Energinet Cancels DKK 21 million Data Centre Cable Framework Due to Q&A Error

Energinet has cancelled a two-lot framework agreement for data centre cables valued at up to DKK 21 million after discovering an error in one of the Q&A responses. The procurement, which received five bids, will be re-tendered on a revised basis. The cancellation affects both patch cables (Lot 1) and power cables (Lot 2).

Introduction

Reliable cabling infrastructure is essential for the operation of data centres and critical IT systems. Energinet, the Danish transmission system operator for electricity and gas, sought to establish a framework agreement for the supply of patch cables and power cables for its data centres.

However, the procurement has been cancelled after Energinet discovered an error in one of the responses provided during the Q&A process. The framework, which had received five bids, will be re-tendered on a revised basis. The cancellation affects both Lots: patch cables (estimated DKK 8 million) and power cables (estimated DKK 3 million).

This cancellation highlights the importance of accuracy and transparency in public procurement, particularly in complex technical specifications.

Why This Contract Mattered

Data centre cabling is critical for reliable IT operations. Energinet's framework would have ensured a stable supply of high-quality patch cables and power cables for its data centres over an eight-year period.

This contract mattered because it:

• Supported critical infrastructure: Cables for Energinet's data centres
• Long-term supply: 8-year framework
• Significant value: Up to DKK 21 million
• Quality testing: Product samples evaluated against technical criteria
• Balanced evaluation: Price (70%) and Quality (30%)
• Transparent process: Clear technical testing criteria
• Market interest: Five bids received

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 13 August 2026 (OJ S 155/2026)
• Previous notice referenced: 461045-2026
• Planned start date: 15 August 2026
• Outcome: Cancelled due to Q&A error

Contract Overview

Energinet conducted an open procedure for this procurement under the EU Sector Directive (Directive 2014/25/EU). The framework covered the supply of patch cables (Lot 1) and power cables (Lot 2) for data centres.

Key features included:

• Two lots: Lot 1 (Patch cables), Lot 2 (Power cables)
• Estimated value: DKK 11,000,000 (up to DKK 21,000,000 maximum)
• Duration: 8 years (starting 15 August 2026)
• Evaluation: Price (70%) and Quality (30%)
• Quality testing: Product samples tested against technical criteria
• Framework type: Without reopening of competition

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Energinet
Contract subject	Data centre cables (CPV 32420000, 32421000, 31321000)
Procedure type	Open procedure (Sector Directive)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/25/EU
Total estimated value (DKK)	DKK 11,000,000.00
Total maximum value (DKK)	DKK 21,000,000.00
Lot 1 estimated value	DKK 8,000,000 (max DKK 15,000,000)
Lot 2 estimated value	DKK 3,000,000 (max DKK 6,000,000)
Contract duration	8 Years
Bids received	5 per lot
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Price (70%), Quality (30%)
Outcome	Cancelled – error in Q&A process

Project Scope

The framework was intended to cover the supply of data centre cables across two lots:

Lot 1: Patch Cables

• Description: Network patch cables for data centre connections
• Estimated value: DKK 8,000,000
• Maximum value: DKK 15,000,000
• Quality testing: Fiber locking mechanism (40%), Fiber polarity (40%), PDS locking mechanism (20%)

Lot 2: Power Cables

• Description: Power cables for data centre equipment
• Estimated value: DKK 3,000,000
• Maximum value: DKK 6,000,000
• Quality testing: Locking mechanism retention (33%), Locking mechanism release (33%), Accessibility to locking mechanism (34%)

Quality Evaluation

• Method: Product samples tested against technical criteria
• Scoring: 0-10 scale (10 is best)
• Pass mark: Minimum total score of 5 points

About the Contracting Authority

Energinet is the Danish transmission system operator for electricity and natural gas. It is a public undertaking responsible for the operation and development of Denmark's energy infrastructure, including the electricity grid and gas network. Energinet's data centres support critical energy system operations.

About the Winning Company

No contract was awarded. The procurement was cancelled due to an error in the Q&A process. Energinet will re-tender the framework on a revised basis. No winning company exists for this procurement.

Reasons for Cancellation

Energinet cancelled the procurement due to an error in one of the responses provided during the Q&A process. The cancellation reasons include:

• Q&A error: An error was identified in one of the responses provided to bidders
• Transparency concerns: Energinet determined that cancellation was the most appropriate course of action to ensure transparency
• Revised basis: The procurement will be re-tendered on a revised basis
• No bids awarded: No contract was awarded under the cancelled procedure

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The procurement was not accelerated.
• No dynamic purchasing system was used.
• No framework agreement was awarded.
• Five bids were received for each lot.
• All bids were submitted electronically.
• Two of five bidders were SMEs.
• No bids were received from outside Denmark (0 from other EEA countries).
• Disputes or review requests fall to Klagenævnet for Udbud.
• Energinet expects to re-tender the contract in revised form.

