfermat fis-Seba' rapport dwar l-implimentazzjoni ta' regolamenti ta' telekomunikazzjonijiet tas-26 ta' Novembru 2001. Huwa għalhekk li m'għadux meħtieġ li jiġi regolat xiri minn entitajiet li qed joperaw f'dan is-settur.

(5) The scope of Directive 98/38/EEC covers, at present, certain contracts awarded by contracting entities operating in the telecommunications sector. A legislative framework, as mentioned in the Fourth report on the implementation of the telecommunications regulations of 25 November 1998, has been adopted to open this sector. One of its consequences has been the introduction of effective competition, both de jure and de facto, in this sector. For information purposes, and in the light of this situation, the Commission has published a list of telecommunications services(8) which may already be excluded from the scope of that Directive by virtue of Article 8 thereof. Further progress has been confirmed in the Seventh report on the implementation of telecommunications regulations of 26 November 2001. It is therefore no longer necessary to regulate purchases by entities operating in this sector.

(6) Huwa għalhekk li m'għadux xieraq li jinżamm il-Kumitat Konsultattiv dwar Akkwist ta' Telekomunikazzjonijiet stabbilit mid-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 90/531/KEE tas-17 ta' Settembru 190 dwar il-proċeduri ta' akkwist ta' entitajiet li qed joperaw fis-setturi ta' l-ilma, l-enerġija, it-trasport u t-telekomunikazzjonijiet [9].

(6) It is therefore no longer appropriate to maintain the Advisory Committee on Telecommunications Procurement set up by Council Directive 90/531/EEC of 17 September 1990 on the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy transport and telecommunications sectors(9).

(7) Madankollu, huwa xieraq li jitkompla l-monitoraġġ ta' żviluppi fis-settur ta' telekomunikazzjonijiet u li tiġi kunsidrata mill-ġdid is-sitwazzjoni jekk ikun stabbilit li m'għadx hemm kompetizzjoni effettiva f'dak is-settur.

(7) Nevertheless, it is appropriate to continue to monitor developments in the telecommunications sector and to reconsider the situation if it is established that there is no longer effective competition in that sector.

(8) Id-Direttiva 93/38/KEE teskludi mill-iskop tagħha xiri ta' servizzi ta' telefonija bil-vuċi, tat-telex, tat-telefon ċellulari, ta' paging u tas-satellita. Dawn l-esklużjonijiet ġew introdotti biex jitqies il-fatt li s-servizzi msemmija setgħu ġew provvduti biss minn provveditur wieħed ta' servizz f'erja ġeografika msemmija minħabba fl-assenza ta' kompetizzjoni effettiva u l-eżistenza ta' drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi. L-introduzzjoni ta' kompetizzjoni effettiva fis-settur tat-telekomunikazzjonijiet tneħħi l-ġustifikazzjoni għal-dawn l-esklużjonijiet. Huwa għalhekk meħtieġ li jiġi nkluż l-akkwist ta' dawn is-servizzi ta' telekomunikazzjonijiet fl-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva.

(8) Directive 93/38/EEC excludes from its scope purchases of voice telephony, telex, mobile telephone, paging and satellite services. Those exclusions were introduced to take account of the fact that the services in question could frequently be provided only by one service provider in a given geographical area because of the absence of effective competition and the existence of special or exclusive rights. The introduction of effective competition in the telecommunications sector removes the justification for these exclusions. It is therefore necessary to include the procurement of such telecommunications services in the scope of this Directive.

(9) Sabiex jiġi garantit il-ftuħ għall-kompetizzjoni ta' kuntratti ta' akkwist pubbliku mogħtija minn entitajiet li qed joperaw f'setturi tas-servizzi ta' l-ilma, l-enerġijia, it-trasport u tal-posta, huwa ta' parir li jitfasslu dispożizzjonijiet għal koordinazzjoni tal-Komunità ta' kuntratti ‘l fuq minn ċertu valur. Din il-kordinazzjoni hija bażata fuq ħtiġijiet inferibbli mill-Artikoli 14, 28 u 49 tat-Trattat tal-KE u mill-Artikolu 97 tat-Trattat ta' l-Euratom, prinċipalment ta' trattament ugwali, li tiegħu il-prinċipju ta' nuqqas ta' diskriminazzjoni mhuwiex aktar minn espressjoni speċifika, il-prinċipju ta' għarfien bejn xulxin, il-prinċipju ta' proporzjonalita, kif ukoll il-prinċipju ta' trasparenza. Bil-ħsieb tan-natura tas-setturi affettwati minn din il-kordinazzjoni, dan ta' l-aħħar għandu, fil-waqt li jissalvagwardja l-applikazzjoni ta' dawn il-prinċipji, jistabbilixxi qafas għal prattika kummerċjali soda u għandu jippermetti flessibilita massima.

(9) In order to guarantee the opening up to competition of public procurement contracts awarded by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors, it is advisable to draw up provisions for Community coordination of contracts above a certain value. Such coordination is based on the requirements inferable from Articles 14, 28 and 49 of the EC Treaty and from Article 97 of the Euratom Treaty, namely the principle of equal treatment, of which the principle of non-discrimination is no more than a specific expression, the principle of mutual recognition, the principle of proportionality, as well as the principle of transparency. In view of the nature of the sectors affected by such coordination, the latter should, while safeguarding the application of those principles, establish a framework for sound commercial practice and should allow maximum flexibility.

Għal kuntratti pubbliċi li l-valur tagħhom huwa inqas minn dak li jċaqlaq l-applikazzjoni ta' dispożizzjonijiet ta' kordinazzjoni Komunitarja, huwa ta' parir li titfakkar il-ġurisprudenza żviluppata mill-Qorti ta' Ġustizzja skond liema r-regoli u l-prinċipji tat-Trattati riferiti fuq japplikaw.

For public contracts the value of which is lower than that triggering the application of provisions of Community coordination, it is advisable to recall the case-law developed by the Court of Justice according to which the rules and principles of the Treaties referred to above apply.

(10) Biex jiġi żgurat il-ftuħ veru tas-suq u bilanċ bil-fier fl-applikazzjoni ta' regoli ta' akkwist fis-setturi tas-servizzi ta' l-ilma, l-enerġija, it-trasport u tal-posta huwa meħtieġ għall-entitijiet koperti li jiġu identifikati fuq bażi oħra għajr l-istat legali tagħhom. Għandu jiġi żgurat, għalhekk, li t-trattament ugwali ta' entitajiet kontraenti li qed joperaw fis-settur pubbliku u dawk li qed joperaw fis-settur privat mhuwiex preġudikat. Huwa għalhekk meħtieġ li jiġi żgurat, fil-limiti ta' l-Artikolu 295 tat-Trattat, li r-regoli li jirregolaw is-sistema ta' pussess ta' propjeta fl-Istati Membri ma jkunux preġudikati.

(10) To ensure a real opening up of the market and a fair balance in the application of procurement rules in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors it is necessary for the entities covered to be identified on a basis other than their legal status. It should be ensured, therefore, that the equal treatment of contracting entities operating in the public sector and those operating in the private sector is not prejudiced. It is also necessary to ensure, in keeping with Article 295 of the Treaty, that the rules governing the system of property ownership in Member States are not prejudiced.

(11) L-Istati Membri għandhom jiżguraw li l-parteċipazzjoni ta' korp irregolat minn liġi pubblika bħala persuna li tagħmel offerta fi proċedura għall-għoti ta' kuntratt ma tikkawżaw xi tgħawwiġ ta' kompetizzjoni f'relazzjoni ma' persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti privati.

(11) Member States should ensure that the participation of a body governed by public law as a tenderer in a procedure for the award of a contract does not cause any distortion of competition in relation to private tenderers.

(12) Skond l-Artikolu 6 tat-Trattat, ħtiġijiet ta' protezzjoni ambjentali jridu jiġu ntegrati fid-definizzjoni u l-implimentazzjoni tal-politika u l-attivitajiet tal-Komunità riferiti fl-Artikolu 3 tat-Trattat, partikolarment bil-ħsieb li jippromwovu żvilupp sostenibbli. Din id-Direttiva għalhekk tiċċara kif l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jikkontribbwixxu għall-protezzjoni ta' l-ambjent u l-promozzjoni ta' żvilupp sostenibbli, fil-waqt li tiġi żgurata l-possibbilta tal-ksib ta' l-aħjar valur għall-flus għall-kuntratti tagħhom.

(12) Under Article 6 of the Treaty, environmental protection requirements are to be integrated into the definition and implementation of the Community policies and activities referred to in Article 3 of the Treaty, in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development. This Directive therefore clarifies how the contracting entities may contribute to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development, whilst ensuring the possibility of obtaining the best value for money for their contracts.

(13) Xejn f'din id-Direttiva m'għandu jipprevjeni l-imposizzjoni jew l-infurzar ta' miżuri meħtieġa biex tiġi protetta l-moralita pubblika, il-politika pubblika, is-sigurtà pubblika, is-saħħa, il-ħajja tal-bniedem u l-annimali jew il-priservazzjoni ta' ħajja tal-pjanti, partikolarment bil-ħsieb ta' żvilupp sostenibbli, basta iżda li dawn il-miżuri huma f'konformita mat-Trattat.

(13) Nothing in this Directive should prevent the imposition or enforcement of measures necessary to protect public morality, public policy, public security, health, human and animal life or the preservation of plant life, in particular with a view to sustainable development, provided that these measures are in conformity with the Treaty.

(14) Id-Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill 94/800/KEE tat-22 ta' Diċembru 1994 dwar il-konklużjoni f'isem il-Komunità Ewropea rigward materji fil-kompetenza tagħha, tal-Ftehim milħuqa f'negozjati multilaterali tar-"Round" ta' l-Urugwaj (1986 sa 1994) [10], approvat partikolarment il-Ftehim tal-ODK dwar l-Akkwist tal-Gvern (minn issa ‘l quddiem imsejjaħ bħala "l-Ftehim"), li l-għan tiegħu huwa li jistabbilixxi qafas multilaterali ta' drittijiet u obbligazzjonijiet bilanċjati li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' kuntratti pubbliċi bil-għan li tinkiseb il-liberalizzazzjoni u l-espansjoni ta' kummerċ dinji. Bil-ħsieb tad-drittijiet u rbit internazzjonali li jiddevolvu fuq il-Komunità bħala riżultat ta' l-aċċettazzjoni tal-Ftehim, l-arranġamenti li jridu jiġu applikati lill-persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti u prodotti minn pajjiżi terzi firmatarji huma dawk definiti mill-Ftehim. Il-Ftehim m'għandux l-effett dirett. L-entitajiet kontraenti koperti mill-Ftehim li jikkonformaw ma' din id-Direttiva u li japplikaw dan ta' l-aħħar għall-operaturi ekonomiċi ta' pajjiżi terzi li huma firmatarji mal-Ftehim għandhom għalhekk ikunu f'konformita mal-Ftehim. Huwa għalhekk xieraq li din id-Direttiva għandha tiggarantixxi għall-operaturi ekonomiċi tal-Komunità kondizzjonijiet għal parteċipazzjoni fil-ksib pubbliku li huma favorevoli daqs dawk riservati għal operaturi ekonomiċi ta' pajjiżi terzi li huma firmatarji għall-Ftehim.

(14) Council Decision 94/800/EC of 22 December 1994 concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community, as regards matters within its competence, of the Agreements reached in the Uruguay Round multilateral negotiations (1986 to 1994)(10), approved in particular the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement"), the aim of which is to establish a multilateral framework of balanced rights and obligations relating to public contracts with the aim of achieving the liberalisation and expansion of world trade. In view of the international rights and commitments devolving on the Community as a result of the acceptance of the Agreement, the arrangements to be applied to tenderers and products from signatory third countries are those defined by the Agreement. The Agreement does not have direct effect. The contracting entities covered by the Agreement which comply with this Directive and which apply the latter to economic operators of third countries which are signatories to the Agreement should therefore be in conformity with the Agreement. It is also appropriate that this Directive should guarantee for Community economic operators conditions for participation in public procurement which are just as favourable as those reserved for economic operators of third countries which are signatories to the Agreement.

(15) Qabel it-tnedija ta' proċedura ta' akkwist, entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu, permezz ta' djalogu tekniku, jfittxu jew jaċċettaw pariri li jistgħu jintużaw fit-tħejjija ta' l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet, basta iżda, madankollu, li dan il-parir ma jkollux l-effett li jipprekludi l-kompetizzjoni.

(15) Before launching a procurement procedure, contracting entities may, using a technical dialogue, seek or accept advice which may be used in the preparation of the specifications, provided, however, that such advice does not have the effect of precluding competition.

(16) Bil-ħsieb tad-diversita ta' kuntratti tax-xogħol, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom ikunu jistgħu jagħmlu dispożizzjoni għal kuntratti għad-disinn u l-eżekuzzjoni ta' xogħol li jridu jingħataw jew separatament jew b'mod konġunt. M'hijiex l-intenzjoni ta' din id-Direttiva li jiġu preskritti jew għotjiet ta' kuntratti konġunti jew separati. Id-deċiżjoni biex jingħataw kuntratti separatament jew b'mod konġunt għandha tiġi stabbilita minn kriterji kwalitattivi u ekonomiċi, li jistgħu jiġu definiti mill-liġi nazzjonali.

(16) In view of the diversity of works contracts, contracting entities should be able to make provision for contracts for the design and execution of work to be awarded either separately or jointly. It is not the intention of this Directive to prescribe either joint or separate contract awards. The decision to award contracts separately or jointly should be determined by qualitative and economic criteria, which may be defined by national law.

Kuntratt jista' jitqies bħala kuntratt tax-xogħol biss jekk il-kontenut tas-suġġett tiegħu speċifikament ikopri l-eżekuzzjoni ta' attivitajiet imniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XII, anke jekk il-kuntratt ikopri d-dispożizzjoni ta' servizzi oħra meħtieġa għall-eżekuzzjoni ta' dawn l-attivitajiet. Kuntratti ta' servizz, partikolarment fl-isfera ta' servizzi ta' tmexxija tal-propjeta, jistgħu f'ċerti ċirkostanzi jinkludu xogħlijiet. Madankollu, sakemm u safejn dawn ix-xogħlijiet huma inċidentali għall-kontenut tas-suġġett prinċipali tal-kuntratt, u huma konsegwenza possibbli tiegħu jew kumpliment tiegħu, il-fatti li dawn ix-xogħlijiet huma nklużi fil-kuntratt ma jiġġustifikax il-kwalifika tal-kuntratt bħala kuntratt tax-xogħol.

A contract may be considered to be a works contract only if its subject-matter specifically covers the execution of activities listed in Annex XII, even if the contract covers the provision of other services necessary for the execution of such activities. Service contracts, in particular in the sphere of property management services, may in certain circumstances include works. However, insofar as such works are incidental to the principal subject-matter of the contract, and are a possible consequence thereof or a complement thereto, the fact that such works are included in the contract does not justify the qualification of the contract as a works contract.

Għall-għan ta' kalkolu tal-valur stmat ta' kuntratt tax-xogħol huwa xieraq li jittieħed bħala bażi l-valur tax-xogħlijiet infushom kif ukoll il-valur stmat ta' provvisti u servizzi, jekk ikun hemm, li l-entitajiet kontraenti jpoġġu għad-dispożizzjoni ta' kuntratturi, sakemm u safejn dawn is-servizzi jew provvisti ikunu meħtieġa għall-eżekuzzjoni tax-xogħlijiet msemmija. Għandu għalhekk jinftiehem li, għall-għanijiet ta' dan il-paragrafu, is-servizzi konċernati huma dawk mogħtija mill-entitajiet kontrattant permezz tal-personal tagħhom stess. Mill-banda l-oħra, kalkolu tal-valur ta' kuntratti ta' servizzi, sewwa jekk iridu jitqiegħdu għad-dispożizzjoni ta' kuntrattur għat-twettieq sossegwenti ta' xogħlijiet u sewwa jekk le, isegwi r-regoli applikabbli għal kuntratti ta' servizzi.

For the purpose of calculating the estimated value of a works contract it is appropriate to take as a basis the value of the works themselves as well as the estimated value of supplies and services, if any, that the contracting entities place at the disposal of contractors, insofar as these services or supplies are necessary for the execution of the works in question. It should be understood that, for the purposes of this paragraph, the services concerned are those rendered by the contracting entities through their own personnel. On the other hand, calculation of the value of services contracts, whether or not to be placed at the disposal of a contractor for the subsequent execution of works, follows the rules applicable to service contracts.

(17) Il-qasam ta' servizzi huwa abbozzat l-aħjar, għall-għan li jiġu applikati r-regoli proċedurali ta' din id-Direttiva u għall-għanijiet ta' monitorjar, billi jiġi mqassam f'kategoriji li jikkorrespondu għal intestaturi partikolari ta' klassifika komuni u billi jinġiebu flimkien f'żewġ l-Annessi, XVII A u XVII B, skond ir-reġim li għalih huma suġġetti. Rigward servizzi fl-Annessi XVII B, id-dispożizzjonijiet rilevanti ta' din id-Direttiva għandhom ikunu mingħajr preġudizzju għall-applikazzjoni ta' regoli tal-Komunità speċifiċi għas-servizzi msemmija.

(17) The field of services is best delineated, for the purpose of applying the procedural rules of this Directive and for monitoring purposes, by subdividing it into categories corresponding to particular headings of a common classification and by bringing them together in two Annexes, XVII A and XVII B, according to the regime to which they are subject. As regards services in Annex XVII B, the relevant provisions of this Directive should be without prejudice to the application of Community rules specific to the services in question.

(18) Rigward kuntratti ta' servizz, applikazzjoni sħiħa ta' din id-Direttiva għandha tkunu limitata, għal perjodu transitorju ta' żmien, għal kuntratti fejn id-dispożizzjonijiet tagħha jkunu jippermettu l-potenzal sħiħ għal kummerċ li jaqsam il-fruntieri miżjud li jrid jiġi realizzat. Kuntratti għal servizzi oħra jeħtieġu li jiġu monitorjati matul dan il-perjodu transitorju qabel ma tittieħed deċiżjoni dwar l-applikazzjoni sħiħa ta' din id-Direttiva. F'dan ir-rigward, il-mekkaniżmu għal dan il-monitoraġġ jeħtieġ li jiġi definit. Dan il-mekkaniżmu, għandu, fl-istess ħin, jippermetti lil partijiet interessati li jkollhom aċċess għat-tagħrif rilevanti.

(18) As regards service contracts, full application of this Directive should be limited, for a transitional period, to contracts where its provisions will permit the full potential for increased cross-frontier trade to be realised. Contracts for other services need to be monitored during this transitional period before a decision is taken on the full application of this Directive. In this respect, the mechanism for such monitoring needs to be defined. This mechanism should, at the same time, enable interested parties to have access to the relevant information.

(19) Ostakoli għad-dispożizzjoni ħielsa ta' servizzi għandhom jiġu evitati. Għalhekk, provvedituri ta' servizzi jistgħu jkunu jew persuni naturali jew legali. Din id-Diretttiva m'għandhiex, madankollu, tippreġudika l-applikazzjoni, fil-livell nazzjonali, ta' regoli rigward il-kondizzjonijiet għas-segwiment ta' attività jew professjoni, basta iżda li huma kompatibbli mal-liġi Komunitarja.

(19) Obstacles to the free provision of services should be avoided. Therefore, service providers may be either natural or legal persons. This Directive should not, however, prejudice the application, at national level, of rules concerning the conditions for the pursuit of an activity or a profession, provided that they are compatible with Community law.

(20) Ċerti metodi ta' teknika elettroniċi ta' xiri ġodda qed jiġu żviluppati kontinwament. Dawn il-metodi ta' teknika jgħinu biex tiżdiet il-kompetizzjoni u xiri pubbliku aktar effettiv (streamline), partikolarment f'termini tat-tfaddil fil-ħin u l-flus li l-użu tagħhom jippermetti. Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jagħmlu użu minn metodi ta' teknika elettroniċi ta' xiri, basta iżda li dan l-użu jikkonforma mar-regoli ta' din id-Direttiva u l-prinċipji ta' trattament ugwali, nuqqas ta' diskriminazzjoni u trasparenza. Sa dan il-punt, offerta sottomessa minn persuna li tagħmel l-offerti, partikolarment skond qafas ta' ftehim jew fejn qed tintuża sistema dinamika ta' xiri, tista' tieħu l-forma ta' dak il-katalgu elettroniku ta' persuna li tagħmel l-offerti jekk din tuża l-mezzi ta' komunikazzjoni magħżula mill-entità kontraenti skond l-Artikolu 48.

(20) Certain new electronic purchasing techniques are continually being developed. Such techniques help to increase competition and streamline public purchasing, particularly in terms of the savings in time and money which their use will allow. Contracting entities may make use of electronic purchasing techniques, provided that such use complies with the rules of this Directive and the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency. To that extent, a tender submitted by a tenderer, in particular under a framework agreement or where a dynamic purchasing system is being used, may take the form of that tenderer's electronic catalogue if the latter uses the means of communication chosen by the contracting entity in accordance with Article 48.

(21) Bil-ħsieb ta' l-espansjoni rapida ta' sistemi elettroniċi ta' xiri, regoli xierqa għandhom jiddaħħlu biex entitajiet kontraenti jiġu permessi li jieħdu vantaġġ sħiħ mill-possibilitajiet mogħtija minn dawn is-sistemi. Ma' dan l-isfond, huwa meħtieġ li tiġi definita sistema dinamika ta' xiri kompletament elettronika għal xiri użat normalment u biex jiġu preskritti regoli speċifiċi għat-twaqqif u l-operat ta' din is-sistema sabiex jiġi żgurat trattament bil-fier ta' kull operatur ekonomiku li jixtieq jidħol fiha. Kull operatur ekonomiku li jissottometti offerta indikattiva bi qbil ma' l-ispeċifikazzjoni u jilħaq il-kriterji ta' għażla għandu jiġi permess li jidħol f'din is-sistema. Dan il-metodu ta' teknika ta' xiri jippermetti lill-entità kontraenti, permezz ta' l-istabbilizzazzjoni ta' lista ta' persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti diġa magħżula u l-opportunita mogħtija lill-persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti ġodda biex jingħaqdu magħha, biex ikun hemm firxa wiesgħa ta' offerti, bħala riżultat tal-faċilitajiet elettroniċi disponibbli, u b'hekk jiġi żgurat l-użu ottimu ta' fondi permezz ta' kompetizzjoni wiesgħa.

(21) In view of the rapid expansion of electronic purchasing systems, appropriate rules should now be introduced to enable contracting entities to take full advantage of the possibilities afforded by these systems. Against this background, it is necessary to define a completely electronic dynamic purchasing system for commonly used purchases and to lay down specific rules for setting up and operating such a system in order to ensure the fair treatment of any economic operator who wishes to join. Any economic operator which submits an indicative tender in accordance with the specification and meets the selection criteria should be allowed to join such a system. This purchasing technique allows the contracting entity, through the establishment of a list of tenderers already selected and the opportunity given to new tenderers to join, to have a particularly broad range of tenders, as a result of the electronic facilities available, and hence to ensure optimum use of funds through broad competition.

(22) Ladarba l-użu tal-metodu ta' teknika ta' rkanti elettroniċi x'aktarx jiżdied, dan l-irkant għandu jingħata definizzjoni Komunitarja u jiġi regolat minn regoli speċifiċi sabiex jiġi żgurat li joperaw totalment bi qbil mal-prinċipji ta' trattament ugwali, nuqqas ta' diskriminazzjoni u trasparenza. Għal dak il-għan, dispożizzjoni għandha ssir għal dan l-irkant elettroniku biex jitratta biss kuntratti għal xogħlijiet, provvisti jew servizzi li għalihom l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet jistgħu jiġu stabbiliti bi preċiżjoni. Dan jista' jkun il-każ, partikolarment, għal kuntratti ta' provvisti, xogħlijiet u servizzi li jerġgħu jseħħu. Bl-istess għan, għandu jkun possibbli wkoll li tiġi stabbilita klassifika rispettiva ta' persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti f'kull stadju ta' l-irkant elettroniku. Rikors għal irkanti elettroniċi jippermetti lill-entitajiet kontraenti biex isaqsu lill-persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti biex jissottomettu prezzijiet ġodda, riveduti ‘l isfel, u fejn il-kuntratt jingħata lil dak li jagħmel l-offerti li huwa l-aktar vantaġġuż ekonomikament, anke biex jitjiebu elementi ta' l-offerti oħra għajr il-prezzijiet. Sabiex tiġi garantita konformita mal-prinċipju ta' trasparenza, l-elementi biss li huma xierqa għal evalwazzjoni awtomatika mill-mezzi elettroniċi, mingħajr xi intervent u/jew apprezzament mill-entità kontraenti, jistgħu jkunu l-għan ta' rkant elettroniku, jiġifieri, l-elementi biss li huma kwantifikabbli sabiex ikunu jistgħu jiġu espressi f'figuri jew persentaġġi. Mill-banda l-oħra, dawk l-aspetti ta' offerti li jimplikaw apprezzament ta' elementi mhux kwantifikabbli m'għandhomx ikunu l-għan ta' rkant elettroniku. B'konsegwenza, ċerti kuntratti ta' xogħlijiet u ċerti kuntratti ta' servizz li għandhom bħala l-kontenut tas-suġġett tagħhom twettieq intelletwali, bħal ma huwa d-disinn ta' xogħlijiet, m'għandhomx ikunu l-għan ta' rkanti elettroniċi.

(22) Since use of the technique of electronic auctions is likely to increase, such auctions should be given a Community definition and be governed by specific rules in order to ensure that they operate fully in accordance with the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency. To that end, provision should be made for such electronic auctions to deal only with contracts for works, supplies or services for which the specifications can be determined with precision. Such may in particular be the case for recurring supplies, works and service contracts. With the same objective, it should also be possible to establish the respective ranking of the tenderers at any stage of the electronic auction. Recourse to electronic auctions enables contracting entities to ask tenderers to submit new prices, revised downwards, and, when the contract is awarded to the most economically advantageous tender, also to improve elements of the tenders other than prices. In order to guarantee compliance with the principle of transparency, only the elements suitable for automatic evaluation by electronic means, without any intervention and/or appreciation by the contracting entity, may be the object of electronic auctions, that is, only the elements which are quantifiable so that they can be expressed in figures or percentages. On the other hand, those aspects of tenders which imply an appreciation of non-quantifiable elements should not be the object of electronic auctions. Consequently, certain works contracts and certain service contracts having as their subject-matter intellectual performances, such as the design of works, should not be the object of electronic auctions.

(23) Ċerti metodi ta' teknika ċentralizzati ta' xiri ġew żviluppati fl-Istati Membri. Numru ta' awtoritajiet kontraenti huma responsabbli biex isiru akkwisti jew jagħtu kuntratti/ftehim qafas għal entitajiet kontraenti. Bil-ħsieb tal-volumi kbar mixtrija, dawk il-metodi ta' teknika jgħinu l-kompetizzjoni u x-xiri pubbliku aktar effettiv (streamline). Dispożizzjoni għandha għalhekk issir għal definizzjoni Komunitarja ta' korpijiet ċentrali ta' xiri wżati minn entitajiet kontraenti. Definizzjoni għandha tingħata wkoll tal-kondizzjonijiet skond liema, bi qbil mal-prinċipji ta' nuqqas ta' diskriminazzjoni u trattament ugwali, entitajiet kontraenti li jixtru xogħlijiet, provvisti u/jew servizzi permezz ta' korp ċentrali ta' xiri jistgħu jitqiesu li jkunu kkonformaw ma' din id-Direttiva.

(23) Certain centralised purchasing techniques have been developed in Member States. Several contracting authorities are responsible for making acquisitions or awarding contracts/framework agreements for contracting entities. In view of the large volumes purchased, those techniques help increase competition and streamline public purchasing. Provision should therefore be made for a Community definition of central purchasing bodies used by contracting entities. A definition should also be given of the conditions under which, in accordance with the principles of non-discrimination and equal treatment, contracting entities purchasing works, supplies and/or services through a central purchasing body may be deemed to have complied with this Directive.

(24) Sabiex jitqiesu ċ-ċirkostanzi differenti miksuba fi Stati Membri, Stati Membri għandhom ikunu permessi li jagħżlu jekk entitajiet kontraenti jistgħux jużaw korpijiet ċentrali ta' xiri, sistemi dinamiċi ta' xiri jew irkanti elettroniċi, kif definit u regolat minn din id-Direttiva.

(24) In order to take account of the different circumstances obtaining in Member States, Member States should be allowed to choose whether contracting entities may use central purchasing bodies, dynamic purchasing systems or electronic auctions, as defined and regulated by this Directive.

(25) Irid ikun hemm definizzjoni xierqa tal-kunċett ta' drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi. Il-konsegwenza tad-definizzjoni hija l-fatt li, għall-għan li jinbnew xbieki jew faċilitajiet tal-port jew l-ajruport, entità tista' tieħu vantaġġ minn proċedura għall-esproprjazzjoni jew l-użu ta' propjeta jew jistgħu iqegħdu tagħmir ta' xbieki fuq, taħt jew ‘l fuq mill-highway pubbliku fiha nnifisha ma tikkostitwixxix drittijiet esklussivi jew speċjali fit-tifsira ta' din id-Direttiva. Lanqas mal-fatt li entità tipprovdi ilma għax-xorb, elettriku, gass jew sħana lil xibka li hija nnifisha hija operata minn entità li tgawdi drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi mogħtija minn awtorita kompetenti ta' l-Istat Membru konċernat fih innifsu ma jikkostitwixxi dritt esklussiv jew speċjali fit-tifsira ta' din id-Direttiva. Lanqas mad-drittijiet mogħtija minn Stat Membru f'kull forma, inluż permezz ta' atti ta' konċessjoni, lil numru limitat ta' impriżi fuq il-bażi ta' kriterji oġġettivi, proporzjonati u mhux diskriminatorji li jippermettu kull parti interessata li twettaq dawk il-kriterji biex tgawdi dawk id-drittijiet li jkunu meqjusa bħala drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi.

(25) There has to be an appropriate definition of the concept of special or exclusive rights. The consequence of the definition is that the fact that, for the purpose of constructing networks or port or airport facilities, an entity may take advantage of a procedure for the expropriation or use of property or may place network equipment on, under or over the public highway will not in itself constitute exclusive or special rights within the meaning of this Directive. Nor does the fact that an entity supplies drinking water, electricity, gas or heat to a network which is itself operated by an entity enjoying special or exclusive rights granted by a competent authority of the Member State concerned in itself constitute an exclusive or special right within the meaning of this Directive. Nor may rights granted by a Member State in any form, including by way of acts of concession, to a limited number of undertakings on the basis of objective, proportionate and non-discriminatory criteria that allow any interested party fulfilling those criteria to enjoy those rights be considered special or exclusive rights.

(26) Huwa xieraq għall-entitajiet kontraenti li japplikaw proċeduri komuni ta' akkwist rigward l-attivitajiet tagħhom li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' l-ilma u biex dawn ir-regoli japplikaw ukoll fejn awtoritajiet kontraenti fit-tifsira ta' din id-Direttiva jagħtu kuntratti rigward il-proġetti tagħhom fil-qasam ta' inġinerija idrawlika, irrigazzjoni, land drainage jew ir-rimi/qerda u t-trattament tad-dranaġġ. Madankollu, regoli ta' akkwist tat-tip propost għal provvisti ta' merkanzija mhumiex xierqa għax-xiri ta' ilma, meta jitqies il-bżonn li jinkiseb l-ilma minn sorsi viċin l-erja li fiha se tintuża.

(26) It is appropriate for the contracting entities to apply common procurement procedures in respect of their activities relating to water and for such rules also to apply where contracting authorities within the meaning of this Directive award contracts in respect of their projects in the field of hydraulic engineering, irrigation, land drainage or the disposal and treatment of sewage. However, procurement rules of the type proposed for supplies of goods are inappropriate for purchases of water, given the need to procure water from sources near the area in which it will be used.

(27) Ċerti entitajiet li jipprovdu servizzi ta' trasport bil-karozza tal-linja lill-pubbliku kienu diġa ġew esklużi mill-iskop tad-Direttiva 93/38/KEE. Dawn l-entitajiet għandhom jiġu esklużi wkoll mill-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva. Sabiex jipprevjedu l-eżistenza ta' numru kbir ta' arranġamenti speċifiċi li japplikaw għal ċerti setturi biss, il-proċedura ġenerali li tippermetti l-effetti ta' ftuħ għal kompetizzjoni li trid titqies għandhom japplikaw ukoll għall-entitajiet kollha li jipprovdu servizzi ta' trasport bil-karozza tal-linja li mhumiex esklużi mill-iskop tad-Direttiva 93/38/KEE skond l-Artikolu 2(4) tiegħu.

(27) Certain entities providing bus transport services to the public were already excluded from the scope of Directive 93/38/EEC. Such entities should also be excluded from the scope of this Directive. In order to forestall the existence of a multitude of specific arrangements applying to certain sectors only, the general procedure that permits the effects of opening up to competition to be taken into account should also apply to all entities providing bus transport services that are not excluded from the scope of Directive 93/38/EEC pursuant to Article 2(4) thereof.

(28) Waqt li jitqies aktar ftuħ tas-servizzi postali tal-Komunità għal kompetizzjoni u l-fatt li dawn is-servizzi huma provvduti permezz ta' xibka minn awtoritajiet kontraenti, impriżi pubbliċi u impriżi oħra, kuntratti mogħtija minn entitajiet kontraenti li jipprovdu servizzi postali għandhom ikunu suġġetti għar-regoli ta' din id-Direttiva, inkluż dawk fl-Artikolu 30, li, waqt li jissalvagwardjaw l-applikazzjoni tal-prinċipji riferiti f'reċitazzjoni 9, joħolqu qafas għal prattika kummerċjali soda u jippermettu aktar flessibilita milli hija offruta mid-Direttiva 2004/18/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tal-31 ta' Marzu 2004 dwar il-kordinazzjoni ta' proċeduri għall-għoti ta' kuntratti ta' xogħlijiet pubbliċi, kuntratti ta' provvisti pubbliċi u kuntratti ta' servizz pubbliku [11]. Għad-definizzjoni ta' l-attivitajiet msemmija, huwa meħtieġ li jitqiesu d-definizzjonijiet tad-Direttiva 97/67/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tal-15 ta' Diċembru 1997 dwar regoli komuni għall-iżvilupp tas-suq intern ta' servizzi postali Komunitarji u t-titjib ta' kwalità ta' servizz [12].

(28) Taking into account the further opening up of Community postal services to competition and the fact that such services are provided through a network by contracting authorities, public undertakings and other undertakings, contracts awarded by contracting entities providing postal services should be subject to the rules of this Directive, including those in Article 30, which, safeguarding the application of the principles referred to in recital 9, create a framework for sound commercial practice and allow greater flexibility than is offered by Directive 2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts(11). For a definition of the activities in question, it is necessary to take into account the definitions of Directive 97/67/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 1997 on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service(12).

Ikun xi jkun l-istat legali tagħhom, entitajiet li jipprovdu servizzi postali mhumiex korrentement suġġetti għar-regoli dikjarati fid-Direttiva 93/38/KEE. L-aġġustament ta' proċeduri ta' għoti ta' kuntratti għal din id-Direttiva jistgħu għalhekk idum aktar biex jiġi mplimentat għal dawn l-entitajiet milli għal entitajiet diġa suġġetti għal dawk ir-regoli li sempliċement iridu jadattaw il-proċeduri tagħhom għall-emendi diġa magħmula minn din id-Direttiva. Għalhekk għandu jkun permessibbli li tintefa lura applikazzjoni ta' din id-Direttiva biex jiġi akkomodat il-ħin addizzjonali meħtieġ għal dan l-aġġustament. Meta jitqiesu s-sitwazzjonijiet varjabbli ta' dawn l-entitajiet, l-Istati Membri għandhom ikollhom l-għażla li jipprovdu għal perjodu transitorju għall-applikazzjoni ta' din id-Direttiva lill-entitajiet kontraenti li qed joperaw fis-settur tas-servizzi postali.

Whatever their legal status, entities providing postal services are not currently subject to the rules set out in Directive 93/38/EEC. The adjustment of contract award procedures to this Directive could therefore take longer to implement for such entities than for entities already subject to those rules which will merely have to adapt their procedures to the amendments made by this Directive. It should therefore be permissible to defer application of this Directive to accommodate the additional time required for this adjustment. Given the varying situations of such entities, Member States should have the option of providing for a transitional period for the application of this Directive to contracting entities operating in the postal services sector.

(29) Kuntratti jistgħu jingħataw għall-għan li jintlaħqu l-ħtiġijiet ta' numru ta' attivitajiet, possibilment suġġetti għal reġimi legali differenti. Għandu jiġi ċarat li r-reġim legali applikabbli għal kuntratt waħdieni maħsub li jkopri numru ta' attivitajiet għandu jkun suġġett għar-regoli applikabbli għall-attività li għalih huwa maħsub prinċipalment. Stabbilizzazzjoni ta' l-attività li għaliha l-kuntratt ġie maħsub prinċipalment tista' tiġi bażata fuq analiżi tal-ħtiġijiet li l-kuntratt speċifiku jrid jilħaq, mwettqa mill-entità kontraenti għall-għanijiet li jiġi stmat il-valur tal-kuntrat u jitfasslu d-dokumenti ta' l-offerta. F'ċerti każi, bħax-xiri ta' biċċa waħda ta' tagħmir għas-segwiment ta' attivitajiet li għalihom ma jkunx disponibbli t-tagħrif li jippermetti estimu tar-rati rispettivi ta' użu, jista' jkun oġġettivament impossibbli li jiġi stabbilit għal liema attività l-kuntratt ġie prinċipalement maħsub. Ir-regoli applikabbli għal dawn il-każijiet għandhom jiġu ndikati.

