Supply, installation and provision of services related to cabling material for the data communication networks

The General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (GSC) is inviting electronic tenders via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for CONSILIUM/2026/OP/0002 to establish a framework agreement for the supply, installation and related services for data communication cabling across GSC buildings. The contract is an open procedure awarded on a best price-quality ratio basis, has a maximum duration of 72 months, and requires compliance with technical minimums including EN 50575 CPR classification and a 25-year system warranty for data cabling. Key deadlines include TED publication on 10/03/2026 and the tender submission deadline of 14/04/2026 16:00 Europe/Brussels, with a public opening on 15/04/2026. Eligibility covers economic operators within the scope of EU procurement rules and partners from eligible third countries, and proposals must demonstrate financial, technical and security capabilities including required clearances for sensitive areas.

Title

Supply, installation and provision of services related to cabling material for the data communication networks

What it funds:a framework agreement for supply, installation, testing and related services for cabling used by computer, telecommunication, building management, security and audiovisual networks across the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) buildings. The contract covers materials, labour, testing (copper and fibre reflectometry/OTDR/power meter), documentation and maintenance-related work.

Contract type and length:Open procedure to award a framework agreement (without reopening of competition). Maximum contract duration 72 months; award by best price-quality ratio ¹.

1. 1Who can apply: economic operators established in the EU (or in countries covered by relevant procurement agreements). Sole bidders and consortia allowed; subcontracting permitted but identified subcontractors may be checked.
2. 2Mandatory registrations and documents: registration in the Participant Register (PIC) to submit via the eSubmission portal; completed legal entity and financial identification forms; declaration on honour for exclusion/selection criteria; required technical certificates and manufacturer 25-year system guarantee evidence for data cabling.
3. 3Main CPV: 32421000 Network cabling.

Key deliverables and requirements:compliant copper (Cat6A FTP/SFTP) and fibre (OM4/OS2) systems, patch panels, racks, PDUs, STS, testing equipment and procedures, documentation in DWG (AutoCAD) and test reports. Language requirements for on-site staff (B1–B2 CEFR depending on role). Safety, fire and site-permit procedures apply for works on GSC premises.

Indicative scale and budgeting:The procurement uses extensive M-lists and scenario indexes; financial scenario references and indexing in the tender documents indicate budgeting scenarios (project indexing Qp based on multi‑million EUR volumes; an internal scenario refers to ~€8.5M as a basis for indexing). Bidders must complete the mandatory Annex IV financial forms and off‑list markups ¹.

1. 1Deadlines: submission of tenders via eSubmission — 14/04/2026 16:00 (Brussels time). Public opening 15/04/2026 10:00 (Brussels).
2. 2Documents: Invitation to tender, Tender specifications and Annexes (Minimum requirements, Technical evaluation documents, Financial offer form, Health & Safety, Permit to work, Manual of procedures) available on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
3. 3Evaluation: technical quality (project and TEX simulations, procedures) plus financial offer; compliance with mandatory minimum requirements is eliminatory.

How to apply:register your organisation and obtain a PIC in the EU Participant Register, prepare and submit the technical and financial tender via the Funding & Tenders Portal eSubmission system, and attach all required Annex forms and evidence (legal, financial, technical, safety and manufacturer guarantees). See the procurement page on the portal for documents and the mandatory Financial Offer form (Annex IV) ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Procurement documents, annexes and the eSubmission link are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal: Call details CONSILIUM/2026/OP/0002.

Title:Supply, installation and provision of services related to cabling material for the data communication networks. Reference: CONSILIUM/2026/OP/0002. Contracting authority: The General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (GSC). Nature: Supplies contract with significant installation and service components, concluded as a framework agreement without reopening of competition. CPV: 32421000 Network cabling. Procedure: Open procedure. Award method: Best price-quality ratio. Maximum framework duration: 72 months. Place of performance: GSC buildings in Brussels (Belgium) and associated sites as detailed in the technical specifications.

