The subject of the framework agreement are thematic and coordination support services for the three transition pathways of the DUT Partnership (“management support”). The contracting authority was looking for experts in the field of sustainable urban development that can support the transition pathways coordinators in their activities. Due to the different focus of the three Transition Pathways, this procurement procedure was divided into three lots. In terms of their nature, the services of each lot relate, in particular, to the following management support services: Support for strategic development of the three Transition Pathways; Foster and support thematic collaboration across all Transition Pathways; Support for cooperation with neighbouring initiatives; Support for strengthening the science-policy cooperation and involvement of stakeholder groups. The contracting authority determined that for each lot a framework agreement with one partner was to be concluded (participation in several lots was possible and desired by the contracting authority).