Provision of hosting and co-location services for the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators

The European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has issued a call for tenders, identified as ACER/2025/OP/0042, for hosting and co-location services. This procurement opportunity is classified as an open procedure, allowing any qualified entity to participate. The estimated total value of the contract is €360,000, and the maximum duration for this framework agreement is 36 months, with provisions for renewals. The deadline for submission of tenders is set for September 15, 2025, at 16:00 Europe/Ljubljana time, and submissions must be made electronically.

Eligible applicants include individuals, public and private law bodies, and various organizations capable of delivering the specified services. While small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may not be explicitly prioritized, the documentation does not exclude them. The contracting authority encourages both single applicants and potential consortia, as the tender includes provisions for identified subcontractors.

The primary focus of this tender is on IT services, particularly those classified under CPV code 72251000, which pertains to disaster recovery services. The geographical scope is likely limited to EU-based entities, and the funds awarded are intended for operational services rather than grants.

The contract award will be determined based on a best price-quality ratio approach, with an evaluation methodology emphasizing technical quality (60%) and price (40%). Parties interested in applying must ensure that all necessary documents are submitted by the deadline, including technical, financial, and administrative offers along with any required subcontractor commitments.

Additional details available include various required forms—ranging from identification forms to declarations of honor—and pertinent submission guidelines, such as file size limitations and document formats. While there is no information regarding specific success rates for tenders, organizations are advised to prepare thoroughly to meet compliance with all outlined requirements.

This opportunity is aligned with EU priorities regarding digital infrastructure and energy regulation, seeking to enhance the agency’s IT capacity through competent service providers. Interested entities are encouraged to review all relevant documentation and adhere strictly to submission protocols to ensure a complete application.

The European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has announced a call for tenders, ACER/2025/OP/0042, for the provision of hosting and co-location services. The TED reference for this tender is 145/2025 500108-2025. This is an open procedure, and submissions must be electronic. The estimated total value of the contract is 360,000 EUR. The TED publication date is 31/07/2025. The lead contracting authority is the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators. The main classification (CPV) code is 72251000, which refers to disaster recovery services. The nature of the contract is for services, and the maximum contract duration is 36 months. The award method will be based on the best price-quality ratio, and it is a framework agreement without reopening of competition. The date and time of the public opening is scheduled for 16/09/2025 at 11:00 Europe/Ljubljana. The deadline for receipt of tenders is 15/09/2025 at 16:00 Europe/Ljubljana. The contracting authority is not bound to reply to questions submitted after 05/09/2025 at 06:00 Europe/Ljubljana.

The following documents are available for download:
Invitation to tender ACER-2025-OP-0042 eSubInvitation letter, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I Tender specifications, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I A Checklist for tenderers eSubOther invitation to tender document, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I B Identification of the tendererOther invitation to tender document, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I C Declaration on honourDeclaration on honour (tender), published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I D a Identification Form natural personOther invitation to tender document, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I D b Identification Form private law bodyOther invitation to tender document, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I D c Identification Form public law bodyOther invitation to tender document, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I E Power of attorneyOther invitation to tender document, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.
Annex I F List of identified subcontractorsOther invitation to tender document, published on 31/07/2025, Version 1, with no translations available.

Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given. The submission method is electronic.