Official tender page and documents:available via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, search by procedure identifier or use the direct listing for this call. Access eSubmission to apply electronically. Reference on TED: 48/2026 166189-2026. Portal access: EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Links:EU Funding & Tenders Portal listing EU F&T Portal – Call page, eSubmission guidance F&T eProcurement Documentation, TED notice search TED Notice reference, GSC procurement information GSC Public Procurement.

Scope of the Framework Contract

Purpose:Conclude a multi-year framework contract for the supply and installation of cabling material and associated services for data communication networks across the GSC estate. Networks include computer/data, telecommunication, building management system (BMS), security, and audiovisual (AV) networks. Most works take place in occupied premises.

• Framework agreement without reopening of competition; call-offs will be placed under the signed framework.
• Pricing and evaluation rely on pre-defined unit rate lists (M list), indices by project value/conditions (Qp, Hp) and operating works (Qt, Ht), and hourly rates (HR list).
• Contract includes material supply, installation, connection, testing, commissioning, documentation, as-built drawings, and quality control sign-off per acceptance phases.

Sites covered:GSC buildings in Brussels: Justus Lipsius (Rue de la Loi 175), Europa Building (Rue de la Loi 155), Lex (Rue de la Loi 145), Crèche (Avenue de la Brabançonne 100, Schaerbeek), Warehouse NOH (Chaussée de Vilvoorde 142, Neder-Over-Heembeek), and a disaster recovery datacentre near Brussels. Works also cover cable plant rooms, LRs, server rooms, sensitive/secured areas and public/office floors.

Technical Requirements and Minimum Compliance

The tender specifications define minimum requirements that must be fully met and evidenced at submission; any deviation leads to rejection. All cables must comply with EN 50575:2014 (CPR) and be at least Cca-s1,d1,a1, with manufacturer Declarations of Performance (DoP).

• Data cabling: End-to-end Class EA / Category 6A FTP or S/FTP permanent links per ISO/IEC 11801, EN 50173 series, EN 50174 series, EN 50310, EN 50346 A2, EN 50600 parts, with 25-year manufacturer system guarantee (copper and fibre), issued only to approved partners with trained staff. Re-embedded testing and interoperability must be proven.
• Optical fibre: OM4 multimode 50/125 LS0H and OS2 single-mode 9/125 LS0H, with LC/PC pigtails as standard; performance and attenuation thresholds as specified (e.g., OM4 10G up to €500 M; SM attenuation ≤0.4 dB/km at 1310/1550 nm).
• AV cabling: RG6 75Ω coax supporting SMPTE €259M, €292M, €424M; 12G-SDI per SMPTE ST 2082-1 (≥€50 M). Range of BNC HD/Micro BNC, MUSA patch panels, SMPTE €304M/€311Mcamera cables and patching.
• Security network: Segregated, inspectable routes; labelled infrastructure (e.g., 62.2.C marking), fire-resistant fibre backbones (RF120 = 120 minutes); visible, testable outlets for reflectometry.
• Infrastructure: Mesh cable trays (multiple sizes and wire gauges) with accessories, white PVC/steel/aluminium trunking with full accessory sets, conduits (metal/PVC), labelling and identification per GSC standards.
• Racks and power: Server/network racks in 19-inch formats with defined depths/widths, PDU passive/active with IEC locking, STS 16A/32A for dual-source transfer, optional E-Line electronic locks with networked management modules.
• Testing: 100% testing of all installed links. Copper: Class EA Permanent Link per ISO/IEC 11801 (500 MHz). Fibre: OTDR from both ends using launch/receive cords; power-meter tests; PDF reports; valid annual calibration certificates. AV: Coax/HD-SDI/12G-SDI, SMPTE, and continuity tests as applicable.
• Drawings and documentation: As-built in DWG (AutoCAD 2025), per layer and symbol conventions supplied by GSC. Single-line diagrams, rack elevations, infrastructure routing, socket numbering, and detailed technical drawings are mandatory deliverables before final acceptance.

