European Union Location Framework : guidelines for public procurement of geospatial technologies

These guidelines focus on the procurement of location information products and services, such as the acquisition of new location data to support applications, the acquisition of solutions for using location data and services in e Government processes and products and/or services for making data interoperable and/or accessible. The procurement can take place as part of the development of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), the implementation of the INSPIRE regulation, or any other Directive in which such information and services are important, or within the context of regular activities of spatial data and service providers and users (e.g. Mapping and Cadastre Agencies, Government departments, local public administrations). The guidelines provide recommendations on elements of best practice in procurement in which location information and location enabled services are important, with some practical examples; and describe some concrete sample texts that could be used in invitations to tender when reference is made to location information and location enabled service requirements. The procurement process is also explained as part of a potential future e-procurement platform in which the application and updating of geospatial standards (through change requests) could be integrated as well.