Market & Industry Perspective

The market for data centre cabling is competitive, with a mix of large international manufacturers and specialist suppliers. Public sector procurements for cabling often attract strong interest from both large and small suppliers.

Key trends in this market include:

• Quality focus: Technical quality and performance are critical
• Product testing: Buyers increasingly test product samples
• Long-term contracts: 8-year frameworks provide stability
• SME participation: SMEs can compete effectively
• Transparency: Accurate Q&A responses are essential

The five bids received per lot indicate strong market interest. The cancellation, while unfortunate, demonstrates Energinet's commitment to transparency and fair competition.

Economic Significance

At up to DKK 21 million, this framework represented a significant procurement for data centre cabling. The cancellation means that Energinet will need to re-tender the contract, potentially delaying the supply of cables for its data centres.

For the five bidders, the cancellation represents a missed opportunity, though the planned re-tender offers a second chance.

Future Procurement Opportunities

With the procurement now cancelled, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Energinet expects to re-tender the contract in revised form
• Adjusted specifications: The re-tender may feature revised requirements
• Other Energinet procurements: Energinet conducts many other procurements
• Other Danish public bodies: Similar cabling frameworks by other Danish public bodies

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this procurement is cancelled, future opportunities exist for cabling suppliers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for the re-tender on a revised basis
• Engage with Energinet: Provide feedback on the specifications
• Quality products: Ensure product samples meet technical criteria
• Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 70% of evaluation
• Other Danish public bodies: Similar cabling frameworks

What Businesses Should Watch

• Re-tendering of this framework by Energinet
• Revised specifications in the re-tender
• Other Energinet procurement notices
• Similar cabling tenders from other Danish public bodies
• Changes to Energinet's data centre requirements

DenmarkTenders Procurement Intelligence

This cancelled procurement highlights several important lessons for public procurement:

• Accuracy matters: Q&A responses must be accurate and consistent
• Transparency is essential: Cancelling a flawed procedure protects integrity
• Re-tendering is common: Errors in procurement are sometimes unavoidable
• Market interest: Five bidders indicate strong market interest

For suppliers, this cancellation presents an opportunity to:

• Provide feedback: Engage with Energinet to help shape the re-tender
• Prepare for re-tender: Ensure product samples and pricing are competitive
• Monitor notices: Watch for the revised tender announcement

Supplier Takeaways

• Prepare for the re-tender—it is expected in revised form
• Engage with Energinet to provide feedback on specifications
• Ensure product samples meet technical criteria—quality accounts for 30%
• Offer competitive pricing—price accounts for 70%
• Monitor Energinet's procurement portal for the re-tender announcement
• Consider SME status as a potential advantage

Key Takeaways

• Energinet cancelled a DKK 21 million data centre cable framework due to a Q&A error
• 2 lots: Patch cables (DKK 8M estimated) and Power cables (DKK 3M estimated)
• 5 bids received per lot
• Evaluation: Price (70%), Quality (30%)
• Quality testing: Product samples assessed against technical criteria
• Duration: 8 years (planned start 15 August 2026)
• Re-tender expected in revised form
• All bidders from Denmark (0 from other EEA countries)

Conclusion

The cancellation of this data centre cable framework represents a setback for Energinet's procurement plans, but it also demonstrates the organisation's commitment to transparency and fair competition. By cancelling the procedure and committing to a re-tender, Energinet ensures that all potential suppliers have an equal opportunity to compete.

The five bids received indicate strong market interest in the framework. Suppliers should prepare for the re-tender, ensuring that their product samples meet the technical criteria and that their pricing is competitive.

As Energinet continues to operate and develop Denmark's energy infrastructure, this framework will be essential for ensuring the reliable supply of data centre cabling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Energinet?

Ans: The Danish transmission system operator for electricity and natural gas, responsible for the operation and development of Denmark's energy infrastructure.

Q: What was the value of the framework?

Ans: Estimated DKK 11,000,000 (up to DKK 21,000,000 maximum).

Q: How many bids were received?

Ans: Five bids were received for each lot.

Q: Why was the procurement cancelled?

Ans: Due to an error in one of the responses provided during the Q&A process.

Q: Will the contract be re-tendered?

Ans: Yes, Energinet expects to re-tender the contract on a revised basis.

Q: What were the lots?

Ans: Lot 1 (Patch cables) and Lot 2 (Power cables).

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Price (70%) and Quality (30%).

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

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

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 561344-2026, OJ S 155/2026, published 13 August 2026.