BMFTR Awards €54.3M Project Management Agency Contract for Microelectronics, Supercomputing and Robotics

Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt, a central government authority operating in general public services, has awarded a contract for a project management agency for the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) in the field of "Microelectronics, Supercomputing, Robotics" (Projektträgerschaft für das Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) im Bereich „Mikroelektronik, Supercomputing, Robotik"). The awarded value of the contract is €54,298,853.97, covering research and development consultancy services, with an estimated duration from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029. The contract was awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Introduction

Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR), a central government authority operating in general public services, has conducted an open procedure for a project management agency to support the responsible department of the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The aim is to help plan, implement and monitor funding tasks in the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics.

The support includes in particular the following tasks: the project management agency collaborates in the preparation of funding guidelines; it advises interested parties and applicants technically and organisationally; it is responsible for project funding, including the review of applications and the approval or rejection of grants and allocations; it participates in the communication of activities and results; it supports the conception of funding activities in the aforementioned fields; and it contributes to strengthening development and production capabilities at the German location. The strategic-political tasks and overall coordination for the various funding programmes and activities remain with the BMFTR. The project management agency is bound by the BMFTR's guidelines and instructions within the scope of the contract.

The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No strategic procurement objectives were specified. The evaluation criteria are quality (50%) and price (50%). The quality criterion includes K1: concept for monitoring and analysing research and development projects as well as recording information, approaches and results of science and innovation research for the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing (35%); K2: concept for the technical and administrative processing of project funding projects as well as for contributing to the new and further development of funding measures and concepts as well as accompanying activities in the thematic field of this project management agency (45%); K3: concept for carrying out the accompanying tasks in the field of technical communication and science communication (20%). Two tenders were received. One winner was appointed: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH (large enterprise). Subcontracting was declared. The contract was concluded on 14/09/2026. The value of all contracts awarded in this notice is €54,298,853.97.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures the provision of a project management agency to support the BMFTR in planning, implementing and monitoring funding tasks in the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics, supporting research and innovation funding in Germany.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports Research Funding: Helps plan, implement and control funding tasks in microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics
• Significant Value: €54,298,853.97 awarded value
• Medium-Term Commitment: Duration from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029, with an option to extend once by up to 2 years
• Comprehensive Scope: Collaboration on funding guidelines, advice to interested parties and applicants, project funding, communication, conception of funding activities, and strengthening development and production capabilities in Germany
• Balanced Evaluation: 50% quality, 50% price
• Competition: 2 tenders received
• Subcontracting: Subcontracting declared

Contract Timeline

• Contract concluded: 14/09/2026
• Estimated start date: 01/10/2026
• Estimated duration end date: 30/09/2029
• Option: extension once by up to 2 years
• Notice published: 07 October 2026 (OJ S 194/2026)
• Notice dispatch date: 05 October 2026

Contract Overview

Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Key features include:

• One lot: LOT-0000
• Awarded value: €54,298,853.97
• Duration: 01/10/2026 – 30/09/2029
• Renewals: Maximum 1 renewal (option of extension once by up to 2 years)
• Framework type: No framework agreement
• Evaluation: Quality (50%) and Price (50%)
• Winner: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH (large enterprise)
• Subcontracting: Yes (value and percentage not known)
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement

Key Contract Details

• Main classification: 73200000 Research and development consultancy services
• Place of performance: Bonn, Kreisfreie Stadt (DEA22), Germany
• Procedure identifier: 4a6febeb-2e25-4902-b606-3a4d37c9d51d
• Internal identifier: 04514-5/6(2026)
• Type of procedure: Open
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU; VgV
• Review body: Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt

Lot Structure

Lot 1 – Project Management Agency for the BMFTR in the Field of "Microelectronics, Supercomputing, Robotics"

• Title: Projektträgerschaft für das Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) im Bereich „Mikroelektronik, Supercomputing, Robotik"
• Description: The aim of the tender is the commissioning of a project management agency that supports the responsible department of the BMFTR. It is to help plan, implement and control funding tasks in the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics. The support includes in particular the following tasks: collaboration on funding guidelines; technical and organisational advice to interested parties and applicants; responsibility for project funding, including review of applications and approval or rejection of grants and allocations; participation in the communication of activities and results; support for the conception of funding activities in the aforementioned fields; and contribution to strengthening development and production capabilities at the German location. The strategic-political tasks and overall coordination remain with the BMFTR.
• Internal identifier: 04514-5/6(2026)
• Awarded value: €54,298,853.97
• Winner: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
• Tenders received: 2
• Contract concluded: 14/09/2026
• Duration: 01/10/2026 – 30/09/2029
• Contract identifier: 04514-5/6(2026)

