The verdict in three sentences
Rebuilding a public sector website (30 to 80 pages) is scoped in 2026 between 40,000 and 90,000 EUR, with mandatory WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility and sovereign hosting (EU-based recommended). A public tender follows a strict procedure: expect 5 to 8 months between publication and award. The RFP must clearly weight criteria (technical 60%, price 40%) and avoid the pitfalls that block fair competition.
The budget of a public rebuild
A public site is not a brochure site: it must guarantee accessibility, data sovereignty and longevity. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude for a mid-size public body.
| Line item | 2026 range (EUR) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuild 30-80 pages | 40,000 - 90,000 | Design, CMS, integration |
| Accessibility audit WCAG 2.1 | 3,500 - 7,000 | Audit + conformance statement |
| Accessibility fixes | 4,500 - 11,000 | By initial gap |
| Sovereign hosting | 220 - 650 EUR/month | EU-based |
| Content migration | 3,500 - 9,000 | Existing data reuse |
| Maintenance | 900 - 2,000 EUR/month | Over contract term |
Accessibility is not optional: non-conformance exposes the body to sanction and, above all, excludes some users. Budgeting the audit AND the fixes from the start avoids costly change orders.
The scoring criteria of a public tender
A well-built RFP weights criteria transparently. Here is a typical 2026 grid for a public site rebuild.
| Criterion | Weighting | Sub-criteria assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Technical value | 60% | Methodology, accessibility, security, references |
| Price | 40% | Total price + recurring over term |
| Accessibility WCAG | (within technical) | AA proof, test plan |
| Security & sovereignty | (within technical) | EU hosting, GDPR |
| Timeline & planning | (within technical) | Realism of schedule |
A classic trap: weighting price above 50%, which drives bids down and sacrifices accessibility. The 60/40 (technical/price) weighting is the recommended standard for a quality digital project.
RFP pitfalls
The most frequent errors: specifications too vague (impossible to compare bids), no reversibility clause (vendor lock-in), maintenance omitted from the overall pricing, and technical requirements that favor a single vendor (legal risk). An RFP clear on deliverables, formats and code ownership protects the body and streamlines competition.
Mini case study
Ms. Byrne, digital lead at a mid-size public body in Dublin, is preparing the RFP to rebuild a 60-page site. Estimated project budget: 64,000 EUR, of which 6,000 EUR for the WCAG audit and 8,000 EUR for fixes. Sovereign hosting: 400 EUR/month. Maintenance: 1,400 EUR/month over 4 years.
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4-year TCO: 64,000 + (400 x 48) + (1,400 x 48) = 64,000 + 19,200 + 67,200 = ~150,400 EUR. Weighting technical 60% / price 40%, she rejects a bid 12% cheaper but non-compliant with WCAG, avoiding a change order estimated at 16,000 EUR and litigation risk. Choosing technical value proves economically rational from year 2.
FAQ
How much does a public website rebuild cost in 2026?
Between 40,000 and 90,000 EUR for a 30 to 80-page site, excluding the accessibility audit and fixes which add 8,000 to 18,000 EUR.
Is WCAG accessibility really mandatory?
Yes, WCAG 2.1 AA applies to public sites. The audit costs 3,500-7,000 EUR and a conformance statement is required.
What timeline for a public digital tender?
Expect 5 to 8 months between publishing the notice and award, formal procedure included, before work even begins.
What technical/price weighting should I choose?
The 60% technical / 40% price weighting is the recommended standard. Above 50% on price, quality and accessibility degrade.
What is sovereign hosting?
EU-based hosting guaranteeing data stays within the European legal framework. Expect 220 to 650 EUR/month.
Let's scope your project. Share your page count, accessibility requirements and procurement calendar. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