Mandatory Minimum Requirements to evidence in the offer (selection of items, see full Annex II):Datasheets for: RG-6 coax and BNC 3G/12G SDI connectors; IP converters (device and rack side with SFP modules); DATA cables and RJ45 jacks; optical fibre cables and pigtails; fibre and copper patch panels; fibre and copper patch cords (incl. MTP); server and network rack systems; active and passive PDUs; STS 16A/32A; electronic locks and compatibility with racks; microducts and blown fibres; test instruments (copper reflectometer, OTDR, power meter); mesh cable trays and trunking. Evidence of staff training to maintain manufacturer’s 25-year system guarantee conditions; language levels for each profile (FR/EN per CEFR: PM/Works Coordinator B2 main + A1 second; Team Leader and CAD Designer B2; Technicians/Assistants/IT Facilities B1); suppliers’ written delivery lead-time guarantees enabling urgent interventions within 20 calendar days; compliance with EU data protection Regulation (EU) 2018/1725; compliance with applicable environmental, social and labour obligations; confirmation that no involved entity is subject to EU restrictive measures.

Contract Execution Model

• Work modes: Projects (larger interventions), TEX operating works (day-to-day tasks), and Professional Services (on-site IT Facilities Technicians and CAD Designer).
• Pricing mechanics: M list unit rates for supply and for installation/connection; indices by value and work conditions for Projects (Qp, Hp) and for TEX (Qt, Ht); HR list for hourly tasks; off-list supplies at manufacturer/supplier purchase price plus a fixed percentage mark-up declared in Annex IV-2. The price for evaluation is the Grand Total in Annex IV-6 Scenario (2).
• Phases: Phase 1 Study (technical solution, estimates, drawings, master schedule); Phase 2 Works and partial acceptances with quality control and required tests; Phase 3 Final acceptance upon full as-built dossier and clearance of observations.
• Scheduling and priorities: Project master and detailed schedules; TEX priorities P0/P1/P2 with strict deadlines (e.g., P0 execution within 3 calendar days; P1 within 7; P2 within 15).
• Access/security: Access badges, possible EU SECRET clearance requirements for works in classified rooms; permit-to-work and hot-work permits per GSC safety procedures; coordination meetings weekly; constraints to avoid disruption of meetings and VIP events; drilling/noise outside sensitive hours.
• Health & Safety: Strict compliance with Belgian H&S law, Code on Well-Being at Work, RGIE, and GSC Rules and Instructions Concerning Health and Safety for External Companies. Specific permits for risky works; environmental waste management and recycling obligations; PPE and collective protections; ATEX conditions as applicable.

Who Can Apply and How

Eligible Applicant Types:Economic operators capable of supplying and installing structured cabling and AV/security cabling infrastructure, such as: SMEs and large enterprises in network cabling and systems integration; specialised AV cabling firms; ICT infrastructure contractors; building systems cabling contractors; joint ventures/consortia; entities providing professional technical services (IT Facilities Technicians, CAD). Subcontracting and reliance on other entities’ capacities are allowed with required declarations and evidence (Annex I bis).

Funding Type:Public procurement, open procedure, supplies contract with services under a framework agreement. Payments are made for delivered supplies and services against approved statements and acceptances; no grants or co-financing mechanisms apply.

Consortium Requirement:Single tenderers or consortia may apply. Joint tenders are permitted; all members are jointly and severally liable. A group leader must be appointed and empowered via a power of attorney. Subcontracting is permitted; commitment letters and identity details are required. Entities whose capacities are relied upon must provide commitments and exclusion/selection declarations.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):Participation is open on equal terms to economic operators within the scope of the EU Treaties and those from non‑EU countries with agreements with the EU on public procurement market access, and GPA parties, subject to the conditions in those agreements. Execution of services occurs in Belgium at GSC sites.