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Value (€)	Winner	Tenders
1	Project Management Agency for the BMFTR in the Field of "Microelectronics, Supercomputing, Robotics"	54,298,853.97	VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH	2
Total		54,298,853.97

Scope of Supply

The contract covers the following services:

• Collaboration on Funding Guidelines: The project management agency collaborates in the preparation of funding guidelines
• Advice: Technical and organisational advice to interested parties and applicants
• Project Funding: Responsibility for project funding, including the review of applications and the approval or rejection of grants and allocations
• Communication: Participation in the communication of activities and results
• Conception: Support for the conception of funding activities in the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics
• Strengthening Capabilities: Contribution to strengthening development and production capabilities at the German location
• Research and Development Consultancy Services: Services under CPV 73200000

Special Procurement Conditions

• Quality Criterion (50%): K1: concept for monitoring and analysing research and development projects as well as recording information, approaches and results of science and innovation research for the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing (35%); K2: concept for the technical and administrative processing of project funding projects as well as for contributing to the new and further development of funding measures and concepts as well as accompanying activities in the thematic field of this project management agency (45%); K3: concept for carrying out the accompanying tasks in the field of technical communication and science communication (20%)
• Price Criterion (50%): All award criteria, their weighting and evaluation formulas are listed in the tender document "Special Application Conditions"
• No Framework Agreement: No framework agreement
• Subcontracting: Subcontracting declared by winner (value and percentage not known)
• No Strategic Procurement: No strategic objectives specified
• Option: Option of extension of the contract by the contracting authority once by up to 2 years

About the Contracting Authority

Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt is a central government authority operating in general public services in Germany.

• Legal type: Central government authority
• Activity: General public services
• Registration number: 991-00227BMFTR-14
• Location: Berlin (DE300), Germany
• Postcode: 10117
• Email: vergabe@bmftr.bund.de
• Internet address: www.bmftr.bund.de

About the Winning Supplier

VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH is a large enterprise based in Berlin, Germany, specialising in research and development consultancy services.

• Size: Large
• Registration number: HRB 99568
• Location: Berlin (DE300), Germany
• Postcode: 10623
• Email: andreas.berns@vdivde-it.de
• Subcontracting: Yes (value and percentage not known)

Evaluation Criteria

The lot uses the following evaluation criteria:

• Quality (50%): Qualitätskriterium 50% – K1 (35%), K2 (45%), K3 (20%)
• Price (50%): Preiskriterium 50% – all award criteria, their weighting and evaluation formulas are listed in the tender document "Special Application Conditions"

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU
• Competition: 2 tenders received
• Subcontracting: Subcontracting declared
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds
• No framework agreement: No framework agreement
• No dynamic purchasing system used
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement
• Review body: Vergabekammer des Bundes beim Bundeskartellamt

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
• No EU funds were used for this procurement
• The awarded value is €54,298,853.97
• The procurement is divided into one lot
• Quality (50%) and Price (50%) are the evaluation criteria
• Two tenders were received
• The winner is a large enterprise
• Subcontracting was declared by the winner
• The estimated duration is from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029, with an option to extend once by up to 2 years
• The contract was concluded on 14/09/2026

Market & Industry Perspective

The German public sector research and development consultancy market features a mix of large and medium-sized enterprises. Project management agencies are essential for planning, implementing and monitoring public research funding programmes.

Key trends in this market include:

• Balanced evaluation: 50% quality, 50% price
• Large provider: Winner is a large enterprise
• Comprehensive scope: Collaboration on funding guidelines, advice, project funding, communication, conception of funding activities, and strengthening capabilities
• Medium-term projects: Duration from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029, with an option to extend once by up to 2 years
• Specialised services: Research and development consultancy in microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics
• Subcontracting: Subcontracting declared by winner

Economic Significance

At €54,298,853.97, this contract represents a significant investment in a project management agency for the BMFTR in the field of microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics. The contract will:

• Support Research Funding: Help plan, implement and control funding tasks in microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics
• Support Large Enterprise: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH is a large research and development consultancy
• Provide Medium-Term Delivery: Duration from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029, with an option to extend once by up to 2 years
• Ensure Funding Efficiency: Improve the planning, implementation and monitoring of public research funding
• Enable Operational Efficiency: Comprehensive support for the BMFTR's funding tasks
• Support Regional Development: Contribute to strengthening development and production capabilities in Germany