(29) Contracts may be awarded for the purpose of meeting the requirements of several activities, possibly subject to different legal regimes. It should be clarified that the legal regime applicable to a single contract intended to cover several activities should be subject to the rules applicable to the activity for which it is principally intended. Determination of the activity for which the contract is principally intended may be based on an analysis of the requirements which the specific contract must meet, carried out by the contracting entity for the purposes of estimating the contract value and drawing up the tender documents. In certain cases, such as the purchase of a single piece of equipment for the pursuit of activities for which information allowing an estimation of the respective rates of use would be unavailable, it might be objectively impossible to determine for which activity the contract is principally intended. The rules applicable to such cases should be indicated.

(30) Mingħajr preġudizzju għall-irbit internazzjonali tal-Komunità, huwa meħtieġ li tiġi simplifikata l-implimentazzjoni ta' din id-Direttiva, partikolarment billi jiġu simplifikati l-livelli minimi u billi ssir applikabbli għall-entitajiet kontraenti kollha, mingħajr ma jitqies is-settur li fih joperaw, id-dispożizzjonijiet rigward it-tagħrif li jrid jingħata lil parteċipanti rigward deċiżjonijiet meħuda rigward proċeduri ta' għoti ta' kuntratti u r-riżultati tagħhom. Barra minn hekk, fil-kuntest ta' l-Unjoni Monetarja, dawn l-livelli minimi għandhom jiġu stabbiliti f'euro b'tali mod li jissimplifikaw l-applikazzjoni ta' dawn id-dispożizzjonijiet filwaqt li fl-istess ħin jiżguraw konformita ma' l-livelli minimi preskritti fil-Ftehim, li huma espressi fi Drittijiet Speċjali għall-Ġbid tal-Flus (DSĠF). F'dan il-kuntest, dispożizzjoni għandha ssir ukoll għal reviżjonijiet perjodiċi ta' l-livelli minimi espressi f'euro sabiex jiġu aġġustati, fejn meħtieġ, f'linja mal-varjazzjonijiet possibbli fil-valur ta' l-euro f'relazzjoni mad-DSĠF. B'żieda ma' dan, l-livelli minimi applikabbli għal kuntesti ta' disinn għandhom ikunu identiċi għal dawk applikabbli għal kuntratti ta' servizz.

(30) Without prejudice to the international commitments of the Community, it is necessary to simplify the implementation of this Directive, particularly by simplifying the thresholds and by rendering applicable to all contracting entities, regardless of the sector in which they operate, the provisions regarding the information to be given to participants concerning decisions taken in relation to contract award procedures and the results thereof. Furthermore, in the context of Monetary Union, such thresholds should be established in euro in such a way as to simplify the application of these provisions while at the same time ensuring compliance with the thresholds laid down in the Agreement, which are expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDR). In this context, provision should also be made for periodic reviews of the thresholds expressed in euro so as to adjust them, where necessary, in line with possible variations in the value of the euro in relation to the SDR. In addition, the thresholds applicable to design contests should be identical to those applicable to service contracts.

(31) Dispożizzjoni għandha ssir għal każijiet li fihom huwa possibbli li jibqgħu lura milli japplikaw il-miżuri għal proċeduri ta' kordinazzjoni fuq bażi li għandha x'taqsam ma' sigurtà jew segretezza ta' l-Istat, jew minħabba li huma huma applikabbli regoli speċifiċi dwar l-għoti ta' kuntratti li joħorġu minn ftehim internazzjonali, li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' l-istazzjonar ta' truppi, jew li huma speċifiċi għal organizzazzjonijiet internazzjonali.

(31) Provision should be made for cases in which it is possible to refrain from applying the measures for coordinating procedures on grounds relating to State security or secrecy, or because specific rules on the awarding of contracts which derive from international agreements, relating to the stationing of troops, or which are specific to international organisations are applicable.

(32) Huwa xieraq ukoll li jiġu esklużi ċerti kuntratti ta' servizz, provvista u xogħlijiet mogħtija lil impriża affiljata li għandha bħala l-attività prinċipali tagħha l-provvediment ta' dawn is-servizzi, provvista jew xogħlijiet lill-grupp li minnu hija parti, aktar milli jiġu offruti lilhom fis-suq. Huwa xieraq ukoll li jiġu esklużi ċerti kuntratti ta' servizz, provvista u xogħlijiet mogħtija minn entità kontraenti lil joint venture li huwa magħmul minn numru ta' entitajiet kontraenti għall-għan li jitwettqu attivitajiet koperti minn din id-Direttiva u li l-entità hija parti minnhom. Madankollu, huwa xieraq li jiġi żgurat li din l-esklużjoni ma toħloqx tgħawwiġ ta' kompetizzjoni għall-benefiċċju ta' l-impriżi jew joint ventures li huma affiljati ma' l-entitajiet kontraenti; huwa xieraq li jiġi provvdut sett xieraq ta' regoli, partikolarment rigward il-limiti massimi li fihom l-impriżi jistgħu jiksbu parti mill-turnover mis-suq u li ‘l fuq minnha jitilfu l-possibilta li jingħataw kuntratti mingħajr sejħat għal kompetizzjoni, il-komposizzjoni ta' joint ventures u l-istabilita ta' rabtiet bejn dawn il-joint ventures u l-entitajiet kontraenti li huma mibnija minnhom.

(32) It is appropriate to exclude certain service, supply and works contracts awarded to an affiliated undertaking having as its principal activity the provision of such services, supply or works to the group of which it is part, rather than offering them on the market. It is also appropriate to exclude certain service, supply and works contracts awarded by a contracting entity to a joint venture which is formed by a number of contracting entities for the purpose of carrying out activities covered by this Directive and of which that entity is part. However, it is appropriate to ensure that this exclusion does not give rise to distortions of competition to the benefit of the undertakings or joint ventures that are affiliated with the contracting entities; it is appropriate to provide a suitable set of rules, in particular as regards the maximum limits within which the undertakings may obtain a part of their turnover from the market and above which they would lose the possibility of being awarded contracts without calls for competition, the composition of joint ventures and the stability of links between these joint ventures and the contracting entities of which they are composed.

(33) Fil-kuntest ta' servizzi, kuntratti għall-akkwist jew kiri ta' propjeta immobbli jew drittijiet għal din il-propjeta għandhom karatteristiċi partikolari li jagħmlu l-applikazzjoni ta' regoli ta' akkwist mhux xierqa.

(33) In the context of services, contracts for the acquisition or rental of immovable property or rights to such property have particular characteristics which make the application of procurement rules inappropriate.

(34) Servizzi ta' arbitraġġ u ta' konċiljazzjoni (conciliation) huma normalment provvduti minn korpijiet jew individwi nominati jew magħżula f'manjiera li ma tistax tiġi regolata minn regoli ta' akkwist.

(34) Arbitration and conciliation services are usually provided by bodies or individuals designated or selected in a manner which cannot be governed by procurement rules.

(35) Bi qbil mal-Ftehim, is-servizzi finanzjarji koperti minn din id-Direttiva ma jinkludux kuntratti li għandhom x'jaqsmu mal-ħruġ, ix-xiri, il-bejgħ jew it-trasferiment ta' sigurtàjiet u strumenti finanzjarji oħra; partikolarment, transazzjonijiet mill-entitajiet kontraenti biex jinġabru flus u kapital mhumiex koperti.

(35) In accordance with the Agreement, the financial services covered by this Directive do not include contracts relating to the issue, purchase, sale or transfer of securities or other financial instruments; in particular, transactions by the contracting entities to raise money or capital are not covered.

(36) Din id-Direttiva għandha tkopri biss il-provvediment ta' servizzi meta jkunu bażati fuq kuntratti.

(36) This Directive should cover the provision of services only where based on contracts.

(37) Skond l-Artikolu 163 tat-Trattat, l-inkoraġġiment ta' riċerka u żvilupp teknoloġiku huwa mezz sabiex tissaħħaħ il-bażi xjentifika u teknoloġika ta' l-industrija tal-Komunità, u l-ftuħ ta' kuntratti ta' servizz jikkontribbwixxi għal dan il-għan. Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tkopri l-finanzjament ukoll ta' programmi ta' riċerka u ta' żvilupp: kuntratti ta' riċerka u ta' żvilupp oħra għajr dawk fejn il-benefiċċji jmorru esklussivament lill-awtorita kontraenti sabiex jintużaw fil-kondotta ta' l-affarijiet tagħha bil-kondizzjoni li s-servizz provvdut jiġu mħallas kollu mill-awtorita kontraenti, mhumiex għalhekk koperti minn din id-Direttiva.

(37) Pursuant to Article 163 of the Treaty, the encouragement of research and technological development is a means of strengthening the scientific and technological basis of Community industry, and the opening up of service contracts contributes to this end. This Directive should not cover the cofinancing of research and development programmes: research and development contracts other than those where the benefits accrue exclusively to the contracting entity for its use in the conduct of its own affairs, on condition that the service provided is wholly remunerated by the contracting entity, are therefore not covered by this Directive.

(38) Biex jipprevjedu l-proliferazzjoni ta' arranġamenti speċifiċi applikabbli għal ċerti setturi biss, l-arranġamenti speċjali korrenti maħluqa mill-Artikolu 3 tad-Direttiva 93/38/KEE u l-Artikolu 12 tad-Direttiva 94/22/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-30 ta' Mejju 1994 dwar il-kondizzjonijiet għall-għoti u l-użu ta' awtorizzazzjonijiet għall-prospection, l-esplorazzjoni u l-produzzjoni ta' idrokarboni [13] li jirregolaw entitajiet li qed jesplojtaw erja ġeografika għall-għan ta' esplorazzjoni għal jew l-estrazzjoni ta' żejt, gass, faħam jew karburanti solidi oħra għandhom jiġu mibdula mill-proċedura ġenerali li tippermetti l-eżenzjoni ta' setturi direttament esposti għall-kompetizzjoni. Irid jiġi żgurat, madankollu, li dan ikun mingħajr preġudizzju għad-Deċiżjoni tal-Kummissjoni 93/676/KEE ta' l-10 ta' Diċembru 1993 li tistabbilixxi li l-esplojtazzjoni ta' erji ġeografiċi għall-għan ta' esporazzjoni għal jew estrazzjoni ta' żejt jew gass ma tikkostitwixxix fl-Olanda attività definita mill-Artikolu 2(2)(b)(i) tad-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 90/531/KEE u li entitajiet li jwettqu din l-attività m'għandhomx jitqiesu fl-Olanda bħala li qed joperaw skond drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(3)(b) tad-Direttiva [14], id-Deċiżjoni tal-Kummissjoni 97/367/KE tat-30 ta' Mejju 1997 li tistabbilixxi li l-esplojtazzjoni ta' erji ġeografiċi għall-għan ta' esplorazzjoni għal jew estrazzjoni ta' żejt jew gass ma tikkostitwixxix fir-Renju Unit attività definita mill-Artikolu 2(2)(b09i) tad-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 93/38/KEE u li entitajiet li jwettqu din l-attività m'għandhomx jitqiesu fir-Renju Unit bħala li qed joperaw skond drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(3)(b) tad-Direttiva [15], id-Deċiżjioni tal-Kummissjoni 2002/205/KE ta' l-4 ta' Marzu 2002 fuq talba mill-Awstrija li qed tapplika għall-istess reġim provvdut fl-Artikolu 3 tad-Direttiva 93/38/KEE [16] u d-Deċiżjoni tal-Kummissjoni 2004/73/KE fuq talba mill-Ġermanja biex tiġi applikata l-proċedura speċjali preskritta fl-Artikolu 3 tad-Direttiva 93/38/KEE [17]

(38) To forestall the proliferation of specific arrangements applicable to certain sectors only, the current special arrangements created by Article 3 of Directive 93/38/EEC and Article 12 of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons(13) governing entities exploiting a geographical area for the purpose of exploring for or extracting oil, gas, coal or other solid fuels should be replaced by the general procedure allowing for exemption of sectors directly exposed to competition. It has to be ensured, however, that this will be without prejudice to Commission Decision 93/676/EEC of 10 December 1993 establishing that the exploitation of geographical areas for the purpose of exploring for or extracting oil or gas does not constitute in the Netherlands an activity defined by Article 2(2)(b)(i) of Council Directive 90/531/EEC and that entities carrying on such an activity are not to be considered in the Netherlands as operating under special or exclusive rights within the meaning of Article 2(3)(b) of the Directive(14), Commission Decision 97/367/EC of 30 May 1997 establishing that the exploitation of geographical areas for the purpose of exploring for or extracting oil or gas does not constitute in the United Kingdom an activity defined by Article 2(2)(b)(i) of Council Directive 93/38/EEC and that entities carrying on such an activity are not to be considered in the United Kingdom as operating under special or exclusive rights within the meaning of Article 2(3)(b) of the Directive(15), Commission Decision 2002/205/EC of 4 March 2002 following a request by Austria applying for the special regime provided for in Article 3 of Directive 93/38/EEC(16) and Commission Decision 2004/73/EC on a request from Germany to apply the special procedure laid down in Article 3 of Directive 93/38/EEC(17).

(39) Impjieg u xogħol huma elementi prinċipali fil-garanzija ta' opportunitajiet ugwali għal kulħadd u jikkontribwixxu għal integrazzjoni fis-soċjeta. F'dan il-kuntest, workshops u programmi ta' impjieg protetti (sheltered) jikkontribwixxu b'mod effiċjenti lejn l-integrazzjoni jew l-integrazzjoni mill-ġdid ta' persuni b'diżabilitajiet fis-suq tax-xogħol. Madankollu, dawn il-workshops jistgħu ma jkunux kapaċi jiksbu kuntratti fuq kondizzjonijiet normali ta' kompetizzjoni. B'konsegwenza, huwa xieraq li jiġi provdut li Stati Membri jkunu jistgħu jirriservaw id-dritt li jipparteċipaw fi proċeduri ta' għotja għal kuntratti lil dawn il-workshops jew jirriservaw twettieq ta' kuntratti lill-programmi ta' impjieg protetti (sheltered).

(39) Employment and occupation are key elements in guaranteeing equal opportunities for all and contribute to integration in society. In this context, sheltered workshops and sheltered employment programmes contribute efficiently towards the integration or reintegration of people with disabilities in the labour market. However, such workshops might not be able to obtain contracts under normal conditions of competition. Consequently, it is appropriate to provide that Member States may reserve the right to participate in award procedures for contracts to such workshops or reserve performance of contracts to the context of sheltered employment programmes.

(40) Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika la għal kuntratti maħsuba biex jippermettu t-twettieq ta' attività riferita fl-Artikoli 3 sa 7 u lanqas biex jiddisinjaw kuntesti organizzati għas-segwiment ta' din l-attività jekk, fl-Istat Membru li fih din l-attività hija mwettqa, tkun esposta direttament għal kompetizzjoni fis-swieq li għalihom aċċess mhuwiex limitat. Huwa għalhekk xieraq li tiddaħħal proċedura, applikabbli għas-setturi kollha koperti minn din id-Direttiva, li jippermettu li jitqiesu l-effetti ta' ftuħ korrenti jew fil-futur għal kompetizzjoni. Din il-proċedura għandha tipprovdi ċertezza legali għall-entitajiet konċernati, kif ukoll proċess xieraq ta' teħid ta' deċiżjonijiet, waqt li tiżgura, f'limiti qosra ta' ħin, applikazzjoni uniformi ta' liġi Komunitarja f'din l-erja.

(40) This Directive should apply neither to contracts intended to permit the performance of an activity referred to in Articles 3 to 7 nor to design contests organised for the pursuit of such an activity if, in the Member State in which this activity is carried out, it is directly exposed to competition on markets to which access is not limited. It is therefore appropriate to introduce a procedure, applicable to all sectors covered by this Directive, that will enable the effects of current or future opening up to competition to be taken into account. Such a procedure should provide legal certainty for the entities concerned, as well as an appropriate decision-making process, ensuring, within short time limits, uniform application of Community law in this area.

(41) Esposizzjoni diretta għall-kompetizzjoni għandha tiġi stmata fuq il-bażi ta' kriterji oġġettivi, waqt li jitqiesu l-karatterisitiċi speċifiċi tas-settur konċernat. L-implimentazzjoni u l-applikazzjoni ta' leġislazzjoni Komunitarja xierqa li tiftaħ settur msemmi, jew parti minnu, se jitqiesu li jipprovdu bażi suffiċjenti biex jiġi stmat li hemm aċċess ħieles għas-suq imsemmi. Din il-leġislazzjoni xierqa għandha tiġi identifikata bħala anness li jista' jiġi aġġornat mill-Kummissjoni. Meta taġġorna, il-Kummissjoni tqis partikolarment l-adozzjoni possibbli ta' miżuri li jwasslu għal ftuħ ġenwin ta' kompetizzjoni ta' setturi oħra għajr dawk li għalihom diġa hija msemmija leġislazzjoni fl-Anness XI, bħal din ta' trasport bil-ferrovija. Fejn aċċess ħieles għal suq msemmi ma jirriżultax mill-implimentazzjoni ta' leġislazzjoni Komunitarja xierqa, għandu jiġi muri li, de jure u de facto, dan l-aċċess huwa ħieles. Għal dan il-għan, applikazzjoni ta' Direttiva minn Stat Membru, bħal ma hija d-Direttiva 94/22/KE li tiftaħ settur msemmi għal kompetizzjoni, għal settur ieħor, bħal ma huwa s-settur tal-faħam, hija ċirkostanza li trid titqies għall-għanijiet ta' l-Artikolu 30.

(41) Direct exposure to competition should be assessed on the basis of objective criteria, taking account of the specific characteristics of the sector concerned. The implementation and application of appropriate Community legislation opening a given sector, or a part of it, will be considered to provide sufficient grounds for assuming there is free access to the market in question. Such appropriate legislation should be identified in an annex which can be updated by the Commission. When updating, the Commission takes in particular into account the possible adoption of measures entailing a genuine opening up to competition of sectors other than those for which a legislation is already mentioned in Annex XI, such as that of railway transports. Where free access to a given market does not result from the implementation of appropriate Community legislation, it should be demonstrated that, de jure and de facto, such access is free. For this purpose, application by a Member State of a Directive, such as Directive 94/22/EC opening up a given sector to competition, to another sector, such as the coal sector, is a circumstance to be taken into account for the purposes of Article 30.

(42) L-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi mfassla minn xerreja għandhom jippermettu li jinfetaħ akkwist pubbliku għall-kompetizzjoni, Għal dan il-għan, għandu jkun possibbli li jiġu sottomessi offerti li jirriflettu d-diversita ta' soluzzjonijiet tekniċi. Għal din ir-raġuni, għandu jkun possibbli li jitfasslu l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi f'termini ta' twettieq u ħtiġijiet funzjonali u, fejn tintgħamel riferenza għall-istandard Ewropew jew, fl-assenza tiegħu, għall-istandard nazzjonali, offerti bażati fuq arranġamenti oħra ekwivalenti li jilħqu l-ħtiġijiet ta' l-entitajiet kontraenti u huma ekwivalenti f'termini ta' sigurtà għandhom jitqiesu mill-entitajiet kontraenti. Biex tintwera ekwivalenza, persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti għandhom jiġu permessi li jużaw kull forma ta' xhieda. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom ikunu jistgħu jipprovdu raġuni għal kull deċiżjoni li l-ekwivalenza ma teżistix f'każ imsemmi. Entitajiet kontraenti li jixtiequ jiddefinixxu ħtiġijiet ambjentali għall-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi ta' kuntratt imsemmi jistgħu jippreskrivu l-karatteristiċi ambjentali, bħal ma huma metodu ta' produzzjoni msemmi, u/jew effetti ambjentali speċifiċi ta' gruppi ta' prodott jew servizzi. Jistgħu jużaw, imma mhumiex obbligati li jużaw speċifikazzjonijiet xierqa li huma definiti f'tikketti eco, bħat-tikketta Eco Ewropea, tikketti eco (multi) nazzjonali jew kull tikketta eco oħra basta li l-ħtiġijiet għat-tikketta huma mfassla u adottati fuq il-bażi ta' tagħrif xjentifiku permezz ta' proċedura li fiha stakeholders, bħall-korpijiet tal-gvern, konsumaturi, fabbrikanti, distributuri u organizzazzjonijiet ambjentali jistgħu jipparteċipaw, u basta li t-tikketta hija aċċessibbli u disponibbli lill-partijiet interessati kollha. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom, kull meta jkun possibbli, jippreskrivu speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi sabiex iqisu kriterji ta' aċċessibilita għal persuni b'diżabilitajiet jew disinn għall-utenti kollha. L-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi għandhom jiġu ndikati b'mod ċar, sabiex dawk kollha li jagħmlu l-offerti ikunu jafu l-ħtiġijiet stabbililti mill-kopertura ta' l-entità kontraenti.

(42) The technical specifications drawn up by purchasers should allow public procurement to be opened up to competition. To this end, it should be possible to submit tenders which reflect the diversity of technical solutions. Accordingly, it should be possible to draw up the technical specifications in terms of functional performance and requirements and, where reference is made to the European standard or, in the absence thereof, to the national standard, tenders based on other equivalent arrangements which meet the requirements of the contracting entities and are equivalent in terms of safety should be considered by the contracting entities. To demonstrate equivalence, tenderers should be permitted to use any form of evidence. Contracting entities should be able to provide a reason for any decision that equivalence does not exist in a given case. Contracting entities that wish to define environmental requirements for the technical specifications of a given contract may lay down the environmental characteristics, such as a given production method, and/or specific environmental effects of product groups or services. They may use, but are not obliged to use appropriate specifications that are defined in eco-labels, such as the European Eco-label, (multi-) national eco-labels or any other eco-label provided that the requirements for the label are drawn up and adopted on the basis of scientific information using a procedure in which stakeholders, such as government bodies, consumers, manufacturers, distributors and environmental organisations can participate, and provided that the label is accessible and available to all interested parties. Contracting entities should, whenever possible, lay down technical specifications so as to take into account accessibility criteria for people with disabilities or design for all users. The technical specifications should be clearly indicated, so that all tenderers know what the requirements established by the contracting entity cover.

(43) Sabiex jiġi nkoraġġit l-involviment ta' impriżi ta' daqs żgħir u medju fis-suq ta' l-akkwist ta' kuntratti pubbliċi, huwa ta' parir li jiġu nklużi dispożizzjonijiet fuq subcontracting.

(43) In order to encourage the involvement of small and medium-sized undertakings in the public contracts procurement market, it is advisable to include provisions on subcontracting.

(44) Kondizzjonijiet ta' twettieq ta' kuntratti huma kompatibbli mad-Direttiva basta iżda li mhumiex diskriminatorji direttament jew indirettament u huma ndikati fl-avviż użat biex issir is-sejħa għal kompetizzjoni, jew fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet. Jistgħu partikolarment ikunu maħsuba biex jinkoraġġixxu stħarriġ vokazzjonali fuq il-post, l-impjieg ta' persuni li jesperjenzaw partikolarment diffikulta fl-integrazzjoni, il-ġlieda kontra l-qagħad jew il-protezzjoni ta' l-ambjent. Per eżempju, jistgħu jissemmew il-ħtiġijiet – applikabbli matul it-twettieq tal-kuntratt – biex jirreklutaw persuni li qed ifittxu x-xogħol fuq skond fit-tul jew biex jimplimentaw miżuri ta' stħarriġ għal persuni qiegħda (bla xogħol) jew għal persuni li għadhom żgħar, biex jikkonformaw mad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Konvenzjonijiet ta' l-Organizzazzjoni ta' Xogħol Internazzjonali bażiċi (OXI), filwaqt li jiġi stmat li dawn id-dispożizzjonijiet ma ġewx implimentati fil-liġi nazzjonali, u biex jirreklutaw aktar persuni b'diżabilita milli huma meħtieġa skond il-leġislazzjoni nazzjonali.

(44) Contract performance conditions are compatible with the Directive provided that they are not directly or indirectly discriminatory and are indicated in the notice used to make the call for competition, or in the specifications. They may in particular be intended to encourage on-site vocational training, the employment of people experiencing particular difficulty in integration, the fight against unemployment or the protection of the environment. For example, mention may be made of the requirements - applicable during the performance of the contract - to recruit long-term job-seekers or to implement training measures for the unemployed or for young persons, to comply in substance with the provisions of the basic International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, assuming that such provisions have not been implemented in national law, and to recruit more handicapped persons than are required under national legislation.

(45) Il-liġijiet, regolamenti u ftehim kollettivi, kemm fil-livell nazzjonali kif ukoll Komunitarju, li huma fis-seħħ fl-erji ta' kondizzjonijiet ta' impjieg u sigurtà fix-xogħol japplikaw matul it-twettieq ta' kuntratt, basta iżda li dawn ir-regoli, u l-applikazzjoni tagħhom, jikkonformaw mal-liġi Komunitarja. F'sitwazzjonijiet li jaqsmu l-fruntieri fejn ħaddiema minn Stat Membru wieħed jipprovdu servizzi fi Stat Membru ieħor għall-għan ta' twettieq ta' kuntratt, id-Direttiva 96/71/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tas-16 ta' Diċembru 1996 rigward l-għoti ta' xogħol lill-ħaddiema fil-qafas tal-provvediment ta' servizzi [18] tippreskrivi l-kondizzjonijiet minimi li jridu jiġu osservati mill-pajjiż tal-lqugħ rigward dawn il-ħaddiema mibgħuta jaħdmu. Jekk liġi nazzjonali tikkontejni dispożizzjonijiet għal dan il-għan, nuqqas ta' konformita ma' dawk l-obbligazzjonijiet jista' jitqies bħala kondotta ħażina gravi jew offiża rigward il-kondotta professjonali ta' l-operatur ekonomiku konċernat, li jista' jwassal għall-esklużjoni ta' dak l-operatur ekonomiku mill-proċedura għall-għoti ta' kuntratt.

(45) The laws, regulations and collective agreements, at both national and Community level, which are in force in the areas of employment conditions and safety at work apply during the performance of a contract, provided that such rules, and their application, comply with Community law. In cross-border situations where workers from one Member State provide services in another Member State for the purpose of performing a contract, Directive 96/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services(18) lays down the minimum conditions which must be observed by the host country in respect of such posted workers. If national law contains provisions to this effect, non-compliance with those obligations may be considered to be grave misconduct or an offence concerning the professional conduct of the economic operator concerned, liable to lead to the exclusion of that economic operator from the procedure for the award of a contract.

(46) Bil-ħsieb ta' żviluppi ġodda fit-teknoloġija tat-tagħrif u t-telekomunikazzjonijiet, u s-simplifikazzjonijiet li dawn jistgħu jġibu f'termini ta' kuntratti ta' pubbliċita u l-effiċjenza u t-trasparenza ta' proċeduri ta' akkwist, mezzi elettroniċi għandhom jitqiegħdu fil-livell ta' mezzi tradizzjonali ta' skambju ta' komunikazzjoni u ta' tagħrif. Safejn ikun possibbli, il-mezzi u t-teknoloġija magħżula għandhom ikunu kompatibbli mat-teknoloġiji wżati fl-Istati Membri l-oħra.

(46) In view of new developments in information and telecommunications technology, and the simplifications these can bring in terms of publicising contracts and the efficiency and transparency of procurement procedures, electronic means should be put on a par with traditional means of communication and information exchange. As far as possible, the means and technology chosen should be compatible with the technologies used in the other Member States.

(47) L-użu ta' mezzi elettroniċi jwassal għat-tfaddil fil-ħin. Bħala riżultat, għandu jsir provvediment għat-tnaqqis tal-perjodi minimi fejn mezzi elettroniċi jintużaw, bla ħsara, madankollu, għall-kondizzjoni li huma kompatibbli mal-mod speċifiku ta' trasmissjoni prevvist fil-livell tal-Komunità. Madankollu, huwa meħtieġ li jiġi żgurat li l-effett kumulattiv ta' tnaqqis fil-limiti tal-ħin ma jwassalx għal limiti tal-ħin eċċessivament qosra.

(47) The use of electronic means leads to savings in time. As a result, provision should be made for reducing the minimum periods where electronic means are used, subject, however, to the condition that they are compatible with the specific mode of transmission envisaged at Community level. However, it is necessary to ensure that the cumulative effect of reductions of time limits does not lead to excessively short time limits.

(48) Id-Direttiva 1999/93/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-13 ta' Diċembru 1999 dwar qafas Komunitarju għal firem elettroniċi [19] u d-Direttiva 2000/31/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-8 ta' Ġunju 2000 dwar ċerti aspetti legali ta' servizzi ta' socjeta ta' tagħrif, partikolarment kummerċ elettroniku, fis-suq intern ("Direttiva dwar kummerċ elettroniku") [20] għandhom, fil-kuntest ta' din id-Direttiva, japplikaw għat-trasmissjoni ta' tagħrif permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi. Il-proċeduri ta' akkwist pubbliku u r-regoli applikabbli għal kuntesti ta' servizz jeħtieġu livell ta' sigurtà u kunfidenzalita aktar għolja minn dawk meħtieġa minn dawn id-Direttivi. Għal din ir-raġuni, il-mezzi għall-irċevuta elettronika ta' offerti, talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni u pjanijiet u proġetti għandhom jikkonformaw ma' ħtiġijiet addizzjonali speċifiċi. Għal dan il-għan, l-użu ta' firem elettroniċi, partikolarment firem elettroniċi avvanzati, għandhom, safejn ikun possibbli, ikunu nkoraġġiti. Madankollu, l-eżistenza ta' skemi ta' akkreditazzjoni volontarji jistgħu jikkostitwixxu qafas favorevoli biex jitgħolla l-livell ta' provvediment ta' servizz ta' ċertifikazzjoni għal dawn il-mezzi.

(48) Directive 1999/93/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 1999 on a Community framework for electronic signatures(19) and Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the internal market ("Directive on electronic commerce")(20) should, in the context of this Directive, apply to the transmission of information by electronic means. The public procurement procedures and the rules applicable to service contests require a level of security and confidentiality higher than that required by these Directives. Accordingly, the devices for the electronic receipt of offers, requests to participate and plans and projects should comply with specific additional requirements. To this end, use of electronic signatures, in particular advanced electronic signatures, should, as far as possible, be encouraged. Moreover, the existence of voluntary accreditation schemes could constitute a favourable framework for enhancing the level of certification service provision for these devices.

(49) Huwa xieraq li l-parteċipanti fi proċedura ta' għotja jiġu mgħarrfa b'deċiżjonijiet biex jiġi konkluż qafas ta' ftehim jew biex jingħata kuntratt jew biex tintelaq (abandon) il-proċedura fil-limiti taż-żmien li huma qosra biżżejjed sabiex ma jirrendux id-depożitu ta' talbiet għal reviżjoni impossibbli; dan it-tagħrif għandu għalhekk jingħata kemm jista' jkun malajr u ġeneralment fi żmien 15-il ġurnata wara d-deċiżjoni.

(49) It is appropriate that the participants in an award procedure are informed of decisions to conclude a framework agreement or to award a contract or to abandon the procedure within time limits that are sufficiently short so as not to render the lodging of requests for review impossible; this information should therefore be given as soon as possible and in general within 15 days following the decision.

(50) Għandu jiġi ċċarat li entitajiet kontraenti li jistabbilixxu kriterji ta' għażla fi proċedura miftuħa għandhom jagħmlu dan bi qbil mar-regoli u kriterji oġġettivi, l-istess bħal ma kriterji ta' għażla fi proċeduri resitritti u negozjati għandhom ikunu oġġettivi. Dawn ir-regoli u kriterji oġġettivi, l-istess bħall-kriterji ta' għażla, ma jimplikawx neċessarjament tweżin.

(50) It should be clarified that contracting entities which establish selection criteria in an open procedure should do so in accordance with objective rules and criteria, just as the selection criteria in restricted and negotiated procedures should be objective. These objective rules and criteria, just as the selection criteria, do not necessarily imply weightings.

(51) Huwa importanti li titqies ġurisprudenza tal-Qorti tal-Ġustizzja f'każijiet fejn operatur ekonomiku jippretendi l-kapaċitajiet ekonomiċi, finanzjarji jew tekniċi ta' entitajiet oħra, tkun xi tkun in-natura legali tar-rabta bejnha nnifisha u dawk l-entitajiet, sabiex jintlaħqu kriterji ta' għażla jew, fil-kuntest ta' sistemi ta' kwalifikazzjoni, f'appoġġ ta' l-applikazzjoni tagħha għal kwalifikazzjoni. Fil-każ msemmi l-aħħar, huwa l-operatur ekonomiku li jrid jipprova li dawk ir-risorsi se jkunu fil-fatt disponibbli għalih matul il-perjodu ta' validita tal-kwalifikazzjoni. Għall-għanijiet ta' dik il-kwalifikazzjoni, entità kontraenti tista' għalhekk tistabbilixxi l-livell ta' ħtiġijiet li jridu jintlaħqu u partikolarment, per eżempju fejn l-operatur jitlob il-bażi finanzjarja ta' entità oħra, tista' teħtieġ li l-entità tinżamm responsabbli, jekk ikun meħtieġ b'mod konġunt u wieħed wieħed.

(51) It is important to take into account Court of Justice case-law in cases where an economic operator claims the economic, financial or technical capabilities of other entities, whatever the legal nature of the link between itself and those entities, in order to meet the selection criteria or, in the context of qualification systems, in support of its application for qualification. In the latter case, it is for the economic operator to prove that those resources will actually be available to it throughout the period of validity of the qualification. For the purposes of that qualification, a contracting entity may therefore determine the level of requirements to be met and in particular, for example where the operator lays claim to the financial standing of another entity, it may require that that entity be held liable, if necessary jointly and severally.

Sistemi ta' kwalifikazzjoni għandhom jitħaddmu bi qbil mar-regoli u l-kriterji oġġettivi, li, fuq l-għażla ta' l-entitajiet kontraenti, jistgħu jikkonċernaw il-kapaċitajiet ta' l-operaturi ekonomiċi u/jew il-karatteristiċi tax-xogħlijiet, il-provvisti jew is-servizzi koperti mis-sistema. Għall-għanijiet ta' kwalifika, entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jikkonduċu t-testijiet tagħhom stess sabiex jevalwaw il-karatteristiċi tax-xogħlijiet, il-provvisti jew is-servizzi konċernati, partikolarment f'termini ta' kompatibilita u sigurtà.

Qualification systems should be operated in accordance with objective rules and criteria, which, at the contracting entities' choice, may concern the capacities of the economic operators and/or the characteristics of the works, supplies or services covered by the system. For the purposes of qualification, contracting entities may conduct their own tests in order to evaluate the characteristics of the works, supplies or services concerned, in particular in terms of compatibility and safety.

(52) Ir-regoli rilevanti tal-Komunità dwar għarfien bejn xulxin ta' diplomi, ċertifikati jew xhieda oħra ta' kwalifiċi formali japplikaw meta xhieda ta' kwalifika partikolari hija meħtieġa għal parteċipazzjoni fi proċedura ta' akkwist jew kuntest ta' disinn.

(52) The relevant Community rules on mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates or other evidence of formal qualifications apply when evidence of a particular qualification is required for participation in a procurement procedure or a design contest.

(53) F'każijiet xierqa, li fihom in-natura tax-xogħlijiet u/jew is-servizzi tiġġustifika li jiġu applikati miżuri jew skemi ta' tmexxija ambjentali matul it-twettieq ta' kuntratt, tista' tinħtieġ l-applikazzjoni ta' dawn il-miżuri jew skemi. Skemi ta' tmexxija ambjentali, sewwa jekk huma reġistrati u sewwa jekk le taħt strumenti Komunitarji bħal ma huma r-Regolament (KE) Nru 761/2001 (EMAS) [21] , jistgħu juru li l-operatur ekonomiku għandu l-kapaċita teknika biex iwettaq il-kuntratt. Barra minn hekk, deskrizzjoni tal-miżuri implimentati mill-operatur ekonomiku biex jiġi żgurat l-istess livell ta' protezzjoni ambjentali għandhom jiġu aċċettati bħala alternattiva għal skemi ta' reġistrazzjoni ta' tmexxija ambjentali bħala forma ta' xhieda.

(53) In appropriate cases, in which the nature of the works and/or services justifies applying environmental management measures or schemes during the performance of a contract, the application of such measures or schemes may be required. Environmental management schemes, whether or not they are registered under Community instruments such as Regulation (EC) No 761/2001 (EMAS)(21), can demonstrate that the economic operator has the technical capability to perform the contract. Moreover, a description of the measures implemented by the economic operator to ensure the same level of environmental protection should be accepted as an alternative to environmental management registration schemes as a form of evidence.

(54) L-għoti ta' kuntratti pubbliċi lil operaturi ekonomiċi li jkunu parteċipaw f'organizzazzjoni kriminali jew li nsabu ħatja ta' korruzzjoni jew ta' frodi għad-detriment ta' l-interessi finanzjarji tal-Komunitajiet Ewropej jew ta' ħasil tal-flus għandu jiġi evitat. Meta jitqies li l-entitajiet kontraenti, li mhumiex awtoritajiet kontraenti, jista' ma jkollhomx aċċess għal prova mingħajr dubju fil-materja, huwa xieraq li titħalla l-għażla ta' jekk jiġux applikati jew le l-kriterji ta' esklużjoni mniżżla f'lista fl-Artikolu 45(1) tad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE lil dawn l-entitajiet kontraenti. L-obbligazzjoni li jiġi applikat l-Artikolu 45(1) għandha għalhekk tiġi limitata biss għal entitajiet kontraenti li huma awtoritajiet kontraenti. Fejn xieraq, l-entitajiet kontraenti għandhom isaqsu lill-applikanti għal kwalifika, kandidati jew persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti biex jipprovdu d-dokumenti rilevanti u, fejn ikollhom dubji rigward is-sitwazzjoni personali ta' dawn l-operaturi ekonomiċi, jistgħu jfittxu l-koperazzjoni ta' l-awtoritajiet kompetenti ta' l-Istat Membru konċernat. L-esklużjoni ta' dawn l-operaturi ekonomiċi għandha sseħħ malli l-awtorita kontraenti jkollha għarfien ta' ġudizzju rigward dawn l-offiżi mirduda bi qbil mal-liġi nazzjonali li għandha s-saħħa ta' res judicata.