Target Sector:ICT and data communications infrastructure; audiovisual cabling; security systems cabling; building and facilities ICT infrastructure; power distribution in racks; structured cabling, fibre optics, and related testing/documentation. Relevant broader areas: ICT, software services (limited to configuration of locks/PDUs), security, AV/broadcast infrastructure, buildings/construction interfaces.

Mentioned Countries/Locations:Belgium (Brussels, Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek, Neder-Over-Heembeek). The GSC buildings listed are in Brussels; the datacentre is located in proximity to Brussels.

Project Stage:Implementation and operations: supply, installation, commissioning, testing, documentation, and ongoing day-to-day operating works under the framework. This is not research or demonstration; it is commercial deployment and service delivery.

Funding Amount:Estimated total value is not explicitly stated in the notice. However, the financial forms include an evaluation scenario and indices referencing a base of €8.5 million for Qp distributions and €2 million for Qt distributions in the pricing model, indicating a multi‑million‑euro scale for evaluation purposes. The actual ordered quantities and values may differ significantly without right to compensation; framework ceilings are determined by the contracting authority at award.

Application Type and Submission:Open call. Electronic submission only via eSubmission on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. One tender per tenderer; withdrawals/replacements allowed before the deadline. The portal enforces file types/sizes (indicatively ≤50 MB per file), maximum documents per submission, and encryption upon upload.

Nature of Support:Money (payments for delivered supplies and services under the framework). No non‑monetary support is foreseen other than standard contract management interactions.

Application Stages:Single-stage open procedure with: submission; public opening (limited info shared); evaluation (exclusion, selection, technical/quality award criteria, financial); award and signature. No negotiation or competitive dialogue.

Success Rates:No success rate statistics are published for this opportunity. Award depends on full compliance with exclusion/selection criteria, meeting all minimum technical requirements, and achieving the best price-quality ratio under the defined criteria.

Co-funding Requirement:Not applicable. This is a purchasing contract; the contractor is paid per the contract. No co-funding from the contractor is required beyond normal performance costs included in prices.

Eligibility, Selection, and Exclusion

Exclusion and selection are evidenced via the Declaration on Honour (Annex I) and supporting documents. Key points include no bankruptcy; taxes/social security obligations fulfilled; no grave professional misconduct; no fraud/corruption/organised crime/money laundering/terrorism/trafficking; no significant contract performance deficiencies; compliance with competition law; no EU restrictive measures; and, if applicable, disclosure of facts/findings under Article 138(3) FR. For selection, consolidated assessment across the tenderer, consortium members, subcontractors, and relied entities applies. Conflict of interest statements are required. Evidence can be reused from recent prior procedures if still valid.

• Access to procurement: economic operators registered in the EU or in eligible third countries with procurement agreements with the EU or GPA participants.
• Legal entity form and supporting documents required for tenderers and identified subcontractors; financial identification form required for the tenderer (or group leader).
• PIC registration in the Participant Register is mandatory for tenderers and consortium members; subcontractors’ PIC is not obligatory but may be requested.
• Security: For permanent team members in sensitive areas, SECRET UE/EU SECRET clearance (or equivalent) for the works coordinator, project manager, and at least two technicians/team leaders. Proof or clearance application copies due at least 10 working days before contract entry into force for designated roles.
• Language skills: Minimum CEFR levels per role to ensure communication with GSC staff (see Minimum Requirements MR 18).

Award Criteria and Evaluation

Award is based on best price-quality ratio. The tender must meet all minimum requirements and provide quality documentation for the award criteria detailed in Section 6 of the Tender Specifications. Required quality documents to cross-reference in Annex III include:

• Criterion 1: Performance of the work – Project simulation (methodology, planning, quality, risk, resourcing, testing, documentation).
• Criterion 2: Performance of the work – TEX simulation (handling of day-to-day tasks, prioritisation P0/P1/P2, scheduling, documentation, testing, coordination).
• Criterion 3: Organisation of the work – Specific manual of procedures (governance, team structure, roles, scheduling control, H&S permitting, access, quality assurance, document control, as-built delivery, acceptance flow).

