Digital forensic hardware

The "Digital forensic hardware" program primarily targets national and regional public authorities and international organizations involved in protecting the Union's financial interests. Its objective is to bolster their investigative and operational capacities against fraud, corruption, and illegal activities detrimental to the EU budget, with a focus on enhancing digitalization and technical support within EU Member States, EEA countries, and associated countries.

This program specifically funds the acquisition and maintenance of digital forensic tools essential for combating financial fraud affecting the EU. It supports a range of technical equipment and software, as well as the specialized training required to operate these advanced systems effectively. The focus is on enhancing investigative capabilities and operational capacity, particularly for projects aimed at the implementation and capacity building stages of anti-fraud efforts.

The "Digital forensic hardware" program provides financial support in the form of action grants. It covers a significant portion of eligible project costs at a standard funding rate of 80%, with potential for higher rates in specific priority cases. Projects are typically expected to have a duration of 12 to 24 months, allowing for effective implementation and integration of the funded equipment and training.

Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to strict conditions covering admissibility, eligibility, financial and operational capacity, and ethical conduct. Key requirements include electronic submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal, adherence to page limits for proposals, and compliance with the program's objectives. While single applicants are the norm, affiliated entities are permitted, and specific budget allocation rules apply to ensure efficient use of funds for equipment and training.

The application process for the "Digital forensic hardware" program is entirely electronic, requiring submission through the Funding & Tenders Portal. It involves a single-stage submission and evaluation, with proposals assessed against admissibility, eligibility, operational capacity, and specific award criteria. Communication regarding evaluation results and grant agreement preparation is managed through the portal, with a structured timeline for key steps.

This program is rooted in the broader Union Anti-Fraud Programme, established by specific EU regulations and operating under the comprehensive framework of the EU Financial Regulation. These foundational legal texts define the program's mandate, scope, and operational guidelines, ensuring its legitimacy and adherence to European Union law. Official texts are accessible through specific EU publications and the funding portal.