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this contract now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the completion of the contract or exercise of the extension option
• Related Works: Additional research and development consultancy procurements
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
• Other Ministry Projects: Similar project management agency procurement opportunities
• Other Public Sector Research Procurements: Similar research and development consultancy opportunities

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for research and development consultancy suppliers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for future procurement cycles
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
• Related Works: Other research and development consultancy procurements
• Other German Federal Ministries: Similar project management agency procurements
• Other Public Sector Research Organisations: Monitor further research and development consultancy opportunities

What Businesses Should Watch

• BMFTR's future procurement notices
• Other German federal research tenders
• Research and development consultancy market trends
• Changes to German procurement regulations
• Microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics funding developments
• Further project management agency opportunities in the public sector

GermanyTenders.com Procurement Intelligence

This project management agency contract is a notable example of German public sector research and development consultancy procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €54.3M awarded value
• Balanced evaluation: 50% quality, 50% price
• Large winner: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
• One lot: Project Management Agency for the BMFTR in the Field of "Microelectronics, Supercomputing, Robotics"
• Competition: 2 tenders received
• Medium-term project: Duration from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029, with an option to extend once by up to 2 years
• Comprehensive scope: Collaboration on funding guidelines, advice, project funding, communication, conception of funding activities, and strengthening capabilities
• Specialised services: Research and development consultancy in microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Quality: 50% quality-based evaluation with three sub-criteria
• Competitive pricing: 50% price-based evaluation
• Research and development consultancy expertise: Ability to deliver project management agency services
• Funding process capability: Ability to review applications and approve or reject grants
• Communication capability: Ability to carry out technical and science communication tasks
• Public sector experience: Understanding of German federal research funding requirements

Supplier Takeaways

• Demonstrate quality – 50% of evaluation is quality-based with three sub-criteria
• Offer competitive pricing – 50% of evaluation is price-based
• Showcase research and development consultancy expertise
• Demonstrate funding process capability
• Show technical and science communication capability
• Develop public sector experience with German federal ministries
• Monitor BMFTR and German federal research procurement opportunities
• Prepare for subcontracting and future procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt awarded a €54,298,853.97 project management agency contract to VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
• One lot: Project Management Agency for the BMFTR in the Field of "Microelectronics, Supercomputing, Robotics"
• Duration: 01/10/2026 – 30/09/2029, with an option to extend once by up to 2 years
• Evaluation: Quality (50%) and Price (50%)
• 2 tenders received
• Winner is a large enterprise
• Subcontracting declared
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• No framework agreement
• No strategic procurement
• Comprehensive scope: collaboration on funding guidelines, advice, project funding, communication, conception of funding activities, and strengthening development and production capabilities in Germany
• Contract concluded on 14/09/2026

Conclusion

This project management agency contract ensures the provision of support to the BMFTR in planning, implementing and monitoring funding tasks in the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics, supporting research and innovation funding in Germany. By awarding the contract to VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, the BMFTR secures a reliable large enterprise supplier with the capability to deliver comprehensive research and development consultancy services.

The 50% quality and 50% price evaluation reflects the balanced nature of research and development consultancy procurement, where both quality and cost are important differentiators among qualified suppliers. The duration from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029 with an option to extend once by up to 2 years, the comprehensive scope and the specialised services reflect the specific operational and strategic context of the project management agency procurement.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of quality, competitive pricing, research and development consultancy expertise, funding process capability, communication capability, and public sector experience in winning German federal research contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the contracting authority?

Ans: Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR), a central government authority operating in general public services in Germany.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: Awarded value €54,298,853.97.

Q: Who is the winner?

Ans: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, a large enterprise based in Berlin, Germany.

Q: What services are covered?

Ans: Project management agency services supporting the BMFTR in planning, implementing and controlling funding tasks in the fields of microelectronics, supercomputing and robotics, including collaboration on funding guidelines, advice to interested parties and applicants, project funding, communication, conception of funding activities, and strengthening development and production capabilities in Germany.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Quality (50%) with three sub-criteria (K1 35%, K2 45%, K3 20%) and Price (50%).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: From 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029, with an option to extend once by up to 2 years.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: Two tenders received.

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 the lot structure?

Ans: One lot – LOT-0000 (Project Management Agency for the BMFTR in the Field of "Microelectronics, Supercomputing, Robotics").

Q: Is subcontracting allowed?

Ans: Subcontracting was declared by the winner; value and percentage are not known.

Q: What is the main CPV classification?

Ans: 73200000 Research and development consultancy services.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 690804-2026, OJ S 194/2026, published 07 October 2026.

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