Financial evaluation uses the unit prices in the M list, indices (Qp/Hp for Projects; Qt/Ht for TEX), HR rates and off-list percentage mark-up. The price considered for evaluation is the Grand Total shown in Annex IV-6 Scenario (2). Prices are net of taxes and duties as the EU is exempt per the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities; prices must be quoted in EUR.

Templates and What to Submit

The contracting authority provides mandatory templates in the Documents section. Use and complete them precisely; do not alter forms or formulas. Core templates include:

• Invitation to tender letter (instructions, submission, opening, evaluation, contacts, data protection).
• Tender specifications PDF (technical and administrative parts, quality criteria, evaluation steps, acceptance process, safety, environmental rules, ordering, invoicing).
• Annex I: Declaration on honour on exclusion and selection criteria (legal persons/natural persons options; includes restrictive measures and other declarations).
• Annex I bis: Identification of the tenderer form; joint tender questionnaire; model power of attorney for consortia; list of identified subcontractors and their roles/percentages; commitment letter templates for subcontractors and for relied entities.
• Annex II: Minimum requirements checklist – complete YES/NO, and indicate the exact page references in your offer where compliance is demonstrated; attach all required datasheets and evidences.
• Annex III: Technical evaluation documents – cross-reference the pages/sections where the required award criterion documents are included (Project simulation, TEX simulation, Manual of procedures).
• Annex IV: Financial offer form (Excel) – do not modify structure/formulas. Complete: Annex IV-€1 MList unit prices for supply and installation; Annex IV-2 Off-list percentage; Annex IV-3 Project indices Qp and Annex IV-3 Hp; Annex IV-4 TEX indices Qt and Annex IV-4 Ht; Annex IV-5 HR hourly rates for TEX/Projects and professional services; Annex IV-6 Scenario sheets for financial evaluation.
• Annex V.1: Rules and instructions concerning health and safety – read and ensure capability to comply; integrate into your manual of procedures and planning.
• Annex V.2: Permit to work / Hot-work permit templates – understand pre-start notifications (to the Operational Safety Centre), daily start and finish notices, and specific measures required.
• Annex VI: General manual of procedures – governs project/TEX workflows, priorities, deadlines for estimates and execution, statements, and invoicing.

Document structure recommended for your submission:1) Administrative dossier: Annex I and Annex I bis completed and signed; legal entity form and evidence; financial ID form; PIC(s); consortium PoA (if applicable); subcontractor and relied-entity commitments; restrictive measures confirmations. 2) Technical dossier: Completed Annex II (min. requirements) with a hyperlinked table of datasheets; Technical data sheets for all required items; Project simulation; TEX simulation; Organisation and manual of procedures; CVs and language proof per roles; manufacturer partnership and training certificates for 25-year guarantee; H&S compliance approach; security clearance plan; sample as-built drawing set; testing methodology and sample reports; logistics/delivery commitments and supplier guarantees for urgent deliveries. 3) Financial dossier: Fully completed Annex IV Excel with all sheets; confirm understanding of VAT exemption; no modifications to structure/formulas.