(54) The award of public contracts to economic operators who have participated in a criminal organisation or who have been found guilty of corruption or of fraud to the detriment of the financial interests of the European Communities or of money laundering should be avoided. Given that contracting entities, which are not contracting authorities, might not have access to indisputable proof on the matter, it is appropriate to leave the choice of whether or not to apply the exclusion criteria listed in Article 45(1) of Directive 2004/18/EC to these contracting entities. The obligation to apply Article 45(1) should therefore be limited only to contracting entities that are contracting authorities. Where appropriate, the contracting entities should ask applicants for qualification, candidates or tenderers to supply relevant documents and, where they have doubts concerning the personal situation of these economic operators, they may seek the cooperation of the competent authorities of the Member State concerned. The exclusion of such economic operators should take place as soon as the contracting authority has knowledge of a judgment concerning such offences rendered in accordance with national law that has the force of res judicata.

Jekk liġi nazzjonali tikkontjeni dispożizzjonijiet għal dan il-għan, nuqqas ta' konformita ma' legislazzjoni ambjentali jew leġislazzjoni fuq ftehim illegali f'kuntratti li kien is-suġġett ta' ġudizzju finali jew deċiżjoni li għandha effett ekwivalenti jista' jitqies bħala offiża rigward il-kondotta professjonali ta' l-operatur ekonomiku konċernat jew kondotta ħażina gravi.

If national law contains provisions to this effect, non-compliance with environmental legislation or legislation on unlawful agreements in contracts which has been the subject of a final judgment or a decision having equivalent effect may be considered an offence concerning the professional conduct of the economic operator concerned or grave misconduct.

Nuqqas ta' osservazzjoni ta' dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali li jimplimentaw id-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 2000/78/KE [22] u 76/207/KEE [23] rigward trattament ugwali ta' ħaddiema, li kien is-suġġett ta' ġudizzju finali jew deċiżjoni li għandha effett ekwivalenti jista' titqies bħala offiża rigward il-kondotta professjonali ta' l-operatur ekonomiku konċernat jew kondotta ħażina gravi.

Non-observance of national provisions implementing the Council Directives 2000/78/EC(22) and 76/207/EEC(23) concerning equal treatment of workers, which has been the subject of a final judgment or a decision having equivalent effect may be considered an offence concerning the professional conduct of the economic operator concerned or grave misconduct.

(55) Kuntratti jistgħu jingħataw fuq il-bażi ta' kriterji oġġettivi li jiżguraw konformita mal-prinċipji ta' trasparenza, nuqqas ta' diskriminazzjoni u trattament ugwali u li jiggarantixxi li offerti huma stmati f'kondizzjonijiet ta' kompetizzjoni effettiva. Bħala riżultat, huwa xieraq li titħalla l-applikazzjoni ta' żewġ kriterji ta' għotja biss: "il-prezz l-aktar baxx" u "l-offerta l-aktar vantaġġuża ekonomikament".

(55) Contracts must be awarded on the basis of objective criteria which ensure compliance with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination and equal treatment and which guarantee that tenders are assessed in conditions of effective competition. As a result, it is appropriate to allow the application of two award criteria only: "the lowest price" and "the most economically advantageous tender".

Biex tiġi żgurata konformita mal-prinċipju ta' trattament ugwali fl-għoti ta' kuntratti, huwa xieraq li jiġi preskritt bħala obbligazzjoni – stabbilit minn ġurisprudenza – biex tiġi żgurata t-trasparenza meħtieġa biex tippermetti lill-persuni kollha li qed jagħmlu l-offerti li jkunu mgħarrfa raġunevolment bil-kriterji u l-arranġamenti li se jiġu applikati biex jidentifikaw l-offerta l-aktar vantaġġuża ekonomikament. Hija għalhekk ir-responsabbilita ta' entitajiet kontraenti li jindikaw il-kriterji għall-għoti tal-kuntratt u t-tweżin relattiv mogħti lil kull waħda minn dawk il-kriterji f'ħin suffiċjenti għal persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti biex ikunu konxji tagħhom waqt li jkunu qed iħejju l-offerti. Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jidderogaw milli jindikaw it-tweżin tal-kriterji għall-għoti tal-kuntratt f'każijiet ġustifikati kif mistħoqq għal liema jridu jkunu jistgħu jagħtu raġunijiet, fejn it-tweżin ma jistax jiġi stabbilit bil-quddiem, partikolarment minħabba fil-kumplessita tal-kuntratt. F'dan il-każijiet, iridu jindikaw l-ordni dexxendenti ta' importanza tal-kriterji.

To ensure compliance with the principle of equal treatment in the award of contracts, it is appropriate to lay down an obligation - established by case-law - to ensure the necessary transparency to enable all tenderers to be reasonably informed of the criteria and arrangements which will be applied to identify the most economically advantageous tender. It is therefore the responsibility of contracting entities to indicate the criteria for the award of the contract and the relative weighting given to each of those criteria in sufficient time for tenderers to be aware of them when preparing their tenders. Contracting entities may derogate from indicating the weighting of the criteria for the award of the contract in duly justified cases for which they must be able to give reasons, where the weighting cannot be established in advance, in particular on account of the complexity of the contract. In such cases, they must indicate the descending order of importance of the criteria.

Fejn entitajiet kontraenti jagħżlu li jagħtu kuntratt għall-offerta l-aktar vantaġġuża ekonomikament, għandhom jistmaw offerti sabiex jiġi stabbilit liema wieħed joffri l-aħjar valur għall-flus. Sabiex jagħmlu dan, għandhom jistabbilixxu l-kriterji ekonomiċi u ta' kwalità li, kollha kemm huma, iridu jagħmluha possibbli li tiġi stabbilita l-offerta l-aktar vantaġġuża ekonomikament għall-entità kontraenti. L-istabbilizzazzjoni ta' dawn il-kriterji tiddependi fuq l-għan tal-kuntratt minħabba li jridu jippermettu li l-livell ta' twettieq offrut minn kull offerta jiġi stmat fid-dawl ta' l-għan tal-kuntratt, kif definit fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi, u l-valur għall-flus għal kull offerta li trid titkejjel. Sabiex jiġi garantit trattament ugwali, il-kriterji għall-għoti tal-kuntratt iridu jippermettu li l-offerti jiġu mqabbla u stmati oġġettivament. Jekk dawn il-kondizzjonijiet jitwettqu, kriterji ekonomiċi u kwalitattivi għall-għoti tal-kuntratt, bħal ma huma li jintlaħqu ħtiġijiet ambjentali, jistgħu jippermettu lill-entità kontraenti li tilħaq il-bżonnijiet tal-pubbliku konċernat, kif espress fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tal-kuntratt. Fuq l-istess kondizzjonijiet, entità kontraenti tista' tuża kriterji li jimmiraw li jilħqu ħtiġijiet soċjali, partikolarment bħala risposta għall-bżonnijiet – definiti fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tal-kuntratt – ta' gruppi partikolarment żvantaġġjati ta' persuni li għalihom jappartjenu dawk li qed jerċievu/jużaw ix-xogħlijiet, il-provvisti jew is-servizzi li huma l-għan tal-kuntratt.

Where contracting entities choose to award a contract to the most economically advantageous tender, they should assess the tenders in order to determine which one offers the best value for money. In order to do this, they should determine the economic and quality criteria which, taken as a whole, must make it possible to determine the most economically advantageous tender for the contracting entity. The determination of these criteria depends on the object of the contract since they must allow the level of performance offered by each tender to be assessed in the light of the object of the contract, as defined in the technical specifications, and the value for money of each tender to be measured. In order to guarantee equal treatment, the criteria for the award of the contract must enable tenders to be compared and assessed objectively. If these conditions are fulfilled, economic and qualitative criteria for the award of the contract, such as meeting environmental requirements, may enable the contracting entity to meet the needs of the public concerned, as expressed in the specifications of the contract. Under the same conditions, a contracting entity may use criteria aiming to meet social requirements, in particular in response to the needs - defined in the specifications of the contract - of particularly disadvantaged groups of people to which those receiving/using the works, supplies or services which are the object of the contract belong.

(56) Il-kriterji ta' l-għotja ma jridux jaffettwaw l-applikazzjoni ta' dispożizzjonijiet nazzjonali fuq ir-rimunerazzjoni ta' ċerti servizzi, bħal ma huma servizzi provvduti minn periti, inġiniera jew avukati.

(56) The award criteria must not affect the application of national provisions on the remuneration of certain services, such as the services provided by architects, engineers or lawyers.

(57) Ir-Regolament tal-Kunsill (KEE, Euratom) Nru 1182/71 tat-3 ta' Ġunju 1971 li jistabbilixxi r-regoli applikabbli għal perjodi, dati u limiti taż-żmien [24] għandu japplika għall-kalkolu tal-limiti taż-żmien li jinstabu f'din id-Direttiva.

(57) Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1182/71 of 3 June 1971 determining the rules applicable to periods, dates and time limits(24) should apply to the calculation of the time limits contained in this Directive.

(58) Din id-Direttiva għandha tkun mingħajr preġudizzju għall-obbligazzjonijiet internazzjonali eżistenti tal-Komunità jew ta' Istati Membri u m'għandhiex tippreġudika l-applikazzjoni tad-dispożizzjonijiet tat-Trattat, partikolarment l-Artikoli 81 u 86 miġjuba fih.

(58) This Directive should be without prejudice to the existing international obligations of the Community or of the Member States and should not prejudice the application of the provisions of the Treaty, in particular Articles 81 and 86 thereof.

(59) Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tippreġudika l-limiti taż-żmien dikjarati fl-Anness XXV, li fihom l-Istati Membri jinħtieġu li jibdlu u japplikaw id-Direttiva 93/38/KEE.

(59) This Directive should not prejudice the time-limits set out in Annex XXV, within which Member States are required to transpose and apply Directive 93/38/EEC.

(60) Il-miżuri meħtieġa għall-implimentazzjoni ta' din id-Direttiva għandhom jiġu adotti bi qbil mad-Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill 1999/468/KE tat-28 Ġunju 1999 li tippreskrivi l-proċeduri għall-eżerċizzju tal-poteri ta' implimentazzjoni mogħtija lill-Kummissjoni. [25].

(60) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission,(25).

ADOTTAW DIN ID-DIRETTIVA:

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

WERREJ

It-TITOLU I

CONTENTS

Il-Kapitolu I

>TABLE>

Artikolu 1

Il-Kapitolu II

TITLE I

Sezzjoni 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS AND DESIGN CONTESTS

Artikolu 2

CHAPTER I

Sezzjoni 2

Basic terms

Artikolu 3

Article 1

Artikolu 4

Definitions

Artikolu 5

1. For the purposes of this Directive, the definitions set out in this Article shall apply.

Artikolu 6

2. (a) "Supply, works and service contracts" are contracts for pecuniary interest concluded in writing between one or more of the contracting entities referred to in Article 2(2), and one or more contractors, suppliers, or service providers.

Artikolu 7

(b) "Works contracts" are contracts having as their object either the execution, or both the design and execution, of works related to one of the activities within the meaning of Annex XII or a work, or the realisation by whatever means of a work corresponding to the requirements specified by the contracting entity. A "work" means the outcome of building or civil engineering works taken as a whole which is sufficient of itself to fulfil an economic or technical function.

Artikolu 8

(c) "Supply contracts" are contracts other than those referred to in (b) having as their object the purchase, lease, rental or hire-purchase, with or without the option to buy, of products.

L-Artikolu 9

A contract having as its object the supply of products, which also covers, as an incidental matter, siting and installation operations shall be considered to be a "supply contract";

Il-Kapitolu III

(d) "Service contracts" are contracts other than works or supply contracts having as their object the provision of services referred to in Annex XVII.

L-Artikolu 10

A contract having as its object both products and services within the meaning of Annex XVII shall be considered to be a "service contract" if the value of the services in question exceeds that of the products covered by the contract.

It-TITOLU II

A contract having as its object services within the meaning of Annex XVII and including activities within the meaning of Annex XII that are only incidental to the principal object of the contract shall be considered to be a service contract.

Il-Kapitolu I

3. (a) A "works concession" is a contract of the same type as a works contract except for the fact that the consideration for the works to be carried out consists either solely in the right to exploit the work or in that right together with payment;

Artikolu 11

(b) A "service concession" is a contract of the same type as a service contract except for the fact that the consideration for the provision of services consists either solely in the right to exploit the service or in that right together with payment.

Artikolu 12

4. A "framework agreement" is an agreement between one or more contracting entities referred to in Article 2(2) and one or more economic operators, the purpose of which is to establish the terms governing contracts to be awarded during a given period, in particular with regard to price and, where appropriate, the quantities envisaged.

Artikolu 13

5. A "dynamic purchasing system" is a completely electronic process for making commonly used purchases, the characteristics of which, as generally available on the market, meet the requirements of the contracting entity, which is limited in duration and open throughout its validity to any economic operator which satisfies the selection criteria and has submitted an indicative tender that complies with the specification.

Artikolu 14

6. An "electronic auction" is a repetitive process involving an electronic device for the presentation of new prices, revised downwards, and/or new values concerning certain elements of tenders, which occurs after an initial full evaluation of the tenders, enabling them to be ranked using automatic evaluation methods. Consequently, certain service contracts and certain works contracts having as their subject-matter intellectual performances, such as the design of works, may not be the object of electronic auctions.

Artikolu 15

7. The terms "contractor", "supplier" or "service provider" mean either a natural or a legal person, or a contracting entity within the meaning of Article 2(2)(a) or (b), or a group of such persons and/or entities which offers on the market, respectively, the execution of works and/or a work, products or services.

Il-Kapitolu II

The terms "economic operator" shall cover equally the concepts of contractor, supplier and service provider. It is used merely in the interests of simplification.

Sezzjoni 1

A "tenderer" is an economic operator who submits a tender, and "candidate" means one who has sought an invitation to take part in a restricted or negotiated procedure.

Artikolu 16

8. A "central purchasing body" is a contracting authority within the meaning of Article 2(1)(a) or a contracting authority within the meaning of Article 1(9) of Directive 2004/18/EC which:

Artikolu 17

- acquires supplies and/or services intended for contracting entities or

Sezzjoni 2

- awards public contracts or concludes framework agreements for works, supplies or services intended for contracting entities.

Sotto sezzjoni 1

9. "Open, restricted and negotiated procedures" are the procurement procedures applied by contracting entities, whereby:

Artikolu 18

(a) in the case of open procedures, any interested economic operator may submit a tender;

Sottosezzjoni 2

(b) in the case of restricted procedures, any economic operator may request to participate and only candidates invited by the contracting entity may submit a tender;

Artikolu 19

(c) in the case of negotiated procedures, the contracting entity consults the economic operators of its choice and negotiates the terms of the contract with one or more of these.

Artikolu 20

10. "Design contests" are those procedures which enable the contracting entity to acquire, mainly in the fields of town and country planning, architecture, engineering or data processing, a plan or design selected by a jury after having been put out to competition with or without the award of prizes.

Artikolu 21

11. "Written" or "in writing" means any expression consisting of words or figures that can be read, reproduced and subsequently communicated. It may include information transmitted and stored by electronic means.

Artikolu 22

12. "Electronic means" means using electronic equipment for the processing (including digital compression) and storage of data which is transmitted, conveyed and received by wire, by radio, by optical means or by other electromagnetic means.

Artikolu 23

13. "Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)" means the reference nomenclature applicable to public contracts as adopted by Regulation (EC) No 2195/2002 of 5 November 2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Common Procurement Vocabulary (CVP)(26) while ensuring equivalence with the other existing nomenclatures.

Sottosezzjoni 3

In the event of varying interpretations of the scope of this Directive, owing to possible differences between the CPV and NACE nomenclatures listed in Annex XII or between the CPV and CPC (provisional version) nomenclatures listed in Annex XVII, the NACE or the CPC nomenclature respectively shall take precedence.

Artikolu 24

Artikolu 25

CHAPTER II

Sottosezzjoni 4

Definition of the activities and entities covered

Artikolu 26

Section 1

Sottosezzjoni 5

Entities

Artikolu 27

Article 2

Artikolu 28

Contracting entities

Artikolu 29

1. For the purposes of this Directive,

Artikolu 30

(a) "Contracting authorities" are State, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law, associations formed by one or several such authorities or one or several of such bodies governed by public law.

Il-Kapitolu III

"A body governed by public law" means any body:

Artikolu 31

- established for the specific purpose of meeting needs in the general interest, not having an industrial or commercial character,

Artikolu 32

- having legal personality and

Artikolu 33

- financed, for the most part, by the State, regional or local authorities, or other bodies governed by public law; or subject to management supervision by those bodies; or having an administrative, managerial or supervisory board, more than half of whose members are appointed by the State, regional or local authorities, or by other bodies governed by public law;

Il-Kapitolu IV

(b) a "public undertaking" is any undertaking over which the contracting authorities may exercise directly or indirectly a dominant influence by virtue of their ownership of it, their financial participation therein, or the rules which govern it.

Artikolu 34

A dominant influence on the part of the contracting authorities shall be presumed when these authorities, directly or indirectly, in relation to an undertaking:

Artikolu 35

- hold the majority of the undertaking's subscribed capital, or

Artikolu 36

- control the majority of the votes attaching to shares issued by the undertaking, or

Artikolu 37

- can appoint more than half of the undertaking's administrative, management or supervisory body.

Artikolu 38

2. This Directive shall apply to contracting entities:

Artikolu 39

(a) which are contracting authorities or public undertakings and which pursue one of the activities referred to in Articles 3 to 7;

Il-Kapitolu V

(b) which, when they are not contracting authorities or public undertakings, have as one of their activities any of the activities referred to in Articles 3 to 7, or any combination thereof and operate on the basis of special or exclusive rights granted by a competent authority of a Member State.

Artikolu 40

3. For the purposes of this Directive, "special or exclusive rights" mean rights granted by a competent authority of a Member State by way of any legislative, regulatory or administrative provision the effect of which is to limit the exercise of activities defined in Articles 3 to 7 to one or more entities, and which substantially affects the ability of other entities to carry out such activity.

Il-Kapitolu VI

Sezzjoni 1

Section 2

Artikolu 41

Activities

Artikolu 42

Article 3

Artikolu 43

Gas, heat and electricity

Artikolu 44

1. As far as gas and heat are concerned, this Directive shall apply to the following activities:

Sezzjoni 2

(a) the provision or operation of fixed networks intended to provide a service to the public in connection with the production, transport or distribution of gas or heat; or

Artikolu 45

(b) the supply of gas or heat to such networks.

Artikolu 46

2. The supply of gas or heat to networks which provide a service to the public by a contracting entity other than a contracting authority shall not be considered a relevant activity within the meaning of paragraph 1 where:

Artikolu 47

(a) the production of gas or heat by the entity concerned is the unavoidable consequence of carrying out an activity other than those referred to in paragraphs 1 or 3 of this Article or in Articles 4 to 7; and

Sezzjoni 3

(b) supply to the public network is aimed only at the economic exploitation of such production and amounts to not more than 20 % of the entity's turnover having regard to the average for the preceding three years, including the current year.

Artikolu 48

3. As far as electricity is concerned, this Directive shall apply to the following activities:

Artikolu 49

(a) the provision or operation of fixed networks intended to provide a service to the public in connection with the production, transport or distribution of electricity; or

Artikolu 50

(b) the supply of electricity to such networks.

Il-Kapitolu VII

4. The supply of electricity to networks which provide a service to the public by a contracting entity other than a contracting authority shall not be considered a relevant activity within the meaning of paragraph 3 where:

Artikolu 51

(a) the production of electricity by the entity concerned takes place because its consumption is necessary for carrying out an activity other than those referred to in paragraphs 1 or 3 of this Article or in Articles 4 to 7; and

Sezzjoni 1

(b) supply to the public network depends only on the entity's own consumption and has not exceeded 30% of the entity's total production of energy, having regard to the average for the preceding three years, including the current year.

Artikolu 52

Artikolu 53

Article 4

Artikolu 54

Water

Sezzjoni 2

1. This Directive shall apply to the following activities:

Artikolu 55

(a) the provision or operation of fixed networks intended to provide a service to the public in connection with the production, transport or distribution of drinking water; or

Artikolu 56

(b) the supply of drinking water to such networks.

Artikolu 57

2. This Directive shall also apply to contracts or design contests awarded or organised by entities which pursue an activity referred to in paragraph 1 and which:

Sezzjoni 3

(a) are connected with hydraulic engineering projects, irrigation or land drainage, provided that the volume of water to be used for the supply of drinking water represents more than 20 % of the total volume of water made available by such projects or irrigation or drainage installations, or

Artikolu 58

(b) are connected with the disposal or treatment of sewage.

Artikolu 59

3. The supply of drinking water to networks which provide a service to the public by a contracting entity other than a contracting authority shall not be considered a relevant activity within the meaning of paragraph 1 where:

It-TITOLU III

(a) the production of drinking water by the entity concerned takes place because its consumption is necessary for carrying out an activity other than those referred to in Articles 3 to 7; and

Artikolu 60

(b) supply to the public network depends only on the entity's own consumption and has not exceeded 30 % of the entity's total production of drinking water, having regard to the average for the preceding three years, including the current year.

Artikolu 61

Artikolu 62

Article 5

Artikolu 63

Transport services

Artikolu 64

1. This Directive shall apply to activities relating to the provision or operation of networks providing a service to the public in the field of transport by railway, automated systems, tramway, trolley bus, bus or cable.

Artikolu 65

As regards transport services, a network shall be considered to exist where the service is provided under operating conditions laid down by a competent authority of a Member State, such as conditions on the routes to be served, the capacity to be made available or the frequency of the service.

Artikolu 66

2. This Directive shall not apply to entities providing bus transport services to the public which were excluded from the scope of Directive 93/38/EEC pursuant to Article 2(4) thereof.

It-TITOLU IV

Artikolu 67

Article 6

Artikolu 68

Postal services

Artikolu 69

1. This Directive shall apply to activities relating to the provision of postal services or, on the conditions set out in paragraph 2(c), other services than postal services.

Artikolu 70

2. For the purpose of this Directive and without prejudice to Directive 97/67/EC:

Artikolu 71

(a) "postal item": means an item addressed in the final form in which it is to be carried, irrespective of weight. In addition to items of correspondence, such items also include for instance books, catalogues, newspapers, periodicals and postal packages containing merchandise with or without commercial value, irrespective of weight;

Artikolu 72

(b) "postal services": means services consisting of the clearance, sorting, routing and delivery of postal items. These services comprise:

Artikolu 73

- "reserved postal services": postal services which are or may be reserved on the basis of Article 7 of Directive 97/67/EC,

Artikolu 74

- "other postal services": postal services which may not be reserved on the basis of Article 7 of Directive 97/67/EC; and

Artikolu 75

(c) "other services than postal services": means services provided in the following areas:

L-Anness I

- mail service management services (services both preceding and subsequent to despatch, such as "mailroom management services"),

L-Anness II

- added-value services linked to and provided entirely by electronic means (including the secure transmission of coded documents by electronic means, address management services and transmission of registered electronic mail),

L-Anness III

- services concerning postal items not included in point (a), such as direct mail bearing no address,

L-Anness IV

- financial services, as defined in category 6 of Annex XVII A and in Article 24(c) and including in particular postal money orders and postal giro transfers,

L-Anness V

- philatelic services, and

L-Anness VI

- logistics services (services combining physical delivery and/or warehousing with other non-postal functions),

L-Anness VII

on condition that such services are provided by an entity which also provides postal services within the meaning of point (b), first or second indent, and provided that the conditions set out in Article 30(1) are not satisfied in respect of the services falling within those indents.

L-Anness VIII

L-Anness IX

Article 7

L-Anness X

Exploration for, or extraction of, oil, gas, coal or other solid fuels, as well as ports and airports

L-Anness XI

This Directive shall apply to activities relating to the exploitation of a geographical area for the purpose of:

L-Anness XII

(a) exploring for or extracting oil, gas, coal or other solid fuels, or

L-Anness XIII

(b) the provision of airports and maritime or inland ports or other terminal facilities to carriers by air, sea or inland waterway.

A. Proċeduri miftuħa

B. Proċeduri ristretti

Article 8

Ċ. Proċeduri negozjati

Lists of contracting entities

D. Avviż simplifikat ta' kuntratt għall-użu f'sistema dinamika ta' xiri

The non-exhaustive lists of contracting entities within the meaning of this Directive are contained in Annexes I to X. Member States shall notify the Commission periodically of any changes to their lists.

L-Anness XIV

L-Anness XV A

Article 9

L-Anness XV B

Contracts covering several activities

L-Anness XVI

1. A contract which is intended to cover several activities shall be subject to the rules applicable to the activity for which it is principally intended.

L-Anness XVII A

However, the choice between awarding a single contract and awarding a number of separate contracts may not be made with the objective of excluding it from the scope of this Directive or, where applicable, Directive 2004/18/EC.

L-Anness XVII B

2. If one of the activities for which the contract is intended is subject to this Directive and the other to the abovementioned Directive 2004/18/EC and if it is objectively impossible to determine for which activity the contract is principally intended, the contract shall be awarded in accordance with the abovementioned Directive 2004/18/EC.

L-Anness XVIII

3. If one of the activities for which the contract is intended is subject to this Directive and the other is not subject to either this Directive or the abovementioned Directive 2004/18/EC, and if it is objectively impossible to determine for which activity the contract is principally intended, the contract shall be awarded in accordance with this Directive.

L-Anness XIX

L-Anness XX

CHAPTER III

L-Anness XXI

General principles

L-Anness XXII

Article 10

L-Anness XXIII

Principles of awarding contracts

L-Anness XXIV

Contracting entities shall treat economic operators equally and non-discriminatorily and shall act in a transparent way.

L-Anness XXV

L-Anness XXVI

TITLE II

IT-TITOLU I

RULES APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS

DISPOSIZZJONIJIET ĠENERALI APPLIKABBLI GĦAL KUNTRATTI U KUNTESTI TA' DISINN

CHAPTER I

IL-KAPITOLU I

General provisions

Termini bażiċi

Article 11

Artikolu 1

Economic operators

Definizzjonijiet

1. Candidates or tenderers who, under the law of the Member State in which they are established, are entitled to provide the relevant service, shall not be rejected solely on the ground that, under the law of the Member State in which the contract is awarded, they would be required to be either natural or legal persons.

1. Għall-għanijiet ta' din id-Direttiva, id-definizzjonijiet dikjarati f'dan l-Artikolu għandhom japplikaw.

However, in the case of service and works contracts as well as supply contracts covering in addition services and/or siting and installation operations, legal persons may be required to indicate, in the tender or the request to participate, the names and relevant professional qualifications of the staff to be responsible for the performance of the contract in question.

2. (a) "Kuntratti ta' provvista, xogħlijiet u servizz" huma kuntratti għal interess ta' flus (pecuniary) konklużi bil-miktub bejn waħda jew aktar mill-entitajiet kontraenti riferiti fl-Artikolu 2(2), u provveditur ta' servizz, kuntrattur jew supplent wieħed jew aktar.

2. Groups of economic operators may submit tenders or put themselves forward as candidates. In order to submit a tender or a request to participate, these groups may not be required by the contracting entities to assume a specific legal form; however, the group selected may be required to do so when it has been awarded the contract, to the extent to which this change is necessary for the satisfactory performance of the contract.

(b) "Kuntratti tax-xogħol" huma kuntratti li għandhom bħala l-għan tagħhom jew l-eżekuzzjoni, jew kemm id-disinn u l-eżekuzzjoni, ta' xogħlijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' waħda mill-attivitajiet fit-tifsira ta' l-Anness XII jew xogħol, jew ir-realizzazzjoni b'kwalunkwe mezz ta' xogħol li jikkorrespondi għall-ħtiġijiet speċifikati mill-entità kontraenti. "Xogħol" ifisser ir-riżultat ta' xogħlijiet ta' bini jew inġinerija ċivili fl-intier tagħhom li huwa biżżejjed fih innifsu biex iwettaq funzjoni ekonomika jew teknika.

(ċ) "Kuntratti ta' provvista" huma kuntratti oħra għajr dawk riferiti f'(b) li għandhom bħala l-għan tagħhom ix-xiri, kiri b'self, kiri jew xiri bin-nifs, bl-għażla jew mingħajrha ta' xiri, ta' prodotti.

Article 12

Kuntratt li għandu bħala l-għan tiegħu l-provvista ta' prodotti, li jkopri wkoll, bħala materja inċidentali, operati ta' tfittxija ta' post (siting) u stallazzjoni għandu jitqies bħala "kuntratt ta' provvista".

Conditions relating to agreements concluded within the World Trade Organisation

(d) "Kuntratti ta' servizz" huma kuntratti oħra għajr kuntratti ta' xogħol jew ta' provvista li għandhom bħala l-għan tagħhom il-provvediment ta' servizzi riferiti fl-Anness XVII.

For the purposes of the award of contracts by contracting entities, Member States shall apply in their relations conditions as favourable as those which they grant to economic operators of third countries in implementation of the Agreement. Member States shall, to this end, consult one another within the Advisory Committee for Public Contracts on the measures to be taken pursuant to the Agreement.

Kuntratt li għandu bħala l-għan tiegħu kemm il-prodotti kif ukoll is-servizzi fit-tifsira ta' l-Anness XVII għandu jitqies bħala "kuntratt ta' servizz" jekk il-valur tas-servizzi msemmija jaqbeż dak tal-prodotti koperti mill-kuntratt.

Kuntratt li għandu bħala l-għan tiegħu servizzi fit-tifsira ta' l-Anness XVII u jinkludi attivitajiet fit-tifsira ta' l-Anness XII li huma inċidentali biss għall-iskop prinċipali tal-kuntratt għandu jitqies bħala kuntratt ta' servizz.

Article 13

3. (a) "Konċessjoni ta' xogħlijiet" hija kuntratt ta' l-istess tip tal-kuntratt tax-xogħlijiet minbarra għall-fatt li l-konsiderazzjoni biex jitwettqu x-xogħlijiet tikkonsisti jew fid-dritt biex jiġi esplojtat ix-xogħol biss jew f'dak id-dritt flimkien ma' ħlas;

Confidentiality

(b) "Konċessjoni ta' servizz" hija kuntratt ta' l-istess tip tal-kuntratt ta' servizz minbarra għall-fatt li l-konsiderazzjoni għall-provvediment ta' servizzi tikkonsisti jew fid-dritt biex jiġi esplojtat is-servizz biss jew f'dak id-dritt flimkien ma' ħlas.

1. In the context of provision of technical specifications to interested economic operators, of qualification and selection of economic operators and of award of contracts, contracting entities may impose requirements with a view to protecting the confidential nature of information which they make available.

4. "Qafas ta' ftehim" huwa ftehim bejn entità kontraenti waħda jew aktar riferiti fl-Artikolu 2(2) u operatur ekonomiku wieħed jew aktar, li l-għan tiegħu huwa li jiġu stabbiliti kuntratti li jirregolaw li jridu jingħataw matul perjodu msemmi, partikolarment rigward prezz u, fejn xieraq, il-kwantitajiet prevvisti.

2. Without prejudice to the provisions of this Directive, in particular those concerning the obligations relating to the advertising of awarded contracts and to the information to candidates and tenderers set out in Articles 43 and 49, and in accordance with the national law to which the contracting entity is subject, the contracting authority shall not disclose information forwarded to it by economic operators which they have designated as confidential; such information includes, in particular, technical or trade secrets and the confidential aspects of tenders.

5. "Sistema dinamika ta' xiri" huwa proċess kompletament elettroniku biex isir xiri normalment użat, li l-karatteristiċi tiegħu, kif ġeneralment disponibbli fis-suq, jilħqu l-ħtiġijiet ta' l-entità kontraenti, li huwa limitat fit-tul taż-żmien tiegħu u miftuħ matul il-validita tiegħu lil kull operatur ekonomiku li jissodisfa l-kriterji ta' għażla u ssottometta offerta indikattiva li tikkonforma ma' l-ispeċifikazzjoni.

6. "Irkant elettroniku" huwa proċess ripetittiv li jinvolvi mezz elettroniku għall-preżentazzjoni ta' prezzijiet ġodda, riveduti ‘l isfel, u/jew valuri ġodda rigward ċerti elementi ta' offerti, li jseħħ wara evalwazzjoni sħiħa inizjali ta' l-offerti, li jippermettihom li jitqiegħdu f'ordni permezz ta' metodi awtomatiċi ta' evalwazzjoni. B'konsegwenza, ċerti kuntratti ta' servizz u ċerti kuntratti ta' xogħlijiet li għandhom bħala l-kontenut tas-suġġett tagħhom twettieq intelletwali, bħal ma huwa d-disinn ta' xogħlijiet, m'għandhomx ikunu l-għan ta' rkanti elettroniċi.

Article 14

7. It-termini "kuntrattur", "supplent" jew "provveditur ta' servizz" ifissru jew persuna naturali jew legali, jew entità kontraenti fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(2)(a) jew (b), jew grupp ta' dawn il-persuni u/jew entitajiet li joffri fis-suq, rispettivament, l-eżekuzzjoni ta' xogħlijiet u/jew xogħol, prodotti jew servizzi.

Framework agreements

It-termini "operatur ekonomiku" għandhom ikopru ugwalment il-kunċetti ta' kuntrattur, supplent u provveditur ta' servizz. Huwa wżat sempliċement fl-interessi ta' simplifikazzjoni.

1. Contracting entities may regard a framework agreement as a contract within the meaning of Article 1(2) and award it in accordance with this Directive.

"Persuna li tagħmel offerta" hija operatur ekonomiku li jissottometti offerta, u "kandidat" ifisser wieħed li fittex stedina biex jieħu parti fi proċedura ristretta jew negozjata.

2. Where contracting entities have awarded a framework agreement in accordance with this Directive, they may avail themselves of Article 40(3)(i) when awarding contracts based on that framework agreement.

8. "Korp ċentrali ta' xiri" huwa awtorita kontraenti li fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(1)(a) jew awtorita kontraenti fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 1(9) tad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE li:

3. Where a framework agreement has not been awarded in accordance with this Directive, contracting entities may not avail themselves of Article 40(3)(i).

- takkwista provvisti u/jew servizzi maħsuba għal entitajiet kontraenti jew

4. Contracting entities may not misuse framework agreements in order to hinder, limit or distort competition.

- tagħti kuntratti pubbliċi jew tikkonkludi qafas ta' ftehim għal xogħlijiet, provvisti jew servizzi maħsuba għal entitajiet kontraenti.

9. "Proċeduri miftuħa, ristretti u negozjati" huma l-proċeduri ta' akkwist applikati minn entitajiet kontraenti, li bihom:

Article 15

(a) fil-każ ta' proċeduri miftuħa, kull operatur ekonomiku interessat jista' jissottometti offerta;

Dynamic purchasing systems

(b) fil-każ ta' proċeduri ristretti, kull operatur ekonomiku jista' jitlob li jipparteċipa u kandidati biss mistiedna mill-entità kontraenti jistgħu jissottomettu offerta;

1. Member States may provide that contracting entities may use dynamic purchasing systems.

(ċ) fil-każ ta' proċeduri negozjati, l-entità kontraenti tikkonsulta lill-operaturi ekonomiċi dwar l-għażla tagħha u tinnegozja t-termini tal-kuntratt ma' waħda jew aktar minn dawn.

2. In order to set up a dynamic purchasing system, contracting entities shall follow the rules of the open procedure in all its phases up to the award of the contracts to be concluded under this system. All tenderers who satisfy the selection criteria and have submitted an indicative tender which complies with the specification and any possible additional documents shall be admitted to the system; indicative tenders may be improved at any time provided that they continue to comply with the specification. With a view to setting up the system and to the award of contracts under that system, contracting entities shall use solely electronic means in accordance with Article 48(2) to (5).

10. "Kuntesti ta' disinn" huma dawk il-proċeduri li jippermettu lill-entità kontraenti li takkwista, prinċipalment fl-oqsma ta' pjanar fl-ibliet u fil-kampanja, arkitettura, inġinerija jew proċessar ta' fatti magħrufa (data), pjan jew disinn magħżul minn ġurija wara li jkun iddaħħal f'kompetizzjoni bl-għoti jew mingħajr l-għoti ta' premji.

3. For the purposes of setting up the dynamic purchasing system, contracting entities shall:

11. "Miktub" jew "bil-miktub" ifisser kull espressjoni li tikkonsisti minn kliem jew ċifri li jistgħu jinqraw, jiġu riprodotti u sossegwentement komunikati. Jista' jinkludi tagħrif trasmess u reġistrat permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi.

(a) publish a contract notice making it clear that a dynamic purchasing system is involved;

12. "Mezzi elettroniċi" ifisser l-użu ta' tagħmir elettroniku għall-proċessar (inkluż kompressjoni diġitali) u r-reġistrazzjoni ta' fatti magħrufa (data) li hija trasmessa, imwassla u rċevuta permezz tar-radju, permezz ta' mezzi ottiċi jew b'mezzi oħra elettromanjetiċi.

(b) indicate in the specification, amongst other matters, the nature of the purchases envisaged under that system, as well as all the necessary information concerning the purchasing system, the electronic equipment used and the technical connection arrangements and specifications;

13. "Vokabolarju Komuni dwar l-Akkwisti (CPV – Common Procurement Vocabulary)" ifisser in-nomenklatura riferenza applikabbli lil kuntratti pubbliċi kif adottat mir-Regolament (KE) Nru 2195/2002 tal-5 ta' Novembru 2002 tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar il-Vokabolarju Komuni dwar l-Akkwisti (CPV) [26] waqt li tiġi żgurata ekwivalenza man-nomenklaturi eżistenti l-oħra.

(c) offer by electronic means, on publication of the notice and until the system expires, unrestricted, direct and full access to the specification and to any additional documents and shall indicate in the notice the internet address at which such documents may be consulted.

Fil-każ ta' interpretazzjonijiet li jvarjaw ta' l-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva, minħabba fid-differenzi possibbli bejn in-nomenklaturi CPV u NACE mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XII jew bejn in-nomenklaturi CPV u CPC (versjoni provisorja) imniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII, in-nomenklatura NACE jew CPC rispettivament għandha tieħdu preċedenza.