Regarding frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the eSubmission system:
If the system is slow or doesn’t work while uploading/downloading documents, use the latest versions of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. If the issue persists, clear the cache and cookies on the Internet browser.
eSubmission supports the latest versions of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. For the most up-to-date technical recommendations, refer to the System Requirements link.
It is not possible to view the details of the submission after the deadline because the system encrypts all attachments upon upload and will not allow decryption after the deadline.
Submissions can be found in ‘My Submission(s)’ for open calls for tenders and requests to participate.
Attachments should be less than 50 MB in size. Larger files will not be accepted.
Attachment names must follow the System Requirements.
The system supports video submissions, and the specific formats are detailed in the System Requirements.
Invited candidates can only see the procurement documents after having selected an organisation in the F&T Portal, under “My Invitations”.
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).
When uploading a file in eSubmission, ensure it follows the technical requirements of the system.
The maximum number of documents that can be uploaded per tender is 200 files.
Tenderers need a PIC to submit a tender or a request to participate. Only one PIC per organisation should be used.
To register an organisation and get a Participant Identification Code (PIC), first check if the organisation is already registered using the Search PIC tool under 'How to Participate' > Participant Register.
A PIC is unique and its validity is not limited in time.
The system supports all 24 official EU languages.
The character set encoding is UTF-8.
The system uses encryption to ensure the integrity and the confidentiality of the information.
The supported file types depend on the type of submission and are specified within the system requirements.
Submissions in draft status can be edited, viewed, and deleted until the submission deadline.
If "Legal form: UNKNOWN" is displayed in the submission report, it is just a display issue and not a problem for the submission.
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In summary, this is a call for tenders by the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) for the provision of hosting and co-location services. The tender is open to any eligible entity that can provide these services, with a maximum contract duration of 36 months and an estimated total value of 360,000 EUR. The selection will be based on the best price-quality ratio. The submission process is electronic, and there are specific guidelines and requirements for the submission of tenders, including the use of a PIC, file size limits, and naming conventions for attachments. The deadline for submitting tenders is September 15, 2025. Interested parties should carefully review all the provided documents and FAQs to ensure compliance with the requirements.

Eligible Applicant Types: The documentation includes identification forms for natural persons, private law bodies, and public law bodies, suggesting that startups, SMEs, large enterprises, universities, research institutes, nonprofits, governments, and other types of organizations are potentially eligible. The requirement for a Personal Identification Code (PIC) also suggests a broad range of eligible applicants. The inclusion of a "List of identified subcontractors" implies that subcontractors are also considered.

Funding Type: Procurement. The opportunity is explicitly described as a "Call for tenders" with the procedure type being "Open procedure." The nature of the contract is "services."

Consortium Requirement: Both single applicants and consortia are potentially eligible. The documentation includes forms for identifying subcontractors, and the FAQ mentions that a Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory for participating as a sole candidate/tenderer or as a member of a group (consortium).

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): While the specific geographic eligibility isn't explicitly stated, the contracting authority is the "European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators," suggesting that the opportunity is primarily targeted towards entities within the EU. The system supports all 24 official EU languages.

Target Sector: The primary target sector is ICT, specifically related to hosting, co-location services, and disaster recovery. The main classification (CPV) code is 72251000, which corresponds to disaster recovery services. The call is related to the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, indicating a focus on the energy sector as well.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity mentions Europe/Ljubljana in the context of the date and time of the public opening and the deadline for receipt of tenders, indicating that the time zone is relevant. The system supports all 24 official EU languages.

Project Stage: The project stage is likely at the service provision stage, requiring established entities capable of providing hosting and co-location services.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the contract is 360,000 EUR.

Application Type: Open call. The procedure type is explicitly stated as an "Open procedure," and the submission method is electronic.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services. The opportunity is a procurement contract for the "Provision of hosting and co-location services."

Application Stages: The number of application stages is not explicitly mentioned, but the documentation suggests at least one stage involving the submission of a tender.

Success Rates: There is no information about the success rates.

Co-funding Requirement: There is no information about co-funding requirements.

Summary:

This is a call for tenders (ACER/2025/OP/0042) issued by the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) for the provision of hosting and co-location services. The estimated total value of the contract is 360,000 EUR, and the maximum contract duration is 36 months. The procedure is an open procedure, meaning any interested party can submit a tender. The submission method is electronic, and the deadline for receipt of tenders is 15/09/2025 at 16:00 Europe/Ljubljana. The contract will be awarded based on the best price-quality ratio, and it is a framework agreement without reopening of competition.

The call is relevant to entities that can provide hosting and co-location services, including disaster recovery services, and it is likely targeted towards entities within the EU. The documentation includes various annexes, such as the invitation letter, tender specifications, checklist for tenderers, identification forms for different types of entities (natural person, private law body, public law body), power of attorney, and a list of identified subcontractors. A Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory for participation. The system supports 24 official EU languages, and attachments must be less than 50 MB in size, with a maximum of 200 files per submission. The contracting authority is not bound to reply to questions submitted after 05/09/2025 06:00 Europe/Ljubljana.