Operational, Safety and Security Conditions

• Works scheduling must avoid disruption of meetings; noisy tasks before 08:30 in office areas or per conference schedules; weekly VIP schedules to be respected.
• Permit to work and, where applicable, hot-work permits are compulsory; daily notification to the Operational Safety Centre before start and at completion; detectors and firefighting systems coordination required where dust/smoke or impacts are expected.
• Staff presence limited to authorised areas; dress code and visible IDs required; code of conduct enforced; incidents must be reported immediately; any misconduct may lead to access revocation.
• Environmental obligations: grouped deliveries to reduce trips; waste segregation and recycling; certificates of destruction/recycling for metals/cables after large dismantlings; ISO 14001 eases evidence but is not mandatory if robust procedures are provided.
• Stockholding: Maintain minimum stock levels to meet emergency works (e.g., 200 Cat6A connectors, 5 km Class EA cable; 2 km SM/MM fibre 6-pair with pigtails; 2 km RG6 HD/12G coax and 100 BNC per type; plus related operational items).

Key Administrative Rules and Contacts

• Submission strictly via eSubmission; late tenders are rejected. One tender per tenderer; the latest valid submission counts if multiples are uploaded and not withdrawn.
• Opening session: virtual; up to two representatives per tender may attend upon timely request; only names of tenderers are announced.
• Evaluation clarifications: contracting authority may request missing evidence/clarifications within set deadlines; no substantial changes to tenders allowed.
• Ordering and invoicing: projects invoiced after provisional acceptances and final upon final acceptance; TEX invoiced monthly or periodically for items with status invoicing pending; the GSC may suspend payments pending required documentation or corrections.
• Data protection: processing per Regulation (EU) 2018/1725; EDES registration if applicable under Article 138 FR; privacy statements available via EU sites.

Categorisation Summary Answers

Eligible Applicant Types:SMEs, large enterprises, system integrators, ICT and cabling contractors, AV cabling specialists, building infrastructure cabling firms, joint ventures/consortia, and organisations providing professional services (IT Facilities Technicians, CAD). Nonprofits or research institutes could participate only if they can meet all technical and legal requirements as economic operators. Subcontractors and capacity-providing entities are allowed with formal commitments.

Funding Type:Procurement (supplies with services) under a framework agreement; not a grant. Payments for delivered, accepted supplies and services.

Consortium Requirement:Not required; both single applicants and consortia are allowed. If a consortium is used, group leader with power of attorney and joint and several liability are mandatory.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU-based economic operators and those from eligible third countries (procurement agreements with the EU, GPA countries) as per GSC procurement access conditions. Place of performance: Belgium (Brussels area).

Target Sector:ICT/data communications, AV/broadcast cabling, security systems cabling, building infrastructure/ICT facilities, power distribution in racks. Cross-cuts: software services are minimal (device configuration), with focus on physical infrastructure.

Mentioned Countries:Belgium (Brussels, Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek, Neder-Over-Heembeek). Region: European Union institution sites in Brussels.

Project Stage:Implementation, commissioning, and operational support (TEX). No R&D elements; commercial rollout and service delivery.

Funding Amount:No explicit ceiling published. Financial evaluation scenarios indicate multi‑million‑euro scope, with pricing indices referencing €8.5 million and €2 million bases for evaluation computations. Actual orders under the framework can vary and do not constitute a commitment to quantities.

Application Type:Open call via eSubmission on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; single submission stage with public opening and subsequent evaluation.

Nature of Support:Money: payments for supplies and services delivered and accepted under the framework.

Application Stages:1 stage (submission) followed by opening and evaluation; no prior expression of interest, no negotiation. Clarifications may be requested post-opening.

Success Rates:Not disclosed. Competitive open procedure awarded on best price-quality ratio with strict minimum technical compliance.

Co-funding Requirement:No. Standard procurement payments apply; the contractor bears performance costs within agreed unit prices and terms.

