SafeTender · Manuel
Technical requirements – SafeTender
Updated on 7 October 2026
Training platform: test your submission on SafeTender
To make sure that your bid will be submitted correctly on SafeTender, we recommend running a test on the training platform: https://siteecole.safetender.com
The supplier account created on SafeTender can be used for this test.
Accessing the platform
The e-procurement platform requires the following minimum configuration on the user’s computer:
- Operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 or macOS 10.
- An Internet connection: broadband recommended. Make sure that your bandwidth is suited to the size of the files you intend to download and submit.
- Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari or Mozilla Firefox. The applications are tested with the latest versions of these browsers.
- A valid email address.
Important: to be notified of any change to a tender, you must register and log in on the platform before downloading the tender documents (DCE).
If you download the tender documents without being logged in, you will not be informed of changes to the procedure (new submission deadline, updated documents, answers published to questions).
For buyers
On SafeTender, bids can be opened without Java. Opening is compatible with all the operating systems and browsers listed above. No proxy configuration is required.
To open bids using Java, the computer must run Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11 with Java 1.8.
For suppliers
Electronic signature is only available on computers running Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11 with Java 1.8.
If you intend to submit an electronic bid, please also take the following information into account.
Simplified submission on SafeTender
If your submission is smaller than 1 GB, you can use the simplified submission. You need a computer running Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11, or macOS 10. No other requirement applies.
Submission with Java (SafeTender)
In addition to their usual office software, bidders must make sure that the following tools are installed on their computer in order to submit an application and/or a bid electronically:
- A Java virtual machine (an up-to-date Java Runtime Environment J2SE). Older versions may work, but without any guarantee. Java can be downloaded from java.com.
- Antivirus software, properly and regularly updated.
Security and permissions
The Java tools (JNLP) provided by the platform create folders and install a DLL resource on the user’s local disk. These actions are compatible with the default settings of all versions of Windows.
If an administrator has defined a specific security policy, they must check that the following actions are allowed and, if necessary, adjust the settings so that the Java Web Start application works correctly:
- Allow the download and execution of JNLP files.
- Allow the download of DLL files.
- Allow the creation of folders at the root of the system disk (usually C:).
- Allow the installation of root certificates from certification authorities.
Electronic signature of documents
If the documents in your bid must be signed, you need an electronic signature certificate (eIDAS).
If you plan to use a certificate stored on a physical medium, make sure that the appropriate reader (USB port or smart card reader) and the corresponding drivers are installed. These are provided by the certification authority that issues the certificate.
Important: for files that are not PDFs, the signature uses the XAdES format: an XML file containing your signature is created next to the signed document. You must submit both files with your bid: the signed file and the signature file.
For example, if you sign the file acte_engagement.docx, the file acte_engagement.docx_sig.xml is created. Both acte_engagement.docx and acte_engagement.docx_sig.xml must be submitted.
Electronic certificates
Suppliers are responsible for obtaining an electronic certificate to sign their application and, where applicable, their bid.
In accordance with French public procurement rules, accepted certificate types are listed by the French State: list of eIDAS certificate providers.
The certificate must be installed in the Windows certificate store. Your certificate provider can help you with this.
Maximum size of electronic bids
We recommend keeping your bid files as small as possible, to reduce the risk of transmission failure caused by network equipment or by the user’s computer.