Germany – Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services – Wettbewerbliches Auswahlverfahren für die Erteilung einer Konzession an Präqualifizierungsstellen durch den Verein für die Präqualifikation von Bauunternehmen e.V.

General – Reason for the selection procedure and general procedural instructions

The pre-qualification (PQ) of construction companies (PQ-VOB) for federal public construction contracts in Germany was introduced by decree of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development of 16 January 2006. As part of the pre-qualification system, a preliminary, contract-independent examination of the proof of suitability, in particular of the requirements defined in § 6a VOB/A, § 6a EU VOB/A, § 6a VS VOB/A, is carried out. The PQ is carried out by pre-qualification bodies (PQ bodies). The mandate of the currently active PQ bodies ends on 31 October 2026. The new selected PQ bodies will commence work on 1 November 2026. For the continuation of the PQ, a competitive selection procedure is to be used to identify private, independent and professionally competent companies that are able to carry out PQ procedures according to the requirements set out in this invitation to tender for all service areas of the guideline (see B). These companies are to operate nationwide in accordance with the requirements of § 3 para. 2 KonzVgV for a period of 5 years. Since the PQ system is now established on the market, it can be assumed that a period of 5 years is necessary, but also sufficient, for the amortisation of a new PQ body. The selection procedure will be carried out by the Verein für die Präqualifikation von Bauunternehmen e.V. (PQ Association) – the granting authority. It is planned to award the concession to up to 6 bidders. Since 2021, the number of pre-qualified companies has been constantly decreasing by approximately 100 companies/year. It is assumed that economic operation of the PQ is only possible from a minimum number of approximately 500 pre-qualified companies (see calculation example at www.pq-verein.com). If there are more PQ bodies, there is a risk that individual PQ bodies will no longer be able to operate economically and that the quality of pre-qualification will suffer as a result. This would, however, call into question the entire PQ system, which is characterised in particular by the trust of the awarding entity in the careful and comprehensive examination of the pre-qualified construction companies. A three-stage concession award procedure is planned: In the first stage, a competitive selection procedure will be used to select the bidders to whom the contract will be awarded. In the second stage, the selected bidders must undergo accreditation by the DAkkS. Note: Only those bidders who are to be awarded a concession as a result of this tendering procedure may be accredited. In the third stage, the concession will be granted to the bidders who have successfully completed the accreditation. According to § 34 KonzVgV, the submission of applications for participation and tenders will be made by post or by e-mail. The same applies, where permitted under § 34 KonzVgV, to any other communication.

B. Task description

The task of the PQ bodies is to subject companies that are commercially engaged in the execution of construction tasks, at their request and against a fee to be determined by themselves, to a pre-qualification procedure. Companies wishing to act as PQ bodies (hereinafter "bidders") must undertake in their application for the grant of a concession as a PQ body to:

- observe the guideline of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building - BMWSB - for the conduct of a pre-qualification procedure of 10.03.2026, including annexes 1 and 2 in the respectively valid version (hereinafter: "guideline") (Annex 1 to the selection procedure) and

- to meet the requirements for the IT implementation (Annex 2 to the selection procedure).

The tasks of the PQ bodies are set out in detail in the provisions of Nos. 3 to 9 and 11 of the guideline. The fees for the PQ are determined according to No. 3.2.2 of the guideline.

C. Eligibility criteria

General requirements: Bidders must be private, independent, professionally competent and economically solvent companies that, upon taking up their activities as a PQ body, have the technical and personnel resources.

Special requirements:

a) Accreditation

Bidders must, after their selection by the granting authority, provide proof of their accreditation by the DAkkS according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 no later than 31 October 2026 – the day before taking up activities as a PQ body – and submit corresponding evidence. If accreditation is not obtained by 31 October 2026 at the latest, the concession will not be granted to the bidder.

b) Confidentiality

With their application, bidders must document which appropriate measures they take to ensure the confidentiality of the information and documents received in the course of the pre-qualification activities in accordance with the requirements in No. 10 of the guideline.

c) Liability insurance

Bidders must provide proof of liability insurance (with a cover of at least 2,5 million € per insurance case for personal and material damage and 0,5 million € for financial loss) to cover claims for damages arising from their pre-qualification activities.

d) IT equipment

Bidders must prove that the technology they use meets the technical requirements of the PQ system and is therefore compatible.

D. Award criteria – stated in descending order (details can be found on the website www.pq-verein.com)

a) Professional experience

b) Financing concept

c) Acceptance improvement concept

E. Evidence in detail on the website www.pq-verein.com

F. Dates

Deadline for submission of applications: 17.04.2026 15.00 postmark at the tendering entity