How to Prepare a Competitive Tender

1. 1Register your organisation and obtain a PIC in the Participant Register; ensure all consortium members have PICs.
2. 2Download and study all documents (Invitation letter; Tender specifications; Annexes I, I bis, II, III, IV, V.1, V.2, VI).
3. 3Complete Annex I Declaration on Honour and Annex I bis Identification; if joint tendering, include PoA and role allocation; include subcontractor and relied-entity commitments as applicable.
4. 4Build the technical dossier to satisfy all Minimum Requirements in Annex II with precise page references. Include manufacturer certifications, 25-year guarantee eligibility letters, staff training proofs, language skills per CEFR, and suppliers’ delivery guarantees for urgent orders.
5. 5Provide award criterion documents: Project simulation; TEX simulation; Organisation manual mapping to Annex VI and H&S Annex V; quality, risk, testing, documentation, and acceptance processes.
6. 6Populate the Financial Offer (Annex IV) completely: M List unit prices; off-list percentage; indices (Qp/Hp, Qt/Ht); HR rates; ensure Grand Total in Annex IV-6 Scenario (2) is generated. Keep formulas unchanged.
7. 7Plan for security clearance: provide current EU SECRET (or equivalent) clearances for the PM, works coordinator, and at least two technicians/team leaders or provide evidence of applications 10 working days before contract start for designated posts.
8. 8Demonstrate stockholding/logistics capability and the ability to meet urgent 20-day delivery commitments; include supplier guarantee letters in Annex II MR19 response.
9. 9Ensure CAD capability for AutoCAD 2025 DWG outputs, layer conventions, and deliver sample drawings consistent with GSC standards.
10. 10Validate submission on eSubmission: file types, sizes, encryption, and upload all mandatory documents; attend opening session upon request.

Summary and Explanation

This opportunity is a comprehensive multi-year framework agreement to supply, install, and maintain cabling infrastructure for the Council’s buildings in Brussels. It spans structured data cabling (Cat6A and fibre OM4/OS2), audiovisual and security cabling, and associated infrastructure such as racks, PDUs, STS units, cable trays, trunking, and blown fibre microducts. The contract is governed by strict EU and Belgian standards, a robust health and safety regime with permit-to-work requirements, and rigorous documentation/testing deliverables including 100% link testing and AutoCAD as-built plans.

Tenderers must demonstrate full technical compliance via a highly detailed set of minimum requirements, maintain manufacturer partnership conditions for a 25-year system guarantee, and field qualified, language-capable teams with security clearances for sensitive areas. Operational delivery is organised into project engagements, day-to-day operating works (TEX), and embedded professional services roles, each with specific pricing indices and deadlines. Pricing is controlled through a mandatory financial form listing hundreds of material and service items, and evaluation balances quality submissions (project/TEX simulations and a procedures manual) against the calculated total price. Electronic submission through the Funding & Tenders Portal is mandatory, and the award is based on best price-quality ratio. The framework provides a pathway for qualified ICT infrastructure and specialist cabling firms—individually or in consortia—to deliver mission-critical connectivity across the Council’s buildings under clear, standardised, and safety-led processes.

Opportunity Overview

This is an open procedure call for tenders to establish a framework agreement without reopening of competition for the supply, installation, and provision of services related to cabling material for data communication networks. These networks include computer, telecommunication, building management system, security, and audiovisual networks in the buildings of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (GSC). The procedure identifier is CONSILIUM/2026/OP/0002, with TED reference 48/2026 166189-2026. The main CPV code is 32421000 - Network cabling. The nature of the contract is supplies, awarded based on best price-quality ratio, with a maximum duration of 72 months.

Key Dates and Milestones

• TED publication date: 10/03/2026
• Deadline for receipt of tenders: 14/04/2026 16:00 Europe/Brussels
• Date and time of public opening: 15/04/2026 10:00 Europe/Brussels
• Contracting authority not bound to reply to questions after: 06/04/2026 23:59 Europe/Brussels

Contracting Authority

Lead contracting authority:The General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union. Submissions must be electronic via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. The primary opportunity URL is EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

Open to all natural and legal persons within the scope of EU Treaties, third-country entities with relevant agreements, and WTO GPA signatories. Tenders must include a signed legal entity form, financial identification form, declaration on honour for exclusion and selection criteria, and evidence of compliance. Joint tenders, subcontracting, and reliance on third-party capacities are permitted with specific documentation. PIC registration is mandatory. No lots. Exclusion applies for bankruptcy, tax/social security breaches, fraud, corruption, or other criminal offences.

