Max Planck Society Awards Cooled IT Rack Systems Framework to enthus GmbH and netgo Ost GmbH

The Max Planck Society (MPG) has awarded a framework agreement for the supply of cooled IT rack systems to two suppliers: enthus GmbH (medium-sized) and netgo Ost GmbH (large). The framework covers the supply of cooled IT rack systems, accessories, maintenance services, and hotline support across MPG institutes in Germany. The estimated value is up to €15 million over a maximum duration of 48 months.

Introduction

The Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V. – MPG), one of Germany's leading research organisations, has conducted an open procedure for the procurement of cooled IT rack systems. The framework agreement covers the supply of cooled IT rack systems from various manufacturers, along with supplementary services, maintenance, and hotline support.

The procurement is structured as a multi-supplier framework with up to six framework partners. The contracting authority places particular emphasis on manufacturer diversity, ensuring that each framework partner is tied to a specific manufacturer and that no manufacturer is represented more than once among the winners.

Two suppliers were awarded the framework: enthus GmbH (medium-sized, based in Sennfeld) and netgo Ost GmbH (large, based in Berlin). The framework runs for a base term of two years, with annual extension options up to a maximum of four years. The estimated value is up to €15 million.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures that the Max Planck Society has access to a diverse range of cooled IT rack systems for its research institutes, supporting high-performance computing and data centre operations.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports world-class research: Provides IT infrastructure for MPG institutes
• Significant value: Up to €15,000,000
• Manufacturer diversity: Ensures multiple suppliers and brands
• Long-term commitment: Up to 4 years (with extension options)
• Nationwide coverage: All MPG institutes across Germany
• Digital procurement: Integrated with MPG's digital marketplace
• Comprehensive services: Supply, maintenance, hotline, and consulting

Contract Timeline

• Previous notice: 327517-2026
• Contract concluded: 11 August 2026
• Planned service start: 26 September 2026
• Base term: 2 years (24 months from service start)
• Extension options: Annual extensions (up to 2 additional years)
• Maximum total duration: 48 months
• Notice published: 26 August 2026 (OJ S 164/2026)

Contract Overview

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

Key features include:

• Single lot: One framework covering all cooled IT rack systems
• Maximum suppliers: Up to 6 framework partners
• Estimated value: €12,000,000
• Maximum framework value: €15,000,000
• Base term: 2 years (24 months)
• Maximum duration: 4 years (48 months) with annual extension options
• Framework type: Partly without reopening and partly with reopening of competition
• Evaluation: Simple benchmark method (100% cost-based, Z=L/P)
• Winners: enthus GmbH (medium) and netgo Ost GmbH (large)
• No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Max-Planck-Gesellschaft z.F.d.W. Generalverwaltung
Contract title	Gekühlte IT-Racksysteme 2026
Main CPV	30200000 Computer equipment and supplies
Procedure type	Open procedure (standard regime)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU; German VgV
Estimated value (EUR)	€12,000,000.00
Maximum value (EUR)	€15,000,000.00
Number of lots	1
Maximum suppliers	Up to 6
Base term	2 years (24 months)
Maximum total duration	4 years (48 months)
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Cost (100%) – Simple benchmark method (Z=L/P)
Location	Various MPG institutes across Germany
Subcontracting	No
Number of tenders	2

Scope of Supply

The contract covers the following components:

• Cooled IT rack systems: Supply of cooled IT racks from various manufacturers
• Accessories: Associated components and accessories (can be ordered separately)
• Maintenance services: Maintenance and service for the rack systems
• Hotline: Dedicated hotline support ("Hotline RV Partner")
• Consulting services: Configuration consulting and system consulting
• Digital marketplace integration: Catalogue integration via the MPG digital marketplace

Excluded from Scope

• Storage components, server components, network components, and HPC systems (procured through other framework agreements)
• Standard server racks without cooling (unless part of a cooled IT rack system)
• "Refurbished components" (factory-refurbished or returned components) – not permitted