4. Contracting entities shall give any economic operator, throughout the entire period of the dynamic purchasing system, the possibility of submitting an indicative tender and of being admitted to the system under the conditions referred to in paragraph 2. They shall complete evaluation within a maximum of 15 days from the date of submission of the indicative tender. However, they may extend the evaluation period provided that no invitation to tender is issued in the meantime.

IL-KAPITOLU II

Contracting entities shall inform the tenderer referred to in the first subparagraph at the earliest possible opportunity of its admittance to the dynamic purchasing system or of the rejection of its indicative tender.

Definizzjonijiet ta' l-attivitajiet u l-entitajiet koperti

5. Each specific contract shall be the subject of an invitation to tender. Before issuing the invitation to tender, contracting entities shall publish a simplified contract notice inviting all interested economic operators to submit an indicative tender, in accordance with paragraph 4, within a time limit that may not be less than 15 days from the date on which the simplified notice was sent. Contracting entities may not proceed with tendering until they have completed evaluation of all the indicative tenders received within that time limit.

Sezzjoni 1

6. Contracting entities shall invite all tenderers admitted to the system to submit a tender for each specific contract to be awarded under the system. To that end, they shall set a time limit for the submission of tenders.

Entitajiet

They shall award the contract to the tenderer which submitted the best tender on the basis of the award criteria set out in the contract notice for the establishment of the dynamic purchasing system. Those criteria may, if appropriate, be formulated more precisely in the invitation referred to in the first subparagraph.

Artikolu 2

7. A dynamic purchasing system may not last for more than four years, except in duly justified exceptional cases.

Entitajiet kontraenti

Contracting entities may not resort to this system to prevent, restrict or distort competition.

1. Għall-għanijiet ta' din id-Direttiva:

No charges may be billed to the interested economic operators or to parties to the system.

"Awtoritajiet kontraenti" - stabbilit għall-għan speċifiku li jilħaq bżonnijiet fl-interess ġenerali, li m'għandux karattru industrijali jew kummerċjali,

- li għandu personalità legali u

CHAPTER II

- finanzjat, fil-biċċa ‘l kbira, minn awtoritajiet ta' l-Istat, reġjonali jew lokali, jew korpijiet oħra irregolati mill-liġi pubblika; jew suġġetti għal sorveljanza ta' tmexxija minn dawk il-korpijiet; jew li għandhom bord amministrattiv, maniġerjali jew superviżorju, li aktar minn nofs il-membri tiegħu huma maħtura minn awtoritajiet ta' l-Istat, reġjonali jew lokali, jew minn korpijiet oħra irregolati mill-liġi pubblika;

Thresholds and exclusion provisions

"impriża pubblika" - iżommu l-parti l-kbira tal-kapital sottoskritt ta' l-impriża, jew

Section 1

- jikkontrollaw il-maġġoranza tal-voti li jkollhom l-ishma maħruġin mill-impriża, jew

Thresholds

- jistgħu jaħtru iktar min-nofs il-korp amminstrattiv, maniġerjali jew superviżorju ta' l-impriża.

Article 16

2. Din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għal entitajiet kontraenti:

Contract thresholds

(a) li huma awtoritajiet kontraenti jew impriżi pubbliċi u li jsegwu waħda mill-attivitajiet riferiti fl-Artikoli 3 sa 7;

Save where they are ruled out by the exclusions in Articles 19 to 26 or pursuant to Article 30, concerning the pursuit of the activity in question, this Directive shall apply to contracts which have a value excluding value-added tax (VAT) estimated to be no less than the following thresholds:

(b) li, meta m`humiex awtoritajiet kontraenti jew impriżi pubbliċi, jkollhom bħala waħda mill-attivitajiet tagħhom xi waħda mill-attivitajiet riferiti fl-Artikoli 3 sa 7, jew xi kombinazzjoni tagħhom u joperaw fuq il-bażi ta' drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi mogħtija minn awtorita kompetenti ta' Stat Membru.

(a) EUR 499000 in the case of supply and service contracts;

3. Għall-għanijiet ta' din id-Direttiva, drittijiet speċjali jew esklussivi jfissru drittijiet mogħtija minn awtorita kompetenti ta' Stat Membru permezz ta' xi dispożizzjoni leġislattiva, regolatorja jew amministrattiva li l-effett tagħha hija li tillimita l-eżerċizzju ta' attivitajiet kif definit fl-Artikoli 3 u 7 jew entità waħda jew aktar, u li sostanzjalment taffettwa l-kapaċita ta' l-entitajiet l-oħra li jwettqu din l-attività.

(b) EUR 6242000 in the case of works contracts.

Sezzjoni 2

Attivitajiet

Article 17

Artikolu 3

Methods of calculating the estimated value of contracts, framework agreements and dynamic purchasing systems

Gass, sħana u elettriku

1. The calculation of the estimated value of a contract shall be based on the total amount payable, net of VAT, as estimated by the contracting entity. This calculation shall take account of the estimated total amount, including any form of option and any renewals of the contract.

1. Safejn huma konċernati l-gass u s-sħana, din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għall-attivitajiet li ġejjin:

Where the contracting entity provides for prizes or payments to candidates or tenderers it shall take them into account when calculating the estimated value of the contract.

(a) il-provvediment jew operat ta' xbieki fissati maħsuba biex jipprovdu servizz lill-pubbliku f'konnessjoni mal-produzzjoni, it-trasport jew id-distribuzzjoni ta' gass jew sħana; jew

2. Contracting entities may not circumvent this Directive by splitting works projects or proposed purchases of a certain quantity of supplies and/or services or by using special methods for calculating the estimated value of contracts.

(b) il-provvista ta' gass jew sħana lil dawn ix-xbieki.

3. With regard to framework agreements and dynamic purchasing systems, the estimated value to be taken into consideration shall be the maximum estimated value net of VAT of all the contracts envisaged for the total term of the agreement or system.

2. Il-provvista ta' gass jew sħana lil xbieki li jipprovdu servizz lill-pubbliku minn entità kontraenti oħra għajr awtorita kontraenti m'għandhiex titqies bħala attività rilevanti fit-tifsira ta' paragrafu 1 fejn:

4. For the purposes of Article 16, contracting entities shall include in the estimated value of a works contract both the cost of the works and the value of any supplies or services necessary for the execution of the works, which they make available to the contractor.

(a) il-produzzjoni ta' gass jew sħana mill-entità konċernata hija l-konsegwenza li ma tistax tiġi evitata ta' twettieq ta' attività oħra għajr dawk riferiti f'paragrafi 1 jew 3 ta' dan l-Artikolu jew f'L-Artikoli 4 sa 7; u

5. The value of supplies or services which are not necessary for the performance of a particular works contract may not be added to the value of the works contract when to do so would result in removing the procurement of those supplies or services from the scope of this Directive.

(b) provvista lix-xibka pubblika hija mirata biss lejn l-esplojtazzjoni ekonomika ta' din il-produzzjoni u ammonti lil mhux aktar minn 20 % tat-turnover ta' l-entità wara li tiġi kunsidrata l-medja għat-tliet snin preċedenti, inkluż is-sena korrenti.

6. (a) Where a proposed work or purchase of services may result in contracts being awarded at the same time in the form of separate lots, account shall be taken of the total estimated value of all such lots.

3. Safejn huwa konċernat l-elettriku, din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għall-attivitajiet li ġejjin:

Where the aggregate value of the lots is equal to or exceeds the threshold laid down in Article 16, this Directive shall apply to the awarding of each lot.

(a) il-provvediment jew operat ta' xbieki fissati maħsuba biex jipprovdu servizz lill-pubbliku f'konnessjoni mal-produzzjoni, it-trasport jew id-distribuzzjoni ta' l-elettriku; jew

However, the contracting entities may waive such application in respect of lots the estimated value of which, net of VAT, is less than EUR 80000 for services or EUR 1 million for works, provided that the aggregate value of those lots does not exceed 20 % of the aggregate value of the lots as a whole.

(b) il-provvista ta' l-elettriku lil dawn ix-xbieki.

(b) Where a proposal for the acquisition of similar supplies may result in contracts being awarded at the same time in the form of separate lots, account shall be taken of the total estimated value of all such lots when applying Article 16.

4. Il-provvista ta' l-elettriku lil xbieki li jipprovdu servizz lill-pubbliku minn entità kontraenti oħra għajr awtorita kontraenti m'għandhiex titqies bħala attività rilevanti fit-tifsira ta' paragrafu 3 fejn:

Where the aggregate value of the lots is equal to or exceeds the threshold laid down in Article 16, this Directive shall apply to the awarding of each lot.

(a) il-produzzjoni ta' l-elettriku mill-entità konċernata sseħħ minħabba li l-konsum tiegħu huwa meħtieġa għat-twettieq ta' attività oħra għajr dawk riferiti f'paragrafi 1 jew 3 ta' dan l-Artikolu jew f'L-Artikoli 4 sa 7; u

However, the contracting entities may waive such application in respect of lots, the estimated value of which, net of VAT, is less than EUR 80000, provided that the aggregate cost of those lots does not exceed 20 % of the aggregate value of the lots as a whole.

(b) provvista lix-xibka pubblika tiddependi biss fuq il-konsum ta' l-entità stess u ma qabżitx it-30 % tal-produzzjoni totali ta' l-entità, wara li tiġi kunsidrata l-medja għat-tliet snin preċedenti, inkluż is-sena korrenti.

7. In the case of supply or service contracts which are regular in nature or which are intended to be renewed within a given period, the calculation of the estimated contract value shall be based on the following:

Artikolu 4

(a) either the total actual value of the successive contracts of the same type awarded during the preceding twelve months or financial year adjusted, if possible, to take account of the changes in quantity or value which would occur in the course of the 12 months following the initial contract;

Ilma

(b) or the total estimated value of the successive contracts awarded during the 12 months following the first delivery, or during the financial year if that is longer than 12 months.

1. Din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għall-attivitajiet li ġejjin:

8. The basis for calculating the estimated value of a contract including both supplies and services shall be the total value of the supplies and services, regardless of their respective shares. The calculation shall include the value of the siting and installation operations.

(a) il-provvediment jew operat ta' xbieki fissati maħsuba biex jipprovdu servizz lill-pubbliku f'konnessjoni mal-produzzjoni, it-trasport jew id-distribuzzjoni ta' l-ilma tax-xorb; jew

9. With regard to supply contracts relating to the leasing, hire, rental or hire purchase of products, the value to be taken as a basis for calculating the estimated contract value shall be as follows:

(b) il-provvista ta' l-ilma tax-xorb lil dawn ix-xbieki.

(a) in the case of fixed-term contracts, if that term is less than or equal to 12 months, the total estimated value for the term of the contract or, if the term of the contract is greater than 12 months, the total value including the estimated residual value;

2. Din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika wkoll għal kuntratti jew kuntesti ta' disinn mogħtija jew organizzati minn entitajiet li jsegwu attività riferita fil-paragrafu 1 u li:

(b) in the case of contracts without a fixed term or the term of which cannot be defined, the monthly value multiplied by 48.

(a) huma konnessi ma' proġetti ta' inġinerija idrawlika, irrigazzjoni jew dranaġġ ta' l-art (land drainage), basta iżda li l-volum ta' ilma li jrid jintuża għall-provvista ta' l-ilma tax-xorb jirrappreżenta aktar minn 20 % mill-volum totali ta' l-ilma magħmul disponibbli minn dawn il-proġetti jew irrigazzjoni jew stallazzjonijiet ta' dranaġġ, jew

10. For the purposes of calculating the estimated contract value of service contracts, the following amounts shall, where appropriate, be taken into account:

(b) huma konnessi mar-rimi/qerda jew it-trattament tal-ħmieġ tad-dranaġġ.

(a) the premium payable, and other forms of remuneration, in the case of insurance services;

3. Il-provvista ta' l-ilma tax-xorb lil xbieki li jipprovdu servizz lill-pubbliku minn entità kontraenti oħra għajr awtorita kontraenti m'għandhiex titqies bħala attività rilevanti fit-tifsira ta' paragrafu 1 fejn:

(b) fees, commissions, interest and other modes of remuneration, in the case of banking and other financial services;

(a) il-produzzjoni ta' l-ilma tax-xorb mill-entità konċernata sseħħ minħabba li l-konsum tiegħu huwa meħtieġa għat-twettieq ta' attività oħra għajr dawk riferiti f'L-Artikoli 3 sa 7; u

(c) fees, commissions payable and other forms of remuneration, in the case of contracts involving design tasks.

(b) provvista lix-xibka pubblika tiddependi biss fuq il-konsum ta' l-entità stess u ma qabżitx it-30 % tal-produzzjoni totali ta' l-ilma tax-xorb mill-entità, wara li tiġi kunsidrata l-medja għat-tliet snin preċedenti, inkluż is-sena korrenti.

11. In the case of service contracts which do not indicate a total price, the value to be used as the basis for calculating the estimated contract value shall be:

Artikolu 5

(a) in the case of fixed-term contracts, if that term is less than or equal to 48 months: the total value for their full term;

Servizzi ta' trasport

(b) in the case of contracts without a fixed term or with a term greater than 48 months: the monthly value multiplied by 48.

1. Din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għal attivitajiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu mal-provvediment jew l-operat ta' xbieki li jipprovdi servizz lil pubbliku fil-qasam ta' trasport bil-ferrovija, sistemi automated, bit-trammijiet, trolley bus, karozza tal-linja jew kejbil.

Rigward servizzi ta' trasport, xibka għandha titqies li teżisti fejn is-servizz provvdut huwa skond kondizzjonijiet ta' operat preskritti minn awtorita kompetenti ta' Stat Membru, bħal ma huma kondizzjonijiet fir-rotti li jridu jiġu servuti, il-kapaċita li jsiru disponibbli jew il-frekwenza tas-servizz.

Section 2

2. Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal entitajiet li jipprovdu servizzi tat-trasport lill-pubbliku li kienu esklużi mill-iskop tad-Direttiva 93/38/KEE skond l-Artikolu 2(4) tiegħu.

Contracts and concessions and contracts subject to special arrangements

Artikolu 6

SUBSECTION 1

Servizzi postali

Article 18

1. Din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għal attivitajiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu mal-provvediment ta' servizzi postali jew, fuq il-kondizzjonijiet dikjarati fil-paragrafu 2(ċ), servizzi oħra għajr servizzi postali.

Works and service concessions

2. Għall-għan ta' din id-Direttiva u mingħajr preġudizzju għad-Direttiva 97/67/KE:

This Directive shall not apply to works and service concessions which are awarded by contracting entities carrying out one or more of the activities referred to in Articles 3 to 7, where those concessions are awarded for carrying out those activities.

"oġġett postali" : ifisser oġġett indirizzat fil-forma finali li fiha jrid jinġarr, irrispettivament mill-użin. B'żieda ma' oġġetti ta' korrespondenza, dawn l-oġġetti jinkludu wkoll per eżempju, kotba, katalgi, gazzetti, perjodiċi u pakketti postali li jikkontjenu merkanzija b'valur kummerċjali jew mingħajru, irrispettivament mill-użin;

"servizzi postali" - "servizzi postali riservati": servizzi postali li huma jew jistgħu ikunu riservati fuq il-bażi ta' l-Artikolu 7 tad-Direttiva 97/67/KE,

SUBSECTION 2

- "servizzi postali oħra": servizzi postali li ma jistgħux jiġu riservati fuq il-bażi ta' l-Artikolu 7 tad-Direttiva 97/67/KE; u

Exclusions applicable to all contracting entities and to all types of contract

"servizzi oħra għajr servizzi postali" - servizzi ta' tmexxija ta' servizz tal-posta (servizzi kemm preċedenti u sossegwenti għad-dispaċċ, bħal ma huma "servizzi ta' tmexxija tal-kamra ta' l-ittri"),

Article 19

- servizzi ta' valur miżjud magħquda ma' u provvduti kollha kemm huma permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi (inkluża t-trasmissjoni ta' dokumenti kodifikati permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi, servizzi ta' tmexxija ta' indirizzar u trasmissjoni ta' posta elettronika reġistrata),

Contracts awarded for purposes of resale or lease to third parties

- servizzi rigward oġġetti postali mhux inklużi f'punt (a), bħal ma huma posta diretta mingħajr indirizz,

1. This Directive shall not apply to contracts awarded for purposes of resale or lease to third parties, provided that the contracting entity enjoys no special or exclusive right to sell or lease the subject of such contracts, and other entities are free to sell or lease it under the same conditions as the contracting entity.

- servizzi finanzjarji, kif definiti fil-kategorija 6 ta' l-Anness XVII A u fl-Artikolu 24(ċ) u inkluż b'mod partikolari money orders postali u trasferimenti giro postali,

2. The contracting entities shall notify the Commission at its request of all the categories of products or activities which they regard as excluded under paragraph 1. The Commission may periodically publish in the Official Journal of the European Union, for information purposes, lists of the categories of products and activities which it considers to be covered by this exclusion. In so doing, the Commission shall respect any sensitive commercial aspects that the contracting entities may point out when forwarding information.

- servizzi ta' bolli (philatelic), u

- servizzi loġistiki (servizzi li jikkombinaw twassil fiżiku u/jew magażżinaġġ ma' funzjonijiet oħra mhux postali),

Article 20

Contracts awarded for purposes other than the pursuit of an activity covered or for the pursuit of such an activity in a third country

fuq kondizzjoni li dawn is-servizzi huma provvduti minn entità li tipprovdi wkoll servizzi postali fit-tifsira ta' punt (b), l-ewwel jew it-tieni indent, u basta iżda li l-kondizzjonijiet dikjarati fl-Artikolu 30(1) mhumiex sodisfatti rigward is-servizzi li jidħlu f'dawk l-indenti.

1. This Directive shall not apply to contracts which the contracting entities award for purposes other than the pursuit of their activities as described in Articles 3 to 7 or for the pursuit of such activities in a third country, in conditions not involving the physical use of a network or geographical area within the Community.

Artikolu 7

2. The contracting entities shall notify the Commission at its request of any activities which they regard as excluded under paragraph 1. The Commission may periodically publish in the Official Journal of the European Union for information purposes, lists of the categories of activities which it considers to be covered by this exclusion. In so doing, the Commission shall respect any sensitive commercial aspects that the contracting entities may point out when forwarding this information.

Esplorazzjoni għal, jew estrazzjoni ta', żejt, gass, faħam jew karburanti solidi oħra, kif ukoll portijiet u ajruporti

Din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għal attivitajiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' l-esplojtazzjoni ta' erja ġeografika għall-għan ta':

Article 21

(a) esplorazzjoni għal jew estrazzjoni ta' żejt, gass, faħam jew karburanti solidi oħra, jew

Contracts which are secret or require special security measures

(b) il-provvediment ta' ajruporti u portijiet marittimi jew interni jew faċilitajiet ta' terminals oħra lil ġarrara bl-ajru, bil-baħar jew bil-kanali interni;

This Directive shall not apply to contracts when they are declared to be secret by a Member State, when their performance must be accompanied by special security measures in accordance with the laws, regulations or administrative provisions in force in the Member State concerned, or when the protection of the basic security interests of that Member State so requires.

Artikolu 8

Listi ta' entitàjiet kontraenti

Article 22

Il-listi mhux mitmuma ta' entitajiet kontraenti fit-tifsira ta' din id-Direttiva jinstabu fl-Annessi I sa X. L-Istati Membri għandhom jgħarrfu lill-Kummissjoni perjodikament b'xi tibdiliet fil-listi tagħhom.

Contracts awarded pursuant to international rules

Artikolu 9

This Directive shall not apply to contracts governed by different procedural rules and awarded:

Kuntratti li jkopru numru ta' attivitajiet

(a) pursuant to an international agreement concluded in accordance with the Treaty between a Member State and one or more third countries and covering supplies, works, services or design contests intended for the joint implementation or exploitation of a project by the signatory States; all agreements shall be communicated to the Commission, which may consult the Advisory Committee for Public Contracts referred to in Article 68;

1. Kuntratt li huwa maħsub li jkorpi numru ta' attivitajiet għandu jkun suġġetti għar-regoli applikabbli għall-attività li għaliha kien maħsub prinċipalment.

(b) pursuant to a concluded international agreement relating to the stationing of troops and concerning the undertakings of a Member State or a third country;

Madankollu, l-għażla bejn l-għoti ta' kuntratt wieħed u l-għoti ta' numru ta' kuntratti separati ma tistax issir bil-għan li tiġi eskluża mill-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva jew, fejn applikabbli, id-Direttiva 2004/28/KE.

(c) pursuant to the particular procedure of an international organisation.

2. Jekk waħda mill-attivitajiet li għaliha il-kuntratt huwa maħsub hija suġġetta għal din id-Direttiva u l-oħra għad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE imsemmija fuq u jekk huwa oġġettivament impossibbli li jiġi stabbilit għal liema attività l-kuntratt huwa prinċipalment maħsub, il-kuntratt għandu jingħata bi qbil mad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE imsemmija fuq.

3. Jekk waħda mill-attivitajiet li għaliha il-kuntratt huwa maħsub hija suġġetta għal din id-Direttiva u l-oħra mhijiex suġġetta jew għal din id-Direttiva jew għad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE imsemmija fuq, u jekk huwa oġġettivament impossibbli li jiġi stabbilit għal liema attività l-kuntratt huwa prinċipalment maħsub, il-kuntratt għandu jingħata bi qbil ma' din id-Direttiva.

Article 23

IL-KAPITOLU III

Contracts awarded to an affiliated undertaking, to a joint venture or to a contracting entity forming part of a joint venture

Prinċipji ġenerali

1. For the purposes of this Article, "affiliated undertaking" means any undertaking the annual accounts of which are consolidated with those of the contracting entity in accordance with the requirements of the Seventh Council Directive 83/349/EEC of 13 June 1983 based on the Article 44(2)(g) of the Treaty on consolidated accounts(27)(28), or, in the case of entities not subject to that Directive, any undertaking over which the contracting entity may exercise, directly or indirectly, a dominant influence within the meaning of Article 2(1)(b) hereof or which may exercise a dominant influence over the contracting entity or which, in common with the contracting entity, is subject to the dominant influence of another undertaking by virtue of ownership, financial participation, or the rules which govern it.

Artikolu 10

2. Provided that the conditions in paragraph 3 are met, this Directive shall not apply to contracts awarded:

Prinċipji ta' għoti ta' kuntratti

(a) by a contracting entity to an affiliated undertaking, or

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jittrattaw lil operaturi ekonomiċi ugwalment (indaqs) u mhux b'mod diskriminatorju u għandhom jaġixxu b'mod trasparenti.

(b) by a joint venture, formed exclusively by a number of contracting entities for the purpose of carrying out activities within the meaning of Articles 3 to 7, to an undertaking which is affiliated with one of these contracting entities.

IT-TITOLU II

3. Paragraph 2 shall apply:

REGOLI APPLIKABBLI GĦAL KUNTRATTI

(a) to service contracts provided that at least 80 % of the average turnover of the affiliated undertaking with respect to services for the preceding three years derives from the provision of such services to undertakings with which it is affiliated;

IL-KAPITOLU I

(b) to supplies contracts provided that at least 80 % of the average turnover of the affiliated undertaking with respect to supplies for the preceding three years derives from the provision of such supplies to undertakings with which it is affiliated;

Dispożizzjonijiet ġenerali

(c) to works contracts provided that at least 80 % of the average turnover of the affiliated undertaking with respect to works for the preceding three years derives from the provision of such works to undertakings with which it is affiliated.

Artikolu 11

When, because of the date on which an affiliated undertaking was created or commenced activities, the turnover is not available for the preceding three years, it will be sufficient for that undertaking to show that the turnover referred to in points (a), (b) or (c) is credible, particularly by means of business projections.

Operaturi ekonomiċi

Where more than one undertaking affiliated with the contracting entity provides the same or similar services, supplies or works, the above percentages shall be calculated taking into account the total turnover deriving respectively from the provision of services, supplies or works by those affiliated undertakings.

1. Kandidati jew persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti li, skond il-liġi ta' l-Istat Membru li fih huma stabbiliti, huma ntitolati li jipprovdu servizz rilevanti, m'għandhomx jiġu rifjutati biss fuq il-bażi li, skond il-liġi ta' l-Istat Membru li fiha il-kuntratt ingħata, ikunu meħtieġa li jkunu persuni jew naturali jew legali.

4. This Directive shall not apply to contracts awarded:

Madankollu, fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' servizz u ta' xogħlijiet kif ukoll kuntratti ta' provvista li jkopru wkoll servizzi u/jew operati ta' tfittxija ta' post (siting) u ta' stallazzjoni, persuni legali jistgħu jinħtieġu li jindikaw, fl-offerta jew fit-talba għal parteċipazzjoni, l-ismijiet u kwalifiki professjonali rilevanti ta' l-istaff li se jkun responsabbli għat-twettieq tal-kuntratt imsemmi.

(a) by a joint venture, formed exclusively by a number of contracting entities for the purpose of carrying out activities within the meaning of Articles 3 to 7, to one of these contracting entities, or

2. Gruppi ta' operaturi ekonomiċi jistgħu jissottomettu offerti jew jippreżentaw ruħhom bħala kandidati. Sabiex tiġi sottomessa offerta jew talba għal parteċipazzjoni, dawn il-gruppi ma jistgħux jinħtieġu mill-entitajiet kontraenti li jassumu forma legali speċifika; madankollu, il-grupp magħżul jista' jinħtieġ li jagħmel dan meta jkun ingħata l-kuntratt, sal-punt li din il-bidla hija meħtieġa għat-twettieq sodisfaċenti tal-kuntratt.

(b) by a contracting entity to such a joint venture of which it forms part, provided that the joint venture has been set up in order to carry out the activity concerned over a period of at least three years and that the instrument setting up the joint venture stipulates that the contracting entities, which form it, will be part thereof for at least the same period.

Artikolu 12

5. Contracting entities shall notify to the Commission, at its request, the following information regarding the application of paragraphs 2, 3 and 4:

Kondizzjonijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' ftehim konklużi fl-Organizzazzjoni Dinjija tas-Saħħa

(a) the names of the undertakings or joint ventures concerned,

Għall-għanijiet ta' l-għoti ta' kuntratti minn entitajiet kontraenti, l-Istati Membri għandhom japplikaw fir-relazzjonijiet tagħhom kondizzjonijiet favorevoli bħal dawk li jagħtu lil operaturi ekonomiċi ta' pajjiżi terzi fl-implimentazzjoni tal-Ftehim. L-Istati Membri għandhom, għal dan il-għan, jikkonsultaw lil xulxin fil-Kumitat Konsultattiv għal Kuntratti Pubbliċi dwar il-miżuri meħuda skond il-Ftehim.

(b) the nature and value of the contracts involved,

Artikolu 13

(c) such proof as may be deemed necessary by the Commission that the relationship between the undertaking or joint venture to which the contracts are awarded and the contracting entity complies with the requirements of this Article.

Kunfidenzjalità

1. Fil-kuntest ta' provvediment ta' speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi lil operaturi ekonomiċi interessati, ta' kwalifika u għażla ta' operaturi ekonomiċi u ta' l-għoti ta' kuntratti, entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jimponu ħtiġijiet bil-ħsieb li jipproteġu n-natura kunfidenzali ta' tagħrif li huma jagħmlu disponibbli.

SUBSECTION 3

2. Mingħajr preġudizzju għad-dispożizzjonijiet ta' din id-Direttiva, partikolarment dawk li jirrigwardjaw l-obbligazzjonijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu mal-pubbliċita ta' kuntratti mogħtija u mat-tagħrif lill-kandidati u persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti dikjarati fl-Artikoli 43 u 49, u bi qbil mal-liġi nazzjonali li għaliha hija suġġetta l-entità kontraenti, l-awtorita kontraenti m'għandhiex tiżvela tagħrif mibgħut lilha minn operaturi ekonomiċi li ġie nominat bħala kunfidenzali; dan it-tagħrif jinkludi, partikolarment, sigrieti tekniċi jew ta' kummerċ u l-aspetti kummerċjali ta' offerti.

Exclusions applicable to all contracting entities, but to service contracts only

Artikolu 14

Article 24

Qafas ta' ftehim

Contracts relating to certain services excluded from the scope of this Directive

1. Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu iqisu qafas ta' ftehim bħala kuntratt fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 1(2) u jagħtuh bi qbil ma' din id-Direttiva.

This Directive shall not apply to service contracts for:

2. Fejn entitajiet kontraenti ikunu taw qafas ta' ftehim bi qbil ma' din id-Direttiva, ikunu jistgħu jiddisponu mill-Artikolu 40(3)(i) meta kuntratti ta' għotja jkunu bażati fuq dak il-qafas ta' ftehim.

(a) the acquisition or rental, by whatever financial means, of land, existing buildings or other immovable property or concerning rights thereon; nevertheless, financial service contracts concluded at the same time as, before or after the contract of acquisition or rental, in whatever form, shall be subject to this Directive;

3. Fejn qafas ta' ftehim ma jkunx ingħata bi qbil ma' din id-Direttiva, entitajiet kontraenti ma jistgħux jiddisponu mill-Artikolu 40(3)(i).

(b) arbitration and conciliation services;

4. Entitajiet kontraenti ma jistgħux jagħmlu użu ħażin minn qafas ta' ftehim sabiex ifixklu, jillimitaw jew jgħawwġu l-kompetizzjoni.

(c) financial services in connection with the issue, sale, purchase or transfer of securities or other financial instruments, in particular transactions by the contracting entities to raise money or capital;

Artikolu 15

(d) employment contracts;

Sistemi dinamiċi ta' xiri

(e) research and development services other than those where the benefits accrue exclusively to the contracting entity for its use in the conduct of its own affairs, on condition that the service provided is wholly remunerated by the contracting entity.

1. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jipprovdu li entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jużaw sistemi dinamiċi ta' xiri.

2. Sabiex titwaqqaf sistema dinamika ta' xiri, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom isegwu r-regoli ta' proċedura miftuħa fil-fażijiet kollha sa l-għoti tal-kuntratti li jridu jiġu konklużi skond din is-sistema. Il-persuni kollha li jagħmlu l-offerti li jissodisfaw il-kriterji ta' l-għażla u jkunu sottomettew offerta indikattiva li tikkonforma ma' l-ispeċifikazzjoni u kull dokument addizzjonali possibbli għandhom jiddaħħlu fis-sistema, offerti indikattivi jistgħu jiġu mtejba f'kull ħin basta jkomplu jikkonformaw ma' l-ispeċifikazzjoni. Bil-ħsieb li titwaqqaf is-sistema u ta' l-għoti ta' kuntratti skond dik is-sistema, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jużaw biss mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 48(2) sa (5).

Article 25

3. Għall-għanijiet tat-twaqqif tas-sistema dinamika ta' xiri, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom:

Service contracts awarded on the basis of an exclusive right

(a) jippubblikaw avviż ta' kuntratt li jagħmilha ċara li sistema dinamika ta' xiri hija involuta;

This Directive shall not apply to service contracts awarded to an entity which is itself a contracting authority within the meaning of Article 2(1)(a) or to an association of contracting authorities on the basis of an exclusive right which they enjoy pursuant to a published law, regulation or administrative provision which is compatible with the Treaty.

(b) jindikaw fl-ispeċifikazzjoni, fost materji oħra, in-natura tax-xiri prevvist skond dik is-sistema, kif ukoll it-tagħrif kollu meħtieġ rigward is-sistema ta' xiri, it-tagħmir elettroniku wżat u l-arranġamenti u l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi ta' konnessjoni;

(ċ) joffru permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi, mal-pubblikazzjoni ta' l-avviż u sakemm tiskadi s-sistema, aċċess mhux ristrett, dirett u sħiħ għall-ispeċifikazzjoni u għal kull dokument addizzjonali u għandhom jindikaw fl-avviż l-indirizz ta' l-internet li fih dawk id-dokumenti jistgħu jiġu konsultati.

SUBSECTION 4

4. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jagħtu lil kull operatur ekonomiku, matul il-perjodu intier tas-sistema dinamika ta' xiri, il-possibilta ta' sottomissjoni ta' offerta indikattiva u li jiġi mdaħħal fis-sistema fuq il-kondizzjonijiet riferiti fil-paragrafu 2. Għandhom ikomplu l-evalwazzjoni fi żmien massimu ta' 15-il ġurnata mid-data tas-sottomissjoni ta' l-offerta indikattiva. Madankollu, jistgħu jestendu l-perjodu ta' evalwazzjoni basta li sadattant ma tinħareġ l-ebda stedina għall-offerti.

Exclusions applicable to certain contracting entities only

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jgħarrfu lill-persuna li tagħmel l-offerti riferita l-ewwel sottoparagrafu ma' l-ewwel opportunita possibbli bid-dħul tagħha fis-sistema dinamika ta' xiri jew fir-rifjut ta' l-offerta indikattiva tagħha.

Article 26

5. Kull kuntratt speċifiku għandu jkun is-suġġett ta' stedina għall-offerti. Qabel ma tinħareġ stedina għall-offerti, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jippubblikaw avviż simplifikat ta' kuntratt li jistieden lill-operaturi ekonomiċi kollha interessati li jissottomettu offerta indikattiva, bi qbil mal-paragrafu 4, f'limitu ta' żmien li ma jistax ikun inqas minn 15-il ġurnata mid-data li fiha ntbagħat l-avviż simplifikat. Entitajiet kontraenti ma jistgħux jipproċedu bi stediniet ta' offerti sakemm ma jkunux lestew evalwazzjoni ta' l-offerti indikattivi kollha rċevuti f'dak il-limitu ta' żmien.

Contracts awarded by certain contracting entities for the purchase of water and for the supply of energy or of fuels for the production of energy

6. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jistiednu lill-persuni kollha li jagħmlu l-offerti li jiddaħħlu fis-sistema biex jissottomettu offerta għal kull kuntratt speċifiku li jrid jingħata skond is-sistema. Għal dak il-għan, għandhom ifasslu limitu ta' żmien għas-sottomissjoni ta' offerti.

This Directive shall not apply:

Għandhom jagħtu l-kuntratt lill-persuna li tagħmel l-offerti li tkun issottomettiet l-aħjar offerta fuq il-bażi tal-kriterji ta' l-għoti dikjarati fl-avviż tal-kuntratt għall-istabbilizzazzjoni tas-sistema dinamika ta' xiri. Dawk il-kriterji jistgħu, jekk ikun xieraq, jiġu formulati aktar preċiżament fl-istedina riferita fl-ewwel sottoparagrafu.

(a) to contracts for the purchase of water if awarded by contracting entities engaged in one or both of the activities referred to in Article 4(1).

7. Sistema dinamika ta' xiri tista' ma ddumx aktar minn erba' snin, minbarra f'każijiet eċċezzjonali ġustifikati kif mistħoqq.

(b) to contracts for the supply of energy or of fuels for the production of energy, if awarded by contracting entities engaged in an activity referred to in Article 3(1), Article 3(3) or Article 7(a).

Entitajiet kontraenti ma jistgħux iduru għal din is-sistema biex jipprevjenu, jirrestrinġu jew jgħawwġu l-kompetizzjoni.

L-ebda ħlasijiet ma jistgħu jitħallsu mill-operaturi ekonomiċi interessati jew minn partijiet fis-sistema.

SUBSECTION 5

IL-KAPITOLU II

Contracts subject to special arrangements, provisions concerning central purchasing bodies and the general procedure in case of direct exposure to competition

Livelli minimi u dispożizzjonijiet ta' esklużjoni

Article 27

Sezzjoni 1

Contracts subject to special arrangements

Livelli minimi

Without prejudice to Article 30 the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Austria and the Federal Republic of Germany shall ensure, by way of the conditions of authorisation or other appropriate measures, that any entity operating in the sectors mentioned in Decisions 93/676/EEC, 97/367/EEC, 2002/205/EC and 2004/73/EC:

Artikolu 16

(a) observes the principles of non-discrimination and competitive procurement in respect of the award of supplies, works and service contracts, in particular as regards the information which the entity makes available to economic operators concerning its procurement intentions;

Livelli minimi ta' kuntratti

(b) communicates to the Commission, under the conditions defined in Commission Decision 93/327/EEC defining the conditions under which contracting entities exploiting geographical areas for the purpose of exploring for or extracting oil, gas, coal or other solid fuels must communicate to the Commission information relating to the contracts they award(29).

Minbarra fejn ikunu mwarrba mill-esklużjonijiet fl-Artikoli 19 sa 26 jew skond l-Artikolu 30, rigward is-segwiment ta' l-attività msemmija, din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għal kuntratti li għandhom valur li jeskludi t-taxxa tal-valur miżjud (VAT) stmat li mhuwiex inqas mill-livelli minimi li ġejjin:

(a) 499000 EUR fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' provvdita u ta' servizz;

Article 28

(b) 6242000 EUR fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' xogħlijiet.

Reserved contracts

Artikolu 17

Member States may reserve the right to participate in contract award procedures to sheltered workshops or provide for such contracts to be performed in the context of sheltered employment programmes where most of the employees concerned are handicapped persons who, by reason of the nature or the seriousness of their disabilities, cannot carry on occupations under normal conditions.

Metodi ta' kalkolu tal-valur stmat ta' kuntratti, qafas ta' ftehim u sistemi dinamiċi ta' xiri

The notice used to make the call for competition shall make reference to this Article.

1. Il-kalkolu tal-valur stmat ta' kuntratt għandu jiġi bażat fuq l-ammont totali pagabbli, nett ta' VAT, kif stmat mill-entità kontraenti. Dan il-kalkolu għandu jqis l-ammont totali stmat, inkluż kull forma ta' għażla u kull tiġdid tal-kuntratt.

Fejn l-entità kontraenti tipprovdi għal premijiet jew ħlasijiet lil kandidati jew persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti għandha tqis dawn meta tikkalkola l-valur stmat tal-kuntratt.

Article 29

2. Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu ma jaħarbux minn din id-Direttiva billi jifirdu proġetti ta' xogħlijiet jew xiri propost ta' ċertu kwantità ta' provvisti u/jew servizzi jew billi jużaw metodi speċjali għall-kalkolu tal-valur stmat ta' kuntratti.

