Switzerland published the tender for the Swiss Government Cloud on the Simap procurement platform on 20 October. The Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication plans a hybrid multi-cloud infrastructure offering federal agencies different operating models according to their protection needs. [1]
Three tiers for different data
The tender is divided into three lots. “Global Reach” is intended to select two providers of internationally available public-cloud services. Under “Enhanced Data Governance”, storage and processing must take place in Switzerland; two providers and open software are planned. The third tier is a private cloud in federal data centres, with one provider. [1]
A company may win only one lot. The federal government says this should reduce reliance on a single vendor or legal jurisdiction. The tiers are not interchangeable: agencies must select the environment that fits the sensitivity of their data, the technical task and legal requirements. [1]
Seven billion francs is a ceiling
The maximum procurement volume is two billion francs for each of the first two lots and three billion for the private cloud. The combined seven-billion-franc figure covers the entire possible 14-year term. It is not an immediate spending commitment: the government says only services actually ordered will be paid for. Awards will initially last seven years, followed by a market reopening for a further seven. [1]
First services planned for autumn 2027
Bidders have 60 days for prequalification. If no appeal with suspensive effect alters the schedule, awards and contracts are due in late summer 2027. The first services could be ordered from autumn 2027. [1]
The tender is a major step, but the platform has yet to be built. Its credibility will depend on transparent security requirements, cost control, data-location rules and genuine options to switch between providers.
*Image: AI-generated illustration; OpenAI / Helvetia.rocks Editorial Desk; licence: AI-generated.*