EMMIE – Die VergabeSuite: Online Procurement Platform For Thuringia

How does EMMIE ensure the confidentiality and integrity of submitted bids?

Only authorised users at the contracting authorities can access the bids using individual login details. The data is SSL-encrypted and protected against manipulation.

Contracting authorities can verify integrity at any time. Bidders can also verify that the data they have submitted has not been altered. EMMIE – Die VergabeSuite and EMMIE – Direktkauf thus meet the confidentiality and integrity requirements of § 10 (1) VgV.

How does EMMIE ensure system availability? 

Our web applications are operated on high-availability servers at AM GmbH in Germany, with 24/7 monitoring, failover mechanisms and scalable infrastructure. Emergency management and support processes ensure permanent system availability in accordance with § 10 (1) VgV.

Automated provision of additional resources during peak loads guarantees maximum stability even when there is heavy traffic on the online procurement platform.

The automated provision of additional resources during peak loads guarantees maximum stability even when there is heavy traffic on the online procurement platform.

How does EMMIE ensure non-discriminatory access? 

EMMIE is completely web-based and accessible to all, ensuring equal treatment in accordance with § 10 VgV. All bidders receive access to the online procurement platform via a secure email invitation. Participation is free of technical barriers or discriminatory requirements.

The web app enables non-discriminatory bidding without prior registration, which significantly facilitates access and removes unnecessary hurdles.

The web app enables non-discriminatory bidding without prior registration, which significantly facilitates access and removes unnecessary barriers. All common file formats are supported for secure file uploads to ensure equal treatment when using different computer systems. In addition, a server-side security check verifies all uploaded files during the upload process.

Which file formats are supported by EMMIE?

EMMIE uses widely used and standardised data formats (such as PDF, XML or ZIP files). This ensures the readability, processability and immutability of the content throughout the entire procedure in accordance with § 10 VgV. All formats can be easily processed by both contracting authorities and bidders without the need for special software.

How does bidder authentication work in EMMIE?

Only known bidders are invited by the contracting authorities. After submitting a bid, they receive an access code that is linked to data from the EMMIE database. This code is uniquely assigned and allows for clear authentication in accordance with § 11 VgV. All actions are logged for the contracting authorities so that they can verify the identity at any time.

How does EMMIE protect data during transmission and storage?

Data transmission takes place exclusively via SSL/TLS protocols. Encrypted storage takes place on secure servers in the data centres of AM GmbH. Only authorised users are granted access rights to the procedures. In accordance with § 11 VgV, EMMIE thus ensures that bids comply with the legally prescribed confidentiality and encryption requirements at all times. Access is strictly limited to authorised users of the respective contracting authorities and complies with the latest data security standards.

How does EMMIE document the time at which a bid is submitted?

Each submission is automatically time-stamped and logged on the server. This ensures that timely submission can be fully verified in terms of traceability in accordance with § 11 VgV. The time stamp is always assigned by the system in a traceable manner, subsequent changes are not possible.

How does EMMIE ensure that bids cannot be changed after they have been submitted?

The submitted bids are stored unchanged until they are formally opened by the contracting authority. Only the contracting authority can access this content after the deadline has expired. Each file is secured in such a way that any manipulation would be immediately visible. This guarantees immutability in accordance with § 11 VgV.

How is the procurement process documented in EMMIE?

All system actions in EMMIE – Die VergabeSuite and EMMIE – Direktkauf are automatically logged and time-stamped. This ensures that the entire procurement process is auditable and traceable. The logs record all interactions without exception and offer maximum transparency for internal or external audits of documentation and audit compliance.

Is registration required to submit a bid?

No, EMMIE allows bidders to participate in the procurement process without having to register. Bids can be submitted without prior registration. Bids can be submitted directly by email, secure file upload or simply as plain text without uploading. This lowers the barrier to entry and greatly encourages participation by freelancers and small and medium-sized enterprises.

How intuitive is it for contracting authorities and bidders to use?

EMMIE is characterised by its particularly user-friendly interface. The application is intuitive and can be used without training. No prior technical knowledge is required. There is no software installation and system maintenance is handled entirely by AM GmbH.

EMMIE is accessed and used by contracting authorities and bidders via standard web browsers. This increases user-friendliness and eliminates the need to involve IT departments.

How does EMMIE comply with the requirements of the GDPR?

EMMIE processes only the most necessary data and stores it exclusively in AM GmbH's ISO/IEC 27001-certified data centres in Germany. Data processing complies with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and is subject to strict access controls.