Contracts and framework agreements awarded by central purchasing bodies

3. Rigward qafas ta' ftehim u sistemi dinamiċi ta' xiri, il-valur stmat li jrid jitqies għandu jkun il-valur nett massimu stmat ta' VAT tal-kuntratti kollha prevvisti għall-iskond totali tal-ftehim jew tas-sistema.

1. Member States may prescribe that contracting entities may purchase works, supplies and/or services from or through a central purchasing body.

4. Għall-għanijiet ta' l-Artikolu 16, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jinkludu fil-valur stmat ta' kuntratt ta' xogħlijiet kemm l-ispiża tax-xogħlijiet kif ukoll il-valur ta' xi provvisti jew servizzi meħtieġa għall-eżekuzzjoni tax-xogħlijiet, li jistgħu jagħmlu disponibbli lill-kuntrattur.

2. Contracting entities which purchase works, supplies and/or services from or through a central purchasing body in the cases set out in Article 1(8) shall be deemed to have complied with this Directive insofar as the central purchasing body has complied with it or, where appropriate, with Directive 2004/18/EC.

5. Il-valur ta' provvisti jew servizzi li mhumiex meħtieġa għat-twettieq ta' kuntratt tax-xogħol partikolari jista' ma jiżdiedx mal-valur tal-kuntratt ta' xogħlijiet meta dan ikun jirriżulta fit-tneħħija ta' l-akkwist ta' dawk il-provvisti jew servizzi mill-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva.

6. (a) Fejn xogħol propost jew xiri ta' servizzi jista' jiriżulta fl-għoti ta' kuntratti fl-istess ħin fil-forma ta' lottijiet separati, għandu jitqies il-valur totali stmat ta' dawn il-lottijiet.

Article 30

Fejn il-valur aggregat tal-lottijiet huwa ugwali għal jew jaqbeż l-livell minimu preskritt fl-Artikolu 16, din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għall-għoti ta' kull lott.

Procedure for establishing whether a given activity is directly exposed to competition

Madankollu, l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jirrinunzjaw din l-applikazzjoni rigward il-lottijiet li l-valur stmat tagħhom, nett ta' VAT, huwa inqas minn 80000 EUR għal servizzi jew miljun EUR għal xogħlijiet, basta li l-valur aggregat ta' dawk il-lottijiet ma jaqbiżx l-20 % tal-valur aggregat tal-lottijiet kollha.

1. Contracts intended to enable an activity mentioned in Articles 3 to 7 to be carried out shall not be subject to this Directive if, in the Member State in which it is performed, the activity is directly exposed to competition on markets to which access is not restricted.

(b) Fejn proposta għall-akkwist ta' provvisti simili tista' tiriżulta fl-għoti ta' kuntratti fl-istess ħin fil-forma ta' lottijiet separati, għandu jitqies il-valur totali stmat ta' dawn il-lottijiet meta jiġi applikat l-Artikolu 16.

2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, the question of whether an activity is directly exposed to competition shall be decided on the basis of criteria that are in conformity with the Treaty provisions on competition, such as the characteristics of the goods or services concerned, the existence of alternative goods or services, the prices and the actual or potential presence of more than one supplier of the goods or services in question.

Fejn il-valur aggregat tal-lottijiet huwa ugwali għal jew jaqbeż il-livell minimu preskritt fl-Artikolu 16, din id-Direttiva għandha tapplika għall-għoti ta' kull lott.

3. For the purposes of paragraph 1, access to a market shall be deemed not to be restricted if the Member State has implemented and applied the provisions of Community legislation mentioned in Annex XI.

Madankollu, l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jirrinunzjaw din l-applikazzjoni rigward il-lottijiet, li l-valur stmat tagħhom, nett ta' VAT, huwa inqas minn 80000 EUR, basta li l-ispiża aggregata ta' dawk il-lott-ijiet ma jaqbiżx l-20 % tal-valur aggregat tal-lottijiet kollha.

If free access to a given market cannot be presumed on the basis of the first subparagraph, it must be demonstrated that access to the market in question is free de facto and de jure.

7. Fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' provvista jew ta' servizz li huma ta' natura regolari jew li hemm il-ħsieb li jiġġeddu f'perjodu msemmi, il-kalkolu tal-valur stmat tal-kuntratt għandu jiġi bażat fuq dan li ġej:

4. When a Member State considers that, in compliance with paragraphs 2 and 3, paragraph 1 is applicable to a given activity, it shall notify the Commission and inform it of all relevant facts, and in particular of any law, regulation, administrative provision or agreement concerning compliance with the conditions set out in paragraph 1, where appropriate together with the position adopted by an independent national authority that is competent in relation to the activity concerned.

(a) jew il-valur totali attwali tal-kuntratti suċċessivi ta' l-istess tip mogħtija matul it-tnax-il xahar preċedenti jew is-sena finanzjarja aġġustata, jekk ikun possibbli, biex jitqiesu t-tibdiliet fi kwantità jew valur li jisgħu jseħħu fil-kors tat-12-il xahar wara l-kuntratt inizjali;

Contracts intended to enable the activity concerned to be carried out shall no longer be subject to this Directive if the Commission:

(b) jew il-valur totali stmat tal-kuntratti suċċessivi mogħtija matul it-12-il xahar wara l-ewwel kunsinja, jew matul is-sena finanzjarja jekk din tkun itwal minn 12-il xahar.

- has adopted a Decision establishing the applicability of paragraph 1 in accordance with paragraph 6 and within the period it provides for, or

8. Il-bażi għall-kalkolu tal-valur stmat ta' kuntratt inkluż kemm il-provvisti kif ukoll is-servizzi għandha tkun il-valur totali tal-provvisti u s-servizzi, mingħajr ma jingħata każ ta' l-ishma rispettivi tagħhom. Il-kalkolu għandu jinkludi l-valur ta' l-operati ta' tfittxija ta' post (siting) u ta' stallazzjoni.

- has not adopted a Decision concerning such applicability within that period.

9. Rigward kuntratti ta' provvista li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' kiri b'self, kiri (hire), kiri (rentali) jew xiri bin-nifs ta' prodotti, il-valur li jrid jittieħed bħala bażi għall-kalkolu tal-valur stmat tal-kuntratt għandu jkun kif ġej:

However, where free access to a given market is presumed on the basis of the first subparagraph of paragraph 3, and where an independent national authority that is competent in the activity concerned has established the applicability of paragraph 1, contracts intended to enable the activity concerned to be carried out shall no longer be subject to this Directive if the Commission has not established the inapplicability of paragraph 1 by a Decision adopted in conformity with paragraph 6 and within the period it provides for.

(a) fil-każ ta' kuntratti fuq skond fiss, jekk dak l-iskond huwa inqas jew ugwali għal 12-il xahar, il-valur totali stmat għall-iskond tal-kuntratt jew, jekk l-iskond tal-kuntratt huwa aktar minn 12-il xahar, il-valur totali inkluż il-valur residwu stmat;

5. When the legislation of the Member State concerned provides for it, the contracting entities may ask the Commission to establish the applicability of paragraph 1 to a given activity by a Decision in conformity with paragraph 6. In such a case, the Commission shall immediately inform the Member State concerned.

(b) fil-każ ta' kuntratti mingħajr skond fiss jew li l-iskond tagħhom ma jistax jiġi definit, il-valur ta' kull xahar moltiplikat b'48.

That Member State shall, taking account of paragraphs 2 and 3, inform the Commission of all relevant facts, and in particular of any law, regulation, administrative provision or agreement concerning compliance with the conditions set out in paragraph 1, where appropriate together with the position adopted by an independent national authority that is competent in the activity concerned.

10. Għall-għanijiet tal-kalkolu tal-valur stmat tal-kuntratt ta' kuntratti ta' servizz, għandhom jitqiesu, fejn xieraq, l-ammonti li ġejjin:

The Commission may also begin the procedure for adoption of a Decision establishing the applicability of paragraph 1 to a given activity on its own initiative. In such a case, the Commission shall immediately inform the Member State concerned.

(a) il-primjum pagabbli, u forom oħra ta' rimunerazzjoni, fil-każ ta' servizzi ta' assigurazzjoni;

If, at the end of the period laid down in paragraph 6, the Commission has not adopted a Decision concerning the applicability of paragraph 1 to a given activity, paragraph 1 shall be deemed to be applicable.

(b) miżati, kummissjonijiet, imgħax u modi oħra ta' rimunerazzjoni, fil-każ ta' servizzi bankarji u finanzjarji oħra;

6. For the adoption of a Decision under this Article, in accordance with the procedure under Article 68(2), the Commission shall be allowed a period of three months commencing on the first working day following the date on which it receives the notification or the request. However, this period may be extended once by a maximum of three months in duly justified cases, in particular if the information contained in the notification or the request or in the documents annexed thereto is incomplete or inexact or if the facts as reported undergo any substantive changes. This extension shall be limited to one month where an independent national authority that is competent in the activity concerned has established the applicability of paragraph 1 in the cases provided for under the third subparagraph of paragraph 4.

(ċ) miżati, kummissjonijiet pagabbli u forom oħra ta' rimunerazzjoni, fil-każ ta' kuntratti li jinvolvu xogħlijiet ta' disinn.

When an activity in a given Member State is already the subject of a procedure under this Article, further requests concerning the same activity in the same Member State before the expiry of the period opened in respect of the first request shall not be considered as new procedures and shall be treated in the context of the first request.

11. Fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' servizz li ma jindikawx prezz totali, il-valur li jrid jintuża bħala l-bażi għall-kalkolu tal-valur stmat tal-kuntratt għandu jkun:

The Commission shall adopt detailed rules for applying paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 in accordance with the procedure under Article 68(2).

(a) fil-każ ta' kuntratti fuq skond fiss, jekk dak it-terminu huwa inqas minn jew ugwali għal 48 xahar: il-valur totali għall-iskond sħiħ tagħhom;

These rules shall include at least:

(b) fil-każ ta' kuntratti mingħajr skond fiss jew bi skond aktar minn 48 xahar: il-valur ta' kull xahar moltiplikat b'48.

(a) the publication in the Official Journal, for information, of the date on which the three-month period referred to in the first subparagraph begins, and, in case this period is prolonged, the date of prolongation and the period by which it is prolonged;

Sezzjoni 2

(b) publication of the possible applicability of paragraph 1 in accordance with the second or third subparagraph of paragraph 4 or in accordance with the fourth subparagraph of paragraph 5; and

Kuntratti u konċessjonijiet u kuntratti suġġetti għal arranġamenti speċjali

(c) the arrangements for forwarding positions adopted by an independent authority that is competent in the activity concerned, regarding questions relevant to paragraphs 1 and 2.

SOTTOSEZZJONI 1

Artikolu 18

CHAPTER III

Konċessjonijiet ta' xogħlijiet u servizz

Rules applicable to service contracts

Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal konċessjonijiet ta' xogħlijiet u servizz li huma mogħtija minn entitajiet kontraenti li qed iwettqu waħda jew aktar mill-attivitajiet riferiti fl-Artikoli 3 sa 7, fejn dawk il-konċessjonijiet huma mogħtija għat-twettieq ta' dawk l-attivitajiet.

Article 31

SOTTOSEZZJONI 2

Service contracts listed in Annex XVII A

Esklużjonijiet applikabbli għall-entitajiet kontraenti kollha u għat-tipi kollha ta' kuntratt

Contracts which have as their object services listed in Annex XVII A shall be awarded in accordance with Articles 34 to 59.

Artikolu 19

Kuntratti mogħtija għall-għanijiet ta' bejgħ mill-ġdid jew kiri b'self lill-partijiet terzi

Article 32

1. Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti mogħtija għall-għanijiet ta' bejgħ mill-ġdid jew kiri b'self lill-partijiet terzi, basta li l-entità kontraenti ma tgawdi l-ebda dritt speċjali jew esklussiv għall-bejgħ jew il-kiri b'self ta' dawn il-kuntratti, u entitajiet oħra huma ħielsa li jbigħuh jew jikruh b'self fuq l-istess kondizzjonijiet ta' l-entità kontraenti.

Service contracts listed in Annex XVII B

2. L-entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jgħarrfu lill-Kummissjoni fuq talba tagħha bil-kategoriji kollha ta' prodotti jew attivitajiet li huma jqisu bħala esklużi skond il-paragrafu 1. Il-Kummissjoni tista' perjodikament tippubblika fil-Ġurnal Uffiċjali ta' l-Unjoni Ewropea, għal għanijiet ta' tagħrif, listi tal-kategoriji ta' prodotti u attivitajiet li hija tqis li huma koperti minn din l-esklużjoni. B'hekk, il-Kummissjoni għandha tirrispetta kull aspett kummerċjali sensittiv li l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jsemmu meta jkunu qed jibagħtu t-tagħrif.

Contracts which have as their object services listed in Annex XVII B shall be governed solely by Articles 34 and 43.

Artikolu 20

Kuntratti mogħtija għall-għanijiet oħra għajr is-segwiment ta' attività koperta jew għas-segwiment ta' din l-attività f'pajjiż terz

Article 33

1. Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti li l-entitajiet kontraenti jagħtu għal għanijiet oħra għajr is-segwiment ta' l-attivitajiet tagħhom kif deskritt fl-Artikoli 3 sa 7 jew għas-segwiment ta' dawn l-attivitajiet f'pajjiż terz, f'kondizzjonijiet li ma jinvolvux l-użu fiżiku ta' xibka jew erja ġeografika fil-Komunità.

Mixed service contracts including services listed in Annexes XVII A and services listed in Annex XVII B

2. L-entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jgħarrfu lill-Kummissjoni fuq talba tagħha bl-attivitajiet kollha li huma jqisu bħala esklużi skond il-paragrafu 1. Il-Kummissjoni tista' perjodikament tippubblika fil-Ġurnal Uffiċjali ta' l-Unjoni Ewropea għal għanijiet ta' tagħrif, listi tal-kategoriji ta' attivitajiet li hija tqis li huma koperti minn din l-esklużjoni. B'hekk, il-Kummissjoni għandha tirrispetta kull aspett kummerċjali sensittiv li l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jsemmu meta jkunu qed jibagħtu t-tagħrif.

Contracts which have as their subject-matter services listed both in Annex XVII A and in Annex XVII B shall be awarded in accordance with Articles 34 to 59 where the value of the services listed in Annex XVII A is greater than the value of the services listed in Annex XVII B. In other cases, contracts shall be awarded in accordance with Articles 34 and 43.

Artikolu 21

Kuntatti li huma sigrieti jew jeħtieġu miżuri speċjali ta' sigurtà

CHAPTER IV

Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti meta dawn huma dikjarati bħala sigrieti minn Stat Membru, meta t-twettieq tagħhom irid jiġi akkompanjat minn miżuri speċjali ta' sigurtà bi qbil mal-liġijiet, regolamenti jew dispożizzjonijiet amministrattivi fis-seħħ fl-Istat Membru konċernat, jew fejn dan ikun meħtieġ mill-protezzjoni ta' l-interessi bażiċi ta' sigurtà ta' dak l-Istat Membru.

Specific rules governing specifications and contract documents

Artikolu 22

Article 34

Kuntratti mogħtija skond regoli internazzjonali

Technical specifications

Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti regolati minn regoli proċedurali differenti u mogħtija:

1. Technical specifications as defined in point 1 of Annex XXI shall be set out in the contract documentation, such as contract notices, contract documents or additional documents. Whenever possible these technical specifications should be defined so as to take into account accessibility criteria for people with disabilities or design for all users.

(a) skond ftehim internazzjonali konkluż bi qbil mat-Trattat bejn Stat Membru u wieħed jew aktar mill-pajjiżi terzi u li jkopri provvisti, xogħlijiet, servizzi jew kuntesti ta' disinn maħsuba għall-implimentazzjoni konġunta jew l-esplojtazzjoni ta' proġett mill-Istati firmatarji; il-ftehim kollha għandhom jiġu komunikati lill-Kummissjoni, li tista' tikkonsulta mal-Kumitat Konsultattiv għal Kuntratti Pubbliċi riferit fl-Artikolu 68;

2. Technical specifications shall afford equal access for tenderers and not have the effect of creating unjustified obstacles to the opening up of public procurement to competition.

(b) skond ftehim internazzjonali konkluż li għandu x'jaqsam ma' l-istazzjonar ta' truppi u rigward l-impriżi ta' Stat Membru jew pajjiż terz;

3. Without prejudice to legally binding national technical rules, to the extent that they are compatible with Community law, the technical specifications shall be formulated:

(ċ) skond il-proċedura partikolari ta' organizzazzjoni internazzjonali.

(a) either by reference to technical specifications defined in Annex XXI and, in order of preference, to national standards transposing European standards, European technical approvals, common technical specifications, international standards, other technical reference systems established by the European standardisation bodies or - when these do not exist - national standards, national technical approvals or national technical specifications relating to the design, calculation and execution of the works and use of the products. Each reference shall be accompanied by the words "or equivalent";

Artikolu 23

(b) or in terms of performance or functional requirements; the latter may include environmental characteristics. However, such parameters must be sufficiently precise to allow tenderers to determine the subject-matter of the contract and to allow contracting entities to award the contract;

Kuntratti mogħtija lill-impriża affiljata, lill-joint venture jew lil entità kontraenti li tifforma parti minn joint venture

(c) or in terms of performance or functional requirements as mentioned in subparagraph (b), with reference to the specifications mentioned in subparagraph (a) as a means of presuming conformity with such performance or functional requirements;

1. Għall-għanijiet ta' dan l-Artikolu "impriża affiljata" tfisser kull impriża li l-kontijiet annwali tagħha huma konsolidata ma' dawk ta' l-entità kontraenti bi qbil mal-ħtiġijiet tas-Seba' Direttiva tal-Kunsill 83/349/KEE tat-13 ta' Ġunju bażata fuq l-Artikolu 44(2)(g) tat-Trattat dwar kontijiet konsolidati [27] [28], jew, fil-każ ta' entitajiet mhux suġġetti għal dik id-Direttiva, kull impriża li fuqha l-entità kontraenti tista' teżerċita, direttament jew indirettament, influwenza dominanti fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(1)(b) misjub fih jew li tista' teżerċita influwenza fuq entità kontraenti jew li, bħall-entità kontraenti, hija suġġetta għall-influwenza dominanti ta' impriża oħra minħabba f'pussess, parteċipazzjoni finanzjarja, jew ir-regoli li jirregolawha.

(d) or by referring to the specifications mentioned in subparagraph (a) for certain characteristics, and by referring to the performance or functional requirements mentioned in subparagraph (b) for other characteristics.

2. Sakemm jintlaħqu l-kondizzjonijiet fil-paragrafu 3, din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti mogħtija:

4. Where a contracting entity makes use of the option of referring to the specifications mentioned in paragraph 3(a), it cannot reject a tender on the ground that the products and services tendered for do not comply with the specifications to which it has referred, once the tenderer proves in his tender to the satisfaction of the contracting entity, by whatever appropriate means, that the solutions which he proposes satisfy in an equivalent manner the requirements defined by the technical specifications.

(a) minn entità kontraenti lil impriża affiljata, jew

An appropriate means might be constituted by a technical dossier from the manufacturer or a test report from a recognised body.

(b) minn joint venture, iffurmata esklussivament minn numru ta' entitajiet kontraenti għall-għan tat-twettieq ta' attivitajiet fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikoli 3 sa 7, lil impriża li hija affiljata ma' waħda minn dawn l-entitajiet kontraenti.

5. Where a contracting entity uses the option provided for in paragraph 3 of laying down performance or functional requirements, it may not reject a tender for products, services or works which comply with a national standard transposing a European standard, with a European technical approval, a common technical specification, an international standard, or a technical reference system established by a European standardisation body, if these specifications address the performance or functional requirements which it has laid down.

3. Paragrafu 2 għandu jgħodd:

In his tender, the tenderer shall prove to the satisfaction of the contracting entity and by any appropriate means that the product, service or work in compliance with the standard meets the performance or functional requirements of the contracting entity.

(a) għal kuntratti ta' servizz basta li mill-80 % tat-turnover medju ta' l-impriża affiljata rigward is-servizzi għat-tliet snin preċedenti joħroġ mill-provvediment ta' dawn is-servizzi lil impriżi li magħhom hija affiljata;

An appropriate means might be constituted by a technical dossier from the manufacturer or a test report from a recognised body.

(b) għal kuntratti ta' servizz basta li mill-inqas 80 % tat-turnover medju ta' l-impriża affiljata rigward il-provvisti għat-tliet snin preċedenti joħroġ mill-provvediment ta' dawn il-provvisti lil impriżi li magħhom hija affiljata;

6. Where contracting entities lay down environmental characteristics in terms of performance or functional requirements as referred to in paragraph 3(b) they may use the detailed specifications, or, if necessary, parts thereof, as defined by European or (multi-) national eco-labels, or by any other eco-label, provided that:

(ċ) għal kuntratti ta' xogħlijiet basta li mill-inqas 80 % tat-turnover medju ta' l-impriża affiljata igward ix-xogħlijiet għat-tliet snin preċedenti joħroġ mill-provvediment ta' dawn ix-xogħlijiet lil impriżi li magħhom hija affiljata.

- those specifications are appropriate to define the characteristics of the supplies or services that are the object of the contract,

Fejn, minħabba fid-data li fiha impriża affiljata ġiet maħluqa jew bdiet l-attivitajiet, it-turnover mhuwiex disponibbli għat-tliet snin preċedenti, ikun suffiċjenti għal dik l-impriża li jintwera li t-turnover riferita f'punti (a), (b) jew (ċ) huwa kredibbli, partikolarment permezz ta' proġettazzjonijiet ta' negozju.

- the requirements for the label are drawn up on the basis of scientific information,

Fejn aktar minn impriża waħda affiljata ma' l-entità kontraenti tipprovdi l-istess servizzi, provvisti jew xogħlijiet jew servizzi provvisti jew xogħlijiet simili, il-persentaġġi msemmija fuq għandhom jiġu kalkolati waqt li jitqies it-turnover totali li jinħoloq rispettivament mill-provvediment ta' servizzi, provvisti jew xogħlijiet minn dawk l-impriżi affiljati.

- the eco-labels are adopted using a procedure in which all stakeholders, such as government bodies, consumers, manufacturers, distributors and environmental organisations can participate, and

4. Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti mogħtija:

- they are accessible to all interested parties.

(a) minn joint venture, iffurmata esklussivament minn numru ta' entitajiet kontraenti għall-għan tat-twettieq ta' attivitajiet fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikoli 3 sa 7, ma' waħda minn dawn l-entitajiet kontraenti, jew

Contracting entities may indicate that the products and services bearing the eco-label are presumed to comply with the technical specifications laid down in the contract documents; they must accept any other appropriate means of proof, such as a technical dossier from the manufacturer or a test report from a recognised body.

(b) minn entità kontraenti lil joint venture bħal din li minnha tifforma parti, basta li l-joint venture ġiet imfassla sabiex titwettaq l-attività konċernata fuq perjodu ta' mill-inqas tliet snin u li l-istrument fit-twaqqif tal-joint venture jistipula li l-entitajiet kontraenti, li jiffurmawha, se jkunu parti minnha għal mill-inqas l-istess perjodu.

7. "Recognised bodies", within the meaning of this Article, are test and calibration laboratories, and certification and inspection bodies which comply with applicable European standards.

5. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jgħarrfu lill-Kummissjoni, fuq talba tagħha, bit-tagħrif li ġej rigward l-applikazzjoni ta' paragrafi 2,3 u 4:

Contracting entities shall accept certificates from recognised bodies established in other Member States.

(a) l-ismijiet ta' l-impriżi jew il-joint ventures konċernati,

8. Unless justified by the subject-matter of the contract, technical specifications shall not refer to a specific make or source, or to a particular process, or to trade marks, patents, types or a specific origin or production with the effect of favouring or eliminating certain undertakings or certain products. Such reference shall be permitted, on an exceptional basis, where a sufficiently precise and intelligible description of the subject-matter of the contract pursuant to paragraphs 3 and 4 is not possible; such reference shall be accompanied by the words "or equivalent".

(b) in-natura u l-valur tal-kuntratti nvoluti,

(ċ) prova kif meqjus xieraq mill-Kummissjoni li r-relazzjoni bejn l-impriża jew il-joint venture li għaliha jingħataw il-kuntratti u l-entità kontraenti tikkonforma mal-ħtiġijiet ta' dan l-Artikolu.

Article 35

SOTTOSEZZJONI 3

Communication of technical specifications

Esklużjonijiet applikabbli għall-entitajiet kontraenti kollha, imma għal kuntratti ta' servizz biss

1. Contracting entities shall make available on request to economic operators interested in obtaining a contract the technical specifications regularly referred to in their supply, works or service contracts, or the technical specifications which they intend to apply to contracts covered by periodic indicative notices within the meaning of Article 41(1).

Artikolu 24

2. Where the technical specifications are based on documents available to interested economic operators, the inclusion of a reference to those documents shall be sufficient.

Kuntratti li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' ċerti servizzi esklużi mill-iskop ta' din id-Direttiva

Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti ta' servizz għal:

Article 36

(a) l-akkwist jew il-kiri, permezz ta' mezzi finanzjarji jkunu x' ikunu, ta' art, bini eżistenti, jew propjeta immobbli oħra jew drittijiet konċernati fuqhom; madankollu, kuntratti ta' servizz finanzjarju konklużi fl-istess ħin bħal, jew qabel jew wara l-kuntratt ta' akkwist jew kiri, tkun xi tkun l-għamla tagħhom, għandhom jiġu soġġetti għal din id-Direttiva;

Variants

(b) servizzi ta' arbitraġġ u ta' konċiljazzjoni;

1. Where the criterion for the award of the contract is that of the most economically advantageous tender, contracting entities may take account of variants which are submitted by a tenderer and meet the minimum requirements specified by the contracting entities.

(ċ) servizzi finanzjarji f'konnessjoni mal-ħruġ, il-bejgħ, ix-xiri jew it-trasferiment ta' sigurtajiet jew strumenti finanzjarji oħra, partikolarment transazzjonijiet mill-entitajiet kontraenti biex jinġabru flus jew kapital;

Contracting entities shall indicate in the specifications whether or not they authorise variants and, if so, the minimum requirements to be met by the variants and any specific requirements for their presentation.

(d) kuntratti ta' mpieg;

2. In procedures for awarding supply or service contracts, contracting entities which have authorised variants pursuant to paragraph 1 may not reject a variant on the sole ground that it would, if successful, lead either to a service contract rather than a supply contract or to a supply contract rather than a service contract.

(e) servizzi oħra ta' riċerka u ta' żvilupp għajr dawk fejn il-benefiċċji jmorru esklussivament lill-entità kontraenti biex jintużaw fil-kondotta ta' l-affarijiet tagħha, fuq kondizzjoni li s-servizz provvdut jiġu mħallas kollu mill-entità kontraenti.

Artikolu 25

Article 37

Kuntratti ta' servizz mogħtija fuq il-bażi ta' dritt esklussiv

Subcontracting

Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika għal kuntratti ta' servizz mogħtija lill-entità li hija fiha nnifisha awtorita kontraenti fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(1)(a) jew lil assoċjazzjoni ta' awtoritajiet kontraenti fuq il-bażi ta' dritt esklussiv li huma jgawdu skond liġi pubblikata, regolament jew disposizzjon amministrattiv li huwa kompatibbli mat-Trattat.

In the contract documents, the contracting entity may ask, or may be required by a Member State to ask, the tenderer to indicate in his tender any share of the contract he intends to subcontract to third parties and any proposed subcontractors. This indication shall be without prejudice to the question of the principal economic operator's liability.

SOTTOSEZZJONI 4

Esklużjonijiet applikabbli għal ċerti entitajiet kontraenti biss

Article 38

Artikolu 26

Conditions for performance of contracts

Kuntratti mogħtija minn ċerti entitajiet kontraenti għax-xiri ta' ilma u għall-provvista ta' enerġija jew ta' karburanti għall-produzzjoni ta' l-enerġija

Contracting entities may lay down special conditions relating to the performance of a contract, provided that these are compatible with Community law and are indicated in the notice used as a means of calling for competition or in the specifications. The conditions governing the performance of a contract may, in particular, concern social and environmental considerations.

Din id-Direttiva m'għandhiex tapplika:

(a) għal kuntratti għax-xiri ta' l-ilma jekk jingħataw minn entitajiet kontraenti imqabbda f'attività waħda jew fiż-żewġ attivitajiet riferiti fl-Artikolu 4(1).

Article 39

(b) għal kuntratti għall-provvista ta' l-enerġija jew tal-karburanti għall-produzzjoni ta' l-enerġija, jekk jingħataw minn entitajiet kontraenti mqabbda f'attività riferita fl-Artikolu 3(1), l-Artikolu 3(3) jew l-Artikolu 7(a).

Obligations relating to taxes, environmental protection, employment protection provisions and working conditions

SOTTOSEZZJONI 5

1. A contracting entity may state in the contract documents, or be required by a Member State so to state, the body or bodies from which a candidate or tenderer may obtain the appropriate information on the obligations relating to taxes, to environmental protection, to protection provisions and to the working conditions which are in force in the Member State, region or locality in which the services are to be provided and which shall be applicable to the works carried out on site or to the services provided during the performance of the contract.

Kuntratti suġġetti għal arranġamenti speċjali, dispożizzjonijiet rigward korpijiet ċentrali ta' xiri u l-proċedura ġenerali fil-każ ta' esposizzjoni diretta għall-kompetizzjoni

2. A contracting entity which supplies the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall request the tenderers or candidates in the contract award procedure to indicate that they have taken account, when drawing up their tender, of the obligations relating to employment protection provisions and the working conditions which are in force in the place where the service is to be provided.

Artikolu 27

The first subparagraph shall be without prejudice to the application of Article 57.

Kuntratti suġġetti għal arranġamenti speċjali

Mingħajr preġudizzju għall-Artikolu 30 ir-Renju ta' l-Olanda, ir-Renju Unit, ir-Repubblika ta' l-Awstrija u r-Repubblika Federali tal-Ġermanja għandhom jiżguraw li, minħabba fil-kondizzjonijiet ta' awtorizzazzjoni jew miżuri oħra xierqa, li kull entità li qed topera fis-setturi msemmija f'Deċiżjonijiet 93/676/KEE, 97/367/KEE, 2002/205/KE u 2004/73/KE:

CHAPTER V

(a) tosserva l-prinċipji ta' nuqqas ta' diskriminazzjoni u akkwist kompetittiv rigward l-għoti ta' kuntratti ta' provvisti, xogħlijiet u ta' servizz, partikolarment rigward it-tagħrif li l-entità tagħmel disponibbli lill-operaturi ekonomiċi rigward l-intenzjonijiet tagħha ta' akkwist;

Procedures

(b) tikkomunika lill-Kummissjoni, skond il-kondizzjonijiet definiti fid-Deċiżjoni tal-Kummissjoni 93/327/KEE li tiddefinixxi l-kondizzjonijiet li skondhom entitajiet kontraenti li jesplojtaw erji ġeografiċi għall-għan ta' esplorazzjoni għal jew estrazzjoni ta' żejt, gass, faħam jew karburanti solidi oħra jridu jikkomunikaw lill-Kummissjoni tagħrif li għandu x'jaqsam mal-kuntratti li jagħtu [29].

Article 40

Artikolu 28

Use of open, restricted and negotiated procedures

Kuntratti riservati

1. When awarding supply, works or service contracts, contracting entities shall apply the procedures adjusted for the purposes of this Directive.

L-Istati Membri jistgħu jirriservaw id-dritt li jipparteċipaw fi proċeduri ta' għoti ta' kuntratti lil workshops prottetti jew jipprovdu li dawn il-kuntratti jitwettqu fil-kuntest ta' programmi ta' impjieg protetti fejn ‘l biċċa ‘l kbira ta' l-impjegati konċernati huma persuni b'diżabilita li, minħabba fin-natura jew is-serjeta tad-diżabilitajiet tagħhom, ma jistgħux iwettqu xogħlijiet fuq kondizzjonijiet normali.

2. Contracting entities may choose any of the procedures described in Article 1(9)(a), (b) or (c), provided that, subject to paragraph 3, a call for competition has been made in accordance with Article 42.

L-avviż użat biex issir sejħa għal kompetizzjoni għandu jagħmel riferenza għal dan l-Artikolu.

3. Contracting entities may use a procedure without prior call for competition in the following cases:

Artikolu 29

(a) when no tenders or no suitable tenders or no applications have been submitted in response to a procedure with a prior call for competition, provided that the initial conditions of contract are not substantially altered;

Kuntratti u qafas ta' ftehim mogħtija minn korpijiet ċentrali ta' xiri

(b) where a contract is purely for the purpose of research, experiment, study or development, and not for the purpose of securing a profit or of recovering research and development costs, and insofar as the award of such contract does not prejudice the competitive award of subsequent contracts which do seek, in particular, those ends;

1. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jippreskrivu li entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jixtru xogħlijiet, provvisti u/jew servizzi minn jew permezz ta' korp ċentrali ta' xiri.

(c) when, for technical or artistic reasons, or for reasons connected with the protection of exclusive rights, the contract may be executed only by a particular economic operator;

2. Entitajiet kontraenti li jixtru xogħlijiet, provvisti u/jew servizzi minn jew permezz ta' korp ċentrali ta' xiri fil-każijiet dikjarati fl-Artikolu 1(8) għandhom jitqiesu li jkunu konformaw ma' din id-Direttiva sakemm il-korp ċentrali ta' xiri jkun ikkonforma magħha jew, fejn ikun xieraq, mad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE.

(d) insofar as is strictly necessary when, for reasons of extreme urgency brought about by events unforeseeable by the contracting entities, the time limits laid down for open procedures, restricted procedures and negotiated procedures with a prior call for competition cannot be adhered to;

Artikolu 30

(e) in the case of supply contracts for additional deliveries by the original supplier which are intended either as a partial replacement of normal supplies or installations or as the extension of existing supplies or installations, where a change of supplier would oblige the contracting entity to acquire material having different technical characteristics which would result in incompatibility or disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance;

Proċedura biex tiġi stabbilita jekk attività mogħtija hijiex esposta direttament għall-kompetizzjoni

(f) for additional works or services which were not included in the project initially awarded or in the contract first concluded but have, through unforeseen circumstances, become necessary to the performance of the contract, on condition that the award is made to the contractor or service provider executing the original contract:

1. Kuntratti maħsuba biex jgħinu biex attività msemmija fl-Artikoli 3 sa 7 titwettaq m'għandhomx ikunu suġġetti għal din id-Direttiva jekk, fl-Istat Membru li fih titwettaq, l-attività hija esposta direttament għal kompetizzjoni fuq swieq li għalihom l-aċċess m‘huwiex ristrett.

- when such additional works or services cannot be technically or economically separated from the main contract without great inconvenience to the contracting entities, or

2. Għall-għanijiet ta' paragrafu 1, il-kwistjoni ta' jekk attività hijiex esposta direttament għal kompetizzjoni għandha tiġi deċiża fuq il-bażi ta' kriterji li huma f'konformita mad-dispożizzjonijiet tat-Trattat fuq kompetizzjoni, bħalma huma l-karatteristiċi tal-merkanzija jew is-servizzi konċernati, l-eżistenza ta' merkanzija jew servizzi alternattivi, l-prezzijiet u l-presenza attwali jew potenzali ta' aktar minn provveditur wieħed tal-merkanzija jew servizzi msemmija.

- when such additional works or services, although separable from the performance of the original contract, are strictly necessary to its later stages;

3. Għall-għanijiet ta' paragrafu 1, aċċess għal suq għandu jitqies li m‘huwiex ristrett jekk l-Istat Membru jkun implimenta u applika d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-leġislazzjoni Komunitarja msemmija fl-Anness XI.

(g) in the case of works contracts, for new works consisting in the repetition of similar works assigned to the contractor to which the same contracting entities awarded an earlier contract, provided that such works conform to a basic project for which a first contract was awarded after a call for competition; as soon as the first project is put up for tender, notice shall be given that this procedure might be adopted and the total estimated cost of subsequent works shall be taken into consideration by the contracting entities when they apply the provisions of Articles 16 and 17;

Jekk aċċess ħieles għal suq imsemmi ma jistax jiġi meqjus fuq il-bażi ta' l-ewwel sottoparagrafu, għandu jiġi muri li aċċess għax-suq imemmi huwa ħieles de facto u de jure.

(h) for supplies quoted and purchased on a commodity market;

4. Fejn Stat Membru jqis li, f'konformita mal-paragrafi 2 u 3, paragrafu 1 huwa applikabbli għal attività msemmija, għandu javża lill-Kummissjoni u jgħarrafha bil-fatti rilevanti kollha, u partikolarment b'kull liġi, regolament, dispożizzjoni amministrattiva jew ftehim rigward konformita mal-kondizzjonijiet dikjarati fil-paragrafu 1, fejn xieraq flimkien mal-pożizzjoni adottata minn awtorita nazzjonali indipendenti li hija kompetenti f'relazzjoni ma' l-attività konċernata.

(i) for contracts to be awarded on the basis of a framework agreement, provided that the condition referred to in Article 14(2) is fulfilled;

Kuntratti maħsuba biex igħinu biex titwettaq l-attività konċenata m'għandhomx ikunu suġġetti aktar għal din id-Direttiva jekk il-Kummissjoni:

(j) for bargain purchases, where it is possible to procure supplies by taking advantage of a particularly advantageous opportunity available for a very short time at a price considerably lower than normal market prices;

- tkun adottat Deċiżjoni li tistabbilixxi l-applikabilita ta' paragrafu 1 bi qbil mal-paragrafu 6 u f'perjodu ta' żmien provvdut minnha, jew

(k) for purchases of supplies under particularly advantageous conditions from either a supplier definitively winding up his business activities or the receivers or liquidators of a bankruptcy, an arrangement with creditors or a similar procedure under national laws or regulations;

- ma tkunx adottat Deċiżjoni rigward din l-applikabilita f'dak il-perjodu.

(l) when the service contract concerned is part of the follow-up to a design contest organised in accordance with the provisions of this Directive and shall, in accordance with the relevant rules, be awarded to the winner or to one of the winners of that contest; in the latter case, all the winners shall be invited to participate in the negotiations.

