A framework for the systematic comparison between the DSA Transparency reports & the DSA Transparency Database submissions

The European Commission, specifically the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT), has issued a public procurement contract identified as EC-CNECT/2025/OP/0057. This contract, titled "A framework for the systematic comparison between the DSA Transparency reports & the DSA Transparency Database submissions," aims to develop a systematic framework to compare and benchmark data generated from two key content moderation transparency sources under the Digital Services Act (DSA): transparency reports from Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and submissions to the DSA Transparency Database.

The scope of the contract involves creating methodological tools to assess the data from these sources, focusing on identifying inconsistencies in transparency reporting. This work requires an analysis of data submissions in line with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2835 and proposes operational recommendations for compliance monitoring, including potential schema updates for the Transparency Database and improvements to reporting templates.

The estimated value of the contract is €225,000, and the maximum duration is set at 9 months. The procurement process will utilize an electronic submission method, with a submission deadline of September 30, 2025. The evaluation will consider a 60% quality and 40% price ratio, aiming to select proposals that deliver the best price-quality balance.

Eligibility is open to various entities such as consultancy firms, research institutes, and universities, though it is emphasized that smaller enterprises (SMEs) might not have the capacity for this contract due to the technical expertise required. There are options for involvement of subcontractors, allowing more complex applications made by consortia, although a single lead contractor is expected.

With the contract specifically targeting the ICT sector, applicants must have a strong background in digital policy analysis, regulatory compliance, and data comparison methodologies to effectively carry out the tasks outlined. The insights from this procurement will support the European Commission’s enforcement roles under the Digital Services Act, impacting the governance and operation of digital platforms within Europe.

Key dates include the publication of the call on August 29, 2025, and the public opening of tenders on October 1, 2025. Participants must be equipped with a Participant Identification Code (PIC) for submission, and electronic submissions can support multiple file types while ensuring data integrity and confidentiality through encryption. All submissions must comply with specified technical requirements and must be submitted before the stated deadline.

This procurement represents a significant opportunity for skilled entities to engage in critical work related to improving transparency and compliance mechanisms within the digital services sector under EU regulations.

The European Commission, DG CNECT Communications Networks, Content and Technology, has published a call for tenders with procedure identifier EC-CNECT/2025/OP/0057. The call, titled "A framework for the systematic comparison between the DSA Transparency reports & the DSA Transparency Database submissions," was published on 29/08/2025, with TED reference 165/2025 564994-2025. This is an open procedure with electronic submission.

The objective of this support contract is to develop a systematic framework to compare and benchmark the data generated through the two main content moderation transparency data sources of the Digital Services Act (DSA): the transparency reports and the DSA Transparency Database.

To test and apply this framework, the support contract will develop a methodology to compare the data reported in one cycle of Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) transparency reports with their statements of reasons submissions to the DSA Transparency Database in the same timeframe. This comparison aims to check for inconsistencies in the reporting. The methodology should consider differences in the relevant legal bases of the two data sources and document the comparative methodology for future use. The comparison should be made using the reports published according to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2835 of 4 November 2024 and the updated Transparency Database schema.

The support contract should focus on developing meaningful, per-platform quantitative indicators reports published in the covered timeframe. It should also propose operational recommendations for compliance monitoring, including recommendations for future schema updates to the DSA Transparency Database or improvements to the Transparency Reports templates.

The insights gained from this support contract will support the Commission in its supervision and enforcement work related to the Digital Services Act.

The estimated total value of the contract is 225,000 EUR. The nature of the contract is for services, with a maximum duration of 9 months. The award method is based on the best price-quality ratio. No framework agreement is specified.

Key milestones include:
TED publication date: 29/08/2025
Date and time of public opening: 01/10/2025 15:00 Europe/Brussels
Deadline for receipt of tenders: 30/09/2025 16:00 Europe/Brussels
Deadline for submitting questions: 22/09/2025 06:00 Europe/Brussels

The following documents are available for download:
ENInvitation to tender-CNECT2025OP0057Invitation letter, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENAnnex 2 to TS - DoH Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENAnnex 6 to TS - Financial form Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENAnnex 3 to TS - Agreement Power of Attorney Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENAnnex 4 to TS - List of subcontractors Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENAnnex 5.1 to TS - Commitment letter subcontractors Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENAnnex 5.2 to TS - Commitment letter entities Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENTender Specifications-CNECT2025OP0057 Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENAnnex 7 to TS - Declaration on non-conflict of interest Tender specifications, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available
ENModel Service Contract-CNECT2025OP0057 Draft contract, published on 29/08/2025, Version 1, No translations available

Submissions must be sent exclusively via electronic submission.

