BMFTR Awards €36M Quantum Technologies and Photonics Project Management Contract to DLR

The German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt – BMFTR) has awarded a project management contract for Quantum Technologies and Photonics to the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. – DLR), represented by its DLR Projektträger unit. The €36 million contract covers the implementation of the "Quantum Systems" research programme, supporting the German government's Hightech-Agenda Deutschland (HTAD).

Introduction

The German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has awarded a project management contract for Quantum Technologies and Photonics to the German Aerospace Center (DLR), represented by its DLR Projektträger unit. The contract supports the implementation of the "Quantum Systems" research programme, which is part of Germany's Hightech-Agenda Deutschland (HTAD).

Quantum technology is one of six key technologies of the HTAD. The research programme runs under the motto "Developing cutting-edge technology. Shaping the future" and sets the innovation policy framework for research funding in this area until 2032. For the first time, the programme combines photonics and quantum technologies under one roof, recognising their importance as key innovation and growth drivers for Germany's economy and society.

The contract, valued at €36,009,268, was awarded to DLR Projektträger following an open procedure that attracted two tenders. The contract runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029, with an option for a one-time extension of up to two years.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures the effective implementation of Germany's quantum technologies and photonics research programme, supporting innovation, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports key technologies: Quantum technologies and photonics are HTAD key technologies
• Significant value: €36,009,268
• Long-term commitment: 3-year contract with 2-year extension option
• National importance: Supports Germany's innovation and competitiveness
• Strategic focus: Transfer and value creation emphasis
• Quality focus: 50% weighting on quality
• Trusted partner: DLR is a proven research management organisation

Contract Timeline

• Contract concluded: 18 August 2026
• Contract start date: 1 October 2026
• Contract end date: 30 September 2029
• Initial duration: 3 years
• Extension option: One-time up to 2 years
• Maximum total duration: 5 years
• Notice published: 28 August 2026 (OJ S 166/2026)

Contract Overview

BMFTR conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the German VgV (Procurement Regulation).

Key features include:

• Single lot: One contract covering project management for quantum technologies and photonics
• Awarded value: €36,009,268.00
• Duration: 3 years (1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029)
• Extension option: One-time up to 2 years
• No framework agreement: Direct services contract
• Evaluation: Quality (50%), Price (50%)
• Winner: DLR Projektträger (large enterprise)
• No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR)
Contract title	Projektträgerschaft für das Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) "Quantentechnologien und Photonik"
Main CPV	73200000 Research and development consultancy services
Procedure type	Open procedure (standard regime)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU; German VgV
Awarded value (EUR)	€36,009,268.00
Number of lots	1
Initial duration	3 years (1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029)
Extension option	One-time up to 2 years
Maximum total duration	5 years
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Quality (50%), Price (50%)
Location	Bonn, Germany (NUTS: DEA22)
Subcontracting	No
Number of tenders	2

Scope of Services

The contract covers a comprehensive range of project management services for the quantum technologies and photonics research programme:

1. Support for Programme Implementation

• Support for the implementation of existing funding lines and measures
• Development of new funding approaches with a strong focus on transfer and value creation
• Ongoing advisory services to the BMFTR

2. Monitoring, Analysis and Evaluation

• Observation of the research environment
• Analysis and evaluation of funding activities
• Identification of new framework conditions and opportunities

3. Funding Announcement Development

• Development of concepts and drafts for funding announcements
• Support for the BMFTR in the preparation of funding documentation

4. Programme Management, Citizen Participation and Communication

• Programme management support
• Citizen participation activities
• Communication activities

Programme Context – Hightech-Agenda Deutschland (HTAD)

• HTAD objective: More competitiveness, value creation and sovereignty for Germany
• Key technologies: Quantum technology is one of six HTAD key technologies
• Programme: "Forschungsprogramm Quantensysteme" (Quantum Systems Research Programme)
• Motto: "Spitzentechnologie entwickeln. Zukunft gestalten" (Developing cutting-edge technology. Shaping the future)
• Timeframe: Innovation policy framework until 2032
• Combined approach: First time photonics and quantum technologies under one roof

About the Contracting Authority

Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) is the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space. The ministry is responsible for research funding, technology policy, and space activities in Germany, playing a key role in supporting innovation and competitiveness.

About the Winning Supplier

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) – the German Aerospace Center – is Germany's national research centre for aeronautics and space. The DLR Projektträger (Project Management Agency) is a unit within DLR that provides project management services for research funding programmes on behalf of German federal ministries and other public bodies.

• Size: Large enterprise
• Headquarters: Linder Höhe, Köln, Germany (NUTS: DEA23)
• Registration number: VR2780
• Executing unit: DLR Projektträger
• Subcontracting: No

Evaluation Criteria

The contract was awarded based on two main criteria, each weighted at 50%:

Quality (50%)

The quality criterion is divided into three sub-criteria:

• K1: Core tasks of project funding (35%)
• K2: Technical-administrative aspects / international cooperation (35%)
• K3: Accompanying tasks of project funding (30%)

Price (50%)

Price criterion as detailed in the procurement document "Besondere Bewerbungsbedingungen".

