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title: "7 ETHICS for economic operators"
canonical: "https://support.mercell.com/space/ETHICS/870613222/7%20ETHICS%20for%20economic%20operators"
format: markdown
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### 7.1 ETHICS
The offer solution, ETHICS, is a well-proven application for the completion of offers.
ETHICS ensures efficiency, documentation and overview of complex procurement processes and ensures compliance with EU procurement rules. The system offers overview of public procurement by provider, geographical location, object and much more.
### 7.2 Overview
In this guide, the following elements of the platform are introduced:
- Users in ETHICS
- Offers in ETHICS
The following chapters guide the use of system elements by reviewing purposes, available information, features and features, as well as workflows.
If the guide does not unequivocally highlight a particular problem or other question, ETHICS support can be contacted per. email: [support@ethics.dk](mailto:support@ethics.dk) or phone: +45 7022 7007 (subject to agreement).
Note that Google Chrome is recommended for use by ETHICS for both contractors and bidders.
### 7.3 Users
User profiles are managed independently and are owned by the user himself.
User rights are managed by the owner of the content for which access is required.
**User profile**
The user menu gives access to user-specific details and the user's certificate.
From here, the user always has the opportunity to access his own user profile and update if necessary.
Be aware that the email address will be used for updating the user.
The specified language will be used for language selection on the ETHICS platform. Please note that the language can be changed if the user is allowed to tender in a language other than the preferred one. The language of the tender takes precedence over the user's personal language preference, and the tender is determined by the contracting entity at the start of the call for tenders.
It is also possible to update the password via the user profile.
**Certificate**
The user also has access to his own certificate via the user menu:
Certification Import and Use Guide is provided and the user has direct access to renew the certificate if necessary.
Certificates are used for digital signing of requests, offers and contracts.
**Quick installation of certificate for signing**
1. Save the signature file you received per. mail from ETHICS, to your computer's "Desktop".
2. Double-click the signature file, opening the "Certificate Import" wizard.
3. Click "Next" until the wizard asks for password entry.
4. Enter password. The password is the same as used for login to ETHICS.
5. After the password is entered click on "Next" until it is possible to perform the import.
6. Then click on "Finish", where the import of the signature file is executed.
7. The certificate / signature file is now installed and ready for use.
Note that it may be necessary to restart browser and, in a single case, computer before the change passes through.
Please note that quick installation can be used if you use Google Chrome (recommended), Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and more. If Mozilla Firefox is used, the import must be performed manually in the browser keychain.
### 7.4 Overview
Each bidder has its own personal area that gives an overview of the current offer in which the bidder participates, own profile and notifications.
Through the Tenderer, the tenderer has access to all tenders tendered by the tenderer.
The list shows the contractor's title, title and bidder's condition. By clicking on the title, the bidder can obtain access to the call for tenders.
### 7.5 Subscription to tender
New tenders, available through the publications offices including TED or [udbud.dk](http://udbud.dk) in Denmark, are published with direct link to ETHICS. Upon opening of the tender, the tenderer is given an introduction to the contracting entity and the tender.
In addition to the general introduction, interested parties also have access to the announcements published in connection with the tender and the publicly available tender documents.
If the bidder wishes to participate further in the offer, registration is required. And in order to sign up, the bidder must indicate whether an existing user is to be used or new to be created.
By using existing, user ID (email) and password must be entered and the registration process will be completed automatically.
When creating a new user, the bidder must complete a user profile and subsequently verify his email address.
The email address is verified via direct link in an activation email that is sent automatically after creating a new user.
Note that it is only possible to use a new user after the activation process is completed.
More information about users in Chapter 6.3.
### 7.6 Access to the tender documents
After completing the registration, the bidder has the option to download the entire material under the Status tab.
Or parts of the material below respectively in relation to request or offer.
Here, it is also possible for the tenderer to submit documents etc., as described in more detail below 6.9.
### 7.7 Questions and answers
If the bidder has questions to the contracting entity, these may be made via the communication tab.
Tenderer has the option to specify category and formulate his question in the appropriate window.
Note that questions should be asked individually and that it is not necessary to disclose own details as the contracting entity can automatically identify the author.
Tenderers have access to follow their own questions, including their reply. The tenderer is also informed automatically when the contractor issues questions and answers to questions asked by other participants.
The communication tab is also used for the publication of general messages from the contracting entity regarding the tender.
### 7.8 Direct dialogue
The contracting entity may initiate direct dialogue with the tenderer. If so, the tenderer will receive notification and have access to his own dialog list under the Direct Dialog tab.
Inquiries can be answered with file attachment if necessary.
### 7.9 Request and tender submission
Depending on the active procedure, the tenderer has the opportunity to submit a request or offer.
Requests and offers are submitted via the named tab. Below you will find the tender material with the option of retrieving marked with blue buttons. Once the tenderer has retrieved, read the tender documents and, if necessary, answered templates, it is possible to submit the documents and answers requested by the contracting entity. Tenderers must use the green buttons to open online forms or submission function for attached documents.
If the contracting entity forces a minimum and / or maximum number of documents attached, the tenderer will be informed of this and the completion of the request. Offers are only accepted in compliance with the contractor's requirements.
When answering forms, the contracting entity also has the opportunity to set requirements for the bidder's reply per. field, and also the completion of the request, respectively. Offers are only accepted in compliance with the contractor's requirements.
Replies and attachments can be updated until the deadline, but will be retrievable after the deadline.
When the tenderer has prepared, entered and / or submitted a complete request or a complete offer, the tenderer must sign and complete the request or the offer respectively.
Note that conclusion of request or offer is required and the contracting entity has only access to and the opportunity to review concluded requests and offers respectively after expiry of the deadline.
Also note that requests or offers can be updated after conclusion and until the expiration of the deadline. Tenderer should just be aware of repeating the conclusion process after submitting an update.
### 7.9.1 ETHICS’ ESPD Service
In ETHICS you can respond to ESPD’s through our integrated ESPD service. Creating a response to an ESPD you are met with 4 tabs, which make up the ESPD, in the top of the window.
You are met with a series of text fields and checkboxes that require input in the form of text or checking of options in the **procedure **tab.
In the **Exclusion **tab, several checkboxes needs to be checked in order to meet the requirements set for the ESPD by the contracting authority. The required boxes to check are marked with red to indicate that they need attention.
In the **selection **tab you can find text fields, checkboxes, or inquiries for information depending on what the contracting authority requires. Some fields require specific formatting e.g. number fields require grouping separator by thousands.
In the last tab, **finish**, you appropriately finish your tender response by checking off and filling out the fields in the tab, possibly signing the response with an electronic signature and press ‘save’.
It is possible to save an unfinished ESPD response, but you will not be able to submit your bid to the contracting authority before the ESPD response is completed as required. In the case that you have saved an unfinished ESPD response or if it does not meet the technical requirements. The ESPD response will indicate that something is wrong by displaying a red exclamation mark in the document line.
### 7.10 Sharing access with colleagues and collaborators
As economic operator you have access to sharing your subscription with colleagues and collaborator etc. This enable you, as i.e. a consortium of economic operators, to submit a single request or tender, containing contributions from all participants.