Madankollu, fejn aċċess ħieles għal suq imsemmi huwa meqjus fuq il-bażi ta' l-ewwel sottoparagrafu ta' paragrafu 3, u fejn awtorita nazzjonali indipendenti li hija kompetenti fl-attività konċernata tkun stabbiliet l-applikabilita ta' paragrafu 1, kuntratti maħsuba biex igħinu biex titwettaq l-attività konċernata m'għandhomx jiġu suġġetti aktar għal din id-Direttiva jekk il-Kummissjoni ma tkunx stabbiliet in-nuqqas ta' applikabilita ta' paragrafu 1 minn Deċiżjoni adottata f'konformita ma' paragrafu 6 u fil-perjodu taż-żmien li tipprovdi.

5. Meta l-leġislazzjoni ta' l-Istat Membru konċernat tipprovdi għal dan, l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jistaqsu lill-Kummissjoni biex tistabbilixxi l-applikabilita ta' paragrafu 1 għal attività msemmija minn Deċiżjoni f'konformita ma' paragrafu 6. F'dan il-każ, il-Kummissjoni għandha tgħarraf immedjatament l-Istat Membru konċernat.

CHAPTER VI

Dak L-Istat Membru għandu, huwa u jqis il-paragrafi 2 u 3, jgħarraf lill-Kummissjoni bil-fatti rilevanti kollha, u partikolarment b'kull liġi, regolament, dispożizzjoni amministrattiva jew ftehim rigward konformita mal-kondizzjonijiet dikjarati fil-paragrafu 1, fejn xieraq flimkien mal-pożizzjoni adottata minn awtorita nazzjonali indipendenti li hija kompetenti fl-attività konċernata.

Rules on publication and transparency

Il-Kummissjoni tista' tibda wkoll il-proċedura għall-adozzjoni ta' Deċiżjoni li tistabbilixxi l-applikabilita ta' paragrafu 1 għal attività msemmija fuq l-inizjattiva tagħha stess. F'dan il-każ, il-Kummissjoni għandha tgħarraf immedjatament l-Istat Membru konċernat.

Section 1

Jekk, fl-aħħar tal-perjodu ta' żmien preskritt fil-paragrafu 6, il-Kummissjoni ma tkunx adottat Deċiżjoni rigward l-applikabilita ta' paragrafu 1 għal attività msemmija, paragrafu 1 għandu jitqies li huwa applikabbli.

Publication of notices

6. Għall-adozzjoni ta' Deċiżjoni skond dan l-Artikolu, bi qbil mal-proċedura skond l-Artikolu 68(2), il-Kummissjoni għandha tiġi permessa perjodu ta' żmien ta' tliet xhur li jibda fl-ewwel ġurnata tax-xogħol li tiġi wara d-data li fiha terċievi n-notifika jew it-talba. Madankollu, dan il-perjodu jista' jiġi estiż darba b'massimu ta' tliet xhur f'każijiet ġustifikati kif mistħoqq, partikolarment jekk it-tagħrif li jinstab fin-notifika jew fit-talba jew fid-dokumenti annessati miegħu m‘huwiex komplet jew m‘huwiex eżatt jekk il-fatti kif rapportati jgħaddu minn tibdiliet sostantivi. Din l-estensjoni għandha tiġi limitata għal xahar fejn awtorita nazzjonali indipendenti li hija kompetenti fl-attività konċernata tkun stabbiliet l-applikabilita ta' paragrafu 1 fil-każijiet provduti skond it-tielet sottoparagrafu ta' paragrafu 4.

Article 41

Fejn attività fi Stat Membru msemmi hija diġa s-suġġett ta' proċedura skond dan l-Artikolu, aktar talbiet rigward l-istess attività fl-istess Stat Membru qabel l-iskadenza tal-perjodu miftuħ rigward l-ewwel talba m'għandhomx jitqiesu bħala proċeduri ġodda u għandhom jiġu trattati fil-kuntest ta' l-ewwel talba.

Periodic indicative notices and notices on the existence of a system of qualification

Il-Kummissjoni għandha tadotta regoli dettaljati biex jiġu applikati paragrafi 4,5 u 6 bi qbil mal-proċedura taħt l-Artikolu 68(2).

1. Contracting entities shall make known, at least once a year, by means of a periodic indicative notice as referred to in Annex XV A, published by the Commission or by themselves on their "buyer profile", as described in point 2(b) of Annex XX:

Dawn ir-regoli għandhom jinkludu mill-inqas:

(a) where supplies are concerned, the estimated total value of the contracts or the framework agreements by product area which they intend to award over the following 12 months, where the total estimated value, taking into account the provisions of Articles 16 and 17, is equal to or greater than EUR 750000.

(a) il-pubblikazzjoni fil-Ġurnal Uffiċjali, għal tagħrif, tad-data li fiha jibda l-perjodu ta' tliet xhur riferit fl-ewwel sottoparagrafu, u, f'każ li dan il-perjodu jiġi mtawwal, id-data sa meta jiġi mtawwal u l-perjodu li bih jiġi mtawwal;

The product area shall be established by the contracting entities by reference to the CPV nomenclature:

(b) pubblikazzjoni ta' l-applikabilita possibbli ta' paragrafu 1 bi qbil mat-tieni jew it-tielet sottoparagrafu ta' paragrafu 4 jew bi qbil mar-raba' sottoparagrafu ta' paragrafu 5; u

(b) where services are concerned, the estimated total value of the contracts or the framework agreements in each of the categories of services listed in Annex XVII A which they intend to award over the following 12 months, where such estimated total value, taking into account the provisions of Articles 16 and 17, is equal to or greater than EUR 750000;

(ċ) l-arranġamenti għal forwarding positions adottati minn awtorita indipendenti li hija kompetenti fl-attività konċernata, rigward kwistjonijiet rilevanti f'paragrafi 1 u 2.

(c) where works are concerned, the essential characteristics of the works contracts or the framework agreements which they intend to award over the following 12 months, whose estimated value is equal to or greater than the threshold specified in Article 16, taking into account the provisions of Article 17.

IL-KAPITOLU III

The notices referred to in subparagraphs (a) and (b) shall be sent to the Commission or published on the buyer profile as soon as possible after the beginning of the budgetary year.

Regoli applikabbli għal kuntratti ta' servizz

The notice referred to in subparagraph (c) shall be sent to the Commission or published on the buyer profile as soon as possible after the decision approving the planning of the works contracts or the framework agreements that the contracting entities intend to award.

Artikolu 31

Contracting entities which publish a periodic indicative notice on their buyer profiles shall transmit to the Commission, electronically, a notice of the publication of the periodic indicative notice on a buyer profile, in accordance with the format and procedures for the electronic transmission of notices indicated in point 3 of Annex XX.

Kuntratti ta' servizz imniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII A

The publication of the notices referred to in subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) shall be compulsory only where the contracting entities take the option of reducing the time limits for the receipt of tenders as laid down in Article 45(4).

Kuntratti li għandhom bħala l-għan tagħhom servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII A għandhom jingħataw bi qbil ma' l-Artikoli 34 sa 59.

This paragraph shall not apply to procedures without prior call for competition.

Artikolu 32

2. Contracting entities may, in particular, publish or arrange for the Commission to publish periodic indicative notices relating to major projects without repeating information previously included in a periodic indicative notice, provided that it is clearly pointed out that these notices are additional ones.

Kuntratti ta' servizz imniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII B

3. Where contracting entities choose to set up a qualification system in accordance with Article 53, the system shall be the subject of a notice as referred to in Annex XIV, indicating the purpose of the qualification system and how to have access to the rules concerning its operation. Where the system is of a duration greater than three years, the notice shall be published annually. Where the system is of a shorter duration, an initial notice shall suffice.

Kuntratti li għandhom bħala l-għan tagħhom servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII B għandhom jiġu regolati biss mill-Artikoli 34 u 43.

Artikolu 33

Article 42

Kuntratti ta' servizz imħallta inklużi servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Annessi XVII A u servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII B

Notices used as a means of calling for competition

Kuntratti li għandhom bħala l-kontentut tas-suġġett tagħhom servizzi mniżżla f'lista kemm fl-Anness XVII A kif ukoll fl-Anness XVII B għandhom jingħataw bi qbil ma' l-Artikoli 34 sa 59 fejn il-valur tas-servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII A huwa aktar mill-valur tas-servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII B. F'każijiet oħra, kuntratti għandhom jingħataw bi qbil ma' l-Artikoli 34 sa 43.

1. In the case of supply, works or service contracts, the call for competition may be made:

IL-KAPITOLU IV

(a) by means of a periodic indicative notice as referred to in Annex XV A; or

Regoli speċifiċi li jirregolaw speċifikazzjonijiet u dokumenti ta' kuntratt

(b) by means of a notice on the existence of a qualification system as referred to in Annex XIV; or

Artikolu 34

(c) by means of a contract notice as referred to in Annex XIII A, B or C.

Speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi

2. In the case of dynamic purchasing systems, the system's call for competition shall be by contract notice as referred to in paragraph 1(c), whereas calls for competition for contracts based on such systems shall be by simplified contract notice as referred to in Annex XIII D.

1. Speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi kif definiti f'punt 1 ta' l-Anness XXI għandhom jiġu dikjarati fid-dokumentazzjoni tal-kuntratt, bħal avviżi tal-kuntratt, dokumenti tal-kuntratt jew dokumenti addizzjonali. Kull meta jkun possibbli dawn l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi għandhom jiġu definiti sabiex jitqiesu kriterji ta' aċċessibilita għal persuni b'diżabilitajiet jew disinn għall-utenti kollha.

3. When a call for competition is made by means of a periodic indicative notice, the notice shall:

2. Speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi għandhom joffru aċċess ugwali għal persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti u m'għandux ikollhom l-effett li joħolqu ostakoli mhux ġustifikati għall-ftuħ ta' akkwist pubbliku għall-kompetizzjoni.

(a) refer specifically to the supplies, works or services which will be the subject of the contract to be awarded;

3. Mingħajr preġudizzju għal regoli tekniċi nazzjonali li jorbtu legalment, sal-punt li huma kompatibbli mal-liġi Komunitarja, l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi għandhom jiġu formulati:

(b) indicate that the contract will be awarded by restricted or negotiated procedure without further publication of a notice of a call for competition and invite interested economic operators to express their interest in writing; and

(a) jew permezz ta' riferenza għal speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi definiti fl-Anness XXI u, f'ordni skond il-preferenza, standards nazzjonali li jbiddlu standards Ewropej, approvazzjonijiet tekniċi Ewropej, speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi komuni, standards internazzjonali, sistemi oħra tekniċi ta' riferenza stabbiliti mill-korpijiet ta' standardizzazzjoni Ewropej jew – fejn dawn ma jeżistux – standards nazzjonali, approvazzjonijiet tekniċi nazzjonali jew speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi nazzjonali li għandhom x'jaqsmu mad-disinn, il-kalkolu u l-eżekuzzjoni tax-xogħlijiet u l-użu tal-prodotti. Kull riferenza għandha tiġi akkompanjata mill-kliem jew "ekwivalenti";

(c) have been published in accordance with Annex XX not more than 12 months prior to the date on which the invitation referred to in Article 47(5) is sent. Moreover, the contracting entity shall meet the time limits laid down in Article 45.

(b) jew f'termini ta' twettieq jew ħtiġijiet funzjonali; dawn ta' l-aħħar jistgħu jinkludu karatteristiċi ambjentali. Madankollu, dawn il-parametri jridu jkunu preċiżi biżżejjed biex jippermettu lill-persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti biex jistabbilixxu l-kontenut tas-suġġett tal-kuntratt u jippermettu lill-entitajiet kontraenti li jagħtu l-kuntratt;

(ċ) jew f'termini ta' twettieq jew ħtiġijiet funzjonali kif imsemmi f'sottoparagrafu (b), b'riferenza għall-ispeċifikazzjonijiet imsemmija f'sottoparagrafu (a) bħala mezz li bih titqies konformita ma' dan it-twettieq jew ħtieġijiet funzjonali;

Article 43

(d) jew billi jirreferu għall-ispeċifikazzjonijiet imsemmija f'sottoparagrafu (a) għal ċerti karatteristiċi, u billi jirreferu għat-twettieq jew il-ħtiġijiet funzjonali msemmija f'sottoparagrafu (b) għal karatteristiċi oħra.

Contract award notices

4. Fejn entità kontraenti tagħmel użu mill-għażla li tirreferi għall-ispeċifikazzjonijiet imsemmija fil-paragrafu 3(a), ma tistax tirrifjuta offerta fuq il-bażi li l-prodotti u s-servizzi offruti ma jikkonformawx ma' l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet li għalihom tkun irreferiet, ladarba l-persuna li tagħmel l-offerti tagħti xhieda fl-offerta tagħha għas-sodisfazzjoni ta' l-entità kontraenti, bi kwalunkwe mezz xieraq, li s-soluzzjonijiet li hija tipproponi jissodisfaw f'manjiera ekwivalenti l-ħtiġijiet definiti mill-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi.

1. Contracting entities which have awarded a contract or a framework agreement shall, within two months of the award of the contract or framework agreement, send a contract award notice as referred to in Annex XVI under conditions to be laid down by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 68(2).

Mezz xieraq jista' jiġi kostitwit minn dossier tekniku mill-fabbrikant jew rapport test minn korp magħruf.

In the case of contracts awarded under a framework agreement within the meaning of Article 14(2), the contracting entities shall not be bound to send a notice of the results of the award procedure for each contract based on that agreement.

5. Fejn entità kontraenti tuża l-għażla provduta fil-paragrafu 3 li tippreskrivi twettieq jew ħtiġijiet funzjonali, ma tistax tirrifjuta offerta għal prodotti, servizzi jew xogħlijiet li jikkonformaw ma' standard nazzjonali li jbiddel standard Ewropew, ma' approvazzjoni tekniku Ewropew, speċifikazzjoni teknika komuni, standard internazzjonali, jew sistema teknika ta' riferenza stabbilita minn korp ta' standardizzazzjoni Ewropew, jekk dawk l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet jindirizzaw it-twettieq jew ħtiġijiet funzjonali li tkun ippreskriviet.

Contracting entities shall send a contract award notice based on a dynamic purchasing system within two months after the award of each contract. They may, however, group such notices on a quarterly basis. In that case, they shall send the grouped notices within two months of the end of each quarter.

Fl-offerta tagħha, l-persuna li tagħmel l-offerti għandha tagħti xhieda għas-sodisfazzjon ta' l-entità kontraenti u permezz ta' kull mezz xieraq li l-prodott, is-servizz jew ix-xogħol f'konformita ma' l-istandard jilħqu t-twettieq jew ħtiġijiet funzjonali ta' l-entità kontraenti.

2. The information provided in accordance with Annex XVI and intended for publication shall be published in accordance with Annex XX. In this connection, the Commission shall respect any sensitive commercial aspects which the contracting entities may point out when forwarding this information, concerning the number of tenders received, the identity of economic operators, or prices.

Mezz xieraq jista' jiġi kostitwit minn dossier tekniku mill-fabbrikant jew rapport test minn korp magħruf.

3. Where contracting entities award a research-and-development service contract ("R& D contract") by way of a procedure without a call for competition in accordance with Article 40(3)(b), they may limit to the reference "research and development services" the information to be provided in accordance with Annex XVI concerning the nature and quantity of the services provided.

6. Fejn entitajiet kontraenti jippreskrivu karatteristiċi ambjentali f'termini ta' twettieq jew ħtiġijiet funzjonali kif riferit fil-paragrafu 3(b) jistgħu jużaw l-ispeċifikazzjonijet dettaljati, jew, jekk ikun meħtieġ, partijiet minnhom, kif definit mit-tikketti Ewropej jew (multi-) nazzjonali, jew minn kull tikketta eco oħra, basta li:

Where contracting entities award an R& D contract which cannot be awarded by way of a procedure without a call for competition in accordance with Article 40(3)(b), they may, on grounds of commercial confidentiality, limit the information to be provided in accordance with Annex XVI concerning the nature and quantity of the services supplied.

- dawk l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet huma xierqa biex jiddefinixxu l-karatteristiċi tal-provvisti jew is-servizzi li huma l-għan tal-kuntratt,

In such cases, contracting entities shall ensure that any information published under this paragraph is no less detailed than that contained in the notice of the call for competition published in accordance with Article 42(1).

- il-ħtiġijiet għat-tikketta huma mfassla fuq il-bażi ta' tagħrif xjentifiku,

If they use a qualification system, contracting entities shall ensure in such cases that such information is no less detailed than the category referred to in the list of qualified service providers drawn up in accordance with Article 53(7).

- it-tikketti eco huma adottati permezz ta' proċedura li fiha l-istakeholders kollha, bħal ma huma korpijiet tal-gvern, konsumaturi, fabbrikanti, distributuri u organizzazzjonijiet ambjentali jistgħu jipparteċipaw, u

4. In the case of contracts awarded for services listed in Annex XVII B, the contracting entities shall indicate in the notice whether they agree to publication.

- huma aċċessibbli għall-partijiet interessati kollha.

5. Information provided in accordance with Annex XVI and marked as not being intended for publication shall be published only in simplified form and in accordance with Annex XX for statistical purposes.

Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jindikaw li l-prodotti u s-servizzi li jġorru t-tikketta eco huma meqjusa li jikkonformaw ma' l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi preskritti fid-dokumenti tal-kuntratt; iridu jaċċettaw kull mezz ieħor xieraq ta' xhieda, bħal dossier tekniku mill-fabbrikant jew rapport test minn korp magħruf.

7. "Korpijiet magħrufa", fit-tifsira ta' dan l-Artikolu, huma laboratorji ta' test u kalibrazzjoni, u korpijiet ta' ċertifikazzjoni u spezzjoni li jikkonformaw ma' standards applikabbli Ewropej.

Article 44

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jaċċettaw ċertifikati minn korpijiet magħrufa stabbiliti fl-Istati Membri l-oħra.

Form and manner of publication of notices

8. Sakemm mhux ġustifikat mill-kontenut tas-suġġett tal-kuntratt, speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi m'għandhomx jirreferu għal għamla jew sors speċifiku, jew proċess partikolari, jew għal marki tal-fabbrika, patentijiet, tipi jew oriġinu jew produzzjoni speċifika bl-effett li jiġu favoriti jew eliminati ċerti impriżi jew ċerti prodotti. Din ir-riferenza għandha tiġi permessa, fuq bażi eċċezzjonali, fejn deskrizzjoni preċiża u intelliġenti (intelligible) biżżejjed tal-kontentut tas-suġġett tal-kuntratt skond il-paragrafi 3 u 4 mhijiex possibbli; din ir-riferenza għandha tiġi akkompanjata mill-kliem "jew ekwivalenti".

1. Notices shall include the information mentioned in Annexes XIII, XIV, XV A, XV B and XVI and, where appropriate, any other information deemed useful by the contracting entity in the format of standard forms adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 68(2).

Artikolu 35

2. Notices sent by contracting entities to the Commission shall be sent either by electronic means in accordance with the format and procedures for transmission indicated in point 3 of Annex XX, or by other means.

Komunikazzjoni ta' speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi

The notices referred to in Articles 41, 42 and 43 shall be published in accordance with the technical characteristics for publication set out in point 1(a) and (b) of Annex XX.

1. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom mat-talba jagħmlu disponibbli lil operaturi ekonomiċi interessati li jiksbu kuntratt l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi regolarment riferiti fil-kuntratti tagħhom ta' provvista, xogħlijiet jew servizz, jew l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi li huma maħsuba li japplikaw għal kuntratti koperti minn avviżi perjodiċi indikattivi fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 41(1).

3. Notices drawn up and transmitted by electronic means in accordance with the format and procedures for transmission indicated in point 3 of Annex XX, shall be published no later than five days after they are sent.

2. Fejn l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi huma bażati fuq dokumenti disponibbli lil operaturi ekonomiċi interessati, l-inklużjoni ta' riferenza għal dawk id-dokumenti għandha tkun suffiċjenti.

Notices which are not transmitted by electronic means in accordance with the format and procedures for transmission indicated in point 3 of Annex XX shall be published not later than 12 days after they are transmitted. However, in exceptional cases, the contract notices referred to in Article 42(1)(c) shall be published within five days in response to a request by the contracting entity, provided that the notice has been sent by fax.

Artikolu 36

4. Contract notices shall be published in full in an official language of the Community as chosen by the contracting entity, this original language version constituting the sole authentic text. A summary of the important elements of each notice shall be published in the other official languages.

Varjanti

The costs of publication of notices by the Commission shall be borne by the Community.

1. Fejn il-kriterju għall-għoti tal-kuntratt ikun wieħed ta' l-offerta l-aktar vantaġġuża ekonomikament, entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jqisu varjanti li huma sottomessi minn persuna li tagħmel l-offerti u li jilħqu l-ħtiġijiet minimi speċifikati mill-entitajiet kontraenti.

5. Notices and their contents may not be published at national level before the date on which they are sent to the Commission.

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jindikaw fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet jekk jawtorizzawx varjanti jew le, u jekk iva, il-ħtiġijiet minimi li jridu jintlaħqu mill-varjanti u kull ħtieġa speċifika għall-preżentazzjoni tagħhom.

Notices published at national level shall not contain information other than that contained in the notices dispatched to the Commission or published on a buyer profile in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 41(1), but shall mention the date of dispatch of the notice to the Commission or its publication on the buyer profile.

2. Fi proċeduri għall-għoti ta' kuntratti ta' provvista jew servizz, entitajiet kontraenti li jkunu awtorizzaw varjanti skond il-paragrafu 1 ma jistgħux jirrifjutaw varjant fuq il-bażi waħdanija li jista', jekk ikollu suċċess, iwassal jew għal kuntratt ta' servizz aktar milli kuntratt ta' provvista jew għal kuntratt ta' provvista aktar milli kuntratt ta' servizz.

Periodic indicative notices may not be published on a buyer profile before the dispatch to the Commission of the notice of their publication in that form; they shall mention the date of that dispatch.

Artikolu 37

6. Contracting entities shall ensure that they are able to supply proof of the dates on which notices are dispatched.

Subcontracting

7. The Commission shall give the contracting entity confirmation of the publication of the information sent, mentioning the date of that publication. Such confirmation shall constitute proof of publication.

Fid-dokumenti tal-kuntratt, l-entità kontraenti tista' tistaqsi, jew tista' tinħtieġ minn Stat Membru li tistaqsi lill-persuna li tagħmel l-offerti biex tindika fl-offerta tagħha kull sehem tal-kuntratt li għandu l-ħsieb biex jghaddi subcontract lil partijiet terzi u kull sotto-kuntrattur propost. Din l-indikazzjoni għandha tkun mingħajr preġudizzju għall-kwistjoni tal-lijabilita prinċipali ta' l-operatur ekonomiku.

8. Contracting entities may publish in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 7 contract notices which are not subject to the publication requirements laid down in this Directive.

Artikolu 38

Kondizzjonijiet għat-twettieq ta' kuntratti

Section 2

Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jippreskrivu kondizzjonijiet speċjali li għandhom x'jaqsmu mat-twettieq ta' kuntratt, basta li dawn huma kompatibbli mal-liġi Komunitarja u huma ndikati fl-avviż użat bħala mezz ta' sejħa għall-kompetizzjoni jew fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet. Il-kondizzjonijiet li jirregolaw it-twettieq ta' kuntratt jistgħu, partikolarment, jirrigwardjaw konsiderazzjonijiet soċjali u ambjentali.

Time limits

Artikolu 39

Article 45

Obbligazzjonijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' taxxi, protezzjoni ambjentali, dispożizzjonijiet ta' protezzjoni ta' impjieg u kondizzjoni ta' xogħol

Time limits for the receipt of requests to participate and for the receipt of tenders

1. Entità kontraenti tista' tiddikjara fid-dokumenti tal-kuntratt, jew tinħtieġ minn Stat Membru li tiddikjara, l-korp jew korpijiet li minnhom kandidat jew persuna li tagħmel l-offerti tista' tikseb it-tagħrif xieraq dwar l-obbligazzjonijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' taxxi, protezzjoni ambjentali, ma' dispożizzjonijiet ta' protezzjoni u ma' kondizzjonijiet ta' xogħol li huma fis-seħħ fl-Istat Membru, reġjun jew lokalita li fiha s-servizzi jridu jiġu provvduti u li għandhom ikunu applikabbli għax-xogħlijiet imwettqa fuq il-post jew għas-servizzi provvduti matul it-twettieq tal-kuntratt.

1. When fixing the time limits for requests to participate and the receipt of tenders, contracting entities shall take particular account of the complexity of the contract and the time required for drawing up tenders, without prejudice to the minimum time limits set by this Article.

2. Entità kontraenti li tipprovdi t-tagħrif riferit fil-paragrafu 1 għandha titlob lill-persuni li qed jagħmlu l-offerti jew lill-kandidati fil-proċedura ta' l-għoti tal-kuntratt biex jindikaw li jkunu qiesu, waqt it-tfassil ta' l-offerta tagħhom, l-obbligazzjonijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' dispożizzjonijiet ta' protezzjoni ta' impjieg u l-kondizzjonijiet ta' xogħol li huma fis-seħħ meta s-servizz irid jiġi provvdut.

2. In the case of open procedures, the minimum time limit for the receipt of tenders shall be 52 days from the date on which the contract notice was sent.

L-ewwel sottoparagrafu għandu jkun mingħajr preġudizzju għall-applikazzjoni ta' l-Artikolu 57.

3. In restricted procedures and in negotiated procedures with a prior call for competition, the following arrangements shall apply:

IL-KAPITOLU V

(a) the time limit for the receipt of requests to participate, in response to a notice published under Article 42(1)(c), or in response to an invitation by the contracting entities under Article 47(5), shall, as a general rule, be fixed at no less than 37 days from the date on which the notice or invitation was sent and may in no case be less than 22 days if the notice is sent for publication by means other than electronic means or fax, and at no less than 15 days if the notice is transmitted by such means;

Proċeduri

(b) the time limit for the receipt of tenders may be set by mutual agreement between the contracting entity and the selected candidates, provided that all candidates have the same time to prepare and submit their tenders;

Artikolu 40

(c) where it is not possible to reach agreement on the time limit for the receipt of tenders, the contracting entity shall fix a time limit which shall, as a general rule, be at least 24 days and shall in no case be less than 10 days from the date of the invitation to tender.

L-Uzu ta' proċeduri miftuħa, ristretti u negozjati

4. If the contracting entities have published a periodic indicative notice as referred to in Article 41(1) in accordance with Annex XX, the minimum time limit for the receipt of tenders in open procedures shall, as a general rule, not be less than 36 days, but shall in no case be less than 22 days from the date on which the notice was sent.

1. Meta jingħataw kuntratti ta' provvista, xogħlijiet jew servizz, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom japplikaw il-proċeduri aġġustati għall-għanijiet ta' din id-Direttiva.

These reduced time limits are permitted, provided that the periodic indicative notice has included, in addition to the information required by Annex XV A, part I, all the information required by Annex XV A, part II, insofar as the latter information is available at the time the notice is published, and that the notice has been sent for publication between 52 days and 12 months before the date on which the contract notice referred to in Article 42(1)(c) is sent.

2. Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jagħżlu minn waħda mill-proċeduri deskritti fl-Artikolu 1(9)(a), (b) jew (ċ), basta li, bla ħsara għall-paragrafu 3, sejħa għal kompetizzjoni tkun saret bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 42.

5. Where notices are drawn up and transmitted by electronic means in accordance with the format and procedures for transmission indicated in point 3 of Annex XX the time-limits for the receipt of requests to participate in restricted and negotiated procedures, and for receipt of tenders in open procedures, may be reduced by seven days.

3. Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jużaw proċedura mingħajr sejħa minn qabel għal kompetizzjoni fil-każijiet li ġejjin:

6. Except in the case of a time limit set by mutual agreement in accordance with paragraph 3(b), time limits for the receipt of tenders in open, restricted and negotiated procedures may be further reduced by five days where the contracting entity offers unrestricted and full direct access to the contract documents and any supplementary documents by electronic means from the date on which the notice used as a means of calling for competition is published, in accordance with Annex XX. The notice should specify the internet address at which this documentation is accessible.

(a) fejn l-ebda offerta jew l-ebda offerta xierqa jew l-ebda applikazzjoni ma tkun ġiet sottomessa b'risposta għal proċedura mingħajr sejħa minn qabel għall-kompetizzjoni, basta li l-kondizzjonijiet inizjali tal-kuntratt m‘humiex mibdula sostanzjalment;

7. In open procedures, the cumulative effect of the reductions provided for in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 may in no case result in a time limit for the receipt of tenders of less than 15 days from the date on which the contract notice is sent.

(b) fejn kuntratt huwa purament għall-għan ta' riċerka, esperiment, studju jew żvilupp, u mhux għall-għan li jiżgura profitt jew jirkupra spejjeż ta' riċerka u ta' żvilupp, u sakemm l-għoti ta' dan il-kuntratt ma jistax jippreġudika l-għotja kompetittiva ta' kuntratti sossegwenti li jfittxu, partikolarment, dawk l-għanijiet;

However, if the contract notice is not transmitted by fax or electronic means, the cumulative effect of the reductions provided for in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 may in no case result in a time limit for receipt of tenders in an open procedure of less than 22 days from the date on which the contract notice is transmitted.

(ċ) fejn, għal għanijiet tekniċi jew artistiċi, jew għal raġunijiet konnessi mal-protezzjoni ta' drittijiet esklussivi, il-kuntratt jista' jitwettaq biss minn operatur ekonomiku partikolari;

8. The cumulative effect of the reductions provided for in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 may in no case result in a time limit for receipt of requests to participate, in response to a notice published under Article 42(1)(c), or in response to an invitation by the contracting entities under Article 47(5), of less than 15 days from the date on which the contract notice or invitation is sent.

(d) sakemm huwa strettament meħtieġ meta, għal raġunijiet ta' urġenza estrema li sseħħ minħabba fi ġrajjiet mhux prevvisti mill-entitajiet jiet kontraenti, l-limiti ta' żmien preskritti għal proċeduri miftuħa, proċeduri ristretti u proċeduri negozjati b'sejħa minn qabel għal kompetizzjoni ma jistgħux jiġu segwiti;

In restricted and negotiated procedures, the cumulative effect of the reductions provided for in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 may in no case, except that of a time limit set by mutual agreement in accordance with paragraph 3(b), result in a time limit for the receipt of tenders of less than 10 days from the date of the invitation to tender.

(e) fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' provvista għal kunsinji addizzjonali mill-provveditur oriġinali li huma maħsuba jew bħala bdil parzjali ta' provvisti jew stallazzjonijiet normali jew bħala l-estensjoni ta' provvisti jew stallazzjonijiet eżistenti, fejn bidla fil-provveditur tkun tobbliga lill-entità kontraenti li takkwista materjal li għandu karatteristiċi tekniċi differenti li jkun jirriżulta f'inkompatibilita jew diffikultajiet tekniċi sproporzjonati fl-operat u l-manutenzjoni;

9. If, for whatever reason, the contract documents and the supporting documents or additional information, although requested in good time, have not been supplied within the time limits set in Articles 46 and 47, or where tenders can be made only after a visit to the site or after on-the-spot inspection of the documents supporting the contract documents, the time limits for the receipt of tenders shall be extended accordingly, except in the case of a time-limit set by mutual agreement in accordance with paragraph 3(b), so that all economic operators concerned may be aware of all the information needed for the preparation of a tender.

(f) għal xogħlijiet jew servizzi addizzjonali li ma kienux inklużi fil-proġett mogħti inizjalment jew fl-ewwel kuntratt konkluż imma, permezz ta' ċirkostanzi mhux prevvisti, saru meħtieġa għat-twettieq tal-kuntratt, fuq kondizzjoni li l-għotja ssir lill-kuntrattur jew lill-provveditur tas-servizz li qed iwettaq il-kuntratt oriġinali:

10. A summary table of the time limits laid down in this Article is given in Annex XXII.

- meta dawn ix-xogħlijiet jew servizzi addizzjonali ma jistgħux jiġu separati teknikament jew ekonomikament mill-kuntratt ewlieni mingħajr inkonvenjenza kbira għall-entitajiet kontraenti, jew

- meta dawn ix-xogħlijiet jew servizzi addizzjonali, għalkemm separabbli mit-twettieq tal-kuntratt oriġinali, huma strettament meħtieġa għall-istadji aktar tard tiegħu;

Article 46

(g) fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' xogħlijiet, għal xogħlijiet ġodda li jikkonsistu fir-repetizzjoni ta' xogħlijiet simili assenjati lill-kuntrattur li lilu l-istess entitajiet kontraenti taw kuntratt aktar kmieni, basta li dawn ix-xogħlijiet jikkonformaw ma' proġett bażiku għal liema l-ewwel kuntratt ingħata wara sejħa għal kompetizzjoni; malli l-ewwel proġett jinħareġ għal offerta, għandu jingħata avviż li din il-proċedura tista' tiġi adottata u l-ispiża totali stmata ta' xogħlijiet sossegwenti għandha titqies mill-entitajiet kontraenti meta japplikaw id-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikoli 16 u 17;

Open procedures: specifications, additional documents and information

(h) għal provvisti kwotati u mixtrija f'suq ta' l-oġġetti għall-użu fid-dar;

1. In open procedures, where contracting entities do not offer unrestricted and full direct access by electronic means in accordance with Article 45(6) to the specifications and any supporting documents, the specifications and supporting documents shall be sent to economic operators within six days of receipt of the request, provided that the request was made in good time before the time limit for the submission of tenders.

(i) għal kuntratti li jridu jingħataw fuq il-bażi ta' qafas ta' ftehim, basta li l-kondizzjoni riferita fl-Artikolu 14(2) hija mwettqa;

2. Provided that it has been requested in good time, additional information relating to the specifications shall be supplied by the contracting entities or competent departments not later than six days before the time limit fixed for the receipt of tenders.

(j) għal xiri bargain, fejn huwa possibbli li jinġabru provvisti billi jittieħed vantaġġ minn opportunita partikolarment vantaġġjuża disponibbli għal żmien qasir ħafna bi prezz konsiderevolment aktar baxx minn prezzijiet normali tas-suq;

(k) għal xiri ta' provvisti fuq kondizzjonijiet partikolarment vantaġġużi minn jew provveditur li definittivament qed ixolji l-attivitajiet tiegħu ta' kummerċ jew ir-riċevituri jew il-likwidaturi ta' falliment (bankruptcy), arranġament ma' kredituri jew proċedura simili skond liġijiet jew regolamenti nazzjonali;

Article 47

(l) fejn il-kuntratt ta' servizz konċernat huwa parti mis-segwiment għal kuntest ta' disinn organizzat bi qbil mad-dispożizzjonijiet ta' din id-Direttiva u għandu, bi qbil mar-regoli rilevanti, jingħata lir-rebbieħ jew lil wieħed mir-rebbieħa ta' dak il-kuntest; fil-każ imsemmi l-aħħar, ir-rebbieħa kollha għandhom jiġu mistiedna biex jipparteċipaw fin-negozjati.

Invitations to submit a tender or to negotiate

IL-KAPITOLU VI

1. In restricted procedures and negotiated procedures, contracting entities shall simultaneously and in writing invite the selected candidates to submit their tenders or to negotiate. The invitation to the candidates shall include either:

Regoli dwar pubblikazzjoni u trasparenza

- a copy of the specifications and any supporting documents, or

Sezzjoni 1

- a reference to accessing the specifications and the supporting documents indicated in the first indent, when they are made directly available by electronic means in accordance with Article 45(6).

Pubblikazzjoni ta' avviżi

2. Where the specifications and/or any supporting documents are held by an entity other than the contracting entity responsible for the award procedure, the invitation shall state the address from which those specifications and documents may be requested and, if appropriate, the closing date for requesting such documents, the sum payable for obtaining them and any payment procedures. The competent department shall send that documentation to the economic operator immediately upon receipt of the request.

Artikolu 41

3. The additional information on the specifications or the supporting documents shall be sent by the contracting entity or the competent department not less than six days before the final date fixed for the receipt of tenders, provided that it is requested in good time.

Avviżi indikattivi perjodiċi u avviżi dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika

4. In addition, the invitation shall include at least the following:

1. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jgħarrfu, mill-inqas darba f'sena, permezz ta' avviż perjodiku indikattiv kif riferit fl-Anness XV A, pubblikat mill-Kummissjoni jew minnhom infushom fuq il-"profil tax-xerrej", tagħhom kif deskritt f'punt 2(b) ta' l-Anness XX:

(a) where appropriate, the time limit for requesting additional documents, as well as the amount and terms of payment of any sum to be paid for such documents;

(a) fejn huma konċernati provvisti, l-valur totali stmat tal-kuntratti jew il-qafas ta' ftehim minn erja ta' prodott li għandhom il-ħsieb li jagħtu fuq it-12-il xahar li jkun imiss, fejn il-valur totali stmat, huma u jqisu d-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikoli 16 u 17, huma ugwali għal jew akbar minn 750000 EUR.

(b) the final date for receipt of tenders, the address to which they are to be sent, and the language or languages in which they are to be drawn up;

L-erja tal-prodott għandu jiġi stabbilit mill-entitajiet jiet kontraenti b'riferenza għan-nomenklatura tal-VKA

(c) a reference to any published contract notice;

(b) fejn huma konċernati servizzi, l-valur totali stmat tal-kuntratti jew il-qafas ta' ftehim f'kull kategorija ta' servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII A li għandhom il-ħsieb li jagħtu fuq it-12-il xahar li jkun imiss, fejn dan il-valur totali stmat, huma u jqisu d-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikoli 16 u 17, huma ugwali għal jew akbar minn 750000 EUR.

(d) an indication of any documents to be attached;

(ċ) fejn huma konċernati xogħlijiet, il-karatteristiċi essenzali tal-kuntratti tax-xogħlijiet jew il-qafas ta' ftehim li għandhom il-ħsieb li jagħtu fuq it-12-il xahar li jkun imiss, li l-valur stmat tagħhom huwa ugwali għal jew akbar mill-livell minimu speċifikat fl-Artikolu 16, huma u jqisu d-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikolu 17.

