IT4LIA AI-Optimised Supercomputer

The European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EUROHPC JU) has issued a call for tenders, labeled EUROHPC/2025/OP/0008, for the acquisition, delivery, and installation of the IT4LIA AI-optimised supercomputer at CINECA. This tender represents a significant procurement opportunity with an estimated contract value of €290 million and a maximum duration of 72 months.

This project aims to enhance high-performance computing capabilities specifically tailored for artificial intelligence applications. The supercomputer will offer pre-configured environments to simplify usage for various AI-related tasks, incorporating technologies such as Docker containers, Singularity modules, Kubernetes, and GitLab. These tools will ensure flexible, scalable, and secure workflows. The procurement procedure is characterized as an open call, with submissions required through electronic means. The deadline for submitting tenders is set for November 10, 2025, and the public opening will take place on November 11, 2025.

Eligible applicants are expected to include large enterprises and technology providers with expertise in supercomputing infrastructure and AI, as the scale and complexity of the project make it unsuitable for small and medium-sized enterprises acting independently. However, SMEs may join consortia as partners or subcontractors. A Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory for all participants, whether bidding individually or as part of a group.

The tender is governed by EU procurement regulations, adhering to a best price-quality ratio for the assessment of bids. It aims to support the EU’s strategic objectives in digital technology and competitiveness in AI research and industry applications.

Interested parties must prepare by reviewing the administrative and technical specifications, financial offer forms, and related documents provided through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. The submission system is multilingual, ensuring accessibility in all official EU languages, and it has specific technical requirements regarding file size and format. The contract reflects not a funding program in the traditional sense, but a supply contract due to the direct monetary exchange for services and goods rendered by the contractor.

The European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EUROHPC JU) has published a call for tenders EUROHPC/2025/OP/0008 for the acquisition, delivery, and installation of the IT4LIA AI-optimised supercomputer at CINECA. The TED reference for this call is 191/2025 650924-2025.

The procedure type is an open procedure, and submissions must be sent exclusively via electronic submission. The estimated total value of the contract is 290,000,000 EUR. The nature of the contract is for supplies, and the maximum contract duration is 72 months. The award method will be based on the best price-quality ratio. No framework agreement is mentioned.

Key milestones include a TED publication date of October 6, 2025. The date and time of the public opening is scheduled for November 11, 2025, at 16:00 Europe/Luxembourg time. The deadline for receipt of tenders is November 10, 2025, at 16:00 Europe/Luxembourg time. The contracting authority is not bound to reply to questions submitted after October 31, 2025, at 07:00 Europe/Luxembourg time.

The AI supercomputer at CINECA aims to simplify the use of high-performance computing for AI-related tasks by providing users with pre-configured environments, such as Docker containers and Singularity modules. A key focus is on facilitating flexible, scalable, and secure workflows through tools like Kubernetes and GitLab. The deployment of Kubernetes, alongside traditional batch systems, supports the orchestration of complex workflows, enables interactive computing (e.g., with JupyterHub), and enhances scalability. This infrastructure aligns with industry practices and offers a more seamless transition for private sector users. Additionally, Kubernetes' support for secure, multi-tenant environments addresses stringent security and resource-sharing needs.

The following documents are available for download:

ENIT4LIA - Part 2 -Technical-specifications: Tender specifications, published on 06/10/2025, Version 1, No translations available.
ENIT4LIA - Part 1 - Administrative Specifications: Tender specifications - adm. part, published on 06/10/2025, Version 1, No translations available.
ENAnnex6 Financial Reponse IT4LIA: Financial offer form, published on 06/10/2025, Version 1, No translations available.
ENEN-Invitation to tender EUROHPC2025OP0008 IT4LIA AI: Invitation to tender (request for offer), published on 06/10/2025, Version 1, No translations available.
ENDraft Contract acquisition, delivery, installation of the IT4LIA AI-optimised supercomputer: Draft contract, published on 06/10/2025, Version 1, No translations available.

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In summary, this tender opportunity is for the acquisition, delivery, and installation of an AI-optimized supercomputer at CINECA, Italy, under the EUROHPC initiative. The project aims to provide a high-performance computing environment tailored for AI tasks, utilizing technologies like Docker, Singularity, Kubernetes, and GitLab to facilitate scalable, secure, and user-friendly workflows. The tender is an open procedure with a substantial budget of 290 million EUR and a maximum contract duration of 72 months. Interested parties must submit their tenders electronically by November 10, 2025, and should consult the provided documentation for detailed technical and administrative specifications. A PIC code is mandatory for participation. The eSubmission system supports various file types and languages, and provides FAQs to assist applicants with technical issues.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, given the nature of the tender which is for the acquisition, delivery, and installation of an AI-optimised supercomputer, it is likely that eligible applicants would include large enterprises, technology providers, and consortia with expertise in supercomputing infrastructure and AI.

Funding Type: This is a procurement opportunity, specifically an invitation to tender (request for offer). The nature of the contract is supplies.

Consortium Requirement: The text mentions that a Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory to participate in a call for tenders as a sole candidate/tenderer or as a member of a group (consortium). This suggests that both single applicants and consortia are eligible.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is not explicitly stated. However, given that it is a EUROHPC JU tender, it is likely open to entities within the European Union and associated countries.

Target Sector: The target sector is high-performance computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). More specifically, it targets the acquisition, delivery, and installation of an AI-optimised supercomputer.

Mentioned Countries: Italy is mentioned indirectly through "IT4LIA," which is part of the tender title, suggesting the supercomputer will be located in Italy. The call is managed from Europe/Luxembourg.

Project Stage: The project is at the stage of acquisition, delivery, and installation, indicating a mature project stage.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the tender is 290,000,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders, with electronic submission.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for the acquisition, delivery, and installation of the AI-optimised supercomputer.

Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly mentioned, but it can be inferred that there are multiple stages involving submission of the tender, evaluation, and contract award.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement.

Summary:

This is a call for tenders, specifically an invitation to tender, issued by the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EUROHPC JU) for the acquisition, delivery, and installation of an AI-optimised supercomputer at CINECA in Italy. The project, named IT4LIA, aims to simplify the use of high-performance computing for AI-related tasks by providing users with pre-configured environments and scalable workflows. The supercomputer will utilize technologies like Docker containers, Singularity modules, Kubernetes, and GitLab. The procedure type is an open procedure, and submissions must be electronic. The estimated total value of the contract is 290 million EUR, and the maximum contract duration is 72 months. The deadline for receipt of tenders is November 10, 2025. The award method is based on the best price-quality ratio. The tender documents include administrative specifications, technical specifications, a financial offer form, the invitation to tender, and a draft contract. The eSubmission system supports multiple languages and file types, with a maximum attachment size of 50 MB and a limit of 200 files per submission. A Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory for participation, whether as a sole candidate or as part of a consortium. The system encrypts all uploaded documents to ensure integrity and confidentiality.