Ann: Appendix 3B, page-68

It's true the tender process doesn't take that long. The length of time in general is because you need to cancel the old contract with the company being replaced.

Also give the company taking over time to get everything together, then announce it. 

As for smart cities I would assume no contract was originally in place so the length of time will be smaller.

I will say trial period is different to tender process.

Tender is when bids are in and the company chooses.

If no original contract was in place it shouldn't take 2 years ahah, all IMO.