Länder Rheinland-Pfalz und Saarland Award LAN Components Framework to Converge Technology Solutions

The Länder of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, represented by the Landesbetrieb Daten und Information Rheinland-Pfalz (LDI), have awarded a framework agreement for Alcatel LAN network components to Converge Technology Solutions Germany GmbH. The framework has an estimated value of €10 million and runs for an initial 3 years with a 1-year extension option. The contract covers the supply of Alcatel hardware, software components, and related services for the network infrastructure of the state administrations.

Introduction

The Länder of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, represented by the Landesbetrieb Daten und Information Rheinland-Pfalz (LDI), have conducted an open procedure for the procurement of Alcatel LAN network components. The framework agreement covers the supply of network components, hardware, software, and related services for the network infrastructure of the state administrations and other eligible entities.

The framework has an estimated value of €10 million and runs for an initial 3 years, with a 1-year extension option. The contract was awarded to Converge Technology Solutions Germany GmbH, a medium-sized enterprise based in Mainz. Three tenders were received. No subcontracting was declared.

The procurement is brand-specific (Alcatel) due to the existing extensive installed base, long-term service commitments, and technical expertise for this manufacturer.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures the continued supply of compatible network components for the IT infrastructure of two German federal states, supporting administrative operations and digitalisation.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports public administration: Provides network infrastructure for state governments
• Significant value: €10,000,000 estimated
• Long-term commitment: Up to 4 years (3 + 1-year option)
• Brand-specific: Alcatel components for compatibility
• Two states: Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland
• Price focus: 100% price-based evaluation
• SME winner: Converge Technology Solutions is a medium-sized enterprise

Contract Timeline

• Contract concluded: 31 August 2026
• Initial duration: 3 years
• Maximum renewals: 1 (1 year)
• Maximum total duration: 4 years
• Notice published: 10 September 2026 (OJ S 175/2026)

Contract Overview

The LDI 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 framework covering all Alcatel LAN components
• Estimated value: €10,000,000
• Initial duration: 3 years
• Extension option: 1 year
• Maximum total duration: 4 years
• Framework type: Without reopening of competition
• Evaluation: Price (100%)
• Winner: Converge Technology Solutions Germany GmbH (medium enterprise)
• No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authorities	Länder Rheinland-Pfalz und Saarland, represented by LDI
Contract title	Ex post - Rahmenvertrag LAN-Komponenten 2026 (Alcatel)
Main CPV	32422000 Network components
Procedure type	Open procedure (standard regime)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU; German VgV
Estimated value (EUR)	€10,000,000.00
Number of lots	1
Initial duration	3 years
Extension option	1 year
Maximum total duration	4 years
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Price (100%)
Location	Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Subcontracting	No
Number of tenders	3
Brand	Alcatel

Scope of Services

The framework covers the following products and services:

• Network components: Alcatel LAN network components
• Hardware components: Hardware for network infrastructure
• Software components: Software for network management and operation
• Supplementary products: Additions, extensions, and successor products from Alcatel
• Services: Associated services as offered by the manufacturer

Brand-Specific Justification

• Existing installed base: Significant use of Alcatel equipment across the state administrations
• Long-term service commitments: Existing long-term service obligations
• Technical expertise: Extensive technical know-how for commissioning, management, and maintenance of Alcatel equipment
• Compatibility: Future products from this manufacturer will continue to be used

About the Contracting Authority

Landesbetrieb Daten und Information Rheinland-Pfalz (LDI) is the IT service provider for the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, responsible for the operation and management of the state's IT infrastructure. The LDI acts as a central purchasing body for the Länder of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

About the Winning Supplier

Converge Technology Solutions Germany GmbH is a medium-sized IT company based in Mainz, specialising in network infrastructure, IT solutions, and technology consulting.

• Size: Medium enterprise
• Headquarters: Carl-von-Linde-Straße 12, Mainz, Germany (NUTS: DEB35)
• Registration number: DEB35
• Beneficial owner: Germany
• Specialisation: Network infrastructure, IT solutions
• Subcontracting: No

Evaluation Criteria

The contract was awarded based on a single criterion:

• Price (100%): Total price as per the price sheet

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and German VgV.
• Competition: Three tenders were received.
• SME participation: The winner is a medium-sized enterprise.
• Subcontracting: No subcontracting was declared.
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds.
• No framework agreement with reopening: The framework is without reopening of competition.
• No dynamic purchasing system used.
• Accelerated procedure: No.
• Strategic procurement: No strategic objectives specified.
• Review body: Vergabekammern Rheinland-Pfalz.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The framework has an estimated value of €10,000,000.
• The contract runs for 3 years with a 1-year extension option.
• Price is the sole evaluation criterion (100%).
• Three tenders were received.
• The winner is a medium-sized enterprise.
• No subcontracting was declared.
• The procurement is brand-specific (Alcatel).
• The framework covers Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
• The maximum framework value is unpublished due to commercial interests.