(e) the criteria for the award of the contract, where they are not indicated in the notice on the existence of a qualification system used as a means of calling for competition;

L-avviżi riferiti fis-sottoparagrafi (a) u (b) għandhom jintbagħtu lill-Kummissjoni jew jiġu pubblikati fil-profil tax-xerrej kemm jista' jkun malajr wara l-bidu tas-sena ta' l-estimi.

(f) the relative weighting of the contract award criteria or, where appropriate, the order of importance of such criteria, if this information is not given in the contract notice, the notice on the existence of a qualification system or the specifications.

L-avviż riferit f'sottoparagrafu (ċ) għandu jintbagħat lill-Kummissjoni jew jiġi pubblikat fil-profil tax-xerrej kemm jista' jkun malajr wara d-deċiżjoni li tapprova l-ippjanar tal-kuntratti tax-xogħlijiet jew il-qafas ta' ftehim li l-entitajiet kontraenti għandhom il-ħsieb li jagħtu.

5. When a call for competition is made by means of a periodic indicative notice, contracting entities shall subsequently invite all candidates to confirm their interest on the basis of detailed information on the contract concerned before beginning the selection of tenderers or participants in negotiations.

Entitajiet kontraenti li jippubblikaw avviż perjodiku indikattiv fuq il-profili tax-xerrej tagħhom, għandhom jittrasmettu lill-Kummissjoni, elettronikament, avviż tal-pubblikazzjoni ta' l-avviż perjodiku indikattiv fuq profil tax-xerrej, bi qbil mal-format u l-proċeduri għat-trasmissjoni elettronika ta' avviżi indikati f'punt 3 ta' l-Anness XX.

This invitation shall include at least the following information:

Il-pubblikazzjoni ta' l-avviżi riferiti fis-sottoparagrafu (a), (b) u (ċ) għandha tkun ta' bilfors biss meta l-entitàjiet kontraenti jagħżlu li jnaqqsu l-limiti taż-żmien għall-irċevuta ta' offerti kif preskritt fl-Artikolu 45(4).

(a) nature and quantity, including all options concerning complementary contracts and, if possible, the estimated time available for exercising these options for renewable contracts, the nature and quantity and, if possible, the estimated publication dates of future notices of competition for works, supplies or services to be put out to tender;

Dan il-paragrafu m'għandux japplika għal proċeduri mingħajr sejħa minn qabel għal kompetizzjoni.

(b) type of procedure: restricted or negotiated;

2. Entitàjiet kontraenti jistgħu, partikolarment, jippubblikaw jew jirranġaw għall-Kummissjoni biex tippubblika avviżi perjodiċi indikattivi li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' proġetti maġġuri mingħajr ma jirrepetu tagħrif inkluż minn qabel bħala avviż perjodiku indikattiv, basta li huwa muri b'mod ċar li dawn l-avviżi huma addizzjonali.

(c) where appropriate, the date on which the delivery of supplies or the execution of works or services is to commence or terminate;

3. Fejn entitàjiet kontraenti jagħżlu li jwaqqfu sistema ta' kwalifika bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 53, is-sistema għandha tkun is-suġġett ta' avviż kif riferit fl-Anness XIV, li jindika l-għan tas-sistema ta' kwalifika u kif jista' jsir aċċess għar-regoli li jirrigwardjaw l-operat tiegħu. Fejn is-sistema hija ta' tul ta' żmien ta' aktar minn tliet snin, l-avviż għandu jiġi pubblikat kull sena. Fejn is-sistema hija ta' tul ta' żmien iqsar, avviż inizjali jkun biżżejjed.

(d) the address and closing date for the submission of requests for tender documents and the language or languages in which they are to be drawn up;

Artikolu 42

(e) the address of the entity which is to award the contract and the information necessary for obtaining the specifications and other documents;

Avviżi wżati bħala mezz ta' sejħa għall-kompetizzjoni

(f) economic and technical conditions, financial guarantees and information required from economic operators;

1. Fil-każ ta' kuntratti ta' provvista, xogħlijiet jew servizz, is-sejħa għall-kompetizzjoni tista' ssir:

(g) the amount and payment procedures for any sum payable for obtaining tender documents;

(a) permezz ta' avviż perjodiku indikattiv kif riferit fl-Anness XV A; jew

(h) the form of the contract which is the subject of the invitation to tender: purchase, lease, hire or hire-purchase, or any combination of these; and

(b) permezz ta' avviż dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika kif riferita fl-Anness XIV; jew

(i) the contract award criteria and their weighting or, where appropriate, the order of importance of such criteria, if this information is not given in the indicative notice or the specifications or in the invitation to tender or to negotiate.

(ċ) permezz ta' avviż ta' kuntratt kif riferit fl-Anness XIII A, B jew Ċ.

2. Fil-każ ta' sistemi dinamiċi ta' xiri, is-sejħa għal kompetizzjoni tas-sistema għandha tkun permezz ta' avviż ta' kuntratt kif riferit fil-paragrafu 1(ċ), billi sejħat ta' kompetizzjoni għal kuntratti bażati fuq dawn is-sistemi għandhom isiru permezz ta' avviż ta' kuntratt simplifikat kif riferit fl-Anness XIII D.

Section 3

3. Fejn sejħa għal kompetizzjoni issir permezz ta' avviż perjodiku indikatti, l-avviż għandu:

Communication and information

(a) jirreferi speċifikament għall-provvisti, xogħlijiet jew servizzi li se jkunu s-suġġett tal-kuntratt li se jingħata;

Article 48

(b) jindika li l-kuntratt se jingħata permezz ta' proċedura ristretta jew negozjata mingħajr aktar pubblikazzjoni ta' avviż ta' sejħa għal kompetizzjoni u jistieden lil operaturi ekonomiċi interessati li jesprimu l-interess tagħhom bil-miktub; u

Rules applicable to communication

(ċ) jkun ġie pubblikat bi qbil ma' l-Anness XX mhux aktar minn 12-il xahar qabel id-data li fiha tintbagħat l-istedina riferita fl-Artikolu 47(5). Barra minn hekk, l-entità kontraenti għandha tilħaq il-limiti ta' żmien preskritti fl-Artikolu 45.

1. All communication and information exchange referred to in this Title may be carried out by post, by fax, by electronic means in accordance with paragraphs 4 and 5, by telephone in the cases and circumstances referred to in paragraph 6, or by a combination of those means, according to the choice of the contracting entity.

Artikolu 43

2. The means of communication chosen shall be generally available and thus not restrict economic operators' access to the tendering procedure.

Avviżi dwar l-għoti ta' kuntratti

3. Communication and the exchange and storage of information shall be carried out in such a way as to ensure that the integrity of data and the confidentiality of tenders and requests to participate are preserved, and that the contracting entities examine the content of tenders and requests to participate only after the time limit set for submitting them has expired.

1. Entitajiet kontraenti li taw kuntratt jew qafas ta' ftehim għandhom, fi żmien xahrejn mill-għoti tal-kuntratt jew tal-qafas ta' ftehim, jibgħatu avviż ta' għoti ta' kuntratt kif riferit fl-Anness XVI fuq kondizzjonijiet li jridu jiġu preskritti mill-Kummissjoni bi qbil mal-proċedura riferita fl-Artikolu 68(2).

4. The tools to be used for communicating by electronic means, as well as their technical characteristics, shall be non-discriminatory, generally available and interoperable with the information and communication technology products in general use.

Fil-każ ta' kuntratti mogħtija skond qafas ta' ftehim fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 14(2), l-entitàjiet kontraenti m'għandhomx jintrabtu li jibgħatu avviż tar-riżultati tal-proċedura ta' l-għoti għal kull kuntratt ibbażat fuq dak il-ftehim.

5. The following rules are applicable to devices for the electronic transmission and receipt of tenders and to devices for the electronic receipt of requests to participate:

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jibgħatu avviż ta' għoti ta' kuntratt ibbażat fuq sistema dinamika ta' xiri fi żmien xahrejn wara l-għotja ta' kull kuntratt. Jistgħu, madankollu, jagħmlu gruppi b'dawn l-avviżi fuq bażi ta' kull kwart tas-sena. F'dak il-każ, għandhom jibgħatu l-avviżi mqegħda fi gruppi fi żmien xahrejn ta' l-aħħar ta' kull kwart tas-sena.

(a) information regarding the specifications necessary for the electronic submission of tenders and requests to participate, including encryption, shall be available to interested parties. Moreover, the devices for the electronic receipt of tenders and requests to participate shall conform to the requirements of Annex XXIV;

2. It-tagħrif provvdut bi qbil ma' l-Anness XVI u maħsub għal pubblikazzjoni għandu jiġi pubblikat bi qbil ma' l-Anness XX. Dwar dan, il-Kummissjoni għandha tirrispetta kull aspett kummerċjali sensittiv li l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu juru meta jibgħatu dan it-tagħrif, dwar in-numru ta' offerti rċevuti, l-identità ta' operaturi ekonomiċi, jew prezzijiet.

(b) Member States may, in compliance with Article 5 of Directive 1999/93/EC, require that electronic tenders be accompanied by an advanced electronic signature in conformity with paragraph 1 thereof;

3. Fejn entitajiet kontraenti jagħtu kuntratt ta' servizz ta' riċerka u żvilupp ("kuntratt RU Ż") permezz ta' proċedura mingħajr sejħa għal kompetizzjoni bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 40(3)(b), jistgħu jillimitaw għar-riferenza "servizzi ta' riċerka u żvilupp" it-tagħrif li jrid jiġi provvdut bi qbil ma' l-Anness XVI dwar in-natura u l-kwantità tas-servizzi provvduti.

(c) Member States may introduce or maintain voluntary accreditation schemes aiming at enhanced levels of certification service provision for these devices;

Fejn entitajiet kontraenti jagħtu kuntratt RU Ż li ma jistax jingħata permezz ta' proċedura mingħajr sejħa għal kompetizzjoni bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 40(3)(b), jistgħu, fuq il-bażi ta' kunfidenzalita kummerċjali, jillimitaw it-tagħrif li jrid jiġi provvdut bi qbil ma' l-Anness XVI dwar in-natura u l-kwantità tas-servizzi provvduti.

(d) tenderers or candidates shall undertake to submit, before expiry of the time limit laid down for the submission of tenders or requests to participate, the documents, certificates and declarations mentioned in Articles 52(2), 52(3), 53 and 54 if they do not exist in electronic format.

F'dawn il-każijiet, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jiżguraw li kull tagħrif pubblikat skond dan il-paragrafu m‘huwiex inqas dettaljat minn dak li jinstab fl-avviż tas-sejħa għal kompetizzjoni pubblikata bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 42(1).

6. The following rules shall apply to the transmission of requests to participate:

Jekk jużaw sistema ta' kwalifika, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jiżguraw f'dawn il-każijiet li dan it-tagħrif m‘huwiex inqas dettaljat mill-kategorija riferita fil-lista ta' provvedituri kwalifikati ta' servizz imfassla bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 53(7).

(a) requests to participate in procedures for the award of contracts may be made in writing or by telephone;

4. Fil-każ ta' kuntratti mogħtija għal servizzi mniżżla f'lista fl-Anness XVII B, l-entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jindikaw fl-avviż jekk jaqblux mal-pubblikazzjoni.

(b) where requests to participate are made by telephone, a written confirmation must be sent before expiry of the time limit set for their receipt;

5. Tagħrif provvdut bi qbil ma' l-Anness XVI u markat li mhux maħsub għal pubblikazzjoni għandu jiġi pubblikat biss f'forma simplifikata u bi qbil ma' l-Anness XX għal għanijiet statistiċi.

(c) contracting entities may require that requests for participation made by fax should be confirmed by post or by electronic means, where this is necessary for the purposes of legal proof. Any such requirement, together with the time limit for sending confirmation by post or electronic means, should be stated by the contracting entity in the notice used as a means of calling for competition or in the invitation referred to in Article 47(5).

Artikolu 44

Forma u manjiera ta' pubblikazzjoni ta' avviżi

Article 49

1. Avviżi għandhom jinkludu t-tagħrif imsemmi fl-Annessi XIII, XIV, XV A, XV B u XVI u, fejn ikun xieraq, kull tagħrif ieħor li jitqies ta' użu mill-entità kontraenti fil-format ta' formoli standard adottati mill-Kummisjoni bi qbil mal-proċedura riferita fl-Artikolu 68(2).

Information to applicants for qualification, candidates and tenderers

2. Avviżi mibgħuta minn entitajiet kontraenti lill-Kummissjoni għandhom jintbagħtu jew permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil mal-format u l-proċeduri għat-trasmissjoni indikati f'punt 3 ta' l-Anness XX, jew permezz ta' mezzi oħra.

1. Contracting entities shall as soon as possible inform the economic operators involved of decisions reached concerning the conclusion of a framework agreement, the award of the contract, or admission to a dynamic purchasing system, including the grounds for any decision not to conclude a framework agreement or award a contract for which there has been a call for competition or to recommence the procedure, or not to implement a dynamic purchasing system; this information shall be provided in writing if the contracting entities are requested to do so.

L-avviżi riferiti fl-Artikoli 41, 42 u 43 għandhom jiġu pubblikati bi qbil mal-karatteristiċi tekniċi għall-pubblikazzjoni dikjarati f'punt 1(a) u (b) ta' l-Anness XX.

2. On request from the party concerned, contracting entities shall, as soon as possible, inform:

3. Avviżi mfassla u trasmessi permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil mal-format u l-proċeduri għat-trasmissjoni indikati f'punt 3 ta' l-Anness XX, għandhom jiġu pubblikati mhux aktar tard minn ħamest ijiem wara li jkunu ntbagħtu.

- any unsuccessful candidate of the reasons for the rejection of his application,

Avviżi li m‘humiex trasmessi permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil mal-format u l-proċeduri għat-trasmissjoni indikati f'punt 3 ta' l-Anness XX għandhom jiġu pubblikati mhux aktar tard minn 12-il jum wara li jkunu ntbagħtu. Madankollu, f'każijiet eċċezzjonali, l-avviżi tal-kuntratt riferiti fl-Artikolu 42(1)(ċ) għandhom jiġu pubblikati fi żmien ħamest ijiem bħala risposta għal talba mill-entità kontraenti, basta li l-avviż ikun intbagħat permezz ta' fax.

- any unsuccessful tenderer of the reasons for the rejection of his tender, including, for the cases referred to in Article 34(4) and (5), the reasons for their decision of non-equivalence or their decision that the works, supplies or services do not meet the performance or functional requirements,

4. Avviżi ta' kuntratt għandhom jiġu pubblikati fl-intier tagħhom f'lingwa uffiċjali tal-Komunità magħżula mill-entità kontraenti, b'din il-versjoni oriġinali tal-lingwa tikkostitwixxi t-test awtentiku waħdieni. Sommarju ta' l-elementi importanti ta' kull avviż għandu jiġi pubblikat fil-lingwi uffiċjali l-oħra.

- any tenderer who has made an admissible tender of the characteristics and relative advantages of the tender selected, as well as the name of the successful tenderer or the parties to the framework agreement.

L-ispejjeż tal-pubblikazzjoni ta' l-avviżi mill-Kummissjoni għandhom jitħallsu mill-Komunità.

The time taken to do so may under no circumstances exceed 15 days from receipt of the written enquiry.

5. Avviżi u l-kontenut tagħhom ma jistgħux jiġu pubblikati fuq livell nazzjonali qabel id-data li fiha jintbagħtu lill-Kummissjoni.

However, contracting entities may decide that certain information on the contract award or the conclusion of the framework agreement or on admission to a dynamic purchasing system, referred to in the paragraph 1, is to be withheld where release of such information would impede law enforcement or otherwise be contrary to the public interest or would prejudice the legitimate commercial interests of a particular economic operator, public or private, including the interests of the economic operator to whom the contract has been awarded, or might prejudice fair competition between economic operators.

Avviżi pubblikati fil-livell nazzjonali m'għandhomx jikkontjenu tagħrif ieħor għajr dak li jinstab fl-avviżi mibgħuta lill-Kummissjoni jew pubblikati fuq profil tax-xerrej bi qbil ma' l-ewwel sottoparagrafu ta' l-Artikolu 41(1), imma għandhom isemmu d-data tad-dispaċċ ta' l-avviż lill-Kummissjoni jew il-pubblikazzjoni tiegħu fuq il-profil tax-xerrej.

3. Contracting entities which establish and operate a system of qualification shall inform applicants of their decision as to qualification within a period of six months.

Avviżi perjodiċi indikattivi ma jistgħux jiġu pubblikati fuq profil tax-xerrej qabel id-dispaċċ lill-Kummissjoni ta' l-avviż tal-pubblikazzjoni tagħhom f'dik il-forma; għandhom isemmu d-data ta' dak id-dispaċċ.

If the decision will take longer than four months from the presentation of an application, the contracting entity shall inform the applicant, within two months of the application, of the reasons justifying the longer period and of the date by which his application will be accepted or refused.

6. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jiżguraw li huma kapaċi li jipprovdu xhieda tad-dati li fihom jintbagħtu l-avviżi.

4. Applicants whose qualification is refused shall be informed of this decision and the reasons for refusal as soon as possible and under no circumstances more than 15 days later than the date of the decision. The reasons shall be based on the criteria for qualification referred to in Article 53(2).

7. Il-Kummissjoni għandha tagħti lill-entità kontrattant konferma tal-pubblikazzjoni tat-tagħrif mibgħut, waqt li jsemmu d-data ta' dik il-pubblikazzjoni. Dik il-konferma għandha tikkostitwixxi xhieda ta' pubblikazzjoni.

5. Contracting entities which establish and operate a system of qualification may bring the qualification of an economic operator to an end only for reasons based on the criteria for qualification referred to in Article 53(2). Any intention to bring qualification to an end shall be notified in writing to the economic operator beforehand, at least 15 days before the date on which qualification is due to end, together with the reason or reasons justifying the proposed action.

8. Entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jippubblikaw bi qbil ma' paragrafi 1 sa 7 avviżi ta' kuntratt li m‘humiex suġġetti għall-ħtiġijiet ta' pubblikazzjoni preskritti minn din id-Direttiva.

Sezzjoni 2

Article 50

Limiti ta' żmien

Information to be stored concerning awards

Artikolu 45

1. Contracting entities shall keep appropriate information on each contract which shall be sufficient to permit them at a later date to justify decisions taken in connection with:

Limiti ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni u għall-irċevuta ta' offerti

(a) the qualification and selection of economic operators and the award of contracts;

1. Huma u jiffissaw il-limiti ta' żmien għal talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni u l-irċevuta ta' offerti, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom iqisu partikolarment il-kumplessita tal-kuntratt u l-ħin meħtieġ biex jitfasslu l-offerti, mingħajr preġudizzju għall-limiti ta' żmien minimi dikjarati minn dan l-Artikolu.

(b) the use of procedures without a prior call for competition by virtue of Article 40(3);

2. Fil-każ ta' proċeduri miftuħa, l-limitu ta' żmien massimu għall-irċevuta ta' l-offerti għandu jkun 52 ġurnata mid-data li fiha ntbagħat l-avviż tal-kuntratt.

(c) the non-application of Chapters III to VI of this Title by virtue of the derogations provided for in Chapter II of Title I and in Chapter II of this Title.

3. Fi proċeduri ristretti u proċeduri negozjati b'sejħa minn qabel għal kompetizzjoni, l-arranġamenti li ġejjin għandhoma japplikaw:

Contracting entities shall take appropriate steps to document the progress of award procedures conducted by electronic means.

(a) il-limitu ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni, bħala risposta għal avviż pubblikat skond l-Artikolu 42(1)(ċ) jew, bħala risposta għal stedina mill-entitajiet kontattanti skond l-Artikolu 47(5), għandu, bħala regola ġenerali, jiġi fissat mhux inqas minn 37 ġurnata mid-data li fiha l-avviż jew l-istedina tkun intbagħtet u ma jistax fl-ebda każ ma jkun inqas minn 22 ġurnata jekk l-avviż jintbagħat għal pubblikazzjoni b'mezzi oħra għajr mezzi elettroniċi jew fax, u mhux inqas minn 15-il ġurnata jekk l-avviż huwa trasmess b'dawn il-mezzi;

2. The information shall be kept for at least four years from the date of award of the contract so that the contracting entity will be able, during that period, to provide the necessary information to the Commission if the latter so requests.

(b) il-limitu ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' offerti jista' jiġi dikjarat permezz ta' ftehim bejn xulxin bejn l-entità kontraenti u l-kandidati magħżula, basta li l-kandidati l-oħra jkollhom l-istess żmien biex iħejju u jissottomettu l-offerti tagħhom;

(ċ) fejn m‘huwiex possibbli li jintlaħaq ftehim fuq il-limitu ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' offerti, l-entità kontraenti għandha tiffissa limitu ta' żmien li għandu, bħala regola ġenerali, jkun mill-inqas 24 ġurnata u m'għandux fl-ebda każ ikun inqas minn ghaxart ijiem mid-data ta' l-istedina għall-offerti.

CHAPTER VII

4. Jekk l-entitajiet kontraenti jkunu pubblikaw avviż perjodiku indikattiv kif riferit fl-Artikolu 41(1) bi qbil ma' l-Anness XX, il-limitu ta' żmien massimu għall-irċevuta ta' offerti fi proċeduri miftuħa għandu, bħala regola ġenerali, ma jkunx inqas minn 36 ġurnata, imma m'għandux fl-ebda każ ikun inqas minn 22 ġurnata mid-data li fiha ntbagħat l-avviż.

Conduct of the procedure

Dawn il-limiti ta' żmien imnaqqsa huma permessi, basta li l-avviż perjodiku indikattiv ikun inkluda, b'żieda mat-tagħrif meħtieġ mill-Anness XV A, parti I, it-tagħrif kollu meħtieġ mill-Anness XV A, parti II, sakemm it-tagħrif imsemmi l-aħħar huwa disponibbli fil-ħin li l-avviż huwa pubblikat, u li l-avviż ikun intbagħat għal pubblikazzjoni bejn 52 ġurnata u 12-il xahar qabel id-data li fiha l-avviż tal-kuntratt riferit fl-Artikolu 42(1)(ċ) jintbagħat.

Article 51

5. Fejn avviżi huma mfassla u trasmessi permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil mal-format u l-proċeduri għat-trasmissjoni indikati f'punt 3 ta' l-Anness XX il-limiti ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni fi proċeduri ristretti u negozjati, u għall-irċevuta ta' offerti fi proċeduri miftuħa, jistgħu jitnaqqsu b'sebat ijiem.

General provisions

6. Minbarra fil-każ ta' limitu ta' żmien dikjarat permezz ta' ftehim bejn xulxin bi qbil mal-paragrafu 3(b), limiti ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' offerti fi proċeduri miftuħa, ristretti u negozjati jistgħu jitnaqqsu b'ħamest ijiem oħra fejn l-entità kontraenti toffri aċċess mhux ristrett u dirett sħiħ lid-dokumenti tal-kuntratt u kull dokument supplimentari permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi mid-data li fiha l-avviż użat bħala mezz ta' sejħa għal kompetizzjoni huwa pubblikat, bi qbil ma' l-Anness XX. L-avviż għandu jispeċifika l-indirizz ta' l-internet li fih din id-dokumentazzjoni hija aċċessibbli.

1. For the purpose of selecting participants in their award procedures:

7. Fi proċeduri miftuħa, l-effett kumulattiv tat-tnaqqis provdut f'paragrafi 4, 5 u 6 ma jistax fl-ebda każ jirrizulta f'limitu ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' offerti ta' inqas minn 15-il ġurnata mid-data li fiha jintbagħat l-avviż tal-kuntratt.

(a) contracting entities having provided rules and criteria for the exclusion of tenderers or candidates in accordance with Article 54(1), (2) or (4) shall exclude economic operators which comply with such rules and meet such criteria;

Madankollu, jekk l-avviż tal-kuntratt m‘huwiex trasmess permess tal-fax jew mezzi elettroniċi, l-effett kumulattiv tat-tnaqqis provvdut f'paragrafi 4, 5 u 6 ma jistax fl-ebda każ jirrizulta f'limitu ta' żmiem għall-irċevuta ta' offerti fi proċedura miftuħa ta' inqas minn 22-il ġurnata mid-data li fiha ġie trasmess l-avviż tal-kuntratt.

(b) they shall select tenderers and candidates in accordance with the objective rules and criteria laid down pursuant to Article 54;

8. L-effett kumulattiv tat-tnaqqis provvdut għal paragrafi 4, 5 u 6 ma jistax fl-ebda każ jirrizulta f'limitu ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni, bħala risposta għal avviż publikat skond l-Artikolu 42(1)(ċ), jew bħala risposta għal stedina mill-entitajiet kontraenti skond l-Artikolu 47(5), ta' inqas minn 15-il ġurnata mid-data li fiha jintbagħat l-avviż tal-kuntratt jew l-istedina.

(c) in restricted procedures and in negotiated procedures with a call for competition, they shall where appropriate reduce in accordance with Article 54 the number of candidates selected pursuant to subparagraphs (a) and (b).

Fi proċeduri ristretti u negozjati, l-effett kumulattiv tat-tnaqqis provvdut f'paragrafi 4, 5 u 6 ma jistax, fl-ebda każ, minbarra dak ta' limitu ta' żmien dikjarat permezz ta' ftehim bejn xulxin bi qbil mal-paragrafu 3(b), jirrizulta f'limitu ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' offerti ta' inqas minn ghaxar ġranet mid-data li fiha tintbagħat l-istedina għall-offerti.

2. When a call for competition is made by means of a notice on the existence of a qualification system and for the purpose of selecting participants in award procedures for the specific contracts which are the subject of the call for competition, contracting entities shall:

9. Jekk, għal kwalunkwe raġuni, d-dokumenti kontraenti u d-dokumenti ta' appoġġ jew tagħrif addizzjonali, għalkemm mitluba f'waqthom, ikunu għadhom ma ġewx provduti fil-limiti ta' żmien dikjarati fl-Artikoli 46 u 47, jew fejn ikunu jistgħu jsiru offerti biss wara vista fil-post jew wara spezzjoni fuq il-post tad-dokumenti li qed jappoġġjaw id-dokumenti ta' kuntratt, il-limiti ta' żmien għall-irċevuta ta' offerti għandhom jiġu estiżi kif mistħoqq, minbarra fil-każ ta' limitu ta' żmien dikjarat permezz ta' ftehim bejn xulxin bi qbil mal-paragrafu 3(b), sabiex l-operaturi ekonomiċi kollha konċernati jistgħu jkunu konxji mit-tagħrif kollu meħtieġ għat-tħejjija ta' offerta.

(a) qualify economic operators in accordance with the provisions of Article 53;

10. Tabella sommarja tal-limiti ta' żmien preskritti f'dan l-Artikolu huwa mogħti fl-Anness XXII.

(b) apply to such qualified economic operators those provisions of paragraph 1 that are relevant to restricted or negotiated procedures.

Artikolu 46

3. Contracting entities shall verify that the tenders submitted by the selected tenderers comply with the rules and requirements applicable to tenders and award the contract on the basis of the criteria laid down in Articles 55 and 57.

Proċeduri miftuħa: speċifikazzjonijiet, dokumenti u tagħrif addizzjonali

1. Fi proċeduri miftuħa, fejn entitajiet kontraenti ma joffrux aċċess mhux ristress u dirett sħiħ permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 45(6) għall-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u kull dokument ta' appoġġ, l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u d-dokumenti ta' appoġġ għandhom jintbagħtu lill-operaturi ekonomiċi fi żmien sitt ijiem mill-irċevuta tat-talba, basta li t-talba tkun saret f'waqtha qabel il-limitu ta' żmien għas-sottomissjoni ta' offerti.

Section 1

2. Bil-patt li jkun mitlub f'waqtu, tagħrif addizzjonali li għandu x'jaqsam ma' l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet għandu jiġi provvdut mill-entitajiet kontraenti jew dipartimenti kompetenti mhux aktar tard minn sitt ijiem qabel il-limitu ta' żmien iffissat għall-irċevuta ta' offerti.

Qualification and qualitative selection

Artikolu 47

Article 52

Stediniet għas-sottomissjoni ta' offerta jew għan-negozjar

Mutual recognition concerning administrative, technical or financial conditions, and certificates, tests and evidence

1. Fi proċeduri ristretti u proċeduri negozjati, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom simultanjament u bil-miktub jistiednu lill-kandidati magħżula biex jissottomettu l-offerti tagħhom jew biex jinnegozjaw. L-istedina lill-kandidati għandha tinkludi jew:

1. When selecting participants for a restricted or negotiated procedure, in reaching their decision as to qualification or when the criteria and rules are being updated, contracting entities shall not:

- kopja ta' l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u kull dokument ta' appoġġ, jew

(a) impose administrative, technical or financial conditions on certain economic operators which would not be imposed on others;

- riferenza għall-aċċess ta' l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u d-dokumenti ta' appoġġ indikati fl-ewwel indent, meta jsiru direttament disponibbli permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 45(6).

(b) require tests or evidence which would duplicate objective evidence already available.

2. Fejn l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u/jew kull dokument ta' appoġġ jinżammu minn entità oħra għajr l-entità kontraenti responsabbli għall-proċedura ta' l-għotja, l-istedina għandha tiddikjara l-indirizz minn liema dawk l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u dokumenti jistgħu jintalbu u, jekk ikun xieraq, id-data ta' għeluq għat-talba ta' dawn id-dokumenti, is-somma pagabbli biex dawn jinkisbu u kull proċedura ta' ħlas. Id-dipartiment kompetenti għandu jibgħat dik id-dokumentazzjoni lill-operatur ekonomiku immedjatament malli jerċievi t-talba.

2. Where they request the production of certificates drawn up by independent bodies attesting the compliance of the economic operator with certain quality assurance standards, contracting entities shall refer to quality assurance systems based on the relevant European standards series certified by bodies conforming to the European standards series concerning certification.

3. It-tagħrif addizzjonali dwar l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet jew id-dokumenti ta' appoġġ għandhom jintbagħtu lill-entità kontraenti jew id-dipartiment kompetenti mhux inqas minn sitt ijiem qabel id-data finali fissata għall-irċevuta ta' offerti, basta iżda li jintalab f'waqtu.

Contracting entities shall recognise equivalent certificates from bodies established in other Member States. They shall also accept other evidence of equivalent quality assurance measures from economic operators.

4. B'żieda ma' dan, l-istedina għandha tinkludi mill-inqas dan li ġej:

3. For works and service contracts, and only in appropriate cases, the contracting entities may require, in order to verify the economic operator's technical abilities, an indication of the environmental management measures which the economic operator will be able to apply when carrying out the contract. In such cases, should the contracting entities require the production of certificates drawn up by independent bodies attesting the compliance of the economic operator with certain environmental management standards, they shall refer to the EMAS or to environmental management standards based on the relevant European or international standards certified by bodies conforming to Community law or the relevant European or international standards concerning certification.

(a) fejn xieraq, il-limitu ta' żmien biex jintalbu dokumenti addizzjonali, kif ukoll l-ammont u t-termini ta' ħlas ta' kull somma li trid titħallas għal dawn id-dokumenti;

Contracting entities shall recognise equivalent certificates from bodies established in other Member States. They shall also accept other evidence of equivalent environmental management measures from economic operators.

(b) id-data finali għall-irċevuta ta' offerti, l-indirizz fejn iridu jintbagħtu, u l-lingwa jew lingwi li fihom iridu jitfasslu;

(ċ) riferenza għal kull avviż ta' kuntratt pubblikat;

Article 53

(d) indikazzjoni ta' kull dokument li jrid jitwaħħal;

Qualification systems

(e) il-kriterji għall-għoti tal-kuntratt, fejn m‘humiex indikati fl-avviż dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika wżata bħala mezz ta' sejħa għall-kompetizzjoni;

1. Contracting entities which so wish may establish and operate a system of qualification of economic operators.

(f) it-tweżin relattiv tal-kriterji ta' l-għoti tal-kuntratt jew, fejn ikun xieraq, l-ordni ta' importanza ta' dawn il-kriterji, jekk dan it-tagħrif ma jingħatax fl-avviż tal-kuntratt, l-avviż dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika jew l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet.

Contracting entities which establish or operate a system of qualification shall ensure that economic operators are at all times able to request qualification.

5. Fejn sejħa għal kompetizzjoni issir permezz ta' avviż perjodiku indikattiv, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom sussegwentement jistiednu lill-kandidati kollha biex jikkonfermaw l-interess tagħhom fuq il-bażi ta' tagħrif dettaljat dwar il-kuntratt konċernat qabel il-bidu tal-għażla ta' persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti jew parteċipanti f'negozjati.

2. The system under paragraph 1 may involve different qualification stages.

Din l-istedina għandha tinkludi mill-inqas it-tagħrif li ġej:

It shall be operated on the basis of objective criteria and rules for qualification to be established by the contracting entity.

(a) in-natura u l-kwantità, inklużi l-għażliet kollha rigward kuntratti kumplimentari u, jekk ikun possibbli, il-ħin stmat disponibbli biex jiġu eżerċitati dawn l-għażliet għal kuntratti li jiġġeddu, n-natura u l-kwantità u, jekk ikun possibbli, d-dati ta' pubblikazzjoni stmati ta' avviżi fil-futur ta' kompetizzjoni għal xogħlijiet, provvisti jew servizzi li jridu jiġu offruti.

Where those criteria and rules include technical specifications, the provisions of Article 34 shall apply. The criteria and rules may be updated as required.

(b) it-tip ta' proċedura: ristretta jew negozjata;

3. The criteria and rules for qualification referred to in paragraph 2 may include the exclusion criteria listed in Article 45 of Directive 2004/18/EC on the terms and conditions set out therein.

(ċ) fejn ikun xieraq, id-data li fiha t-twassil ta' provvisti jew l-eżekuzzjoni ta' xogħlijiet jew servizzi jibda jew jispiċċa;

Where the contracting entity is a contracting authority within the meaning of Article 2(1)(a), those criteria and rules shall include the exclusion criteria listed in Article 45(1) of Directive 2004/18/EC.

(d) l-indirizz u d-data ta' għeluq għas-sottomissjoni ta' talbiet għal dokumenti ta' offerti u l-lingwa jew lingwi li fihom iridu jitfasslu;

4. Where the criteria and rules for qualification referred to in paragraph 2 include requirements relating to the economic and financial capacity of the economic operator, the latter may where necessary rely on the capacity of other entities, whatever the legal nature of the link between itself and those entities. In this case the economic operator must prove to the contracting entity that these resources will be available to it throughout the period of the validity of the qualification system, for example by producing an undertaking by those entities to that effect.

(e) l-indirizz ta' l-entità li trid tagħti l-kuntratt u t-tagħrif meħtieġ għall-ksib ta' l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet u dokumenti oħra;

Under the same conditions, a group of economic operators as referred to in Article 11 may rely on the capacity of participants in the group or of other entities.

(f) kondizzjonijiet ekonomiċi u tekniċi, garanziji finanzjarji u tagħrif meħtieġ minn operaturi ekonomiċi;

5. Where the criteria and rules for qualification referred to in paragraph 2 include requirements relating to the technical and/or professional abilities of the economic operator, the latter may where necessary rely on the capacity of other entities, whatever the legal nature of the link between itself and those entities. In this case the economic operator must prove to the contracting entity that those resources will be available to it throughout the period of the validity of the qualification system, for example by producing an undertaking by those entities to make the necessary resources available to the economic operator.

(g) l-ammont u l-proċeduri ta' ħlas għal kull somma pagabbli għall-ksib ta' dokumenti ta' l-offerti;

Under the same conditions, a group of economic operators referred to in Article 11 may rely on the abilities of participants in the group or of other entities.

(h) l-forma tal-kuntratt li hija s-suġġett ta' l-istediniet għall-offerti: xiri, kiri b'self, kiri jew xiri bin-nifs, jew xi kombinazzjoni ta' dawn; u

6. The criteria and rules for qualification referred to in paragraph 2 shall be made available to economic operators on request. The updating of these criteria and rules shall be communicated to interested economic operators.

(i) il-kriterji ta' l-għoti tal-kuntratt u t-tweżin tagħhom jew, fejn iku xieraq, l-ordni ta' importanza ta' dawn il-kriterji, jekk dan it-tagħrif ma jingħatax fl-avviż indikattiv jew fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet jew fl-istedina għall-offerti jew għan-negozjar.

Where a contracting entity considers that the qualification system of certain other entities or bodies meets its requirements, it shall communicate to interested economic operators the names of such other entities or bodies.

Sezzjoni 3

7. A written record of qualified economic operators shall be kept; it may be divided into categories according to the type of contract for which the qualification is valid.

Komunikazzjoni u tagħrif

8. When establishing or operating a qualification system, contracting entities shall in particular observe the provisions of Article 41(3) concerning notices on the existence of a system of qualification, of Article 49(3), (4) and (5) concerning the information to be delivered to economic operators having applied for qualification, of Article 51(2) concerning the selection of participants when a call for competition is made by means of a notice on the existence of a qualification system as well as the provisions of Article 52 on mutual recognition concerning administrative, technical or financial conditions, certificates, tests and evidence.

Artikolu 48

9. When a call for competition is made by means of a notice on the existence of a qualification system, tenderers in a restricted procedure or participants in a negotiated procedure shall be selected from the qualified candidates in accordance with such a system.

Regoli applikabbli għal komunikazzjoni

1. L-iskambju kollu ta' komunikazzjoni u tagħrif riferit f'dan it-Titolu jrid jitwettaq bil-posta, bil-fax jew b'mezzi elettroniċi bi qbil mal-paragrafi 4 u 5, bit-telefon fil-każijiet u ċ-ċirkostanzi riferiti fil-paragrafu 6, jew b'kombinazzjoni ta' dawn il-mezzi, skond l-għażla ta' l-entità kontraenti.

Article 54

2. Il-mezzi ta' komunikazzjoni magħżula għandhom ikunu ġeneralment disponibbli u b'hekk ma jirristrinġux l-aċċess ta' l-operaturi ekonomiċi għall-proċedura ta' l-għoti ta' l-offerti.

