In a tender process, the EU Commission is looking for an additional cyber center for the evaluation of the cyber situation and analysis for 22 million. The deadline for submitting offers shows that it is urgent: only 3 weeks. The justification for the rush: Russia's military aggression.
Of course, the EU Commission already has cyber centers for evaluating cyber attacks – including those from Russia. But they don't seem to be enough for the EU Commission. Therefore, the following publication can be found in the e-System Tendering (Tendering of the European Institutions) under the heading “Bespoke service in support of the Cyber Situation and Analysis Center of the European Commission”. The further description is unusually clear: "Following Russia's military aggression, the EU is considering "further steps to prevent, deter and respond to malicious behavior in cyberspace". To support these objectives, a Cybersecurity Situational Awareness and Analysis Center would assist the Commission in supporting situational awareness and coordinated response to crises, including those of a hybrid nature, in line with the existing competences and responsibilities of the Commission.”
Shortened schedule due to Russian aggression
The overall objective of the contract is to provide a bespoke service to support the scoping, design and development of an EU Cybersecurity Situational Awareness and Analysis Center for the Commission. The three specific objectives of the assignment are set out below: 1. Establishment of a virtual situation center; 2. Review of best practices and assistance in setting up a physical situation center; 3. Ensure full interoperability with the EU bodies responsible for cybersecurity situational awareness and analysis.
Offer period only 3 weeks
At only 3 weeks, the offer period is unusually short for such a tender. The extent of 22 million is probably quite generous. But only a few companies are likely to be able to put a finished concept on the table in just 3 weeks. The question is therefore already floating around in the media as to whether there was perhaps a candidate in advance and whether the advertisement was only put forward for legal reasons. But it doesn't matter who later looks after the cyber center and creates the analyses. In these times, that can only be helpful.
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