IT Leasing for Defence Simulation Centres – Tender Cancelled

Introduction

The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsservice – FMI) launched an open procedure for the operational leasing of computers and tablets for the Danish Armed Forces' simulation centres. The estimated value of the framework was 17,000,000 DKK, covering an initial requirement of 180 desktops and 255 tablets, with a potential future expansion of up to 100 laptops and 245 additional tablets.

However, the tender was cancelled before any contract was awarded. FMI determined that the technical specification required revisions to clarify the requirements for the computers, and that certain adjustments or clarifications were needed. The contract award notice (539838‑2026) was published in the Official Journal on 4 August 2026, confirming that no winner was selected and the competition is closed.

Why This Tender Mattered

The Danish Armed Forces operate simulation centres across the country, used for training, mission planning and operational readiness. Reliable, high‑performance IT equipment is critical to running advanced simulation software. This procurement was designed to provide a flexible leasing arrangement that could scale up or down over time, with integrated support and maintenance, while also addressing strict security requirements – including the retention of all data‑bearing devices (e.g., hard disks) by FMI at the end of the contract.

The cancellation underscores the importance of precise technical specifications in defence procurement, where even minor ambiguities can affect performance, security and operational capability.

Contract Overview

FMI intended to award a single contract for the operational leasing of IT equipment to the Danish Armed Forces' simulation centres. The contract would have covered:

• Initial equipment: 180 desktops and 255 tablets.
• Potential expansion: Up to 100 laptops and 245 additional tablets.
• Flexible volumes: The contract allowed for both up‑ and down‑scaling throughout the term.
• Duration: 3 years, with an option to extend to a total of 5 years.
• Support & maintenance: On‑site support and maintenance as part of the leasing service.
• Security requirement: FMI would retain all data‑bearing devices (e.g., hard disks) at the end of the contract.
• Delivery timeline: Equipment to be delivered within 130 days of contract signing, with evaluation of faster delivery.
• Security clearance: All supplier personnel working on defence locations must be security‑cleared.

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting Authority	Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsservice (FMI)
Winning Bidder	None – tender cancelled
Contract Subject (CPV)	30000000 Office and computing machinery; 30200000 Computer equipment; 30213000 Personal computers; 30213200 Tablet computer; 50312000 Maintenance and repair
Procedure Type	Open procedure
Legal Basis	Directive 2014/24/EU · Danish Public Procurement Act (Udbudsloven)
Total Estimated Value	17,000,000 DKK (excl. VAT)
Contract Duration	3 years + 2‑year extension option (total up to 5 years)
Award Criteria	Price (40%) · Delivery Time (60%)
Bids Received	0
EU Funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Review Organisation	Klagenævnet for Udbud (Danish Complaints Board for Procurement)
Status	Cancelled – no winner selected

Project Scope

The procurement was intended to cover the operational leasing of IT equipment for the Danish Armed Forces' simulation centres, which are distributed across barracks and other locations throughout Denmark. The scope included:

• Desktops: 180 units initially, with performance specifications tailored to run defence simulation software.
• Tablets: 255 units initially, with potential for 245 additional units.
• Laptops: Up to 100 units as a future option.
• Support services: On‑site maintenance and support for the duration of the lease.
• Security: FMI to retain all data‑bearing devices (e.g., hard disks) at contract end, ensuring data security.
• Installation: Equipment to be installed at all defence simulation centre locations across Denmark.
• Delivery: Within 130 days of contract signing; faster delivery was evaluated favourably.

About the Contracting Authority

Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsservice (FMI) is the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, responsible for procuring equipment and services for the Danish Armed Forces. FMI is a central government authority under the Danish Ministry of Defence. Its headquarters are located in Ballerup, Denmark.

About the Winning Company

No contract was awarded. The tender was cancelled before any supplier was selected. No tenders were received, and the competition is closed.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The procurement was covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funding was used for this procurement.
• The contract was intended to be a single‑supplier agreement (no framework agreement).
• All supplier personnel working on defence locations would have required security clearance.
• The cancellation was due to the need to revise and clarify the technical specifications for the computers.
• No tenders were received – the competition received 0 bids.

Opportunities for Suppliers

Although this tender was cancelled, it provides valuable intelligence for suppliers of IT leasing and related services to the defence sector:

• Technical precision is critical: Defence procurements demand highly detailed and unambiguous specifications.
• Security requirements are non‑negotiable: Security clearance for personnel and retention of data‑bearing devices are key considerations.
• Flexibility is valued: The ability to scale volumes up or down over time is an advantage.
• Nationwide coverage: Suppliers must be able to deliver and support equipment across all defence locations in Denmark.
• Speed of delivery matters: The 130‑day delivery requirement and evaluation of faster delivery indicate that lead time is a competitive factor.

What Businesses Should Watch

• A re‑issued tender for IT leasing to the Danish Defence simulation centres, with revised and clarified technical specifications.
• Similar defence‑sector IT procurements from FMI or other Nordic defence organisations.
• Opportunities for subcontracting or partnerships with potential prime suppliers in future tenders.
• Other leasing or hardware procurement opportunities from the Danish Ministry of Defence.

DenmarkTender Procurement Intelligence

This cancelled tender is a case study in the importance of clear, precise technical specifications in defence procurement. FMI's decision to cancel the tender rather than proceed with ambiguous requirements demonstrates a commitment to quality and operational effectiveness.

The 60% weighting for delivery time (vs. 40% for price) highlights the critical importance of rapid deployment for defence simulation capabilities. The requirement for security‑cleared personnel and the retention of data‑bearing devices reflect the high security standards that are mandatory in defence contracts.

With zero bids received, it appears that the market may have been deterred by the complexity or ambiguity of the original specification, or that suppliers lacked confidence in meeting the requirements. A re‑issued tender with clearer specifications could attract stronger competition.

Key Takeaways

• FMI cancelled its €17M DKK IT leasing tender for defence simulation centres due to the need to revise technical specifications.
• No winner was selected – the competition is closed and no bids were received.
• Award criteria: Delivery Time (60%) and Price (40%).
• Security requirements: personnel clearance and retention of data‑bearing devices.
• Contract would have covered desktops, tablets and laptops with on‑site support.
• Suppliers should watch for a re‑issued tender with clarified requirements.

Conclusion

This tender cancellation is a reminder that even well‑intentioned procurements can falter when technical requirements are not sufficiently clear. For FMI, the decision to cancel and revise demonstrates a commitment to getting the specification right, ensuring that the Danish Armed Forces receive equipment that meets their operational needs. For suppliers, it highlights the importance of monitoring re‑tenders and preparing for defence‑sector opportunities that demand precision, security and national coverage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is FMI?
Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsservice (FMI) is the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, responsible for procurement for the Danish Armed Forces.

Q: What was the tender for?
It was for the operational leasing of computers and tablets for the Danish Armed Forces' simulation centres, including support and maintenance.

Q: Why was the tender cancelled?
FMI identified a need to revise and clarify the technical requirements for the computers, and to make certain adjustments or clarifications.

Q: Was a contract awarded?
No. No winner was selected and the competition is closed. Zero bids were received.

Q: What was the estimated value?
The estimated value was 17,000,000 DKK (excl. VAT).

Q: Will the tender be re‑issued?
It is possible that FMI will re‑issue the tender with revised specifications. Suppliers should monitor FMI's procurement notices.