Criteria for qualitative selection

3. Il-Komunikazzjoni u l-iskambju u r-reġistrar ta' tagħrif għandhom jitwettqu b'tali mod li jiżguraw li l-integrita tal-fatti magħrufa (data) u l-kunfidenzalita ta' offerti u talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni huma priservati, u li l-entitajiet kontraenti jeżaminaw il-kontenut ta' offerti u talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni biss wara li l-limitu taż-żmien imfassal għas-sottomissjoni tagħhom ikun skada.

1. Contracting entities which establish selection criteria in an open procedure shall do so in accordance with objective rules and criteria which are available to interested economic operators.

4. L-għodda li trid tintuża għall-komunikazzjoni permezz ta' mezzi elettroniċi, kif ukoll il-karatteristiċi tekniċi tagħhom, għandhom ikunu mhux diskriminatorji, ġeneralment disponibbli u interoperabbli mal-prodotti tat-tagħrif u tat-teknoliġija ta' komunikazzjoni fl-użu ġenerali.

2. Contracting entities which select candidates for restricted or negotiated procedures shall do so according to objective rules and criteria which they have established and which are available to interested economic operators.

5. Ir-regoli li ġejjin huma applikabbli għal mezzi għat-trasmissjoni elettroniku u l-irċevuta ta' offerti u għal mezzi għall-irċevuta elettronika ta' talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni:

3. In restricted or negotiated procedures, the criteria may be based on the objective need of the contracting entity to reduce the number of candidates to a level which is justified by the need to balance the particular characteristics of the procurement procedure with the resources required to conduct it. The number of candidates selected shall, however, take account of the need to ensure adequate competition.

(a) tagħrif rigward l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet meħtieġa għas-sottomissjoni elettronika ta' offerti u talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni, inkluż encryption, għandu jkun disponibbli lill-partijiet interessati. Madankollu, l-mezzi għall-irċevuta elettronika ta' offerti u talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni għandhom jikkonformaw mal-ħtiġijiet ta' l-Anness XXIV;

4. The criteria set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 may include the exclusion criteria listed in Article 45 of Directive 2004/18/EC on the terms and conditions set out therein.

(b) L-Istati Membri jistgħu, f'konformita ma' l-Artikolu 5 tad-Direttiva 1999/93/KE, jeħtieġu li l-offerti elettroniċi jiġu akkompanjati minn firma elettronika avanzjata f'konformita mal-paragrafu 1 tiegħu;

Where the contracting entity is a contracting authority within the meaning of Article 2(1)(a), the criteria and rules referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article shall include the exclusion criteria listed in Article 45(1) of Directive 2004/18/EC.

(ċ) L-Istati Membri jistgħu jintroduċu jew iżommu skemi ta' akkreditazzjoni volontarji li jimmiraw għal livelli miżjuda ta' provvediment ta' servizz ta' ċertifikazzjoni għal dawn il-mezzi;

5. Where the criteria referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 include requirements relating to the economic and financial capacity of the economic operator, the latter may where necessary and for a particular contract rely on the capacity of other entities, whatever the legal nature of the link between itself and those entities. In this case the economic operator shall prove to the contracting entity that the necessary resources will be available to it, for example by delivering an undertaking by those entities to that effect.

(d) persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti jew kandidati għandhom jindaħlu biex jissottomettu, qabel l-iskadenza tal-limitu taż-żmien preskritt għas-sottomissjoni ta' offerti jew talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni, d-dokumenti, ċ-ċertifikati u d-dikjarazzjonijiet imsemmija fl-Artikoli 52(2), 52(3), 53 u 54 jekk ma jeżistux fil-format elettroniku.

Under the same conditions, a group of economic operators as referred to in Article 11 may rely on the capacities of participants in the group or of other entities.

6. Ir-regoli li ġejjin għandhom japplikaw għat-trasmissjoni ta' talbiet għall-parteċipazzjoni:

6. Where the criteria referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 include requirements relating to the technical and/or professional abilities of the economic operator, the latter may where necessary and for a particular contract rely on the abilities of other entities, whatever the legal nature of the link between itself and those entities. In this case the economic operator must prove to the contracting entity that for the performance of the contract those resources will be available to it, for example by delivering an undertaking by those entities to make the necessary resources available to the economic operator.

(a) talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni fi proċeduri għall-għoti ta' kuntratti jistgħu jsiru bil-miktub jew bit-telefon;

Under the same conditions, a group of economic operators as referred to in Article 11 may rely on the abilities of participants in the group or of other entities.

(b) fejn talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni jsiru bit-telefon, konferma bil-miktub trid tintbagħat qabel l-iskadenza tal-limitu ta' żmien dikjarat għall-irċevuta tagħhom;

(ċ) entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jeħtieġu li talbiet għal parteċipazzjoni li jsiru bil-fax għandhom jiġu konfermati bil-posta jew b'mezzi elettronċi, fejn dan ikun meħtieġ għall-għanijiet ta' xhieda legali. Kull ħtieġa bħal din, flimkien mal-limitu ta' żmien biex tintbagħat konferma bil-posta jew b'mezzi elettroniċi, għandha tiġi dikjarata mill-entità kontraenti fl-avviż użat bħala mezz ta' sejħa għal kompetizzjoni jew fl-istedina riferita fl-Artikolu 47(5).

Section 2

Artikolu 49

Award of the contract

Tagħrif għal applikanti għall-kwalifika, kandidati u persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti

Article 55

1. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom kemm jista' jkun malajr jgħarrfu lill-operaturi ekonomiċi involuti bid-deċiżjonijiet li ntlaħqu rigward il-konklużjoni ta' qafas ta' ftehim, l-għoti tal-kuntratt, jew id-dħul f'sistema dinamika ta' xiri, inkluż il-bażi għal kull deċiżjoni biex ma jiġix konkluż qafas ta' ftehim jew ma jingħatax kuntratt għal liema kien hemm sejħa għal kompetizzjoni jew biex terġa' tibda l-proċedura, jew biex ma tiġix implimentata sistema dinamika ta' xiri; dan it-tagħrif għandu jiġi provvdut bil-miktub jekk l-entitajiet kontraenti jitolbu dan.

Contract award criteria

2. Fuq talba mill-parti konċernata, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom, kemm jista' jkun malajr, jgħarrfu:

1. Without prejudice to national laws, regulations or administrative provisions on the remuneration of certain services, the criteria on which the contracting entities shall base the award of contracts shall:

- lil kull kandidat li ma rnexxiex bir-raġunijiet għar-rifjut ta' l-applikazzjoni tiegħu,

(a) where the contract is awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender from the point of view of the contracting entity, be various criteria linked to the subject-matter of the contract in question, such as delivery or completion date, running costs, cost-effectiveness, quality, aesthetic and functional characteristics, environmental characteristics, technical merit, after-sales service and technical assistance, commitments with regard to parts, security of supply, and price or otherwise

- kull persuna li tagħmel l-offerti bir-raġunijiet għar-rifjut ta' l-offerta tagħha, inkluż, għall-każijiet riferiti fl-Artikolu 34(4) u (5), ir-raġunijiet għad-deċiżjonijiet tagħhom ta' nuqqas ta' ekwivalenza jew id-deċiżjonijiet tagħhom li x-xogħlijiet, il-provvisti jew is-servizzi ma jilħqux il-ħtiġijiet tat-twettieq jew tat-tip funzjonali,

(b) the lowest price only.

- kull persuna li tagħmel l-offerti li għamlet offerta aċċettabbli bil-karatteristiċi u l-vantaġġi relattivi ta' l-offerta magħżula, kif ukoll bl-isem tal-persuna li tagħmel l-offerti li tirnexxi jew il-partijiet fil-qafas ta' ftehim.

2. Without prejudice to the provisions of the third subparagraph, in the case referred to in paragraph 1(a), the contracting entity shall specify the relative weighting which it gives to each of the criteria chosen to determine the most economically advantageous tender.

Iż-żmien meħud biex isir dan ma jistax taħt l-ebda ċirkostanzi jaqbeż il-15-il ġurnata mill-irċevuta ta' l-investigazzjoni bil-miktub.

Those weightings can be expressed by providing for a range with an appropriate maximum spread.

Madankollu, entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jiddeċiedu li ċertu tagħrif dwar l-għoti tal-kuntratt jew il-konklużjoni tal-qafas tal-ftehim jew id-dħul f'sistema dinamika ta' xiri, riferita fil-paragrafu 1, għandu jinżamm fejn rilaxx ta' dan it-tagħruf jimpedixxi infurzar tal-liġi jew inkella jkun kuntrarju għall-interess pubbliku jew ikun jippreġudika l-interessi kummerċjali leġittimi ta' operatur ekonomiku partikolari, pubbliku jew privat, inkluż l-interessi ta' l-operatur ekonomiku li lilu ngħata l-kuntratt, jew jistgħu jippreġudikaw kompetizzjoni bil-fier bejn operaturi ekonomiċi.

Where, in the opinion of the contracting entity, weighting is not possible for demonstrable reasons, the contracting entity shall indicate the criteria in descending order of importance.

3. Entitajiet kontraenti li jistabbilixxu u joperaw sistema ta' kwalifika għandhom jgħarrfu applikanti bid-deċiżjoni tagħhom dwar kwalifika f'perjodu ta' żmien ta' sitt xhur.

The relative weighting or order of importance shall be specified, as appropriate, in the notice used as a means of calling for competition, in the invitation to confirm the interest referred to in Article 47(5), in the invitation to tender or to negotiate, or in the specifications.

Jekk id-deċiżjoni ddum aktar minn erba' xhur mill-prezentazzjoni ta' applikazzjoni, entità kontraenti għandha tgħarraf lill-applikant, fi żmien xahrejn mill-applikazzjoni, bir-raġunijiet li jiġġustifikaw il-perjodu itwal u bid-data sa meta l-applikazzjoni tiegħu tkun aċċettata jew rifjutata.

4. Applikanti li l-kwalifika tagħhom hija rifjutata għandhom jiġu mgħarrfa b'din id-deċiżjoni u r-raġunijiet għar-rifjut kemm jista' jkun malajr u taħt l-ebda ċirkostanza aktar minn 15-il ġurnata aktar tard mid-data tad-deċiżjoni. Ir-raġunijiet għandhom jiġu bażati fuq il-kriterji għal kwalifika riferiti fl-Artikolu 53(2).

Article 56

5. Entitajiet kontraenti li jistabbilixxu u joperaw sistema ta' kwalifika jistgħu jressqu għat-tmiem il-kwalifika ta' operatur ekonomiku biss għal raġunijiet bażati fuq il-kriterji għall-kwalifika riferita fl-Artikolu 53(2). Kull intenzjoni biex titressaq għat-tmiem kwalifika għandha tiġi mgħarrfa bil-miktub lill-operatur ekonomiku minn qabel, mill-inqas 15-il ġurnata qabel id-data li fiha l-kwalifika hija dovuta li tintemm, flimkien mar-raġuni jew ir-raġunijiet li jiġġustifikaw l-azzjoni proposta.

Use of electronic auctions

Artikolu 50

1. Member States may provide that contracting entities may use electronic auctions.

Tagħrif li jrid jiġi reġistrat rigward għotjiet

2. In open, restricted or negotiated procedures with a prior call for competition, the contracting entities may decide that the award of a contract shall be preceded by an electronic auction when the contract specifications can be established with precision.

1. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom iżommu tagħrif xieraq dwar kull kuntratt li għandu jkun biżżejjed biex jippermettihom f'data aktar tard li jiġġustifikaw deċiżjonijiet meħuda f'konnessjoni ma':

In the same circumstances, an electronic auction may be held on the opening for competition of contracts to be awarded under the dynamic purchasing system referred to in Article 15.

(a) il-kwalifika u l-għażla ta' operaturi ekonomiċi u l-għoti ta' kuntratti;

The electronic auction shall be based:

(b) l-użu ta' proċeduri mingħajr sejħa minn qabel għal kompetizzjoni minħabba fl-Artikolu 40(3);

(a) either solely on prices when the contract is awarded to the lowest price,

(ċ) in-nuqqas ta' applikazzjoni ta' Kapitoli III sa VI ta' dan it-Titolu minħabba fid-derogi provduti fil-Kapitolu II tat-Titolu I u fil-Kapitolu II ta' dan it-Titolu.

(b) or on prices and/or on the new values of the features of the tenders indicated in the specification, when the contract is awarded to the most economically advantageous tender.

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jieħdu l-passi xierqa biex jiddokumentaw il-progess ta' proċeduri ta' għoti kondotti b'mezzi elettroniċi.

3. Contracting entities which decide to hold an electronic auction shall state that fact in the notice used as a means of calling for competition.

2. It-tagħrif għandu jinżamm għal mill-inqas erba' snin mid-data tal-għoti tal-kuntratt sabiex l-entità kontraenti tkun tista', matul dak il-perjodu, tipprovdi t-tagħrif meħtieġ lill-Kummissjoni jekk din titlob dan.

The specifications shall include, inter alia, the following details:

IL-KAPITOLU VII

(a) the features whose values will be the subject of electronic auction, provided that such features are quantifiable and can be expressed in figures or percentages;

Kondotta tal-proċedura

(b) any limits on the values which may be submitted, as they result from the specifications relating to the subject of the contract;

Artikolu 51

(c) the information which will be made available to tenderers in the course of the electronic auction and, where appropriate, when it will be made available to them;

Dispożizzjonijiet ġenerali

(d) the relevant information concerning the electronic auction process;

1. Għall-għan ta' l-għażla ta' parteċipanti fil-proċeduri ta' l-għoti tagħhom:

(e) the conditions under which the tenderers will be able to bid and, in particular, the minimum differences which will, where appropriate, be required when bidding;

(a) entitajiet kontraenti li provdew regoli u kriterji għall-esklużjoni ta' persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti jew kandidati bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 54(1), (2) jew (4) għandhom eskludu operaturi ekonomiċi li jikkonformaw ma' dawn ir-regoli u jilħqu dawn il-kriterji;

(f) the relevant information concerning the electronic equipment used and the arrangements and technical specifications for connection.

(b) għandhom jagħżlu persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti u kandidati bi qbil mar-regoli u l-kriterji oġġettivi preskritti skond l-Artikolu 54;

4. Before proceeding with the electronic auction, contracting entities shall make a full initial evaluation of the tenders in accordance with the award criterion/criteria set and with the weighting fixed for them.

(ċ) fi proċeduri ristretti u proċeduri negozjati b'sejħa għal kompetizzjoni, għandhom fejn ikun xieraq bi qbil ma' l-Artikolu 54 inaqqsu n-numru ta' kandidati magħżula skond is-sottoparagrafi (a) u (b).

All tenderers who have submitted admissible tenders shall be invited simultaneously by electronic means to submit new prices and/or new values; the invitation shall contain all relevant information concerning individual connection to the electronic equipment being used and shall state the date and time of the start of the electronic auction. The electronic auction may take place in a number of successive phases. The electronic auction may not start sooner than two working days after the date on which invitations are sent out.

2. Fejn sejħa għal kompetizzjoni ssir permezz ta' avviż dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika u għall-għan ta' l-għażla ta' parteċipanti fi proċeduri ta' l-għotja għall-kuntratti speċifiċi li huma s-suġġett tas-sejħa għall-kompetizzjoni, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom:

5. When the contract is to be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender, the invitation shall be accompanied by the outcome of a full evaluation of the relevant tender carried out in accordance with the weighting provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 55(2).

(a) jikkwalifikaw operaturi ekonomiċi bi qbil mad-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikolu 53;

The invitation shall also state the mathematical formula to be used in the electronic auction to determine automatic rerankings on the basis of the new prices and/or new values submitted. That formula shall incorporate the weighting of all the criteria established to determine the most economically advantageous tender, as indicated in the notice used as a means of calling for competition or in the specifications; for that purpose, any ranges shall, however, be reduced beforehand to a specified value.

(b) japplikaw għal dawn l-operaturi ekonomiċi kwalifikati dawk id-dispożizzjonijiet ta' paragrafu 1 li huma rilevanti għal proċeduri ristretti jew negozjati.

Where variants are authorised, a separate formula shall be provided for each variant.

3. Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jivverifikaw li l-offerti sottomessi mill-persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti magħżula jikkonformaw mar-regoli u l-ħtiġijiet applikabbli għal offerti u jagħtu l-kuntratt fuq il-bażi tal-kriterji preskritti fl-Artikoli 55 u 57.

6. Throughout each phase of an electronic auction the contracting entities shall instantaneously communicate to all tenderers sufficient information to enable them to ascertain their relative rankings at any moment. They may also communicate other information concerning other prices or values submitted, provided that that is stated in the specifications. They may also at any time announce the number of participants in that phase of the auction. In no case, however, may they disclose the identities of the tenderers during any phase of an electronic auction.

Sezzjoni 1

7. Contracting entities shall close an electronic auction in one or more of the following manners:

Kwalifika u għażla kwalitattiva

(a) in the invitation to take part in the auction they shall indicate the date and time fixed in advance;

Artikolu 52

(b) when they receive no more new prices or new values which meet the requirements concerning minimum differences. In that event, the contracting entities shall state in the invitation to take part in the auction the time which they will allow to elapse after receiving the last submission before they close the electronic auction;

Għarfien bejn xulxin rigward kondizzjonijiet amministrattivi, tekniċi jew finanzjarji, u ċertifikati, testijiet u xhieda

(c) when the number of phases in the auction, fixed in the invitation to take part in the auction, has been completed.

1. Meta jintagħżlu parteċipanti għal proċedura ristretta jew negozjata, biex jilħqu d-deċiżjoni tagħhom rigward kwalifika jew meta l-kriterji u r-regoli qed isiru aġġornati, entitajiet kontraenti m'għandhomx:

When the contracting entities have decided to close an electronic auction in accordance with subparagraph (c), possibly in combination with the arrangements laid down in subparagraph (b), the invitation to take part in the auction shall indicate the timetable for each phase of the auction.

(a) jimponu kondizzjonijiet amministrattivi, tekniċi jew finanzjarji dwar ċerti operaturi ekonomiċi li ma jkunux imposti fuq oħrajn;

8. After closing an electronic auction the contracting entities shall award the contract in accordance with Article 55 on the basis of the results of the electronic auction.

(b) jeħtieġu testijiet jew xhieda li tiddupplika xhieda oġġettiva diġa disponibbli.

9. Contracting entities may not have improper recourse to electronic auctions nor may they use them in such a way as to prevent, restrict or distort competition or to change the subject-matter of the contract, as defined in the notice used as a means of calling for competition and in the specification.

2. Fejn jitolbu l-produzzjoni ta' ċertifikati mfassla minn korpi indipendenti li jattestaw il-konformita ta' l-operatur ekonomiku b'ċerti standards ta' assigurazzjoni ta' kwalità, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jirreferu għal sistemi ta' assigurazzjoni ta' kwalità bażati fuq is-serje ta' standards Ewropej rilevanti ċertifikati minn korpijiet li jikkonformaw mas-serje ta' l-i standards Ewropej rigward ċertifikazzjoni.

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jgħarrfu ċertifikati ekwivalenti minn korpi stabbiliti fl-Istati Membri l-oħra. Għandhom jaċċettaw ukoll xhieda oħra ta' miżuri ta' assigurazzjoni ta' kwalità ekwivalenti minn operaturi ekonomiċi.

Article 57

3. Għal xogħlijiet u kuntratti ta' servizz, u f'każijiet xierqa biss, l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jeħtieġu, sabiex jivverifikaw l-abilitajiet tekniċi ta' l-operatur ekonomiku, indikazzjoni tal-miżuri tat-tmexxija ambjentali li l-operatur ekonomiku jkun jista' japplika meta jwettaq il-kuntratt. F'dawn il-każijiet, jekk l-entitajiet kontraenti jeħtieġu l-produzzjoni ta' ċertifikati mfassla minn korpijiet indipendenti li jattestaw il-konformita ta' l-operatur ekonomiku ma' ċerti standards ta' tmexxija ambjentali, għandhom jirreferu għall-EMAS jew għall-istandards ta' tmexxija ambjentali bażati fuq l-istandards rilevanti Ewropej jew internazzjonali ċertifikati minn korpijiet li jikkonformaw ma' liġi Komunitarja jew l-istandards rilevanti Ewropej jew internazzjonali rigward ċertifikazzjoni.

Abnormally low tenders

Entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jgħarrfu ċertifikati ekwivalenti minn korpijiet stabbiliti fl-Istati Membri l-oħra. Għandhom jaċċettaw ukoll xhieda oħra ta' miżuri ta' tmexxija ambjentali ekwivalenti minn operaturi ekonomiċi.

1. If, for a given contract, tenders appear to be abnormally low in relation to the goods, works or services, the contracting entity shall, before it may reject those tenders, request in writing details of the constituent elements of the tender which it considers relevant.

Artikolu 53

Those details may relate in particular to:

Sistemi ta' kwalifika

(a) the economics of the manufacturing process, of the services provided and of the construction method;

1. Entitajiet kontraenti li jixtiequ dan jistgħu jistabbilixxu u joperaw sistema ta' kwalifika ta' operaturi ekonomiċi.

(b) the technical solutions chosen and/or any exceptionally favourable conditions available to the tenderer for the supply of the goods or services or for the execution of the work;

Entitajiet kontraenti li jistabbilixxu jew joperaw sistema ta' kwalifika għandhom jiżguraw li operaturi ekonomiċi f'kull ħin jistgħu jitolbu l-kwalifika.

(c) the originality of the supplies, services or work proposed by the tenderer;

2. Is-sistema skond il-paragrafu 1 tista' tinvolvi stadji differenti ta' kwalifika.

(d) compliance with the provisions relating to employment protection and working conditions in force at the place where the work, service or supply is to be performed;

Għandha tiġi operati fuq il-bażi ta' kriterji u regoli oġġettivi għall-kwalifika li trid tiġi stabbilita mill-entità kontraenti.

(e) the possibility of the tenderer obtaining State aid.

Fejn dawk il-kriterji u r-regoli jinkludu speċifikazzjonijiet tekniċi, d-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikolu 34 għandom japplikaw. Il-kriterji u r-regoli jistgħu jiġu aġġornati kif meħtieġ.

2. The contracting entity shall verify those constituent elements by consulting the tenderer, taking account of the evidence supplied.

3. Il-kriterji u r-regoli għal kwalifika riferiti fil-paragrafu 2 jistgħu jinkludu l-kriterji ta' esklużjoni mniżżla f'lista fl-Artikolu 45 tad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE dwar it-termini u l-kondizzjonijiet dikjarati fiha.

3. Where a contracting entity establishes that a tender is abnormally low because the tenderer has obtained State aid, the tender can be rejected on that ground alone only after consultation with the tenderer where the latter is unable to prove, within a sufficient time limit fixed by the contracting entity, that the aid in question was granted legally. Where the contracting entity rejects a tender in these circumstances, it shall inform the Commission of that fact.

Fejn l-entità kontraenti hija awtorita kontraenti fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(1)(a), dawk il-kriterji u r-regoli għandhom jinkludu l-kriterji ta' esklużjoni mniżżla f'lista fl-Artikolu 45(1) tad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE.

4. Fejn il-kriterji u r-regoli għal kwalifika riferiti fil-paragrafu 2 jinkludu ħtiġijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu mal-kapaċita ekonomika u finanzjarja ta' l-operatur ekonomiku, dan ta' l-aħħar jista' fejn ikun meħtieġ jistrieħ fuq il-kapaċita ta' l-entitajiet l-oħra, tkun xi tkun in-natura legali tar-rabta bejnu u bejn dawk l-entitajiet. F'dan il-każ l-operatur ekonomiku jrid jagħti xhieda lill-entità kontraenti li dawn ir-risorsi se jkunu disponibbli lilha matul il-perjodu tal-validita tas-sistema ta' kwalifika, per eżempju billi jipproduċi impriża permezz ta' dawk l-entitajiet għal dan il-għan.

Section 3

Fuq l-istess kondizzjonijiet, grupp ta' operaturi ekonomiċi kif riferit fl-Artikolu 11 jista' jistrieħ fuq il-kapaċita ta' parteċipanti fil-grupp jew ta' entitajiet oħra.

Tenders comprising products originating in third countries and relations with those countries

5. Fejn il-kriterji u r-regoli għal kwalifika riferiti fil-paragrafu 2 jinkludu ħtiġijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' l-abilitajiet tekniċi u/jew professjonali ta' l-operatur ekonomiku, dan ta' l-aħħar jista' fejn ikun meħtieġ jistrieħ fuq il-kapaċita ta' l-entitajiet l-oħra, tkun xi tkun in-natura legali tar-rabta bejnu u bejn dawk l-entitajiet. F'dan il-każ l-operatur ekonomiku jrid jagħti xhieda lill-entità kontraenti li dawn ir-risorsi se jkunu disponibbli lilha matul il-perjodu tal-validita tas-sistema ta' kwalifika, per eżempju billi jipproduċi impriża permezz ta' dawk l-entitajiet biex jagħmel ir-risorsi meħtieġa disponibbli lill-operatur ekonomiku.

Article 58

Fuq l-istess kondizzjonijiet, grupp ta' operaturi ekonomiċi kif riferit fl-Artikolu 11 jista' jistrieħ fuq l-abilitajiet ta' parteċipanti fil-grupp jew ta' entitajiet oħra.

Tenders comprising products originating in third countries

6. Il-kriterji u r-regoli għal kwalifika riferiti fil-paragrafu 2 għandhom isiru disponibbli lill-operaturi ekonomiċi mat-talba. L-aġġornament ta' dawn il-kriterji u r-regoli għandhom jiġu komunikati lil operaturi ekonomiċi interessati.

1. This Article shall apply to tenders covering products originating in third countries with which the Community has not concluded, whether multilaterally or bilaterally, an agreement ensuring comparable and effective access for Community undertakings to the markets of those third countries. It shall be without prejudice to the obligations of the Community or its Member States in respect of third countries.

Fejn entità kontraenti tikkunsidra li s-sistema ta' kwalifika ta' ċerti entitajiet jew korpi oħra tilħaq il-ħtiġijiet tagħha, għandha tikkomunika lill-operaturi ekonomiċi interessati l-ismijiet ta' dawn l-entitajiet jew korpi oħra.

2. Any tender submitted for the award of a supply contract may be rejected where the proportion of the products originating in third countries, as determined in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 of 12 October 1992 establishing the Community Customs Code(30), exceeds 50 % of the total value of the products constituting the tender. For the purposes of this Article, software used in telecommunications network equipment shall be regarded as products.

7. Rekord bil-miktub ta' operaturi ekonomiċi kwalifikati għandu jinżamm; jista' jitqassam f'kategoriji skond it-tip ta' kuntratt għal liema l-kwalifika hija valida.

3. Subject to the second subparagraph, where two or more tenders are equivalent in the light of the contract award criteria defined in Article 55, preference shall be given to those tenders which may not be rejected pursuant to paragraph 2. The prices of those tenders shall be considered equivalent for the purposes of this Article, if the price difference does not exceed 3 %.

8. Huma u jistabbilixxu jew joperaw sistema ta' kwalifika, entitajiet kontraenti għandhom partikolarment josservaw id-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikolu 41(3) rigward avviżi dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika, ta' l-Artikolu 49(3), (4) u (5) dwar it-tagħrif li jrid jitwassal lill-operaturi ekonomiċi li jkunu applikaw għal kwalifika, ta' l-Artikolu 51(2) rigward l-għażla ta' parteċipanti meta ssir sejħa għal kompetizzjoni permezz ta' avviż dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika kif ukoll id-dispożizzjonijiet ta' l-Artikolu 52 dwar għarfien bejn xulxin rigward kondizzjonijiet amministrattivi, tekniċi jew finanzjarji, ċertifikati, testijiet u xhieda.

However, a tender shall not be preferred to another pursuant to the first subparagraph where its acceptance would oblige the contracting entity to acquire equipment having technical characteristics different from those of existing equipment, resulting in incompatibility, technical difficulties in operation and maintenance, or disproportionate costs.

9. Meta ssir sejħa għal kompetizzjoni permezz ta' avviż dwar l-eżistenza ta' sistema ta' kwalifika, persuni li jagħmlu l-offerti fi proċedura ristretta jew parteċipanti fi proċedura negozjata għandhom jintgħażlu mill-kandidati kwalifikati bi qbil ma' din is-sistema.

4. For the purposes of this Article, those third countries to which the benefit of the provisions of this Directive has been extended by a Council Decision in accordance with paragraph 1 shall not be taken into account for determining the proportion, referred to in paragraph 2, of products originating in third countries.

Artikolu 54

5. The Commission shall submit an annual report to the Council, commencing in the second half of the first year following the entry into force of this Directive, on progress made in multilateral or bilateral negotiations regarding access for Community undertakings to the markets of third countries in the fields covered by this Directive, on any result which such negotiations may have achieved, and on the implementation in practice of all the agreements which have been concluded.

Kriterji għal għażla kwalitattiva

The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, may amend the provisions of this Article in the light of such developments.

1. Entitajiet kontraenti li jistabbilixxu kriterji ta' għażla fi proċedura miftuħa għandhom jagħmlu dan bi qbil ma' regoli u kriterji oġġettivi li huma disponibbli għal operaturi ekonomiċi interessati.

2. Entitajiet kontraenti li jagħżlu kandidati għal proċeduri ristretti jew negozjati għandhom jagħmlu dan skond regoli u kriterji oġġettivi li jkunu stabbilixxew u li huma disponibbli għal operaturi ekonomiċi interessati.

Article 59

3. Fi proċeduri ristretti jew negozjati, l-kriterji jistgħu jkunu bażati fuq il-ħtieġa oġġettiva ta' l-entità kontraenti li tnaqqas in-numru ta' kandidati għal livell li huwa ġustifikat mill-ħtieġa li jiġu bilanċjati l-karatteristiċi partikolari tal-proċedura ta' akkwist mar-risorsi meħtieġa biex titmexxa. In-numru ta' kandidati magħżula għandu, madankollu, iqis il-ħtieġa li tiġi żgurata kompetizzjoni adegwata.

Relations with third countries as regards works, supplies and service contracts

4. Il-kriterji dikjarati f'paragrafi 1 u 2 jistgħu jinkludu l-kriterji ta' esklużjoni mniżżla f'lista fl-Artikolu 45 tad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE dwar it-termini u l-kondizzjonijiet dikjarati fiha.

1. Member States shall inform the Commission of any general difficulties, in law or in fact, encountered and reported by their undertakings in securing the award of service contracts in third countries.

Fejn l-entità kontraenti hija awtorita kontraenti fit-tifsira ta' l-Artikolu 2(1)(a), dawk il-kriterji u r-regoli riferiti f'paragrafi 1 u 2 ta' dan l-Artikolu għandhom jinkludu l-kriterji ta' esklużjoni mniżżla f'lista fl-Artikolu 45(1) tad-Direttiva 2004/18/KE.

2. The Commission shall report to the Council before 31 December 2005, and periodically thereafter, on the opening up of service contracts in third countries and on progress in negotiations with these countries on this subject, particularly within the framework of the WTO.

5. Fejn il-kriterji riferiti f'paragrafi 1 u 2 jinkludu ħtiġijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu mal-kapaċita ekonomika u finanzjarja ta' l-operatur ekonomiku, dan ta' l-aħħar jista' fejn ikun meħtieġ u għal kuntratt partikolari jistrieħ fuq il-kapaċita ta' entitajiet oħra, tkun xi tkun in-natura legali tar-rabta bejnu u bejn dawk l-entitajiet. F'dan il-każ l-operatur ekonomiku jrid jagħti xhieda lill-entità kontraenti li dawn ir-risorsi meħtieġa se jkunu disponibbli lilha, per eżempju billi jipproduċi impriża permezz ta' dawk l-entitajiet għal dan il-għan.

3. The Commission shall endeavour, by approaching the third country concerned, to remedy any situation whereby it finds, on the basis either of the reports referred to in paragraph 2 or of other information, that, in the context of the award of service contracts, a third country:

Fuq l-istess kondizzjonijiet, grupp ta' operaturi ekonomiċi kif riferit fl-Artikolu 11 jista' jistrieħ fuq il-kapaċitajiet ta' parteċipanti fil-grupp jew ta' entitajiet oħra.

(a) does not grant Community undertakings effective access comparable to that granted by the Community to undertakings from that country; or

6. Fejn il-kriterji riferiti f'paragrafi 1 u 2 jinkludu ħtiġijiet li għandhom x'jaqsmu ma' l-abilitajiet tekniċi u/jew professjonali ta' l-operatur ekonomiku, dan ta' l-aħħar jista' fejn ikun meħtieġ u għal kuntratt partikolari jistrieħ fuq l-abilitajiet ta' entitajiet oħra, tkun xi tkun in-natura legali tar-rabta bejnu u bejn dawk l-entitajiet. F'dan il-każ l-operatur ekonomiku jrid jagħti xhieda lill-entità kontraenti li għat-twettieq tal-kuntratt dawk ir-risorsi se jkunu disponibbli lilha, per eżempju billi jwassal impriża permezz ta' dawk l-entitajiet biex jagħmel ir-rizorsi meħtieġa disponibbli lill-operatur ekonomiku.

(b) does not grant Community undertakings national treatment or the same competitive opportunities as are available to national undertakings; or

Fuq l-istess kondizzjonijiet, grupp ta' operaturi ekonomiċi kif riferit fl-Artikolu 11 jista' jistrieħ fuq l-abilitajiet ta' parteċipanti fil-grupp jew ta' entitajiet oħra.

(c) grants undertakings from other third countries more favourable treatment than Community undertakings.

Sezzjoni 2

4. Member States shall inform the Commission of any difficulties, in law or in fact, encountered and reported by their undertakings and which are due to the non-observance of the international labour law provisions listed in Annex XXIII when these undertakings have tried to secure the award of contracts in third countries.

Għoti tal-kuntratti

5. In the circumstances referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4, the Commission may at any time propose that the Council decide to suspend or restrict, over a period to be laid down in the decision, the award of service contracts to:

Artikolu 55

(a) undertakings governed by the law of the third country in question;

Kriterji għall-għoti tal-kuntratti

(b) undertakings affiliated to the undertakings specified in point (a) and having their registered office in the Community but having no direct and effective link with the economy of a Member State;

1. Mingħajr preġudizzju għal liġijiet nazzjonali, regolamenti jew dispożizzjonijiet amministrattivi dwar ir-rimunerazzjoni ta' ċerti servizzi, il-kriterji li fuqhom l-entitajiet kontraenti għandhom jibbażaw l-għoti ta' kuntratti għandhom:

(c) undertakings submitting tenders which have as their subject-matter services originating in the third country in question.

(a) fejn il-kuntratt jingħata fuq il-bażi ta' l-offerti l-aktar vantaġġuża ekonomikament mill-lat ta' l-entità kontraenti, jkunu kriterji varji marbuta mal-kontenut tas-suġġett tal-kuntratt imsemmi, bħad-data tal-kunsinja jew tat-tlestija, spejjeż fl-operat, infiq effettiv, kwalità, karatteristiċi ta' l-estetika u funzjonali, karatteristiċi ambjentali, mertu tekniku, servizz wara l-bejgħ u għajnuna teknika, irbit rigward parts, sigurtà ta' provvista, u prezz jew inkella

The Council shall act, by qualified majority, as soon as possible.

(b) il-prezz l-aktar baxx biss.

The Commission may propose these measures on its own initiative or at the request of a Member State.

2. Mingħajr preġudizzju għad-dispożizzjonijiet tat-tielet sottoparagrafu, fil-każ riferit fil-paragrafu 1(a), l-entità kontrattati għandha tispeċifika t-tweżin relattiv li tagħti lil kull waħda mill-kriterji magħżula biex tistabbilixxi l-offerta l-aktar vantaġġuża ekonomika.

6. This Article shall be without prejudice to the commitments of the Community in relation to third countries ensuing from international agreements on public procurement, particularly within the framework of the WTO.

Dak it-tweżin jista' jiġi espress billi jipprovdu għal qasam b'firxa massima xierqa.

Fejn, fl-opinjoni ta' l-entità kontraenti, tweżin m‘huwiex possibbli għal raġunijiet li jidhru, l-entità kontraenti għandha tindika l-kriterji f'ordni dexxendenti ta' importanza.

TITLE III

It-tweżin relattiv jew l-ordni ta' importanza għandhom jiġu speċifikati, kif xieraq, fl-avviż użat bħala mezz għas-sejħa għal kompetizzjoni, fl-istedina biex jiġi konfermat l-imgħax riferit fl-Artikolu 47(5), fl-istedina għall-offerta jew għan-negozjar, jew fl-ispeċifikazzjonijiet.

RULES GOVERNING SERVICE DESIGN CONTESTS

Artikolu 56

Article 60

Użu ta' rkanti elettroniċi

General provision

1. L-Istati Membri jistgħu jipprovdu li entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jużaw irkanti elettroniċi.

1. The rules for the organisation of a design contest shall be in conformity with paragraph 2 of this Article and with Articles 61 and 63 to 66 and shall be made available to those interested in participating in the contest.

2. Fi proċeduri miftuħa, ristretta jew negozjata mingħajr sejħa minn qabel għal kompetizzjoni, l-entitajiet kontraenti jistgħu jiddeċiedu li l-għoti ta' kuntratt għandu jiġi preċedut minn irkant elettroniku meta l-ispeċifikazzjonijiet tal-kuntratt jistgħu jkunu stabbiliti bi preċiżjoni.

2. The admission of participants to design contests shall not be limited:

Fl-istess ċirkostanzi, irkant elettroniku jista' jinżamm mal-ftuħ għal kompetizzjoni ta' kuntratti li jridu jingħataw skond is-sistema dinamika ta' xiri riferita fl-Artikolu 15.

(a) by reference to the territory or part of the territory of a Member State;

L-irkant elettroniku għandu jiġu bażat:

(b) on the ground that, under the law of the Member State in which the contest is organised, they would have been required to be either natural or legal persons.

(a) jew fuq prezzijiet biss meta l-kuntratt jingħata lill-prezz l-aktar baxx,