Market & Industry Perspective

The German public sector IT procurement market often involves brand-specific frameworks due to existing installed bases and long-term service commitments. Alcatel is a major player in the network infrastructure market, with significant presence in the public sector.

Key trends in this market include:

• Brand-specific procurement: Continued use of existing manufacturers
• Price focus: 100% price-based evaluation
• Long-term frameworks: 3-4 year agreements
• Central procurement: LDI as central purchasing body
• Multi-state cooperation: Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland

Economic Significance

At €10 million, this framework represents a significant investment in network infrastructure for two German federal states. The contract will:

• Support public administration: Enable digitalisation and IT operations
• Support SME: Converge Technology Solutions is a medium-sized enterprise
• Provide long-term stability: Up to 4-year framework
• Ensure compatibility: Brand-specific procurement maintains technical continuity
• Enable cost efficiency: 100% price-based evaluation

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this framework now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 4-year maximum duration
• Related services: Additional network and IT services
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Converge Technology Solutions
• Other German states: Similar network component frameworks

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for network component suppliers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Converge Technology Solutions
• Related services: Other network and IT services
• Other German states: Similar network component procurements

What Businesses Should Watch

• LDI's future procurement notices
• Other German state IT infrastructure tenders
• Network component market trends
• Changes to German procurement regulations

GermanyTenders Procurement Intelligence

This LAN components framework is a notable example of German state-level IT procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €10M over up to 4 years
• Brand-specific: Alcatel components only
• Price focus: 100% price-based evaluation
• SME winner: Converge Technology Solutions is a medium enterprise
• Multi-state: Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland
• Central procurement: LDI as central purchasing body

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 100%
• Manufacturer partnerships: Alcatel relationships
• Public sector experience: Understanding of state procurement
• Brand expertise: Alcatel product knowledge
• SME status: SMEs can compete effectively

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing – 100% of evaluation is price-based
• Build manufacturer partnerships (Alcatel)
• Develop public sector experience
• Demonstrate brand expertise
• Monitor LDI and German state IT procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• LDI awarded a €10M LAN components framework to Converge Technology Solutions Germany GmbH
• Single lot covering Alcatel network components, hardware, and software
• Duration: 3 years + 1-year option (max 4 years)
• Evaluation: Price (100%)
• Three tenders received
• Winner is a medium-sized enterprise
• No subcontracting declared
• Brand-specific procurement (Alcatel)

Conclusion

This LAN components framework ensures the continued supply of compatible network components for the IT infrastructure of the Länder of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. By awarding the contract to Converge Technology Solutions Germany GmbH, a medium-sized enterprise, the LDI secures a reliable supplier while ensuring competitive pricing.

The 100% price-based evaluation reflects the well-defined nature of the products, where price is the primary differentiator among qualified suppliers. The brand-specific procurement (Alcatel) ensures compatibility with the existing installed base and maintains technical continuity.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of competitive pricing, manufacturer partnerships, and brand expertise in winning German state IT procurement contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is LDI?

Ans: Landesbetrieb Daten und Information Rheinland-Pfalz – the IT service provider for the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, acting as a central purchasing body.

Q: What is the value of the framework?

Ans: Estimated €10,000,000 (maximum value unpublished).

Q: Who is the winner?

Ans: Converge Technology Solutions Germany GmbH, a medium-sized IT company based in Mainz.

Q: What products are covered?

Ans: Alcatel LAN network components, hardware, software, and related services.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Price (100%).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 3 years initial, with a 1-year extension option (maximum 4 years).

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: Three tenders were 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: Vergabekammern Rheinland-Pfalz.

Q: Why Alcatel specifically?

Ans: Due to the existing extensive installed base, long-term service commitments, and technical expertise for Alcatel equipment across the state administrations.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 624481-2026, OJ S 175/2026, published 10 September 2026.

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