Request for proposal: Statutory Audit of EIT RawMaterials GmbH & EIT RawMaterials Invest GmbH as of 31 December 2025

1. Overview of EIT RawMaterials 

EIT RawMaterials is a ‘Knowledge and Innovation Communities’ (KICs) created by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aimed at promoting innovation in the raw materials sector across Europe. Established in 2015, EIT RawMaterials works to secure the sustainable supply of raw materials to the European industry by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship along the entire raw materials value chain. 

We are a knowledge-driven business and a catalyst for industrial progress. Our offerings leverage our expertise and that of our network – the world's largest network in the raw [and advanced] materials sector – which includes companies at every stage of evolution, from start-ups to market leaders, along with leading international universities, research organisations, and top experts and future talent from the sector. 

Our activities span from mining and mineral processing to material recycling and substitution, focusing on increasing resource efficiency and fostering a circular economy. 

We inform policy, apply knowledge, accelerate innovation, create opportunity, and unlock commercial value – for our partners and customers throughout the raw materials value chain to develop the raw materials sector as a strategic strength and foundation for a secure, sustainable future for Europe. 

Our offerings are designed to help our partners and industry to be part of Europe’s strategic agenda to ensure supply chain security and make the ‘Green New Deal’ a reality that benefits the people of Europe and partner nations. For more information about our company please visit the following website: 

https://eitrawmaterials.eu/

2. Scope of work 

2.1. General Objectives 

The objective of this Request for Proposal is to appoint an independent statutory auditor for the audit of: 

• EIT RawMaterials GmbH 
• EIT RawMaterials Invest GmbH 

for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. 

The selected auditor shall perform the statutory audit in accordance with applicable German legal and professional requirements and provide an independent opinion on the annual financial statements. EIT RawMaterials operates within a complex international environment involving EU-funded activities, subsidiaries, investment activities, innovation programmes, and multiple stakeholder groups. Therefore, the selected auditor is expected to demonstrate extensive experience in auditing organizations of comparable complexity and governance structures. 

The auditor shall provide a risk-based, efficient, and technology-enabled audit approach while ensuring the highest standards of quality, independence, and professional integrity. 

The initial engagement shall cover the audit of the financial year 2025. Subject to satisfactory performance and approval by the competent governing bodies, EIT RawMaterials reserves the right to extend the engagement for subsequent financial years. 

2.2. Detailed Scope of Work 

The selected auditor shall provide the following services: 

Statutory Audit

• Statutory audit of the annual financial statements of EIT RawMaterials GmbH. 
• Statutory audit of the annual financial statements of EIT RawMaterials Invest GmbH. 
• Assessment of compliance with applicable German accounting and auditing regulations. 
• Assessment of the going concern assumption and significant accounting estimates. 
• Review of related-party transactions where applicable. 

Audit Planning and Risk Assessment

• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. 
• Identify significant audit risks and key audit matters. 
• Present the proposed audit strategy and timeline. 

Internal Controls and Governance 

• Review relevant internal control systems affecting financial reporting. 
• Identify areas for process improvement and efficiency gains. 
• Provide recommendations through a management letter. 

Reporting and Deliverables 

The selected auditor shall provide: 

• Audit opinion(s). 
• Statutory audit report(s) in accordance with applicable German legal requirements. 
• Final audit reports and relevant audit documentation shall be provided in both German and English language versions to ensure accessibility for both local and international stakeholders. 
• Management letter including recommendations, identified risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Presentation of audit findings to Management Board and relevant governance bodies.

Digital Audit Capabilities Tenderers shall describe: 

• Digital audit tools and methodologies applied. 
• Data analytics capabilities. • Secure document exchange solutions. 
• Cybersecurity measures used to protect client information. 
• Application of AI-supported audit procedures, where relevant. 

Experience and Sector Expertise Tenderers shall demonstrate experience in auditing: 

• EU-funded organisations. 
• Associations and non-profit entities. 
• Organisations receiving public funding. 
• International group structures and subsidiaries. 
• Investment and innovation-related activities. 
• Research, education and innovation ecosystems. 

Independence and Conflict of Interest Tenderers shall disclose: 

• Any existing or potential conflicts of interest. 
• Existing service relationships with EIT RawMaterials entities. 

Service Management and Communication Tenderers shall describe: 

• Escalation procedures. 
• Compliance with all applicable auditor independence requirements under German law and professional auditing standards. 
• Governance structure of the engagement team. 
• Availability of key audit partners and managers. 
• Expected response times. 
• Communication model during the audit process. 

The selected audit team shall have sufficient professional proficiency to communicate effectively in English and German. English language capability is mandatory, as English is the primary working language within the EIT RawMaterials Group and its international environment. German language skills are required to ensure effective communication regarding statutory requirements, local accounting matters and cooperation with German-speaking stakeholders.

Indicative Audit Timeline The proposal should include: 

• Planning phase. 
• Interim audit procedures. 
• Year-end audit procedures. 
• Reporting timeline. 
• Expected delivery dates for all reports and presentations. 

The selected auditor shall ensure an efficient, well-organized and timely audit process, including clear planning, proactive communication of information requirements and effective coordination with EIT RawMaterials’ finance team. Any potential delays, risks or issues impacting the agreed timeline shall be communicated to EIT RawMaterials without undue delay. 

3. Proposal Process 

3.1. Participation 

Participation in this proposal procedure is open to all tenderers. All participants must sign the Tenderers’ declaration form attached and submit it with the proposal. Please note that the tenderer may not modify the text, it must be submitted signed as provided by EIT RawMaterials attached to this request for proposal document. 

3.2. Submission of proposal 

• Publishing the RFP on EIT RawMaterials website: 24.07.2026 
• Deadline for requesting clarification from EIT RawMaterials: 31.07.2026 
• Deadline for submitting proposals: 03.08.2026 
• Intended date of notification of award: 05.08.2026 
• Intended date of contract signature: 07.08.2026 

Proposals must be emailed in English to the following address: 

Contact name: for the attention of Ralf Busse 

E-mail: ralf.busse@eitrawmaterials.eu