The verdict in three sentences
A public sector website redesign is a tender: budget sits between 25,000 and 80,000 EUR (excl. VAT) and total lead time between 6 and 9 months, procedure included. RGAA 4.1 accessibility compliance is non-negotiable and must be a knock-out or heavily weighted criterion. Multi-year maintenance (8,000 to 20,000 EUR/year) and clear scoring prevent a failed tender and budget overruns.
Choosing the right procedure and schedule
The threshold and nature of the need drive the procedure. In 2026, most local-authority redesigns go through a simplified procedure.
| Procedure | Indicative threshold (excl. VAT) | Award lead time | Formalism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct award / quote | < 40,000 EUR | 2-4 weeks | Light |
| Simplified procedure (MAPA) | 40,000-215,000 EUR | 6-10 weeks | Medium |
| Formal open tender | > 215,000 EUR | 10-16 weeks | Heavy |
| Framework maintenance | multi-year | 8-12 weeks | Medium |
Add delivery time to the award schedule: scoping 3-4 weeks, design 4-6, development 8-10, testing and accessibility 3-4, for a total project of 6 to 9 months.
Scoring criteria and RGAA requirements
The scoring grid shapes the bids you receive. Weight technical value and accessibility, not just price.
| Criterion | Typical weight | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Technical value | 40-50% | Method, CMS, security |
| RGAA 4.1 accessibility | 15-20% | Target conformance > 90% |
| Price | 25-35% | Per-phase breakdown + maintenance |
| Timeline & schedule | 10-15% | Milestones, delay penalties |
| Public sector references | 5-10% | 2-3 similar contracts |
Require an RGAA conformance statement at project end and an accessibility audit (internal or third-party). A non-compliant public site risks a formal notice and a penalty of up to 50,000 EUR depending on the breach.
Mini case study
Sophie, communications officer for an 18,000-resident town, is preparing the citizen portal redesign. She chooses a simplified procedure, target budget 45,000 EUR excl. VAT, plus maintenance of 12,000 EUR/year over 3 years. Total 3-year cost: 45,000 + 36,000 = 81,000 EUR excl. VAT. By weighting accessibility at 20% in her grid, she rejects a 38,000 EUR non-compliant bid that would have needed an estimated 15,000 EUR post-delivery remediation. The apparent 7,000 EUR premium at selection avoids a far heavier overrun and a penalty risk.
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FAQ
What budget should I plan for a public site redesign in 2026?
Expect 25,000 to 80,000 EUR excl. VAT depending on the number of e-services, multilingual scope and accessibility level. Add 8,000 to 20,000 EUR/year of maintenance for upkeep and compliance.
Is RGAA compliance mandatory?
Yes for public sites. RGAA 4.1 requires a published conformance rate and an accessibility statement. Make it a heavily scored, even knock-out, criterion.
Simplified or formal procedure?
Below 215,000 EUR excl. VAT, the simplified procedure is enough and more flexible. Above that, the formal open tender applies, with a longer award schedule.
How do I avoid a failed tender?
Source the market beforehand, calibrate the budget to reality, and avoid contradictory requirements. A realistic brief attracts serious, comparable bids.
Should maintenance be part of the tender?
Yes, via a framework or a multi-year maintenance lot. Without it, every change restarts a procedure and costs months.
Let's scope your project. Describe your authority, the e-service scope and your award schedule, and we will frame budget, maintenance and RGAA requirements. 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.
