7. Co-operation Partners in Cumbria are keen to make co-operation a feature of this programme, building on the very positive experiences of the previous LEADER+ programmes, and on other experiences of cooperation within and beyond the UK. Co-operation is possible on many levels:
7.1 Within the programme, co-operation and networking will be facilitated between projects, and between providers to ensure the maximum added value from the range of providers across Cumbria. In particular, if the LEADER proposals for Cumbria are accepted, co-operation between LAGs will be encouraged, to share experience and good practice.
7.2 Across regional boundaries. Cumbria has a boundary with other English region (the North East), and with another UK nation (Scotland). Co-operation and collaboration across these boundaries will vary, but will be promoted and encouraged within the programme. In particular, co-operation with the North East will be encouraged for communities and projects in the North Pennines area, building on the established links and initiatives developed during the earlier successful North Pennines LEADER+ programme. Joint projects are envisaged across this border, capitalising on the geographic sense of place that exists in that area. In the case of joint projects, it is envisaged that project costs will be apportioned between the two regional budgets. New LAGs will be encouraged to consider formal cooperation arrangements with other LAGs outside the North West Region to encourage such cross-regional projects.
7.3 With other regions in the UK, making use of existing LEADER networks to encourage the sharing of experience and best practice with other regions that are committed to the bottom-up style of delivery.
7.4 With other EU regions . Again a feature of LEADER, EU co-operation provides a new dimension to rural development, offering a new perspective, new ways of working, and an opportunity to share experience for practitioners and people living and working in rural areas. Contacts already exist with a number of other EU regions with similar rural landscapes, and these will form the basis for wider collaboration across the EU. 8. Procurement Procurement methodology is also dependent upon the success of LEADER proposals for Cumbria. If Cumbria is indeed able to deliver the whole of Axis 1 and 3 through the LEADER method, there will 3 principal means of procuring project providers: Type 1 Strategic Commissioning (applies to measures where strategic Cumbria-wide or LAG-wide intervention is necessary, e.g. measures 114, 115, 311, 312) In this case, the accountable body, in conjunction with the LAGs, will commission project providers on the basis of an open tendering system. A brief will be agreed by the programme team, with the LAGs, and circulated to likely providers within the LAG area. Applications to run the scheme/project will be invited by a set deadline, and a clear, rigorous and transparent scoring system will be used to assess the quality of proposals. Tender action required will depend on the value of the contract and will comply with EU regulations and the County Council’s existing procedures for EU funds: eg a project of £15,001 to £50,000 will normally require three competitive tenders to be invited.