The verdict in three sentences
A successful tender rests on a clear scoring grid and accessibility set as an admissibility condition, not an option. In 2026 a public sector website costs between 25,000 and 80,000 EUR depending on scope, with a 4-8 month procedure. The main risk isn't price, it's awarding to a vendor unable to meet accessibility standards, exposing the body to sanction and costly rework.
Lotting and award criteria
Split the contract into lots to attract specialists and secure each building block. Typical 2026 structure for a mid-sized public body.
| Lot | Object | Indicative budget (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 | Design, UX, development | 30,000 - 55,000 |
| Lot 2 | Sovereign hosting & managed ops | 6,000 - 15,000 /yr |
| Lot 3 | Accessibility audit & compliance | 4,000 - 10,000 |
| Lot 4 | Content migration & training | 5,000 - 12,000 |
The price/technical weighting drives quality. For a public site, avoid all-price: a 60% technical / 40% price ratio protects the public interest.
| Criterion | Recommended weighting |
|---|---|
| Technical value (method, team) | 35% |
| Proposed design & UX quality | 15% |
| Accessibility & performance | 10% |
| Price | 40% |
Required documents and compliance
Require in the tender pack: technical memorandum, mockups or references, detailed schedule, accessibility conformance statement, exit/reversibility plan and GDPR register. Accessibility is not cosmetic: for public bodies it is mandatory, and a missing conformance statement can trigger financial penalties.
| Document | Mandatory? | What it secures |
|---|---|---|
| Technical memorandum | Yes | Method comparison |
| Accessibility statement | Yes | Legal compliance |
| Contractual schedule | Yes | Enforceable deadlines |
| Reversibility plan | Yes | Lock-in-free exit |
| GDPR register | Yes | Data protection |
Mini case study
Mr Bertrand, chief executive of a district council in Greater London, launches the redesign of its citizen portal. Approved budget: 65,000 EUR. He receives 5 offers from 41,000 to 78,000 EUR. Applying his grid (60% technical / 40% price), the 41,000 EUR offer drops out: weak technical score, no accessibility references.
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The selected 58,000 EUR offer shows documented accessibility compliance and a solid reversibility plan. Avoided cost of an accessibility dispute: an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 EUR in rework, plus reputational risk. The technical weighting protected the body for a 17,000 EUR premium over the lowest bid.
FAQ
Is accessibility compliance really mandatory?
Yes, for public bodies. The site must publish a conformance statement and a multi-year plan; failure exposes the body to financial sanctions and user complaints.
Should the contract be split into lots?
Strongly recommended. Lotting (design, hosting, accessibility, content) boosts competition, specialisation and avoids depending on a single vendor for everything.
How long does the procedure take in 2026?
Between 4 and 8 months depending on the format: drafting, publication, response window, analysis, notification. Plan this lead time before your go-live target.
How do I avoid a low but risky bid?
Weight technical value at 55-60% and require verifiable public references. An abnormally low offer must be justified by the bidder before any award.
Let's scope your project. Send us your scope and procurement calendar: we'll help structure lots and the scoring grid, then respond to your tender. 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.
