Bechtle awarded EU Commission contract for software

• “Software for Innovation, Diversity and Evolution II (SIDE II)” framework contract to run until 2025
• Contract covers products and services such as licensing consulting
• Annual contract volume of up to 52 million euros

The EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Informatics (DIGIT) has awarded Bechtle the framework contract for software products and services. Over 50 EU institutions and 30 EU departments in 28 countries will be able to acquire software through the order management process agreed in the contract. The contract covers software procurement as well as the purchase of software licences, subscriptions, maintenance, support and other related services. The contract will run for five years and includes an additional two-year for maintenance services. Up to 52 million euros’ worth of software licences and related services could be ordered each year, making this the biggest software contract to have been put out for tender by the EU in recent years.

The contract will be implemented by Bechtle Brussels in conjunction with other Bechtle Group units. In addition to procuring software for DIGIT, Bechtle will provide services such as licence optimisation and the sourcing of special software solutions. DIGIT is a central service provider within the Commission, supporting the Commission’s other offices as well as EU institutions in their daily work and promoting collaboration between the public authorities of EU member states. Gozard Polak, Managing Director of Bechtle Brussels: “We not only supply suitable software, we also verify that the purchaser is neither overlicensed nor underlicensed. Once an order has been placed, our team validates it, makes any necessary adjustments and gives recommendations. These consulting services are a fundamental aspect of the contract.” 

Central services available locally

Bechtle’s systems integrator office in Brussels has been active since 2012. The Brussels team will be responsible for managing the project and ensuring its operational implementation, supported by specialist units from other Bechtle systems integrators. The initial software portfolio will comprise ten major software publishers and some 90 other providers. “We are delighted to do our part in helping modernise the EU Commission’s software landscape. Several Bechtle units and specialist teams will be working together, enabling us to meet the diverse requests and requirements of a heterogeneous target group,” says Gerhard Marz, Executive Vice President of Public Business for Bechtle.

Strong partner for public administrations

In addition to the European Commission, Bechtle’s rapidly growing public sector division counts NATO, Dutch and Belgian ministries and the European Investment Bank among its customers as well as major public entities in Germany such as the country’s armed forces, the IT service provider Dataport, German federal ministries and state administrations, and universities. Bechtle’s public sector division combines the group’s centrall expertise with local support provided by regional systems integrators and international e-commerce subsidiaries. Its offering includes procuring hardware and software, providing IT services and advising customers. Gerhard Marz: “Bechtle’s market position in the public sector is outstanding both nationally and internationally. Its impressive growth is a true success story driven not only by the division’s focus on various target groups, but also by the experience and dedication of its employees.”

Public Sector Business

In December 2017, Bechtle’s revenues from its public sector business exceeded one billion euros for the first time. Over 2,000 employees in 14 European countries navigate the unique requirements of public tendering and supporting customers in the public sector, backed by some 50 dedicated specialists at the company headquarters in Neckarsulm. The growth of Bechtle’s public sector division has continued uninterrupted since its establishment in 2004.