Selection Criteria

• Economic and financial capacity: Consolidated balance sheets, turnover requirements.
• Technical and professional capacity: Team qualifications, experience, certifications for 25-year warranty, language skills (French/English B1-B2 levels), staff training proofs.
• Quality assurance: ISO certifications preferred.

Scope of Services

Framework covers three modes:Projects (major works), TEX (day-to-day operations), Professional Services (IT technicians, CAD designers). Includes supply/installation of copper/fibre cables (Cat6A, OM4/OS2), coaxial/audio/video cables, racks, PDUs, STSs, patch panels, connectors, infrastructure (trays, trunking), testing equipment. All materials CPR Cca-s1,d1,a1 compliant. 25-year warranty required for data cabling. Detailed M-list in Annex IV-1 with 421 items.

Technical Minimum Requirements (Annex II)

• Data sheets for all key materials (cables, connectors, racks, testers) confirming standards compliance.
• Staff training certification for 25-year warranty.
• Language proficiency proofs.
• Supplier guarantees for urgent delivery (<20 days) of specified stock quantities.
• Compliance with data protection (EU 2018/1725), environmental/social/labour laws.

Financial Aspects

Pricing Structure:Unit prices for M-list (supply + labour), off-list markup %, hourly rates for HR profiles, indexes (Qp/Hp for projects, Qt/Ht for TEX). Evaluation based on Grand Total of Annex IV-6 Scenario (2), incorporating estimated volumes, indexes, professional services.

Estimated Volumes (Scenario 1)

Covers extensive quantities e.g. 550km Cat6A cable, 100km fibre, thousands of connectors/patch cords, 150+ racks. No total value specified; actual orders may vary significantly without price adjustment.

Professional Services

Annual orders for 2 IT Facilities Technicians and 1 CAD Designer at specified hourly rates (Annex IV-5).

Evaluation and Award Criteria

Best price-quality ratio. Exclusion/selection first, then quality (100 points):Project simulation (50 pts), TEX simulation (30 pts), Specific procedures manual (20 pts), then price. Documents in Annex III.

Key Documents (11 Available)

• Invitation to tender.
• Tender specifications + annexes (declarations, minimum requirements, evaluation docs, financial form, health/safety rules, permit to work, procedures manual).

Conditions and Requirements

Staff and Security:Permanent team of min. 6 technicians, 2 team leaders with EU SECRET clearance. Project manager/works coordinator also need clearance. Language: French/English B1-B2. Training for server rooms/datacentres.

Health/Safety/Environment:Strict rules (Annex V.1/V.2), work permits required, fire safety, waste management. ISO 14001 preferred.

Quality/Testing:100% testing (reflectometry, OTDR, power meter), as-built DWG plans (AutoCAD 2025), 3dB margin on data links.

Submission Requirements

1. 1Electronic via eSubmission (PIC required).
2. 2Annex I: Declaration on honour (exclusion/selection).
3. 3Annex I bis: Tenderer identification.
4. 4Annex II: Minimum requirements compliance.
5. 5Annex III: Technical evaluation docs.
6. 6Annex IV: Completed financial offer form (unmodified).
7. 7Evidence for selection criteria.

Tenders valid until specified in notice. Questions via portal before 06/04/2026. No Q&A yet. All docs in English, no translations.

Risks and Considerations for Applicants

• Strict compliance mandatory; non-compliant offers rejected.
• Security clearances essential; delays if not provided.
• Urgent delivery <20 days critical.
• Detailed pricing/indexes impact evaluation.
• Framework: no guaranteed volumes, actual needs vary.

Full details and documents downloadable from the portal. TED notice:TED Notice. GSC procurement info: GSC Procurement.