1. SCOPE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCUREMENT  1.1. Contracting authority  1.2. Subject  1.3. Lots 1.4. Description  1.4.1. Background  1.4.1.1. European technology and innovation platforms   ETIP Bioenergy: http://biofuelstp.eu/   ETIP Wind: https://etipwind.eu/   ETIP Deep Geothermal: http://www.geoelec.eu/etip-dg/   ETIP Ocean energy: http://www.oceanenergy-europe.eu/   ETIP PV: http://www.etip-pv.eu/homepage.html   ETIP Renewable Heating and Cooling: http://www.rhc-platform.org/home/   ETIP Smart Networks for Energy Transition (SNET): http://etip-snet.eu   ETIP Sustainable Nuclear Energy (SNETP): http://www.snetp.eu/   ETIP Zero Emission Fossil Fuel Power (ZEP): http://www.zeroemissionsplatform.eu/  5 The European Technology and Innovation Platforms (ETIPs) are one of the main  implementation mechanisms of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan).  In 2016, nine ETIPs were formed by merging the six European Industrial Initiatives with the  eight European Technology Platforms. The ETIPs are:  The maximum contract price is EUR 3,340,000.00. Tenders with prices higher than the  maximum will be considered unacceptable.  Variants (alternatives to the model solution described in the Tender Specifications) are not  allowed. The  Contracting authority  will disregard any variants described in a tender. The services that are the subject of this call for tender, including any minimum requirements,  are described in detail below.  This call for tenders is not divided into lots.  The subject of this call for tenders is Support to R&I strategy and feedback to policy in the  field of smart energy systems.  This call for tenders is launched and managed by the Innovation and Networks Executive  Agency (referred to as the  Contracting authority or INEA for the purposes of this call for  tender) delegated by the European Commission (EC). 