Framework Structure – Manufacturer Diversity

The MPG places particular emphasis on manufacturer diversity in this procurement:

• Manufacturer binding: Each bidder must commit to a specific manufacturer with their bid
• Unique representation: Each manufacturer can only be represented once among the framework partners
• Selection rule: If multiple bidders offer the same manufacturer, only the most economical bid with that manufacturer is awarded
• Proof: Bidders must provide a confirmation from the manufacturer
• Objective: Ensures product diversity and competitive pressure within the framework

Competition Segments

Individual competitions under the framework take place in two forms:

• Digital MPG Marketplace: Continuous competition through catalogue comparison
• Mini-competition: Under § 21(5) VgV for specific requirements

Evaluation Criteria

The contract was awarded based on a single criterion:

• Cost (100%): Simple benchmark method according to UfAB (Z=L/P – the lower the ratio, the better the offer)
• All award criteria: As specified in the procurement documents and Annex E.2 (Criteria Catalogue)

Sortiment Requirements

Framework partners must cover the following product range:

• Sortiment classes: As characterised in Chapter 3.2 of the procurement documents
• Complete coverage: All sortiment classes must be fully covered
• Reference components: Reference components (Annex E.6) serve as examples for evaluation
• Technology update: The range must be kept up-to-date with technological developments (Technology Continuity Clause)

Digital Marketplace Integration

• Static catalogues: Products must be integrated via static catalogues
• Direct ordering: Users can order directly from the catalogue
• Current technology: Only factory-new components at the current state of the art
• Accessories: Ability to order associated components and accessories

About the Contracting Authority

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V. (MPG) is Germany's leading non-university research organisation, operating 86 institutes and facilities across Germany and internationally. The Generalverwaltung (central administration) in Munich manages procurement for the organisation's IT infrastructure needs.

About the Winners

enthus GmbH

• Size: Medium enterprise
• Headquarters: Felix-Wankel-Str. 4, Sennfeld, Germany (NUTS: DE26B)
• Registration number: DE156730098
• Specialisation: IT solutions and infrastructure
• No subcontracting declared

netgo Ost GmbH

• Size: Large enterprise
• Headquarters: Sachsendamm 63-64, Berlin, Germany (NUTS: DE300)
• Registration number: DE 813533741
• Specialisation: IT infrastructure and data centre solutions
• No subcontracting declared

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the German VgV.
• Competition: Two tenders were received, both submitted electronically.
• SME participation: One medium-sized bidder (enthus GmbH) and one large bidder (netgo Ost GmbH).
• International participation: No bids from other EEA countries or outside the EEA.
• Subcontracting: No subcontracting was declared by either winner.
• No EU funding: The procurement is not financed with EU funds.
• No dynamic purchasing system used.
• Accelerated procedure: No.
• Strategic procurement: No strategic objectives specified.
• Review body: Vergabekammer Südbayern (Southern Bavaria Procurement Chamber).

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 is a multi-supplier framework with up to 6 partners (2 awarded).
• Manufacturer diversity is a key feature – no manufacturer can be represented more than once.
• The framework uses both catalogue-based competition and mini-competitions.
• Refurbished components are explicitly excluded from the scope.
• The technology continuity clause ensures up-to-date product ranges.
• Digital marketplace integration via static catalogues is required.
• The maximum framework value is unpublished due to commercial interests.
• Review deadlines follow German GWB provisions.

Market & Industry Perspective

The German IT infrastructure market for research organisations is characterised by high-performance computing requirements and the need for energy-efficient cooling solutions. The Max Planck Society, as one of Germany's largest research organisations, has significant and diverse IT infrastructure needs across its 86 institutes.