Regarding the eSubmission system, the following information is provided:
Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given below.
The system supports all 24 official EU languages.
The character set encoding is UTF-8.
The system encrypts all uploaded documents using an asymmetric key.
The supported file types depend on the type of submission.
Draft submissions can be viewed, edited, and deleted until the deadline.
The maximum number of documents allowed per tender is 200 files.
Attachments should be named following the System Requirements.
The maximum file size for attachments is 50 MB.
Use the latest versions of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for eSubmission.
A Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory for participation.
The content of the submission is not accessible after the deadline.

Troubleshooting tips for eSubmission:
Clear the cache and cookies on the Internet browser.
Ensure files follow the technical requirements of the system.

This tender is about creating a framework to systematically compare data from DSA transparency reports and the DSA Transparency Database. The goal is to ensure consistency in how VLOPs and VLOSEs report content moderation activities. The selected contractor will develop a methodology to compare data, identify inconsistencies, and propose improvements to the reporting process and database schema. The European Commission will use the results to monitor compliance with the Digital Services Act. The tender is open for submission electronically, and the deadline for submitting tenders is September 30, 2025.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but given the nature of the tender, it is likely open to organizations with expertise in research and development services, consultancy services, data analysis, and potentially legal expertise related to the Digital Services Act (DSA). This could include research institutes, consulting firms, legal firms, universities, and other entities with relevant capabilities.

Funding Type: The funding type is a procurement, specifically a service contract. The call is for tenders, indicating that the European Commission is seeking a contractor to provide specific services.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, the presence of "Annex 4 to TS - List of subcontractors" and "Annex 5.1 to TS - Commitment letter subcontractors" and "Annex 5.2 to TS - Commitment letter entities" suggests that applicants can involve subcontractors and other entities, implying that consortia are permissible, and potentially encouraged, but not explicitly required.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is not explicitly stated, but given that it is a European Commission tender, it is highly likely that it is open to entities within the EU and potentially the EEA. The specific tender documents should be consulted to confirm the precise geographic eligibility.

Target Sector: The target sector is ICT, specifically related to the Digital Services Act (DSA), content moderation, transparency, and data analysis. It also touches upon legal and regulatory compliance.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned. The relevant region is the EU, as the tender is issued by the European Commission.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on development and validation. The tender aims to develop a systematic framework and methodology for comparing data, testing this framework, and providing operational recommendations. This suggests the project is beyond the initial research phase and is geared towards practical application and validation.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the contract is 225,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered, as this is a service contract.

Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly mentioned, but it is likely a multi-stage process involving submission of a tender, evaluation, and contract award. The specific details would be outlined in the tender specifications.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is not mentioned, so it is likely not required.

Summary:

This is a call for tenders issued by the European Commission, DG CNECT, with the procedure identifier EC-CNECT/2025/OP/0057. The tender seeks a contractor to develop a systematic framework for comparing and benchmarking data related to content moderation transparency under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Specifically, the contractor will develop a methodology to compare transparency reports from Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) with their submissions to the DSA Transparency Database. The goal is to identify inconsistencies and provide recommendations for compliance monitoring, schema updates, and improvements to transparency reporting. The estimated total value of the contract is 225,000 EUR, and the maximum contract duration is 9 months. The submission method is electronic, with a deadline for receipt of tenders on 30/09/2025 at 16:00 Europe/Brussels. The award method is based on the best price-quality ratio. Interested parties must submit their tenders electronically, adhering to the specified requirements and deadlines. A Participant Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory for participation. The system supports 24 official EU languages and uses encryption to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. The maximum number of attachments allowed per tender is 200 files, each less than 50 MB in size. The contracting authority is not bound to reply to questions submitted after 22/09/2025 06:00 Europe/Brussels.