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and German VgV.
• Competition: Two tenders were received, both submitted electronically.
• SME participation: No bids from SMEs were received.
• International participation: No bids from other EEA countries or outside the EEA.
• Subcontracting: No subcontracting was declared.
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds.
• No framework agreement: This is a direct services contract.
• No dynamic purchasing system used.
• Accelerated procedure: No.
• Strategic procurement: No strategic objectives specified.
• Review body: Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt.
• Mediation organisation: BMFTR.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The contract duration is 3 years with a 2-year extension option.
• Quality and price are equally weighted at 50% each.
• The winner is DLR, a large German research organisation.
• Two tenders were received.
• No SME bids were received.
• No subcontracting was declared.
• Review deadlines are governed by German GWB provisions.
• The contract supports Germany's Hightech-Agenda Deutschland.

Market & Industry Perspective

The German research funding landscape is characterised by a strong government commitment to key technologies. Quantum technologies and photonics are priority areas for the German government, with significant funding allocated through programmes like HTAD.

Key trends in this market include:

• Key technology focus: Government investment in quantum and photonics
• Project management support: Outsourcing of programme management to specialised organisations
• Long-term programmes: 5-year plus funding horizons
• Quality focus: 50% weighting on quality
• DLR as key partner: DLR Projektträger is a trusted partner for German ministries

Economic Significance

At €36 million, this contract represents a significant investment in research management for quantum technologies and photonics. The contract will:

• Support key technologies: Enable quantum and photonics research
• Drive innovation: Support Germany's innovation agenda
• Enable competitiveness: Strengthen Germany's technological sovereignty
• Support long-term stability: Up to 5-year contract
• Leverage DLR expertise: Use DLR's proven project management capabilities

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this contract now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 3-5 year contract period
• Related programmes: Other HTAD key technology areas
• Additional research funding: Other BMFTR programmes
• Other German ministries: Similar project management contracts

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for research management organisations:

• Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle
• Related programmes: Other key technology areas of HTAD
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with DLR
• Other German ministries: Similar project management contracts

What Businesses Should Watch

• BMFTR's future procurement notices
• Other HTAD key technology programmes
• German research funding trends
• Changes to German procurement regulations
• Quantum technology and photonics developments

GermanyTenders Procurement Intelligence

This project management contract is a notable example of German federal government research funding procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €36 million over 3-5 years
• Strategic importance: Quantum technologies and photonics are HTAD key technologies
• Quality focus: 50% weighting on quality
• Trusted partner: DLR is a proven project management organisation
• Long-term: Up to 5 years with extension option
• Limited competition: Only 2 tenders received

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Quality demonstration: Quality accounts for 50% of evaluation
• Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 50%
• Research management expertise: Understanding of project funding processes
• Key technology knowledge: Quantum technologies and photonics
• Government experience: Working with federal ministries

Supplier Takeaways

• Demonstrate high quality – 50% weighting
• Offer competitive pricing – 50% weighting
• Build research management expertise
• Develop key technology knowledge (quantum, photonics)
• Establish government relationships
• Monitor BMFTR and other German ministry procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• BMFTR awarded a €36M project management contract to DLR Projektträger
• Supports quantum technologies and photonics under HTAD
• Duration: 3 years + 2-year extension option (max 5 years)
• Evaluation: Quality (50%), Price (50%)
• Two tenders received
• Winner: DLR (large German research organisation)
• No subcontracting declared
• No SME bids received

Conclusion

This project management contract ensures the effective implementation of Germany's quantum technologies and photonics research programme, which is a key pillar of the Hightech-Agenda Deutschland. By awarding the contract to DLR Projektträger, the BMFTR secures a trusted partner with extensive experience in managing research funding programmes for German federal ministries.

The 50% weighting on quality reflects the importance of technical expertise and programme management capability in research funding, while the 50% weighting on price ensures cost-effectiveness. The limited competition (2 tenders) and absence of SME bids suggest that this is a highly specialised procurement requiring significant research management expertise.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of quality, competitive pricing, and research management expertise in winning German federal government research funding contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is BMFTR?

Ans: Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt – the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: €36,009,268.00.

Q: Who is the winner?

Ans: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), represented by its DLR Projektträger unit.

Q: What services are covered?

Ans: Project management services for quantum technologies and photonics research funding, including programme implementation support, monitoring, analysis, funding announcement development, programme management, and communication.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Quality (50%) and Price (50%). Quality includes core project funding tasks (35%), technical-administrative aspects/international cooperation (35%), and accompanying tasks (30%).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 3 years (1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029), with a one-time extension option of up to 2 years.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: Two tenders were received, both submitted electronically.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Q: What is the review body?

Ans: Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt.

Q: What is HTAD?

Ans: Hightech-Agenda Deutschland – Germany's high-tech agenda for competitiveness, value creation, and sovereignty, with quantum technology as one of six key technologies.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 595991-2026, OJ S 166/2026, published 28 August 2026.