Key trends in this market include:

• High-performance computing: Growing demand for powerful IT infrastructure
• Energy efficiency: Cooled rack systems for efficient data centre operations
• Manufacturer diversity: Avoiding single-supplier dependency
• Digital procurement: Increasing use of eProcurement platforms
• Long-term frameworks: 4-year agreements provide stability

Economic Significance

At up to €15 million, this framework represents a significant investment in IT infrastructure for German research. The contract will:

• Support research: Provide IT infrastructure for 86 MPG institutes
• Enable high-performance computing: Cooled rack systems for efficient computing
• Ensure diversity: Multiple suppliers and manufacturers
• Support digitalisation: Integration with the MPG digital marketplace
• Provide long-term stability: Up to 4-year framework

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this framework now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 4-year maximum duration
• Additional suppliers: Up to 4 more framework partners could be added
• Related equipment: Server, storage, and network components (procured separately)
• Other research organisations: Similar procurements at other German research institutes

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for IT equipment suppliers:

• Additional framework partners: Up to 4 more positions available
• Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle
• Related components: Server, storage, and network component supply
• Other research organisations: Helmholtz, Fraunhofer, and other German research institutes

What Businesses Should Watch

• Max Planck Society's future procurement notices
• Other German research organisation IT tenders
• Cooled IT rack system technology trends
• Digital marketplace procurement developments
• Changes to German procurement regulations

GermanyTenders Procurement Intelligence

This cooled IT rack systems framework is a notable example of German research sector IT procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: Up to €15 million over 4 years
• Manufacturer diversity: Unique manufacturer representation requirement
• Multi-supplier framework: Up to 6 framework partners
• Cost focus: 100% cost-based evaluation
• Digital integration: MPG marketplace catalogue integration
• Technology continuity: Up-to-date product ranges required

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Manufacturer relationships: Binding manufacturer commitments required
• Cost competitiveness: 100% cost-based evaluation
• Digital capability: Integration with eProcurement platforms
• Comprehensive solutions: Supply, maintenance, hotline, and consulting
• Product range: Complete coverage of all sortiment classes

Supplier Takeaways

• Secure binding manufacturer commitments for IT rack systems
• Offer competitive pricing – 100% cost-based evaluation
• Develop digital marketplace integration capability
• Provide comprehensive solutions (supply + maintenance + hotline + consulting)
• Ensure complete product range coverage
• Monitor German research organisation procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Max Planck Society awarded a cooled IT rack systems framework to enthus GmbH and netgo Ost GmbH
• Multi-supplier framework (up to 6 partners, 2 awarded)
• Estimated value: up to €15 million
• Base term: 2 years, maximum 4 years
• Evaluation: Cost (100%) – simple benchmark method
• Manufacturer diversity: unique manufacturer representation required
• Two tenders received, both electronic
• No subcontracting declared

Conclusion

This cooled IT rack systems framework ensures that the Max Planck Society has access to a diverse range of IT infrastructure solutions for its 86 research institutes. By awarding the framework to two suppliers (enthus GmbH and netgo Ost GmbH) with binding manufacturer commitments, the MPG ensures both product diversity and competitive pricing.

The 100% cost-based evaluation reflects the commoditised nature of IT rack systems, while the manufacturer diversity requirement ensures that the MPG is not dependent on a single supplier or brand. The digital marketplace integration enables efficient and transparent procurement across all MPG institutes.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of manufacturer relationships, competitive pricing, digital capability, and comprehensive service offerings in the German research sector IT market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Max Planck Society?

Ans: Germany's leading non-university research organisation, operating 86 institutes across Germany.

Q: What is the value of the framework?

Ans: Estimated value €12,000,000; maximum value €15,000,000.

Q: Who are the winners?

Ans: enthus GmbH (medium-sized) and netgo Ost GmbH (large).

Q: What is being procured?

Ans: Cooled IT rack systems, accessories, maintenance, hotline, and consulting services.

Q: Why is manufacturer diversity important?

Ans: The MPG requires that each manufacturer is represented only once among framework partners to ensure product diversity and avoid single-supplier dependency.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Cost (100%) – simple benchmark method (Z=L/P).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: Base term 2 years, with annual extensions up to a maximum of 4 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 Südbayern (Southern Bavaria Procurement Chamber).

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 588190-2026, OJ S 164/2026, published 26 August 2026.