PREservation FORMAts for culture information/e-archives - PREFORMA

Memory institutions face growing transfers of digital files and other media for long-term preservation. Typically, data is stored in specific file formats produced by software from different vendors, where the implementation of standards is not guaranteed. Aim of the project is to address the challenge of implementing good quality standardised file formats for preserving data content in the long-term. The main objective is to give memory institutions full control of files’ conformity tests, by procuring a specialized software toolkit. The developed tools are innovative and provide an implementation of the most common file format standards for the assessment of the collections to be archived and for their correction. The Pre-Commercial Procurement, following the rules for tenders in public sector, matched the memory institutions' professional knowledge with the suppliers' development skills to create a win-win situation. The joint PCP enabled PREFORMA to build a sustainable network of common interest, where public procurers can remain in contact with each other and suppliers and cooperate. PREFORMA showcased a reference scenario for public authorities acting from the demand side of innovation. The coordination part of the project, i.e. the tender procedure, defining the functional criteria for suppliers, including legal and financial issues and setting up the network of stakeholders can be used as a reference model suitable to mobilize public and private beneficiaries.