Tender for several framework agreements to prepare an innovation partnership for the procurement of autonomous vehicle systems for public transport

The Ministry of Transport Baden-Württemberg (VM) in Germany from Europe region has released this tender for In its current coalition agreement (2026-2031), the state of Baden-Württemberg has set itself the strategic goal of further expanding its position as a leading innovation and mobility region and making public transport, as well as other modes of transport such as freight transport and the taxi industry, future-proof, digital, and accessible. A key component of this strategy is the transition of autonomous driving from the testing phase to comprehensive, reliable regular operation, taking into account the specific requirements of all transport modes. The following service description refers exclusively to road-based transport. The mobility sector faces massive structural challenges, in particular the increasing shortage of skilled workers and drivers, as well as the need to efficiently guarantee reliable mobility, especially in rural areas. The implementation and scaling of autonomous vehicle systems offers a key approach here: It enables more flexible services, increases the frequency of public transport, and sustainably ensures comprehensive connectivity. The subject of this tender is the comprehensive conceptual, organizational, legal, and technical preparation of this innovation partnership or, if applicable, another innovative procurement model, as well as the development and identification of the necessary structures. The contractor will support the client in translating the state's strategic guidelines into a legally sound, scalable, and technologically compatible target model across all modes of transport. The focus of the service description is on public transport; other areas such as freight transport and robotaxis will also be addressed, albeit at a secondary level. To achieve this goal, uniform technological, legal, and organizational standards are required across the state. Previous pilot projects have provided valuable insights but were often isolated and technologically proprietary. One component of this is the planned procurement and the subsequent potential establishment of an innovation partnership, which will serve to define cross-modal standards (including those for technical supervision, digital twins, and control center connections), consolidate procurement, and systematically integrate autonomous passenger interfaces into the existing mobility system. Of paramount importance in transport policy is avoiding counter-innovative rebound effects. Should autonomous road freight transport achieve drastic cost advantages through the elimination of driver costs, there would be a significant risk of transport volumes shifting back from environmentally friendly rail and waterways to the roads. Increased robotaxi operations could lead to uncontrolled competition with public transport and traditional taxi and rental car services.For example, uncoordinated empty runs are a risk, which, as increased traffic volume, counteract the transport policy goals of traffic avoidance. However, robotaxis offer another way to provide rural areas with mobility services. The innovation partnership, on the other hand, focuses on defining the goals and requirements for the introduction and scaling of autonomous vehicles. The focus is on describing the essential requirements and functionalities and assessing the specific implementation details or technical solutions necessary for the successful integration of autonomous vehicle systems. This aims to enable a future-proof and efficient mobility solution. Through this objective, the innovation partnership, or another suitable process, should create a framework for the development and use of autonomous vehicles that takes into account the needs of users, operators, and society as a whole. with tender notice no. 708925-2026 published on 14 Oct 2026. The tender is due to expire on 16 Nov 2026. This tender is sourced from TED Europa and is eligible for suppliers interested in Vehicle location system, Traffic control services. Interested bidders can obtain further information including complete bid documents or ways to participate by registering on Tender Impulse and referencing via Tender Impulse ID 15505395.