ECMWF/ITT/2026/381 - Establishment of a Framework for Procurement of Network Security Layer

This Invitation to Tender (ITT) has been prepared by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), governed by its Convention and the associated Protocol on Privileges and Immunities, which entered into force on 1 November 1975 and were amended on 6 June 2010.
This ITT is expected to result in the setting up of a Framework Agreement with multiple suppliers, with the ultimate purpose of securing the best value for money in the provision of equipment/software and its associated maintenance and support services, and other services to build a Network Security Layer that will be purchased and installed by ECMWF at its Data Centre located in Bologna and its three offices sites located in Reading, Bologna and Bonn. The ITT will also include: (i) professional services for the design validation and onsite engineer presence during the deployment phase if and when required; (ii) training of ECMWF staff. The initial Framework will be for four (4) years with the possibility of extension for a further two (2) years. ECMWF may reopen the Framework on a competitive basis at a later date to add additional suppliers to the Framework on the same conditions. In addition, this ITT intends to place an order for an Initial Purchase (Lot 1) comprising equipment from the supplier providing the best solution and value for money for this Initial Purchase, which has also been selected for the Framework. The contract for the Initial Purchase is anticipated to be awarded in December 2026. Suppliers must submit Tenders to supply the Initial Purchase for inclusion onto the Framework.

Portal instructions:
Some of the ITT documents are accessible under the ‘Attachments’ box at bottom right of this page. The full set of ITT documents which are provided inside the response questionnaire are only accessible by registering an interest in this opportunity (see the 'Expression of interest window' at top right). Please refer initially to the ‘ECMWF eProcurement Portal Guidance for suppliers’ file in the Attachments box as this document will help you navigate the portal and locate the necessary information in order to submit a proposal.

Please note that the contact email address shown under 'Contact details' is not monitored, and any messages sent to this email address will not be attended to. Questions / clarifications concerning this ITT must be submitted by completing the Excel form “ITT_381 Request for clarification form.xlsx” via the Messaging area of the ITT, which can be accessed through the My Activities page of the Portal once you have logged-in and registered your interest in this opportunity.